Thread: Quick release toggle clamps

I've found that you need 2 toggle clamps if you don't want movement, they are really only designed for holding pressure not clamping pressure.

As for the locking pliers, Bunnings has them as do most Tool Supply shops

These are an alternative.
Expensive, but absolutely secure when applied

http://www.northwoodtools.com.au/categories.asp?cID=280

DJ, Bunnings carry some types of locking pliers, the ones I was after have a piece that attach to the drill press and then have a locking arm that comes down to clamp. Have seen them on the American websites, was hoping to find one closer to home.

Have a look at OZMESTORE1 on epay. Or search for 10" rotary locking clamp.

Originally Posted by Tiger

DJ, Bunnings carry some types of locking pliers, the ones I was after have a piece that attach to the drill press and then have a locking arm that comes down to clamp. Have seen them on the American websites, was hoping to find one closer to home.

I bought one of these years ago, and have been on the (low priority) lookout for another one ever since.

This is the sort of thing I'm talking about...

http://www.justclamps.com/driipress_clamp.htm

Cheers,
Andrew

Found it!

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Vise-Grip-11HD-11-Inch-Locking-Clamp/dp/B00004SBBC"]Amazon.com: Vise-Grip 11HD 11-Inch Locking Hold Down Clamp: Home Improvement[/ame]

According to Google, it looks like Total Tools carry them:

http://www.toolies.com.au/catalogue/...a56a86e6ccd06e

Vice-Grip model 11-HD $68

Cheers,
Andrew

Is this what your after, this is the one Dan is talking about

Bunnings used to have ones similar to them when I last looked, which was a fair while ago, maybe call some engineering supply shops.

Hi Tiger

I believe that this is not what you are looking for but maybe....

niki

Thanks Andrew and Dan. Yes the clamps you've mentioned are the ones I was after. Didn't know that Bunnings would carry such a specialised item, I'll investigate.

Niki, I saw your work and am tempted to make an exact copy of what you have there, but I've already bought these toggle clamps and am trying to work out why I haven't had much success with them.

I have found that the Sailtrack aluminium channel that the toggle clamp rides in lifts when I apply pressure on the toggle clamp, that is enough to weaken the clamp's hold significantly. Most of the jigs using t-track use 3/4 inch plywood. I have used that and screws every 150 mm and still the Sailtrack lifts slightly. What do others do in terms of screwing this stuff down so that it doesn't lift? Also you need to countersink the screws so that the bolt that rides in the channel clears it. I have 2 countersinking tools and neither will get anywhere near the base of the channel, so I just use a 6.5 mm drill bit to create the countersink. I even used epoxy to glue the channel in the plywood and that didn't hold. If screwing is enough, what size screws and how far apart are you using?

They don't need to be quite as long as those that Niki has shown here to be effective. The key is to have the clamping bolt (i.e. the one you tighten up) as near as possible to the part being clamped.

Hi Tiger

Nowadays, for the big or long boards, I'm using just a strip of wood with sanding paper at each end and put a piece of scrap (same thickness or more than the workpiece) under the other side...



Or, one of those sectors of wheels


For the small pieces, I'm using this, two stops and holder...the piece is locked from all 4 sides


I use the same "clamps" also on my workbench








Regards
niki

McJing have them (they call them vice-clamps - look under Vice in the Woodworking section) in 6" and 9" sizes.

Hi Tiger,

I've seen those clamps at woodworkers warehouse in Braeside Melb.

No affilliation etc just FYI.

Peter
Mugwoody

Thanks, Peter. Must take a look next time I go down that part of town.