Presented here is a pole clamp that can be operated by a single hand, and which can clamp onto objects of various sizes and shapes. The clamp can be operated using a handle which, when pushed in an opening direction opposite a base member, opens the jaws on the clamp. The motion of the handle can adjust the opening of the jaws. In addition, the opening of the jaws can be adjusted using a thumb dial which can shorten and lengthen a locking member, which in turn adjusts the opening of the jaws. The clamp can lock onto the object when the handle is pushed in a direction opposite the opening direction, past the dead center point, and the locking member prevents further movement of the handle.