Strap clamps- which one?

[Frank Martin]

I have several of the Bessey Vario strap clamps but when clamping large objects due to the strap itself stretching and limited clamp screw travel it does not apply a lot of pressure. It has been fine for picture frames, etc., but not great for cabinets with bevel miter corners for example.

So, I am looking for something better. I saw Rockler's ratcheting strap clamp that looks okay but not sure what else is out there. Let me know what is your favorite.

[Roger Pozzi]

I have 2 of these (http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/hand-tools/clamps-vises/masterforce-reg-ratcheting-band-clamp/p-1487907.htm) and they serve me well. They are made by Wolfcraft and available with private branding at very different costs.

[Jerry Thompson]

I use those ratchet straps used to hold things in the back of a pickup. They don't have the corners but they are easily made, if even needed. I just use wax paper at the glued areas.

[Bill Huber]

I have the same ones that Roger showed, they are great and you can use one hand to hold the strap in place and the other hand to tighten the straps.

[Frank Martin]

I checked the reviews for the version listed above and some complain about how the plastic parts break. Then I remembered to check my favorite place to shop for woodworking tools and supplies and found this:
http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,43838,31160&p=31160

Exactly what I was looking for! May not be as convenient as the one linked above but I am sure I can apply ton of pressure with this one. So, I will order soon. This will be for large/bulky carcase glue-ups. I will still use the Bessey Vario for smaller items, e.g., picture frames.

[Keith Westfall]

Go to your local wood store and buy more then one for that price. It's just a ratchet strap - probably cheaper without the LV name on it...

[Mike Schuch]

I have the 3" ratchet straps from Harbor Freight for $15. I use them to secure stuff in my pickup bed and trailer. I have on occasion used them for glue ups and they will produce an incredible amount of clamping pressure if needed. I usually don't use strap clamps so spending money on nice strap clamps doesn't make much sense to me.

[Jim Dwight]

If you can get the metal hooks out of the way with the tie down racheting clamps you would only need the corners (and maybe you don't even need those). I wouldn't want the metal hooks contacting my project, however. Should be a way to take them off and connect the straps.

[Mel Fulks]

I use same thing Jim said . I buy the Harbor Freight ones on sale, cut off the hooks and super glue the straps. Some of them were later sewn by Mom, but I haven't broken any that are just glued.

[Mike Schuch]

If you can get the metal hooks out of the way with the tie down racheting clamps you would only need the corners (and maybe you don't even need those). I wouldn't want the metal hooks contacting my project, however. Should be a way to take them off and connect the straps.

Four corner blocks made out of a couple pieces of 3/4" stock glued at a right angle to each other would make good corner blocks. It would also keep the ratcheting mechanism and hooks off of the project. I do remember using a metal ring to bind the two hooks on the HF ratchet straps together because they don't go together too well on their own. I suppose it all depends on the kind of project you are working on. I guess if you were to use ratchet straps a lot as clamps you could remove the hooks and replace them with some sort of chain coupler link or something?

[Keith Westfall]

Cut the hooks off. Clamp them in a good vise and go at it. They are a little hard, but can be done. No gluing or sewing of straps required.