The electromagnetic clamp and method includes an electromagnet and a clamping piece located on opposite sides of a structure to clamp the structure. The electromagnet attracts the clamping piece through the structure when the electromagnet is energized, such that the electromagnet and clamping piece exert force on the structure, and an operation, such as drilling and/or fastener installation, may be performed on the structure. The configuration of the electromagnet creates the force necessary to securely clamp the structure. The electromagnet includes a coil and a core, and the core of the electromagnet is located within a longitudinal aperture that extends through the coil. The smallest lateral dimension of the core is chosen to maximize the flux density between the core and the clamping piece. As such, the smallest lateral dimension of the electromagnet may be greater than the distance between the clamping piece and the electromagnet.