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Theres a Better Way


Make a Simple Clamp for Perfect Miters

comments (4) December 28th, 2009 in Blogs        
cmiller Chuck Miller, special-issues editor
54 users recommend

Video Length: 1:26
Produced by: John Ross

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It's important to have the right tools to achieve best results when assembling miter joints on trim and other projects. A pinch dog clamp is designed just for this purpose, but if you don't have one handy try this tip from Fine Homebuilding reader Sven "Skip" Hanson, a cabinet maker out of Marietta, Ga.

Skip makes his own miter clamps using a spring clamp and two fine-threaded drywall screws. First, remove the protective plastic tips from the spring clamp. Next, use a nail set to pound a dimple into the tip of each of the clamp jaws before drilling through holes. Finally, screw the drywall screws into the holes.

Now your miter clamp is ready to use. Simply open the jaws and pinch the corner of the miter joint with the tips of the drywall screws to hold the joint tightly together during assembly.

posted in: Blogs, clamp, miter joint, pinch dog clamp, spring clamp
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Comments (4)

mbk56 mbk56 writes: yellowdogwood, if you can't live with the very small holes that this type of clamp would leave, how can you live with the hole that a pin nailer will leave? The holes left by this type of clamp can be closed up very easily with a drop of water to swell the fibers closed.
Posted: 5:05 pm on January 6th

bill117 bill117 writes: Sorry, I didn't see the posts on the side column.
Posted: 8:07 am on January 4th

bill117 bill117 writes: To paint small screw heads, just push them into a piece of cardboard and spray.
Posted: 8:05 am on January 4th

yellowdogwood yellowdogwood writes: Good idea. BUT, I guess I am too picky. I don't like the small dimples that the points make. and if they slip, then you have a nice scratch to fix. Yeah! Yes, the points are small and easily hidden.

But I use the a professional 2P-10 wood adhesive cyanoacrylate glue and spray activator to hold the joint together prior to nailing. First I apply a adequate amount of cyanoacrylate glue to one angle cut edge, then I spray the activator to the other angle edge cut, then hold together for 10-15 seconds, then use a Pinner or nailer to finish the job. The glue is very strong and easy to use. No slippage, No screw points to fill or slips to fix.

I have made frames with the glue only and have put my 200# on it and it hasn't moved or broke apart.

Thanks..
Posted: 12:36 am on December 29th

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