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Kreg R3 vs K4 Comparison: Which one is better?
Looking For Pocket Hole Jigs, Which one is better Kreg R3 or K4?
Kreg R3 Master System With Classic Clamp
Customer ratings by feature
Accuracy
4.7/5
Versatility
4.7/5
Easy to use
4.7/5
See all 4,151 customer reviews
Check Price on Amazon
VS.
Kreg K4 Pocket HoleJig System (K4 Jig)
Customer ratings by feature
Accuracy
4.7/5
Versatility
4.8/5
Easy to use
4.8/5
See all 1,541 customer reviews
Check Price on Amazon
Nearly 3 decades ago in 1986 Kreg invented its first pocket hole jig. The first pocket hole jig comes with a single drilling hole but over the time they have introduced multiple models of pocket hole jigs with a lot of advancements.
In this article we will discuss the comparisons between two Kreg jigs R3 & K4. Both these models come in the middle range in terms of features and price. If you are in a dilemma on choosing one of these jigs then you are at the right place. We will show you the features of each jig and comparisons which will help you to make a decision rather than spending hours on doing unnecessary research.
Kreg Jig R3
Are you new to woodworking or just want to learn the skill then Kreg jig R3 is a good tool for you. You get the complete kit with this jig including drill and drive bits, clamp pad adapter, 5 sizes of pocket hole screws, depth collar with hex key and the case.
Features
It's easily join materials with an increment of ⅛” from thickness ½” to 1-½”
9 depth settings can be adjusted with position sliders for different materials thickness.
It has dual woodchip holes to drill pocket holes.
To make it firm while drilling holes you can use Kreg face clamp, bar clamp, or C-clamp.
The hardened steel kreg drill core comes with a lifetime warranty.
The best part of this jig is that it's portable. If you can’t bring the broken item to the work floor then it can be repaired by taking this jig to the broken item. So it's very easy to repair broken drawers, wobbly chairs, built-in bookcase, fractured frames etc.
The blue body is made of heavy duty , glass reinforced nylon. It gives flexibility and resiliency to the woodworker.
It comes with a wood chip relief hole to keep the drill bit clear of excess wood chips. By clearing the excess wood chip it increases the longevity of drill bits by minimizing drill torque.
Pros/Cons
Pros.
Two drill holes
Good fit for small scale tasks
Affordable cost
Cons.
Not suitable for professional and high level drilling tasks,
Feels like a toy or insubstantial
Quick Recap of Kreg R3
Customer Ratings
4.7/5
Kreg R3 Master System With Classic Clamp
The Kreg Jig Jr(R3) is an amazing repair jig and an exceptionally handy addition to any tool collection
Easy to use and install
Whether you're crawling under a table to make a quick repair or taking Kreg Joinery on the road
Pocket hole jig system for do-it-yourselfers
Easy to adjust for materials 1/2-Inch to 1-1/2-Inch
Check Price on Amazon
Kreg Jig K4
The Kreg jig K4 is one of the most popular jigs compared to other Kreg pocket hole jig models. This model is for professionals or experienced woodworkers. This tool set includes Kreg Jig K4, 6” square driver, starter kreg screw set, stepped drill bit and pocket hole plug set.
Features
It comes with a three hole drill guide.
You can drill holes for materials with thickness from ½” to 1-½” with an increment of ⅛”.
The hardened core steel drill guide comes with a lifetime warranty. This core supports the workpiece or the drill bit with a minimal bit deflection which gives a clean and pluggable pocket hole.
The jig can be clamped on Kreg multipurpose face clamp, C-clamp or any common bar clamp.
This jig has an inbuilt clamp which gives a stronger grip to workpieces while drilling pocket holes.
Thanks to the woodchip relief hole that the drill bit clear of the excess wood chips and drills a perfect pocket hole.
Pros/Cons
Pros.
Three drilling holes
Feels very substantial
Easily clampable
Gives a good grip to the workpiece
Suitable for professionals
Cons.
It's expensive but quality of work is really appreciable
Quick Recap of Kreg K4
See also Kreg K4 vs K5 Comparison: Which one should you buy in 2020?
Customer Ratings
4.8/5
Kreg K4 Pocket HoleJig System (K4 Jig)
3-Hole drill guide for pocket holes, for use with materials from 12 to 38mm thick
Removable drill guide block doubles as a repair tool; Drill Guide Spacings: 9/16", 7/8", 17/16"
Large clamping recess to secure your jig; Removable Drill Guide for benchtop and portable use
Requires no glue, no complicated math, and no small army of clamps.Clamping Method:Toggle clamp on benchtop base
Includes Kreg Jig K4, stepped drill bit, 6 inch square driver, starter Kreg Screw set, pocket-hole plug set
Check Price on Amazon
Kreg Jig R3 Vs K4
So we have looked at the features of each jig and found that there are some similarities and differences. Lets list out the comparisons between these two tools so it will help you in your purchasing decision.
Size:
Both the jigs are small in size and portable but R3 can be fit into your palm. The best advantage of the R3 is that if the workpiece can’t bring to the workfloor (e.g. builtin bookcase, broken drawers) then the jig can be taken to these workpieces to fix them.
Drilling Holes:
The R3 has 2 drilling holes and K4 has 3 drilling holes. If you need to drill more pocket holes or want to work on a larger wood piece then K4 is preferable.
Clamping:
The K4 has two clamps one to clamp the jig on the work table and another one to clamp the workpiece on the jig to drill holes.
Like K4, the R3 doesn’t have an inbuilt clamp to clamp the workpieces while drilling holes, so it lacks the quality of grip we will get with K4.
Price:
The price of K4 is almost double of R3. On one hand K4 is for professionals and this jig is durable, on the other hand R3 is like a toy and suitable for beginners who are new to this profession.
Which one should you buy, R3 or K4?
Any model of Kreg pocket hole jigs are quite popular among the users because of its design, flexibility, easy and safe to use. Anyone even a child can master in drilling pocket holes by using Kreg jigs.
Basically the purpose of use, brings the key differences between these two jigs. If you have a small scale task or a beginner in pocket hole drilling then R3 will be perfect for you and cheaper in cost but on the other hand if you are dealing with larger workpieces or working as a professional then K4 is recommended to use because of its durability and some key features.
We have checked both Kreg R3 & K4 specifications, pros and cons, comparisons, so I believe it might have given you an idea which one you should buy. But, still we would recommend you to think clearly on the usage of the jig, your experience in pocket hole drilling and the budget you have before making any decision.
References: kregtool.com
The post Kreg R3 vs K4 Comparison: Which one is better? appeared first on For Handyman.
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Kreg K4 vs K5 Comparison: Which one should you buy in 2020?
Kreg K5 Pocket-Hole Jig
Customer ratings by feature
Accuracy
4.6/5
Versatility
4.6/5
Easy to use
4.6/5
See all 1,106 customer reviews
Check Price on Amazon
VS.
Kreg K4 Pocket HoleJig System (K4 Jig)
Customer ratings by feature
Accuracy
4.7/5
Versatility
4.8/5
Easy to use
4.8/5
See all 1,541 customer reviews
Check Price on Amazon
It’s been 30 years since Kreg has been making woodworking jigs, hence it became a well known and trusted brand among woodworkers and DIYers. The best thing about Kreg is that they listen to their customers, so every time they bring a new product to the market they address the issues related to the predecessor. In this article we will discuss the differences between the most popular pocket hole joinery systems Kreg K4 and K5. Both Kreg K4 & K5 tools are simple and easy to use while joining woods.
Related Posts:
https://forhandyman.com/best-pipe-clamps/
https://forhandyman.com/best-parallel-clamps/
https://forhandyman.com/kreg-r3-vs-k4/
Kreg K4 vs Kreg K5
Before we dive into the comparisons let’s check some facts about these two tools.
Kreg K4
Kreg jig K4 is the predecessor of the K5. The K4 is the perfect pocket hole wood joinery. It is fast and easy to use with a very minimal effort.
1. A Drill Guide With 3 Holes
This drill guide helps you to drill perfect pocket holes on the materials. You can drill holes with an increment of 0.125” from the hole dimension 0.5” to 1.5”. This drill guide is made of plastic and the core in hardened steel. This steel core supports the work piece to make precise holes.
2. The Toggle Clamp
This toggle clamp is one of the most important features of this tool. It helps you to hold the workpiece firmly so the material doesn’t move while drilling hole in it. Adjusting the clamp with the workpiece thickness is super easy; you can adjust it by rotating the required settings and use the locknut to lock it.
3. Jig Clamping
You can clamp the jig on any workbench by using C-clamp or Kreg’s multipurpose clamp. This large clamping recess helps the jig to remain in place while drilling holes by using the drill guide.
4. Drilling Angle
The drill bit’s driving efficiency increases due to the optimized drilling angle. This drilling angle helps to drill quality pocket holes.
5. The Depth Stop
The drill bit comes with a depth stop or collar so you can set it up to drill the hole to a correct depth.
6. Wood Chip Relief
While drilling a wood piece it started creating wood chips. To remove the accumulation of the wood chip the tool comes with a wood chip relief. It helps you to drill a perfect pocket hole and also increases the lifespan of the drill bit.
Quick Recap of Kreg K4
Customer Ratings
4.8/5
Kreg K4 Pocket HoleJig System (K4 Jig)
3-Hole drill guide for pocket holes, for use with materials from 12 to 38mm thick
Removable drill guide block doubles as a repair tool; Drill Guide Spacings: 9/16", 7/8", 17/16"
Large clamping recess to secure your jig; Removable Drill Guide for benchtop and portable use
Requires no glue, no complicated math, and no small army of clamps.Clamping Method:Toggle clamp on benchtop base
Includes Kreg Jig K4, stepped drill bit, 6 inch square driver, starter Kreg Screw set, pocket-hole plug set
Check Price on Amazon
Kreg K5
Kreg jig K5 is the successor of K4. The K5 is the enhanced version of K4 with addressing all the shortcomings of the K4. The K5 comprises all the features of K4 plus few extra innovative & useful features to make your life easy.
1. Ratcheting Clamp
As compared to K4 it comes with an easy clamping system to clamp the workpiece. It has a ratcheting clamp which can be adjusted by sliding with respect to the material thickness. Once the ratcheting clamp sets against the workpiece then you need to lift the handle until two clicks.
2. Mount Handle
In K4 there is a back mount handle, which is okay to use. But the front mount handle in K5 makes the clamping easier and faster.
3. Support Wings
The K4 has a drawback of not supporting large workpieces. The K5 addressed this problem by attaching large support wings on both sides of the jig. There is a smart design involved with these large support wings that they have storage compartments for drill bits, screws and other accessories.
4. Dust Collector
The K4 has a rigid dust collector which can’t be swivel. This issue has fixed with K5, it has a swiveling port can be rotated to to adjust the position so you can easily attach the vacuum hose with it.
We have already discussed the K4 features and the enhanced features of K5. Which itself draws lines between these two tools but let me summarize the differences.
Quick Recap of Kreg K5
Customer Ratings
4.6/5
Kreg K5 Pocket-Hole Jig
The new Kreg Jig K5 is packed with features your are sure to appreciate. The clamping method is Toggle clamp on benchtop base
It comes with a convenient front-mounted clamping handle, and it's connected to a ratcheting clamp mechanism that adjusts without tools or lock nuts
The quick-release Drill Guide Block makes set up simple
Front-mounted clamp handle makes clamping easy
Ratcheting clamp mechanism adjusts without tools
Quick-release pin holds drill block in place, and can't get lost
Storage Wings provide built-in storage for bits, screws, accessories
Check Price on Amazon
Try to figure out best pocket hole jig https://forhandyman.com/best-pocket-hole-jig/
What are the differences between K4 & K5?
Clamping:
Both jigs have two clamps one to hold the workpiece and another to hold on the work surface. K5 comes with a built-in clamping system to attach on the work surface where with K4 you have to provide your own clamping system.
In terms of clamping the workpiece K5 comes with a ratcheting clamp which is easier and convenient to clamp the workpiece as compared to K4. K5 wins in the clamping race.
Support & Storage:
As discussed earlier the K5 has a smarter design over the K4. The K5 comes with two wings or storage boxes which support larger workpieces as well as helps to store other accessories of the jig.
Dust Collection:
Both K4 and K5 have dust collection ports but K5 has a swiveling port which you can rotate to adjust to connect with the vacuum hose, on the other hand K4 has a rigid port. This feature of K5 is appealing but there are few customers who have reported that due to the hose weight it decouples with the port and the dust falls on the work floor. But this minor issue could be fixed with a duct tape.
Performance:
Both K4 & K5 have equal performance even though K5 has more features which makes the wood worker’s life easy. But when considering larger wood pieces K5 produces better pocket holes thanks to its larger supported wings.
Price:
You guessed it right, the successor K5 is pricier than K4 due to the extra innovative features, which makes it one of the convenient tools to use for pocket holes drilling.
Please watch this video from Fixit Fingers, the host addresses the differences between these two jigs.
youtube
Which jig shall I buy?
We have already shared all the possible info regarding both the jigs and their comparisons, so now it’s your turn to choose. According to us, the new models are better than the previous one because the new model addresses all the shortcomings of the older model. Even though both K4 & K5 produces similar results but K5 has some innovative features like ratcheting slider clamp, larger support & storage wings, swiveling dust collection port and few more which allow you to work smarter and faster. Also remember that K5 has all features of K4 but the opposite isn’t true.
References: https://www.kregtool.com/
The post Kreg K4 vs K5 Comparison: Which one should you buy in 2020? appeared first on For Handyman.
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5+ Best Pipe Clamps For Woodworking In 2020
As the name suggests, the pipe clamps are designed as power tools to help you work more securely and effectively with suspended pipes. However, not all clamping tools are the same. In contrast, there are several types of pipe clamp fixture kits made of different materials; in different sizes/shapes; and for different purposes.
For example, a stainless steel pipe clamp set is recommended for jobs that are often exposed to moisture or salted environmental conditions. Meanwhile, plastic pipe clamps are preferred for lighter projects such as household decors or fixings.
Here we gather all the helpful information to help you to choose the best hand tools for your purposes, including:
Top 5 best pipe clamps reviews
A complete buying guide
FAQs of pipe clamps
Let’s get started!
2020 Best Pipe Clamps: A List of 5 Recommended
Bessey BPC-H12 1/2-Inch H Style Pipe Clamps
View on Amazon
Bessey H Series Pipe Clamp is selling like hot cake because of its functionality and durability. Here we introduce you to the BPCH12 1/2 inch version. (The Bessey BPCH34 34inch is also available.)
First off, the H style pipe clamps like the Bessey provide a wider and taller space than standard clamps to handle the pipe flexibly without tipping or scraping the knuckles. Even more, such a dual-axis construction helps improve stability.
Next, this clamp is built with your project in mind. Accordingly, there are soft plastic slip-on pads so that you can adjust the clamps without worrying about causing dents or damages to the materials. Meanwhile, the crank handles are in place to clear the work surface if you want to assemble or disassemble the clamp.
Another plus is the durability. Bessey BPC-H12 1/2-Inch is made of solid material, along with a powder coat, zinc-plated clutch system, as well as a black oxide coating spindle. All in all, the clamps are strong enough to withdraw forces and falls. However, the finish seems a little rough.
In drawbacks, the ½-inch version is a bit limited in appliances compared to the ¾-inch clamp. Besides, there is no anchoring pipe with the package.
Pros.
User-friendly H shape
Material-friendly slip-on pads
A pipe clamp set heavy duty
Stable and secure assemble
Cons.
Limited application than Bessey 34inch Hstyle pipe clamp
Anchoring pipe sold separately
Rough finish
Quick Recap All in all the Bessey BPC-H12 1/2-Inch is well worth buying. It is easy to set up and incredibly stable on your projects. In addition, the clamp comes at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Yost Tools YPCY34 3/4" Pipe Clamp Kit
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At a glance, the Yost Tools YPCY34 3/4″ Pipe Clamp looks similar to the Bessey. They all have a taller and wider stance, cast jaws, built-in clamp hanger, and a crank-type handle. For that reason, you can expect Yost pipe clamps are easy to use and user-friendly.
Now, let’s get insight into the features of the Yost Tools YPCY34.
To begin with, the clamp is ¾ inch. At this size, the clamps are available to apply more pressure and also stronger over time. There are also soft clamping jaws of 1-½ inches tall to sit comfortably above work surfaces. You can also choose Yost Tools YPCY12 if you need it.
Apart from it, the clamp is hyper-durable thanks to its cast-iron construction. The material is well-known for the balance of price and quality. Specifically, it will stand for years even under high-vibration damping, wears, and tears. Moreover, the clamp features a black pipe finish to enhance its longevity.
Thirdly, in terms of installation, we find that the main ACME screw is very helpful. You can install and operate the clamp at ease.
Pros.
Very affordable, coming to think of the quality
Heavy duty cast iron pipe clamp body
Flexible ¾-inch size
Easy to install and operate with a screw
Cons.
Substantial threading issue
Rough on casting surfaces
Quick Recap With a durable body and flexible design, the Yost Tools YPCY34 3/4" Pipe Clamp is an excellent tool set for pro woodworking projects and more.
IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Pipe Clamp 3/4-Inch (224134)
View on Amazon
Having a reliable blue color as the Yost pipe clamps, this IRWIN QUICK GRIP Pipe Clamp is the next on the list.
As you already figured out by the name, the clamp is designed with a secure grip and a quick release in mind. To be exact, you will get an oversized handle that you can hold for a long time with comfort. The extra-large feet between the worktop and the handle also means additional security.
Besides, some consumers praise the innovative clutch plates. It frees them from buying a threaded pipe because of the built-in design of double threads. All to do is slipping right in the end. Without the thread, the crank side is possible to slip out occasionally. However, you can avoid this irritating problem by squeezing the support piece.
Another good point is that the tool can quickly change out to any length. So this clamp for the pipe fits your work surface.
Pros.
No-threaded construction
Quick and comfortable grip thanks to the large handle
Durable pipe clamps
Compatible with ¾-inch pipe and other lengths
Cons.
Tricky assemble in case of wrong threaded one
The crank side that sometimes slips off
Quick Recap There are several reasons to get a non-threaded pipe clamp such as IRWIN QUICKGRIP clamp. Just to name a few, the elimination of complicated threads, quick changeovers, and an easy disassemble.
PONY 55 Pro Pipe Clamp Fixture for 34inch Black Pipe
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For your information, the PONY 55 Pro Pipe Clamp is one of the top-rated on the market. It makes sense, considering the fact that Poney has in the business for pipe clamps for years. They know what is on-demand and do provide a solution.
Compared to other woodworking tools such as IRWIN, Bessey, and Yost Tools, this product seems not very different. In truth, you can find some common features such as the wide stance for ¾-inch pipes and logs; the long clamping jaws, and a large crank-type handle. The body is made of iron castings, along with black and orange baked-enamel finish.
So, what is different, making the big fan club of this PONY 55 Pro Pipe Clamp?
As far as we know, all components of this clamp are carefully made to ensure that parallel clamps fit with each other to guarantee the stability and safety on the workbench. This is extremely important when you need to work with pipes and items for hours.
Pros.
Durable cast iron clamp
Flexible ¾-inch size
Ultra firm and secure construction
Effortless installation and comfortable operation
Branded product
Cons.
A bit expensive
Quick Recap Although the clamp is not much different from other pipe clamps, the build quality is what you should never ignore. For your sake and for flexibility in applications, the branded PONY 55 Pro Pipe Clamp is still strongly recommended.
Rockler Sure-Foot Plus 3/4 in Pipe Clamp
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Rockler SureFoot Plus 3/4 in Pipe Clamp is the last on the list, but definitely not the least. In contrast, this clamp is often in the top 3 of all the best pipe clamps reviews. Check the specifications and you will find out the reason why.
Take the jaws, for instance. The dimension of 2-¼ inches is a half-inch higher than the standard choices and the foot is as wide as 2-½ inches. Both will secure your bench surfaces from tears or rocks. Furthermore, there are holes in clamping face to mount cauls, specialty fixtures, or pads when you need them. We also appreciate the backbone of U-shaped aluminum which will survive even under a harsh clamping force.
Pros.
Heavy-duty aluminum and U-shape backbone
Extra-wide feet to enhance stability
A clamp hook included
Still lightweight and comfortable to handle
Cons.
Expensive
Pads sold separately
Quick Recap In sum, we recommend Rockler Sure-Foot Plus 3/4 in Pipe Clamp as versatile and heavy-duty clamps for almost all jobs.
Buying Guide to Get The Best Pipe Clamps
For pipe clamps, knowing before buying!
Your projects and requirements
As we suggested earlier, which pipe clamps to choose is mostly based on your projects. To be exact,
What is the use of clamps?
You need a set for woodworking, for plumbing, or for drains, etc.
Will you install the clamp externally?
Then, go for one with a corrosion-resistant coating.
What size of the pipe itself?
Single-screw clamps are enough for the standard pipe. However, larger pipes in industrial projects require heavy-duty clamps to hold the heavier loads.
Is there any temperature variation during your projects?
Always put the environmental conditions into consideration when it comes to pipe clamps. Especially, outside and inside heat can cause the pipes to contract or expand, resulting in movement or even damage to the clamps.
Types of pipe clamps
Now that you are well understanding your projects, the next step is to pick up the right clamp types.
Feel free to consider the followings:
#1. Standard pipe clamps
Easy installation.
Using two screws – each on either side, the standard clamps are easy to install and secure in place. Not to mention, they often come in numerous sizes.
#2. Plastic pipe clamps
Good for hard environments and electrical installations.
When you need a quick installation on plastic and household copper pipes, the plastic clamps come as a good choice. However, remember that these clamps are for small pipes and light loads.
#3. Traditional pipe clamps
Recommended with basic bracket.
The traditional clamps feature no rubber cushioning. It means you should avoid using them where temperature variations and noise insulations are present.
#4. Heavy-duty pipe clamps
Used for high loads.
Safely certified with a heavy load-bearing capacity, these clamps are supposed to carry up to significant forces, for example, to support heating pipes under a bridge.
Materials
While the types of pipe clamps affect the way to install, materials indicate the durability and ergonomics of the clamps over time. Also. heavy-duty materials are often much expensive.
Stainless-steel clamps are good for any setting thanks to their improved resistance and rigidity.
Plastic pipe clamps are available in PE, PP, PVC, etc. All are helpful when you need a moisture-proof and hard-to-wearing accessory. The PVC pipe clamps are the most common.
Copper pipe clamps are durable enough for indoor water systems because they remain neutral and water-free from years to years.
Brass pipe clamps are decoratively appealing. In addition, they are also common for the plumbing system and fire-fighting system.
Chrome pipe clamps are as good as the stainless steel clamp options in terms of all-round weathering performance. What’s more, they are aesthetically beautiful in visible areas.
Clamps sizes
Measure the length of the pipe in Nominal Bore (NB) or Outer Diameter (O/D) dimensions. Then, take environmental factors like temperature or the materials of the pipe and the clamp into account. Finally, figure out the needed size of the clamps.
10-mm clamps are for microbore heating systems and narrow ductwork.
15-mm clamps fit most copper, brass, as well as plastic tubes.
20-mm clamps are ideal for the water system above the ground or for trunking, electrical cabling, or routing appliances.
22-mm clamps support higher-gauge conduit than 15-mm ones, for longer uses.
28-mm clamps are regularly found for water supply in the UK.
40-mm clamps are heavy-duty enough to carry up waste from showers and baths.
50-mm clamps can hold up waste through both commercial and domestic appliances.
FAQs
What are pipe clamps used for?
Simply put, pipe clamps are supposed to encircle tubes or cables and secure them on walls or to structures where you need them. As a result, the pipes are affixed not to cause accidents or damages.
Specifically, you can use the clamps to:
Align or re-form tubes, pipes, as well as other fittings;
Help with woodworking edge gluing;
Secure the mating weld side;
Help assemble a cabinet door and frame;
Cut out the symmetrical corners of the wood;
Bundle hoses and ropes; etc.
How do you use the pipe clamps?
youtube
To start, we would like to share some useful tips to use pipe clamps safely. Thanks, CP Builds – Woodworking & DIY for putting all together.
In specific scenarios, you should read the manual guide carefully to get step-by-step instructions.
Which is better, pipe clamps or bar clamps?
In brief, a pipe clamp is often cheaper than a bar clamp. Moreover, they are more versatile since you can lengthen or shorten the clamps as wished. The bar clamps, however, are originally fixed. Not to mention, pipe clamps were proven to possibly carry up a higher clamping pressure.
In the downside, the pipe clamps are less able to keep aligned over time as the bar clamps.
Wrapping Up
Do not hesitate any longer! The best pipe clamps are now under your fingertips to pick up and use for your sake. All products on the list are carefully chosen and reviewed by our experts.
In case you can’t still decide, take the Rockler Sure-Foot Plus 3/4 in Pipe Clamp as the top choice. It has a user-friendly design and works with almost all work projects.
The post 5+ Best Pipe Clamps For Woodworking In 2020 appeared first on For Handyman.
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Top 5 Best Tape Gun For Your 2020 Packaging And Shipping Business
Why do you need a tape gun for your shipping packaging?
If you work in retail stores, warehouses, e-commerce shipping operations, or distribution companies, you will need a device of packaging tape to seal boxes professionally. The tape gun dispenser is a handy tool for you to process, package, or prepare to distribute products.
In addition to the carton sealing, the tool is also used to reinforce, package, wrap to help the product be fixed in the moving cartons and minimize damage during transportation.
How to choose the best product on the market? You should refer to our list of top 5 as well as things to keep in mind when deciding to buy. Then you can get the most satisfactory packaging tape dispensers.
Now let’s get started with our reviews for the best packing tape dispenser.
Our Review Of The Best Tape Guns
ZITRIOM Packing Tape Dispenser Gun
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Topping our list is the excellent industrial packing tape gun from Zitriom.
How good is it?
This product has an adjustable brake for excellent tension control and quick and efficient packaging and sealing. As a result, you can keep everything you need in place and secure in a carton.
Not only that, the side loading design makes your packaging safe and easy to use while the metal flap allows roll-down without tearing.
How about its construction?
You have a strongly-built tape gun with painted steel frame and plastic handle, sharp blade and ergonomic adjustment plate under the roller. The manufacturer also offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied or have a problem with the product.
Finally, this tape gun comes with a free 2-inch, 2.6-mil-thick standard tape and you can use it with most 2-inch wide packing rolls of tapes on the market.
Be warned: The instructions have only three images on the box, and they are not clear.
Despite this, if you have a lot of boxes to tape, you can consider getting this excellent tape gun.
Pros.
Very sturdy
Heavy duty
Well-made
Lightweight and effective
Easy to use
Cons.
Quite loud operation
Tape King TX100 Packing Tape Dispenser Gun
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Our second suggestion comes from a famous brand of tape gun, the Tape King. Let’s meet the Tape King TX100 model.
What can you expect from this hand-held industrial tape gun?
With a heavy-duty metal housing for the mechanism protection, this tape gun dispenser is durable and offers the perfect performance for your packaging jobs. You can use it at home, office, and warehouse.
Thanks to the large handle, users have maximum comfort and ease to carry out large workloads. Additionally, it’s safe for you to use the hand-held industrial side loading system and the easy-to-flip metal flap. Now you can load new rolls and cut the tape smoothly without tearing or splitting.
What’s more?
You can use the brake for adjustable tensions to pack quickly. With its lightweight and simple-to-use function, you can complete the packaging, sealing and covering boxes without getting tired all day long.
Lastly, like any other gun tapes, you also have a free roll of 2-inch tape to use with this product.
However, the only negative is the bad smell of free tape. You can change the tape if you are sensitive to smell.
Overall, the tape king tx100 packing tape dispenser gun makes your job of packing boxes with sealing tapes easy and quick. Bring home one when needed.
Pros.
Simple to handle
Strong and nice
Good quality
Comfortable grip
Cons.
The tape may fall off easily
Uline H-150 Tape Dispenser
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Next, we want to introduce you to the industrial side loading tape gun with simple design. It’s the Uline H-150.
Here are some fantastic features of this model.
The highlight of this tape gun is its straightforward design. You can insert the tape from the side very quickly and use adjustable brakes to control the tensions.
Moreover, the adjustable brake also has a sharp and precise blade to stop tape rolling quickly and neatly. Thanks to that, you don’t have to waste a lot of time and effort for a large amount of carton packaging work.
Let’s talk about the material.
Unlike other models in our review, this tool is made of synthetic material. So it gives you a light, durable and beautiful product. Uline also equips wheel sizes suitable for holding standard tape properly without falling off the tape gun.
You need to pay attention to the metal tab located in front of the tape dispenser to avoid sticking and handle the tape correctly when it comes out too quickly.
Also, it may be difficult for users with very small hands to grip the handle of this side loading tape dispenser.
All in all, you should buy this hand dispenser gun which is recommended by UPS and FedEx guys if you want to speed up creating boxes and sealing packages.
Pros.
Safe and easy to use
Fast and efficient
Light and durable
Well-built
Cons.
Buy the 2-inch width tape separately
Magnelex Tapexpert Packing Tape Gun
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One of the most comfortable tape guns is from the Magnelex Tapexpert. Check out its outstanding features here.
With an excellent and very reliable design, you use little effort to complete all kinds of shipping, moving, carton and sealing boxes.
To enhance the smooth operation and reduce hand fatigue, Tapexpert makes lightweight and an easy-to-grip plastic handle and durable metal casing to protect the mechanism for years of use. It also provides excellent performance with an adjustable brake for excellent tension control and easy tape loading.
You can use this tool right away with the free packing tape. Don’t forget to see the clear images of the user manual on the package. With a 100% money-back guarantee from the manufacturer, it might be your best purchase decision for tape gun.
Note that the tape may get stuck to the metal guide on the front of this hand-held tape gun.
Beyond that, this Tapexpert packing tape gun is ideal for handling in wrapping without interruption.
Pros.
Easy to load and adjust
Good function and durable
Well-made and sturdy
Cons.
Thin free roll of packaging tape
Tach-It EX2 Tape Gun
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You soon reach our last top pick for heavy-duty jobs. The Tach-It EX2 Tape Gun features many useful functions for you. Some of them are a steel frame and hard blade, a firm rubber roller, and an adjustable tape brake.
More specifically, the sturdy materials are durable to finish precisely many heavy-duty packing for a long time. Also, the blade maintains sharpness avoiding wear and tear over time.
The design of roller and brake makes it easy to use, and you can cut the tape without fear of tape damage. You need to use the type of widths suitable for recommendations from the manufacturer to increase product durability and avoid wasting tape. Finally, the Tach-It EX2 has a moulded finger-grip handle for maximum operator comfort.
One thing to complain about is the instruction. This 2-inch hand-held industrial tape gun doesn’t come with assembly instruction.
In case you need to roll out the tape smoothly and cut quickly, try this tape gun from Tach-It now. This heavy-duty tape dispenser is very helpful for taping up boxes at home or in a heavy-duty shipping company.
Pros.
Well-constructed
Good tension control
Thick blade
Sturdy and durable
Cons.
Only used with heavy-duty tape
You should buy the best tape gun for sealing boxes quickly
Buying Guide Of The Best Tape Dispenser Guns
If you want to do your packing works fast and effectively, you should keep the following in mind when buying the best tape dispenser.
Here they are.
Product Material
Remember that you will use the industrial packing tape dispenser at a high frequency, so you need a product made of durable material. Many manufacturers use high-quality plastic with stainless steel to increase the durability of the product. You should choose these materials for your tape gun.
Roller
You should choose smooth and round rollers so as not to get stuck while using. If you use the packing tape dispenser with different types of box sealing tapes, you need to pay attention to find the standard roller size.
Gun Dispenser
If you want to release tape quickly without hassle, you need to choose a gun dispenser with a size that fits the width of the tape. Besides, a smooth dispenser made from good material helps you release the tape efficiently and adequately.
Brake
A right brake helps you break and cut the tape exactly where you press without leaving extra parts that can damage the roll. You should also note that the cutting blade of the device must be sharp to support tape cutting.
Handle
How should you choose a handle?
This unit needs to offer optimal comfort, ease of use and excellent grip. The trick here is to choose a rubber-coated handle to enhance comfort and grip for you. Then you can use the sealing tape dispenser all day long without fatigue.
The best tape gun is useful for office products and consumer goods
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Tape Gun?
It is a supporting tool for users to use duct tape for packaging and sealing. It has a handle, roller, brake system and dispenser. You put the tape on the roller to release it properly and use the brake and dispenser to stop the tape at the position you want.
How Can I Use A Tape Gun?
It’s essential to set up and accurately handle the tape gun. First, you load the tape into the gun by inserting it from the side to the roller. Then, you pull the tape under the roller and use it to pack and steal the cartons. You can activate the brake to stop the tape from rolling and cut it wherever you want.
How Can I Stop The Tape Rolling?
There’s no need to buy any additional accessories to stop the tape because the tape gun has a brake system to stop releasing the tape rolling at the desired point.
Can I Use Any Packing Tape With My Tape Gun?
No, you can’t. To use the gun for a long time, you need to buy the rolls of tapes that the gun accepts or tapes recommended by the manufacturers.
Let’s Wrap and Roll Your Boxes Perfectly Now!
As mentioned above, the tape gun gives you the most professional and economical packaging style. To find the suitable tool for your demands, you need to pay attention to the material and some main parts of the product such as roller, dispenser, brake and handle.
After reading our review, you can know that each brand has its own advantages. We have a few suggestions for you.
If you need a high-end product, Zitriom tape gun is the right choice. Besides, the Uline H-150 offers you a well-built and straightforward design.
When it comes to functional products, you can count on the Tape King TX100. Last but not least, Tapexpert tape gun enhances user convenience and comfort while Tach-It EX2 gives you high-performance tools.
Which brand will you choose? Leave your comment or ideas here to share with us.
The post Top 5 Best Tape Gun For Your 2020 Packaging And Shipping Business appeared first on For Handyman.
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5 Best Parallel Clamps To Build Your Woodworking Project
There is an old joke among woodworkers: “You can never have too many clamps!“ And this also applies to parallel clamps.
With durable resin-covered jaws, heavy-duty screws, comfortable grip, and a beefy bar, a high-quality parallel clamp is evidence proving that the craftsman actually cares about his product.
But while you can’t have too many clamps, there are actually too many models on the market to choose from!
This makes it harder to start diving into woodworking as a newcomer. So why don’t you take a shortcut and have a look at our recommendations of the best parallel clamps you can buy below?
Best Parallel Clamps On The Market Right Now
Overview
ImagesProducts RatingPrice
Jet parallel clamps
Ergonomic design
Many unique features
Perfect parallel jaw design
Great clamping force
4.9/5 Top PickView on Amazon See Full Review
Bessey K Body REVO parallel clamp
Soft ergonomic handle
Fast jaw movement
Pads with great protection
Secure, non-slip clamping
4.8/5 Runner UpView on Amazon See Full Review
Jorgensen Cabinet Master parallel clamps
Distribute clamping pressure evenly
Secure locking system
Rapid action movement
Can be used one-handed
4.5/5 Best ValueView on Amazon See Full Review
Irwin 24-Inch parallel clamps
Affordable
Secure locking mechanism
Optimized pressure distribution
Resist glue adhesion
4.5/5 For Small ProjectsView on Amazon See Full Review
Bora 40-Inch parallel clamp
Comfortable handle
Padded jaws
High clamping force
Can maintain constant pressure
4.3/5 The Most OverlookedView on Amazon See Full Review
Jet Parallel Clamps - Top Pick
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If money is not really a problem and all you need for your project are reliable, heavy-duty, and well-crafted clamps, the parallel wood clamps from Jet is your best bet.
These clamp sets are available in various sizes, from the small 12-inch version to the huge 60-inch one. Whatever your woodworking project is, Jet can always give you a high-quality tool.
The Jet parallel jaw clamps have many unique features that you can’t easily find in other products.
The first example is the Precision Rule measurement system that can provide more accurate readings. They also feature multiple movable rail stands, helping improve this precision and making it more convenient to clamp or spread.
These parallel clamps are rugged models, but this doesn’t mean they are hard to work with. In fact, thanks to the ergonomic design, you can get the job done with less effort.
The sliding system will help you keep tabs on your work while the “no-mar” jaws can prevent any damage that may occur during the whole operation.
Not having only fancy features, Jet clamps are also durable and reliable. Thanks to the fully-plated sturdy backbone and the non-marring composite resin jaws, they can prevent corrosion pretty well.
But do those amazing features translate well into great performance?
It’s not hard to see the Jet parallel clamps can work great with any kind of wood project. The head will stay where you put it, not sliding down and smashing your hand, which is a common issue in other products.
And to put the cherry on top, Jet even provides a generous lifetime warranty for their clamps. However, to own one of these awesome products, you may accept a relatively high cost, according to the price on Amazon. But in our opinion, they are really worth the cost when you work on large or serious woodworking projects.
Pros.
Ergonomic design
Many unique features
Easy to adjust
Perfect parallel jaw design
Consistent and reliable
Comfortable Sumogrip handle
Non-marring material
Great clamping force
Cons.
Expensive
Bessey K Body REVO Parallel Clamps - Runner Up
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Bessey K Body REVO is a famous parallel clamp series from one of the leading companies in this industry. The previous products of this series have received mostly positive feedback from customers, so how does this newer Bessey clamp compare to them?
Bessey has introduced a lot of new improvements in the K Body REVO fixed jaw parallel clamps, starting right from the jaw.
The improved design enables the jaw to stay in place once you put it, all ready for clamping. As a result, it’s easier to set or adjust the clamp while gluing up. In the socket where you apply the spindle, Bessey has also equipped a friction-resistant cup.
This newer version is also able to handle up to a maximum clamping force of 7000N – 2000N more than its predecessors.
Additionally, the two-part grip handle has been redesigned so that it can receive a hex driver or key, providing a greater clamping force if necessary. This is a big plus for those who have issues with the wrist or just want to clamp faster.
There are removable pressure caps, making the Bessey K Body the best clamps for glue-ups and clamping surfaces of solvent-resistant paint. This helps produce delicate pieces for fine woodworking tremendously.
The bar also features two removable and adjustable supports – which Bessey calls “rail protectors” – to avoid any contact between it and the wood. On the other hand, the tail support can help maintain the clamping level. All those supports are compatible with the TK-6 – the table clamp from Bessey.
But there are times changes are not actually welcome.
Many customers have complained about the bar, which is higher than the older versions. So if you use them at the same time, you will need to shim the hold K Body clamp a little bit.
Pros.
Soft ergonomic handle
Fast jaw movement
Secure, non-slip clamping
Cons.
Many flimsy plastic parts
Higher bar compared to older versions.
Jorgensen Cabinet Master Parallel Clamps - Best Value
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Jorgensen is another reputable name among the woodworker community. The original clamps (made before they were bought by a foreign company) were great products, so can these newer clamps live up to our expectations?
Well, there aren’t many different things between the older and current versions.
The only thing we can notice is the handle, which is now rubberized instead of being made from wood. Aside from that, the clamp heads and the bare are almost indistinguishable.
The Jorgensen Cabinet Master parallel clamps have always been praised for the jaw design.
You can clip various materials with this clamp, from wood to composite or plastic. With multiple sizes available, you can always pick up a suitable parallel clamp set in the Cabinet Master series for other tasks besides general clamping as well, including gluing-up or even corner clamping.
Thanks to the deep throat depth, these clamps provide optimized pressure distribution, making sure that even big areas can receive even pressure properly. You can expect them to stay parallel to prevent your wood pieces from bowing or lifting during your task.
Jorgensen also keeps other handy features such as the locking system that can keep the jaws secure in place and prevent them from slipping. The ergonomic handle is two-component molded to provide a soft and comfort grip.
And the best part about these clamps is that you can use them one-handed. They are hefty but function well, especially when you use it on a flat surface.
But compared to the original modes, the new Jorgensen parallel clamps seem to have slightly lower clamping power due to the smaller ACME screws.
Pros.
Rapid action movement
Distribute clamping pressure evenly
Comfortable handle
Secure locking system
Can be used one-handed
Cons.
Smaller screws and lower clamping power
Irwin 24-Inch Parallel Clamps - For Small Projects
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Irwin Tools is a company that you can always buy an affordable product such as this 24-Inch parallel clamp. It’s a great choice for any new woodworking or just need a tool for a small project.
It comes with the ProTouch grip with an ergonomic grip to reduce stress on your hands. And Irwin also equips it with a secure locking mechanism to hold all your wood pieces firmly in place.
Apparently, this parallel clamp can prevent glue adhesion. Any experienced woodworker can tell how gruesome it is when the glue constantly sticks to your clamps.
But keep in mind that the Irwin parallel clamp also has many limitations.
Though it does a pretty solid job, this clunky model is a little hard to handle, especially when you need to glue up things fast. The capacity is limited compared to other products, while the construction isn’t made from high-quality materials that can hold up well over time.
Pros.
Affordable
Secure locking mechanism
Optimized pressure distribution
Resist glue adhesion
Ergonomic handle
Cons.
Clunky, hard to use
Limited capacity
Cheap materials
Bora 40-Inch Parallel Clamp - The Most Overlooked
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Although Bora isn’t the first name people think of when it comes to woodworking clamps, this 40-inch parallel clamp is a decent option that is worth your consideration.
The padded jaws can ensure constant, and evenly-distributed pressure while not damaging your workpieces. They are not too tight or too loose, and if it can actually handle a 1100lbs pressure as Bora has claimed, this clamp is a decent choice for heavy-duty tasks.
Bora has also equipped the jaws with the passive locking feature, which helps them stay in place when you adjust them.
The handle is pretty big but still easy to maneuver. You can use it to release and slide the jaw along the bar to quickly your workpieces.
Overall, the Bora 40-inch parallel clamp is something you usually expect from other more well-known brands. But it does have a problem with the bars, which are not completely parallel. You can work around this by doing some fine-tuning.
Pros.
Easy to use, comfortable handle
Padded jaws
Can maintain constant pressure
non-slip jaw
High clamping force
Cons.
Need some adjustments
How To Find The Right Parallel Clamp
Size
There is not obviously a universal size for all parallel clamps. Depending on the projects you often work on, you can choose a bigger size to handle them. Manufacturers often put out multiple sizes from each series to the market, from 12 inches to even 60 inches.
Clamping Force
When the jaws are not strong enough to withstand the clamping force, they may blend easily and result in a broken clamp.
No one wants to buy a lot of parallel clamps just because we need to work with both small and big projects. That’s why models with a huge clamping force are always preferred since you can put them into you no matter how big your workpieces.
The minimum clamping force should be 1000lbs, and you should avoid any model below that.
Material
Since not only the parallel variant but all woodworking clamps are constantly subjected to huge force, they need to be built from strong materials. This not only ensures the clamp doesn’t crack under pressure but also extends the lifespan.
Aluminum is a durable metal and often the first choice of manufacturers who want to make high-quality parallel clamps. Many even improve the quality of the construction further by treating aluminum with heat or using aluminum alloys.
However, those materials and processes usually result in high prices. When you aren’t really in need of a heavy-duty model or your project is not that big, you can totally opt for cheaper materials.
Usually, steel (and steel alloys) is a decent alternative to aluminum. Though it’s significantly heavier, steel can make sure your parallel clamp is able to handle heavy loads.
The last option is plastic. It’s not a popular material for woodworking clamps since manufacturers can’t use it to build long-lasting, durable models.
Handle and Protector Pads
The handle should enable you to move the jaws quickly. It’s hard to stabilize the workpieces sometimes, so you need to clamp them right away. And a soft grip is also a great help when it can reduce stress and strain on your hands.
There is another part that not many users pay attention to – the pad at the foot of the parallel clamp. It’s a small yet important feature since this pad can keep the whole clamp in a stable position during the operation.
Jaws
The jaws are what hold your workpieces directly. You need to make sure that the jawbone is parallel and able to withstand powerful clamping force while distributing it evenly. Inexperienced users who are not familiar with all the jaws design should ask their sellers for advice before buying.
Spreader
If you need to spread the workpieces more often than squeeze them, consider models with a spreader. It will become handy in your projects later.
Some Questions
What can I benefit from a parallel clamp?
The most popular application of parallel clamps is to help you assemble cabinet boxes. The parallel jaws keep the workpieces in place while distributing pressure evenly across the face of the jaws.
Do I need anything else to assemble cabinet boxes?
Besides some parallel clamps, you should also utilize the corner (right angle) clamps, which help you join two pieces together perpendicularly.
Can I use a parallel clamp for welding?
Typical parallel clamps are not the best choice for welding since they are designed mainly for woodworking. You can consider C clamps instead.
Which size of a parallel clamp should I choose?
In each lineup, manufacturers often offer multiple sizes, including 12, 24, 31, 50, and 60 inches (not all of them are always available).
Usually, woodworkers usually 24-inch parallel clamps most of the time, unless their woodworking projects are too big or too small. You can buy a bunch of 24-inch models at first and get extra clamps in other sizes later when needed.
Do I need to clean my parallel clamps?
Cleaning your clamps is very important, especially when you have done a lot of gluing up. You can use a putty knife or even a steel brush to get rid of the dried glue on the face of the jaws.
Final Thought
In one way or another, you can totally finish your woodworking project without a parallel clamp. But this usually means more effort and time than necessary or even frustration and a broken cabinet!
With any model from the best parallel clamps above, you can finally forget about those troubles.
Choosing the right clamp that goes well with your project depends on the project itself, but if you want a safe option, we recommend Jet parallel clamps. They are durable and easy to use, providing a powerful and evenly distributed clamping force to help build your product.
The post 5 Best Parallel Clamps To Build Your Woodworking Project appeared first on For Handyman.
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5 Best Corner Clamps (May 2020) For Delicate Wood Products
We’re really surprised to find out that many people underestimate the importance of a corner clamp (90-degree clamp). Many inexperienced woodworkers even think they can work without it and can achieve the same results.
But the truth is that with one of the best corner clamps, you can see a day-and-night difference.
Unlike simpler tools like pliers or hammer, woodworking corner clamps are more versatile. You can use it to hold almost everything you need – as long as they fit into the claws – to glue or screw them together.
Let’s find out more about corner clamps, how many styles there are, and what we can do with them.
Best Corner Clamps On The Market Right Now
Overview
ImagesProducts RatingPrice
Can-Do corner clamp
Jaw Opening: 2.75 inches
Handle: T-handle
Material: Aluminum
4.7/5View on Amazon See Full Review
Housolution Right Angle Clamp
Jaw Opening: 3.74 inches
Handle: Single/Double
Material: Die-casting aluminum alloy
4.6/5View on Amazon See Full Review
Bessey Tools WS-3+2K
Jaw Opening: 2 3/16 inches
Handle: Single
Material: Die-casting aluminum
4.2/5View on Amazon See Full Review
Horusdy Corner Clamp
Jaw Opening: 2.7 inches
Handle: Single
Material: Die-casting aluminum alloy
4.2/5View on Amazon See Full Review
Weichuan Corner Clamp
Jaw Opening: 2.8 inches
Handle: Single
Material: Die-casting aluminum alloy
4.4/5View on Amazon See Full Review
Can-Do Clamp - Top Pick
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Simplicity is what mainly sets this corner clamp from MLCS apart from other products. Most users seek this feature when they buy the Can-Do clamp as it helps reduce fatigue when doing any simple repair or other woodworking tasks.
Both the right and left areas of the clamps are flat and parallel, which means that the pieces you’re working on will automatically flush up by themselves. It’s not stiff and fixed when you tighten, making a useful wiggle room.
The maximum thickness for T-joints and miter is 2.75 inches, while that of the pass-through stock is 1.5 inches.
The Can-Do corner clamp is made from heavy, durable aluminum with good-quality threads. Together, they create good gripping, holding wood pieces firmly in place.
On top of that, the corners are open, which means glue dripping down the joint can’t mess things up.
You can wall-mount or bench mount it when you need a semi-permanent solution. It also comes with a T-handle, allowing you to adjust the clamp with extra power.
But this handle also means you don’t have any rubber cover, which is not always great for everyone. And sometimes the Can-Do clamp can leave some red marks behind on the wood. This issue won’t go away easily unless MLCS improves the quality of the painting.
The price of the Can-Do clamp is a little higher than an average product, but all things considered, the convenience and reliability it brings are well worth the cost for this best right-angle camp.
Pros.
Straightforward to use
T-handle
Multifunctional
Many mounting options
Sturdy frame
Cons.
Expensive
No rubber handle
Sometimes creates marks on the wood
Housolution Right Angle Clamp - Runner-Up
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This model from Housolution is a solid alternative to the Can-Do clamp above.
Made from die-cast aluminum, it’s durable and weighs only 1.8 pounds – surprisingly low weight for a corner clamp. The maximum opening is 2.86 inches, while the jaw has a width of 3.74 inches. You can find it in various color options such as orange, red, black, gray, etc.
This Housolution right angle clamp features a floating head design with the swing jaw. This adjustable swing style allows you to fix two wood pieces that have different thicknesses together with ease. With the rubberized handle, you can make adjustments easily for this task.
More specifically, it’s made from TPR (thermoplastic rubber). That’s why it won’t slip even when your hand is wet – a huge difference for people with sweaty hands.
But this also means you can benefit from the extra power of a T-handle, especially when you need to use this corner clamp over a workbench.
And like the Can-Do corner clamp, this Housolution is still slightly more expensive. It’s not a big deal when you need a single clamp, but when you need many of them to join your cabinet or drawer, the difference might be significant for some people.
Pros.
Heavy-duty construction
Lightweight
Can hold pieces with different thicknesses with the adjustable swing jaw design
Comfy rubberized handle
Many color options
Cons.
Expensive
No V-groove or T-handle
No quick-release mechanism
Bessey Tools WS-3+2K - Best Value
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Bessey has always been one of the biggest names in the woodworking tool industry. It has produced amazing tools such as bar clamps and parallel clamps, and the WS-3+2K – its corner variant – is also an impressive product.
The die-cast aluminum construction features a plastic covering in order to prevent itself from marring your delicate workpieces.
The clamp head and pivoting screw can adjust themselves automatically to wood with different sizes. This is one of the greatest things about this Bessey angle clamp since you can focus more on keeping the workpieces squared up correctly.
Like the parallel clamps from Bessey, it uses the single handle design for adjustment.
We find that you can actually yield a lot of clamping force with this woodworking clamp. Bessey also includes TK6 table clamps in the box in case you need to mount your clamp securely to a workbench.
And guess what? It’s well-priced compared to the models we have listed above. The Bessey Tools WS-3+2K is the best choice for woodworkers that need multiple reliable corner clamps at the same time.
But many users have found that this corner clamp is not great for mitered joints or one-handed usage.
Pros.
Well-priced
Sturdy
Comfortable
Include and plastic insert and TK6 table clamps
Cons.
Heavy
Not great for mitered joints
Not easy to use one-handed
Horusdy Corner Clamp - Best Cheap Model
View on Amazon
Despite its low price, the Horusdy corner clamp offers a lot of ergonomic features.
It has a soft non-skid rubber handle so you can hold it comfortably. And this handle is attached to a rust-proof spindle screw, which you can use to retract to push the jaws.
Because of the single-handle design, there are two swivel points on this Horusdy model that allow the head of the clamp to float. This means you can use it with two workpieces of different widths. And if you prefer a T-handle design instead, check out the Horusdy Quick-Jaw Right Angle.
You can operate this aluminum-alloy corner clamp effortlessly: just put the woodblocks in, then tighten them by turning the screw. It even comes with a quick-release mechanism! You don’t need to unscrew this clamp tediously once you’re done.
Similar to other more expensive models, the body is made from die-cast aluminum, making it fairly sturdy and abrasion-resistant.
The best part about the Horusdy corner clamp is that it’s significantly cheaper than other models we have mentioned. This really matters when you need a lot of them in multiple corners.
It seems that this product is so great, so what is the catch?
Well, many users have said that the quick-release mechanism is not reliable and sometimes even fails, making it difficult to tighten the workpieces. And Horusdy also doesn’t equip any V-grooves, so holding round objects is also out of the question.
Pros.
Cheap
Sturdy construction
Ergonomic handle
Quick-release mechanism included
Floating head design allows for clamping wood blocks having different widths
Non-skid rubber handle
Cons.
No V-grooves
No locking feature on the quick-release mechanism
Weichuan Corner Clamp - The Most Overlooked
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If you aren’t really satisfied with the popular models above and don’t mind giving a less well-known brand a try, this corner clamp from Weichuan is our recommendation.
It also features a die-cast aluminum-alloy construction and works well with various materials, from wood, steel rod to thick glass and metal tube.
The single handle is rubberized to provide non-slip gripping, which you can use to open the jaw to 2.8 inches hassle-freely. The spindle screw also features electroplating coating to make it rust-proof.
But like any other corner clamp, it indeed has some issues of its own. While we find no rough edges, the faces are not entirely flat. The poorly-cut threads are hard to loosen or tighten while the metal seems too lightweight and thin.
And the Weichuan is not a great choice for big woodworking projects as well. It still can hold small workpieces (like a photo frame or frame box) firmly, but as the sides are pretty low, you may face some troubles with big woodblocks.
Pros.
Versatile, work well for various materials
Rubberized handle
Rust-proof rotating spindle screw
Cons.
Only suitable for small projects
How To Know Which Corner Clamp Is The Best For You
Jaw Capacity
The thing you should always check first on a 90-degree angle clamp is the clamping range. Manufacturers often give this number in inches or millimeters, which indicates the maximum clamping width when the jaws are fully open. It’s important since it determines the thickness of wood pieces you can fit in the clamp.
The general advice is it should depend on what you plan to work on. And if you’re still not sure about this, just look for a wide jaw opening (above 2.7 inches) so that you are not limited to small metal or wood pieces.
Materials
As you may see from the above models, most corner clamps these days are made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The main difference usually lies in the specific alloy or how it’s made. But there are also some models made from other metals like zinc.
There is a good reason manufacturers choose aluminum and its alloys to make corner clamps. They are lightweight yet strong enough for the tasks, so you can easily pick up the clamp and carry it to another workbench with ease.
What also matters are the frames and coatings, as they all can make the clamp more long-lasting.
The frames that have gone through the heat-treating process are very sturdy, while high-quality surface coatings are a great help in preventing corrosion. You can find information about the material in the specifications of the product.
Type of Handle
There are two handle designs in these hand tools: T-shaped handles and single/double handles.
The T design allows users to apply a higher torque, which in turn results in a higher clamping pressure. That’s why you can have a good grip easily with a T-handle.
But this style often provides no soft paddling like rubberized covering. It may make your hands uncomfortable or even hurt after holding the metal directly for a long time.
The single or double handles, on the other hand, are extremely comfortable to hold, but you may need more effort to squeeze the claws tightly.
Construction
Double-jaw and swing-jaw are the two designs of most corner clamps on the market.
A swing-jaw model is more compact – an ideal choice if you don’t have a lot of working space. But it also has a lot of moving parts, which affects the whole clamps when it comes to integrity and strength.
The double-design usually results in bigger clamps, but the construction is also more durable and stronger as a result.
FAQs
When do I need a corner clamp?
There are numerous tasks that you can get done with this tool.
The most popular reason for a corner clamp for woodworkers is probably to stabilize wood pieces. In other words, they are an obvious choice if you need a tool to support and hold things in place (picture frames, boxes, cabinets, etc.) before you can actually crave, polish, or join them together.
But there are also many creative applications that you might never think of. For example, when you want to let something dry in its right-angle shape, consider using your corner clamp. It can keep painting, for example, dry and flat with no wrinkles.
So how about what a corner clamp can't do?
Though corner clamps can hold wood pieces together, they can’t actually press them strongly against each other. You should use screws or glue instead.
Can I use a corner clamp for welding?
While many manufacturers claim that their products are good for welding, we don’t always recommend this. You should avoid doing so, especially when your clamp has many plastic parts, and find a welding clamp instead.
Can I adjust the angle of a corner clamp?
As the name suggests, corner clamps are intended only for 90-degree angles. Get an adjustable, multi-angle clamp if you plant to work with other angles.
Conclusion
Finding the best corner clamps for your work is always worth the effort. They can provide an accurate 90-degree angle, meaning you can create more high-quality works with precise joints.
The best way to do so is to figure out what kind of wood you need to work with first, then consider design, materials, or construction.
But if you’re new to woodworking and don’t know what you actually need, we recommend the Can-Do clamp, which has a durable construction and is comfortable to use.
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5+ Best Contour Gauge To Duplicate Irregular Shapes
If you are planning to install carpet or tile in an area that is surrounded by stairs, furniture, plumbing materials or any irregular shapes then the contour gauge comes in handy to copy or record the exact shape. Recording exact shape helps the floor designers to make a perfect cut which leads to finished and precise work.
A best contour gauge can capture irregular, inclined, curved shapes and help you to make precise cuts. It works on a very simple principle of pressing this tool against a shape to capture. It consists of a set of plastic or steel tiny pins tightly assembled against each other in a frame. This frame allows the pins to move or slide on pressing them against an object horizontally to capture the shape.
In the marketplace, there are different brands and types of contour gauges are available which makes it difficult to choose and buy one for your measuring toolbox. To help you on this part we have curated our top contour gauge list.
Top 8 Contour Duplication Gauge to Consider to Buy for Your Tool Box
8. KEGOUU Shape Contour Gauge Duplicator
The KEGOUU easy outline gauge can be used to replicate the shape of circular frames, fitting laminates, carpet, tiles, round columns, ducts, pipes, on car bodies, carpentry and other woodworking projects.
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This high quality contour gauge is manufactured by using upgraded aluminium mandrel and ABS plastic, hence it provides more durability. Apart from that it is rustproof and the high definition laser cutting lines helps clear and easy to read measurements.
It comes with a double scale copier i.e. inch and centimeter to provide accuracy in measurement. As compared to regular contour gauges it is 1.3 inch wider, which helps to replicate bigger areas. It is widen in design, easy to use, comes with a flexible movement and holds shapes very well. Due to all these features it is a must to have in the toolbox which will save your time and improve your work efficiency.
Q – Can I adjust the original setting?
If you feel that the original setting is too tight or loose then you can adjust the screws on both sides by using a screwdriver.
Q – Does it have a locking mechanism?
No, it doesn’t have a locking mechanism. But once you set it up then it doesn’t lose the shape while tracing.
Q – What is the size of this contour gauge and how many pins per inch?
5.1 inch in width and 10 inch in length. It has 16 pins per inch.
7. Goldblatt Tool Company G02102 10 Inch Contour Gauge
The Goldblatt tool company G202102 PaceSetter contour duplication gauge is made in China. It has a dimension of 9.75″ Length, 5.46″ Width, 4.86″ Height with a weight of 4.4 lb. It is made up of corrosion-proof materials and the in-built ruler is easy to ready.
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The pins of this tools are not sturdy as compared to other contour gauges. We recommend to use it for rough work, if you are looking for accuracy then you might struggle a bit with this tool.
Q – Is it plastic or metal?
It is a plastic contour gauge.
Q – How deep can this tool measure?
It measures 2 inches.
Q – Does it come with a locking mechanism?
It doesn’t have a locking mechanism, and barely it holds the shape. So it is recommended for rough use only.
6. YIZRIO Contour Gauge Tool
The YIZIRO contour gauge tool can be used to capture the shapes of pipes, tiles, carpet, molding, circular frames, conduits, and other woodworking projects. To give durability and sturdiness, it is made up of high quality ABS plastic. It gives high precision calibration for capturing accurate measurements, hence it helps you on precise cuts. It also comes with a magnet adsorption mechanism.
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It is very easy to use, you can press the teeth against the object to replicate the shape and then you can trace it. The dimension of the tool is 152 mm length, 115 mm width and 20 mm height.
Q- What is the use of magnetic adsorption mechanism?
In case you are using it on your ceiling and you don’t have a place to keep it then you can stick it on your ladder.
Q- How deep can this tool measure?
This contour gauge measures 5 inch or 125 mm.
Q- How big a semi-circular mark can it replicate?
The maximum depth of the shape is 45 mm, hence you can mark a semi-circle with a radius of 45 mm.
5. Relitec Contour Gauge Duplicator
The best thing about the Relitec contour gauge is that it comes in a set of 2 gauges with two different sizes i.e. 5 inches and 10 inches in length. You can use this contour gauge duplicator to replicate shapes from circular frames, laminate, carpet, vinyl flooring, porcelain, car bodies, ducts, tiles, and other metal & woodworking.
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This tool is high in strength, durable, and tough thanks to the material ABS plastic on which it is made of. It can easily replicate a shape just by pressing its teeth against the object and the tight teeth keep the shape as it is while tracing, hence it lets you cut perfect shapes.
Q- What are the measuring depths?
The 10 inch contour gauge measures depth 50% more as compared to regular ones. While the 5 inch contour gauge is convenient to carry around in the work field.
Q- Does it lock in place?
No, it doesn’t lock but the tight teeth don’t deform. So, the manufacturer boasts that this contour gauge doesn’t need a locking mechanism.
Q- What are the dimensions of both the contour gauges?
Contour Gauge Length (mm) Width (mm) Height (mm) Weight (g) 5 Inch 146 105 21 173 10 Inch 275 135 21 396
4. ComfiTime Instant Template Gauge – 2PCS
Like the previous brand, ComfiTime instant template gauge also comes in a set of 2 contour gauges with two different sizes of 5 inches and 10 inches. Both the gauges can measure depth up to 3 inches (76 mm) while the standard gauge can measure depth only up to 1.5 inches (40 mm).
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Both the gauges are made up of high-quality ABS plastic pins for durability and strength. The 10 inches gauge comes with an aluminum core for the extra sturdiness of the pins which helps you to mark shape and carry the gauge to different places for making a perfect cut.
Q- How many pins are there per inch?
Both the 5 inches and 10 inches contour gauges have 16 pins per inch for accuracy in measurement.
Q- Can this copy the shape of crown molding?
Crown molding shapes are complex and hard to copy. But this contour gauge can easily copy this complex shape.
Q- Where is it manufactured?
It is manufactured in China but branded in the USA.
3. Meethome Contour Gauge
The Meethome shape contour gauge duplicator is made of high-quality ABS plastic which gives it strength and durability. It has a dimension of 5.75 inches Length and 4.13 inches in width.
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It can easily capture shapes of irregular items such as round columns, pipes, conduits, auto body parts, woodworking, vinyl flooring, tiles, or any work related to contour duplication. It can be used as a professional tool.
Q- How to use a contour gauge?
This Meethome contour gauge is easy to use. You can press the gauge against any irregular shape to capture it.
Q- Does it have a locking mechanism?
No, It doesn’t have a locking mechanism but it is sturdy enough to use.
Q- What is the measuring range?
It has a measuring range of 0 to 120 mm.
2. General Tools 833 Plastic Contour Gauge
This instant template tool is highly recommended for professionals and DIYers. This 10 inches contour gauge tool can capture any irregular shapes instantly at ease. It is ideal for woodworking, ceramic tiles installing, linoleum installing and other contour duplication work.
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The specialty of this tool is that it can combine with another 10″ gauge when a 20″ base is required to make a large contour gauge. It is made up of durable and tough plastic. You can store it easily thanks to the 4 magnets embedded in the back of the tool.
Q- How many teeth does it have per inch?
This 10″ contour gauge has 18 teeth per inch.
Q- Can I connect it with another gauge?
Yes, you can connect it with another 10″ gauge to make the base 20″.
Q- What depth can it measure?
It can measure up to 32 mm.
1. General Tools 837 an Instant Template for Curved Contour Gauge
Another general tool contour gauge model has taken the first place in our list. This gauge easily creates an instant template for curved & odd-shaped profiles. This 6 inches contour gauge has stainless steel pins. The 35 leaves per inch give absolute accuracy in measurements. You can use this tool for linoleum installation, woodworking, and other shape capturing work. Parts are brass plated and enamel painted which gives it a rich look.
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The ultra-thin pins measure profiles up to 3-1/2 inches deep. Some other features of this contour gauge are durable, tough, corrosion-resistant & great precision. Its absolute measurements will help you to cut precise shapes at ease.
Q- Can I use this on glass?
Yes, you can use it against the glass to capture the shapes.
Q- Are the stainless steel pins/leaves stiff?
Yes, initially the pins are stiff.
Q- What depth contour it can measure?
The maximum depth contour is 2″.
Things to consider while buying a contour gauge
1. Length & Depth
While replicating an object shape, considering the length of the gauge is important. If it is too short then you might not capture the entire shape. Just like length you also need to consider the depth to capture a larger diameter.
2. Pin Material and Accuracy
From our research, we found that there are only 2 types of pin materials: ABS Plastic and Stainless steel. Both types of pins have their own advantages and disadvantages. The ABS plastic doesn’t rust and doesn’t produce scratches but it comes with a thicker pin, hence thicker pins reduces the measurement accuracy. On the other hand, the Stainless Steel pins are thin which gives highly precision cuts but it may scratch the surface and after the removal of the coated material it can rust.
3. Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism helps you to keep the captured shape while migrating the contour gauge. Imagine how annoying it will be if the pins were disassembled while carrying a measured contour gauge. So this locking mechanism helps the pins to stay assembled after capturing a shape.
4. Join-able
The join-able feature helps you to join 2 profile gauges to increase the capturing length to measure wider corners/shapes. If you are dealing with small objects then you can dis-join them.
FAQs
Q – What is a contour gauge?
It is a tool that helps you to capture irregular shapes so you don’t have to guess and cut tiles, carpets, or other woodworking. It can easily duplicate any shapes so you can precisely cut the parts.
Q – What are the pins used in this tool?
In the market, there are two types of pins available: ABS Plastic and Stainless steel.
Q – On which objects or materials can I use contour gauges?
Contour gauges can duplicate any shapes. You can use it on tiles, vinyl flooring, porcelain, carpets, auto bodies, conduits, round pipes and columns, laminates, linoleum, woodworking, etc.
Q – How to use a contour gauge?
Use a contour gauge is very easy. You can press the gauge against any irregular shape to capture it.
You can see this video from Finish Carpentry TV
Conclusion: What is the best contour gauge?
We did all the research and have listed out 8 best contour gauges to help you on whittling down your buying list. But at the same time you can browse other brands and products which suffice requirements. If you are buying from online stores make sure you read recent customer feedback which gives very useful information.
We would recommend a few points to consider such as pins, durability, measurement accuracy, safety features. A high-quality tool helps you to save time, increase your efficiency and leads to a perfect finished product.
The post 5+ Best Contour Gauge To Duplicate Irregular Shapes appeared first on For Handyman.
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PEX Crimp vs PEX Clamp; Which Tool is The Best?
In the process of finding the best PEX crimp tool, you will probably come across PEX clamp tools. Surely you will wonder, how are they different? Which tool is best for your plumbing project?
Don’t worry, read the whole article. We will show you how they work, as well as point out the differences between them. Sometimes the PEX crimp tool is perfect, but sometimes the PEX clamp tool is the better choice.
Let’s start by how each tool works.
PEX crimp tool
PEX crimp tools will work with fixed-size copper rings, typically 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch. Therefore, PEX crimp must have a jaw that fits each copper ring size. This means that if you want to installation with the PEX crimp tool, make sure you have the PEX crimp tool set with jaw fits to the size of the copper ring. Or better yet, have a PEX crimp tool that can replace jaw.
The PEX crimp tool will squeeze the copper ring between PEX pipes and PEX fittings to create a watertight connection. So you will need a bit of strength to tighten the handle of the tool.
PEX clamp tool
The PEX clamp tool is also known as the PEX cinch tool. It can work with stainless steel cinch/clamp rings as well as copper cinch/clamp rings. Because of the clamp mechanism, it can work with most ring sizes and does not need to replace jaw like PEX crimp tools. It also doesn’t need to exert too much force like the PEX crimp tool because it only has to clamp the tab on the cinch/clamp ring.
The Differences:
After reading the above two sections, you should be able to find out the difference between them. PEX crimp only works with copper rings, each jaw fits only one ring size, it takes a lot of force to crimp. PEX clamp is more flexible, can work with both copper and stainless steel rings, with just one jaw can work with all ring sizes, less effort.
PES crimp vs PEX clamp; Which one is the best?
PEX crimp tool helps you to create an extremely secure watertight connection over time. Obviously, this is its strong point (removing the crimp ring is not easy at all). The PEX clamp will also create a watertight connection. But because the design only clamps the tab, so maybe after a long time, the connection will not be good anymore. The PEX clamp is more suitable for temporary connections, or in small, difficult installation locations as it does not require a lot of effort. Another advantage of the PEX clamp is that it can fit many ring sizes, which gives it certain flexibility, compared to the PEX crimp that only works for each ring size.
If you aim to be flexible, easy to turn around in tight spaces, don’t need too much effort, use the PEX clamp tool. If you are aiming for a permanent connection, or if you only have a fixed number of pipe sizes, use the PEX crimp tool.
Conclusion
Both PEX crimp and PEX clamp are good tools. Depending on your goals, if you are aiming for flexibility, less effort. No need to replace jaw as well as watertight connection tests, use a PEX clamp. If you are aiming for a perfect connection with time, can withstand harsh weather and high pressure, use PEX crimp. Which tool is the best? It all depends on you and the goals you set.
Related topics:
https://forhandyman.com/how-to-use-pex-crimp-tool/
https://forhandyman.com/best-pex-crimp-tool/
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