|
These clamps are absolutely awesome, easy to use. Would spent the money again for another set or for some more. very little pressure needs to be applied to use clamp, while the clamp is squeezing with up to 350 pounds. quick and easy to clamp and unclamp.
When I first got them, I just played with the ratchet. Another thing I don't know about is how long the teeth on the ratchet will last. This is a metal on hardened plastic action, which may eventually cause the teeth to fail (years down the road I'm assuming). I have parallel clamps, bar clamps, wooden hand screw clamps, spring clamps and quick action clamps. And they blow the spring clamps away (I find these type of clamps about useless). If you don't have much hand strength (kids or older woodworkers), they are easier to put on the pressure than a Quick Grip (which takes a certain amount of grip strength) and you'll get more clamping pressure too. However, a couple of points to consider. Due to the ratcheting action, the pads are not parallel through the range of motion.
Much lighter than a Quick Grip. The ones I have seem to have a chrome coating that has flaked off in spots - not a problem in use, just makes them not appear as new. I much prefer them to my Quick Grip clamps. When you look to buy clamps, remember that you will need a variety of clamps for different tasks.
Also, the ratcheting handle will need some clearance as it moves through it's arc - in tight quarters, this can be a problem. I prefer them over the Quick Grip clamps as they have more holding power and the ratchet is fun to use. I've been using these around the shop for about a year now. I was also really surprised by how light they are. Another point, the bottom pad (the one the ratchet handle is attached to) is able to tip a little, so if you're attaching something that has an angled face (i.e. Now with all that being said, I still really like them.
Remember that these clamps are speed clamps, not for heavy glue ups - they only give around 300# of pressure (some flex is evident) - not 600# of pressure like a Bessey Tradesmen clamp (much heavier bar). These clamps are a type of quick action clamp. the two faces are not parallel to each other), it will still work (as long as the angle is not too steep - in this case, it'll slide off/pop out). I have found that when I need to attach a jig or fixture I reach for my KliKlamps (I have 8 - 8"). That is to say, that if you have two pieces of wood that are aligned along an edge for a glue up, they will move on you as you tighten the ratchet through it's arc - not hard to deal with if you're expecting it - just remember to check the edge alignment before you walk away.
I use them in almost all my glue-ups. I wish they had the 12" in this 4 pack package. I got 8 of them now and I am thinking about the 12". These are fantastic little clamps. They are not a replacement for the the clamping power of the "traditional" bessey parallel clamp, but boy they are easy to use and convenient.For example, I use these clamps for a board glue-up on the sides of the joint to keep the boards aligned top to bottom while my k-bodies apply the joint pressure. It seems like a good value.Update 4/07 - I have had two of these clamps fail.they start slipping immediately after putting on pressure.they are still nice overall.but i would look for alternatives given the cost These clamps compliment right angle jigs very well.
The main outstanding qualities of this product are very light weight and ease of use. The release of the clamps are also great, just one hand operation. This package of 4 has a very good price. I have not used it too roughly or for a long time, to comment on its durability, but uptil now these are holding up fine. These are all 8 inch long I wish they also offer the 12 inch version at this price, or you can choose a pair of each kind.
If you need less pressure you can keep the ratcheting handle in the middle also, but in my case I never wanted that. In Wood craft and Lowes these are priced $20 a piece. Since the ratcheting handle will maintain its position when you release it, you have to make sure before tightening that it is all the way open before tightening. I paid around $60 with shipping.
- Took me few tries to getting used to it. I will recommend this product to any one at this price. The maximum pressure cannot be changed, but for most of my operation it is fine. Like two 6 inch and two 12 inch or two 8 inch. The jaws are probably light hardened aluminum, but looks like plastic. - Very light weight. Which adds up to $80. If step (1) is not fulfilled then you will not get the full pressure after tightening.
These clamps are good. I frequently forget that, and it takes some time getting used to it. I never planned to use these for heavy duty operation. (1) The black ratcheting handle has to be all the way out, away from the iron arm and (2) the jaws have to be touching with full contact on material before tightning.
The finish is really nice. (3) Now you pull the ratcheting handle towards the iron arm to tighten it. Except the main clamp backbone, every thing else is non iron. The ratcheting handle and the release mechanism is made of hardened plastic.
It has a silver color.
|
May be eligible for FREE Shipping offer
