Right angle clamp suggestions

[Ben Martin]

I did a search and came up dry, and also searched on the internet and couldn't find much. I am looking for a set of right angle clamps to help me build some cabinets (for the shop). Do you guys have any that you would prefer or recommend? I know that they sell a Jorgensen version at the Borg, didn't know if those were good enough or worth looking elsewhere.

FYI, this is what I am looking for something like:
http://www.amazon.com/Wolfcraft-3415405-Right-Angle-Clamp/dp/B000JCGYD6

[glenn bradley]

I run these and they are nice to have but certainly not the necessity I thought they were. Haven't used them in quite a while but, I'm still glad I have them.

[Bill Huber]

I am with Glenn on this one, I have some clamps just like those and I really thought I needed them when I built my shop cabinets. I found out they really didn't help.
What I did get that does help are these.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=143729&FamilyID=4384

They are just good to hold things together until you get the bar clamps on and thing all squared up.


106638

[harry strasil]

HF has these, I got one to try, gonna get more as soon as I get down to KC again.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2712

[Ben Martin]

I am with Glenn on this one, I have some clamps just like those and I really thought I needed them when I built my shop cabinets. I found out they really didn't help.
What I did get that does help are these.
http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=143729&FamilyID=4384


Bill,

Will those help prevent pocket screw "creep"? That is what I was really looking for these to help prevent. I have a tendency to get frustrated when doing tasks that would be easier with 4 sets of hands, I had envisioned the right angle clamps making the job easier.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Go to Rockler's web site and look up Kreg Right Angle Clamp. They are clearanced for $15.99 each, with a limit of two. Use code V9250 to get free shipping through the fifteenth.

[Ben Martin]

Go to Rockler's web site and look up Kreg Right Angle Clamp. They are clearanced for $15.99 each, with a limit of two. Use code V9250 to get free shipping through the fifteenth.

Are those strong enough to keep the cabinets parts square? They really didn't look strong enough to me and there really wasn't anything to register the joint to 90* anyways, I guess except the "butt" end of your plywood.

[glenn bradley]

The Kreg right angle is a big help if exposed pockets on the outside are acceptable (like a cabinet side that is against a wall). I may misunderstand but if the main problem is creep when using pocket holes; about half the time this is a screw issue.

The threads in the screw should not cross the joint. The appropriate screw will have threads in the target piece and the clean shaft in the pocket hole piece.

http://www.mcfeelys.com/images/pages/Pocket-Hole-Joint.jpg
If you are accomplishing this and still getting creep then you are on target in searching for a better clamping method. With the right screws I can generally just clamp up square with some K-body's and drive away. HTH.

[Ben Martin]

If you are accomplishing this and still getting creep then you are on target in searching for a better clamping method. With the right screws I can generally just clamp up square with some K-body's and drive away. HTH.

Glenn,

I am using the Kreg screws for 3/4" material, so I would hope that the screws aren't the problem. I expect that a better clamping method is what I need, the right angle clamps sounded ideal.

[Paul Demetropoulos]

Ben,

The Kreg clamps are very substantial and that's a good deal at Rockler, especially with free shipping. If your parts are cut square and clamped tightly you should get a square joint. You've really got to make that face clamp pretty tight so there's no movement.

I had that problem when I first got the Kreg jig, I wasn't using enough clamping pressure fearing I'd marr the wood with the clamp. But the broad surface of the face clamp can be quite tight before it marks the wood, even in pine.

[Mike Heidrick]

Go to Rockler's web site and look up Kreg Right Angle Clamp. They are clearanced for $15.99 each, with a limit of two. Use code V9250 to get free shipping through the fifteenth.

The rockler closeout is a clamp that must be used with a pocket hole. There is a new one that does not require the hole, but not the clearenced version. Great price on the rockler one though!

Clearenced version
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31K7ENKRHPL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

New Version
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/413xPSM-ptL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

[Ben Martin]

Ben,

The Kreg clamps are very substantial and that's a good deal at Rockler, especially with free shipping. If your parts are cut square and clamped tightly you should get a square joint. You've really got to make that face clamp pretty tight so there's no movement.

I had that problem when I first got the Kreg jig, I wasn't using enough clamping pressure fearing I'd marr the wood with the clamp. But the broad surface of the face clamp can be quite tight before it marks the wood, even in pine.

Paul,

I think I will get some of those RAC from Rockler, do you need one or two of them to set up joints?

[Paul Demetropoulos]

The second clamp is quite useful, as you're moving along driving screws, one clamp is at the pocket hole you're screwing and the second is ahead of you bringing the boards into alignment. Especially helpful when using 2x stock that needs more persuasion to come in line.

You'll be glad you have the second one.

[Bill Huber]

Bill,

Will those help prevent pocket screw "creep"? That is what I was really looking for these to help prevent. I have a tendency to get frustrated when doing tasks that would be easier with 4 sets of hands, I had envisioned the right angle clamps making the job easier.

Ben, no, they are just really holders to keep things in place to get started. They are really good to do a dry fit and then put the glue on and the clamps, I guess you could say they are the thrid hand.

[Bruce Wrenn]

Getting a corner to clamp up square depends on end cuts being square. Because my cabinets get an end panel. I just butt them, and assemble with screw and glue. No dados or rabbets.