This thing works! The whole point of this clamp is to use in a pocket hole to join boards together. I have read many of the reviews on Amazon about this clamp. I agree with some of the points, but others I do not. First off, this is a five star tool. This is why...
1. No other clamp will instantly join a pocketed board to another like this. Yes, you can use several box or bar clamps and fumble around with them, or you can snap this on.
2. You do not "need" two. Would it help, and is it worth it to have more, yes. But one is fine. You just need to realize your limits using one. Namely, you must clamp and then systematically set a screw. Then unclamp and reclamp, and set another screw. If you do this, you won't have the problems of creep or misalignment as one stated. How do I know, well, I just built a huge box cabinet for a stove, microwave and two drawers. Floor to ceiling using red oak plywood, red oak boards, sand ply, and particle board. The whole thing is full of pocket screws. They are everywhere! I had a helper who was a cabinet guy (old school) and he saw my clamp and said "there is no way that will work". I bought the clamp to use it, so I replied, well we are gonna at least try it. He was amazed. It was a sinch to clamp and screw, remove, align, clamp and screw. The key was staying next to the clamp. Move too far away, and yes you will have issues.
3. The tool is well made. Solid casting and strong. I have dropped mine on accident a few times and it gets beat in my bag, but it looks great.
4. The rubber on the handle! Yes... Why no one mentions this I don't know. This is the genius of this tool! You wouldn't think that the coating was important, but it serves 3 purposes. The first is that it protects the tool and the wood. The second is that it helps aid in holding the tool securely. The third thing is what I love most. It protects your hand/fingers and aids in removal. I can't even tell you how many times a clamp like this has pinched me while removing. The rubber eliminates that altogether.
5. The special side fits tight in the pocket and that perfectly aligns the other side to clamp. No guessing. Just insert, and double check the boards and clamp.
It is a specialty tool yes... Would it be nice if it were cheaper... Yes. But is it worth buying... Yes. Even if you build one item with a few pocket screws, I feel it is worth having. I have even used it to clamp wood down and "press" in a pinch.
Good job Kreg on this one. I would like to see it in a 2 pack for a discount though...
| Manufacturer | Kreg |
|---|---|
| Part Number | KHC-RAC |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Item model number | KHC-RAC |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color | Multi |
| Style | Right Angle Clamp |
| Voltage | 20 Volts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Included Components | Swimmaxt |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Warranty Description | Swimmaxt |
