Any alternatives to Kreg Klamp?

[Eric DeSilva]

I ordered some track from 80/20, thinking I'd build a new outfeed table with the ability to be used as a Kreg clamping table. Just wondering if anyone has found any cheaper alternatives to the actual Kreg Klamps. I know in earlier thread, people had identified a Mac tools vise-grip that could be substituted, but that seems to no longer be available... Any other alternatives?

[Todd Davidson]

I used 4 of the Kreg tracks (in a square) on my outfeed table and use 3 types of clamps - the Kregs, these pony clamps (which i have the most of): http://www.coastaltool.com/clamps_vises/jorgensen/1623_hold-down_clamp.htm, and some inexpensive, simple hold down clamps I purchased at Harbor Freight (which I love - can't find them on their website). Can add some pictures when I get home this weekend.

[Bob Wingard]

This style is available in many configurations & price points .....

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004Y9ES/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0009H5JPU&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=00BA0HYK05RRNRYCBZXJ

Just replace the lower mounting nut with a suitable T-Nut.

[Eric DeSilva]

Interesting, hadn't thought about a screw clamp. I think I'd prefer a vise-grip type, but that is certainly one to keep in mind...

[Eric DeSilva]

I liked the DP clamp idea until I saw the price--those are almost as bad as the Kregs on Amazon! I was hoping for a replacement for the $10 Mac Tools ones people could buy back in the day...

[Bob Wingard]

Look around ... there are many out there in that price range ... Amazon & GOOGLE are your friends

[Matt Meiser]

Last I checked, the Mac ones were going for as much or more than the Kreg ones on Ebay. And IIRC they aren't as nice. It doesn't help you, but Menards has them with the little slotted plate you can mortise into your bench and they put them on sale occasionally.

[Derrell W Sloan]

HF is your friend

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?category=&q=drill+press+clamp

[Kevin Gregoire]

yup, derrell beat me to it but HF has the same clamp for $8 and it works great cause i have one on my drill press, very heavy duty and you cant beat the price!

http://www.harborfreight.com/9-inch-drill-press-locking-clamp-36221.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/370x370/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_4413.jpg

[roman fedyk]

The HF screw is too big to fit in the track. The Kreg unit has a very narrow track which is why no other off the shelf clamp fits. I just confirmed that on my Kreg track.

[Jay Jeffery]

The HF screw is too big to fit in the track. The Kreg unit has a very narrow track which is why no other off the shelf clamp fits. I just confirmed that on my Kreg track.

The OP is using 80/20, not Kreg track. Do you know the screw size on the HF clamp? It could still fit.

[roman fedyk]

The bolt is 1/2" and about 2" long

[Eric DeSilva]

At $8, it's worth a shot. Worst comes to worst, I'll use it w/my metalworking DP as HF intended...

[Tim Sproul]

The kreg klamps fit in 5/16 track but not 1/4 inch track. It is likely that you could replace the screw with a smaller head and get it to work in 1/4 inch track. I've never needed to replace the screw so I haven't bothered to find out what size it is.

I think the rubber pad on the kreg klamp is a good/useful feature. I also like having the different length reaches. There is a standard and a longer reach klamp. It is a tool which is worth the premium price, IMO.

I use kreg klamps most often when I use the Domino.