The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for clamping along a work piece. In one embodiment, a clamping system includes one or more force applying units each including a plunger or force applying member adapted to apply clamping force to the work piece, and one or more coupling units linked with the force applying units forming a chain of force applying units and coupling units. The coupling units may include a lockable pivot adapted to pivot to conform the chain to the surface of the work piece when unlocked, and adapted to be locked when at least one of the plurality of force applying units applies clamping force to the work piece. In another embodiment, a clamping system may include multi-axis pivot units. In a further embodiment, a clamping system may include length adjusting units.