Two tools for tight miters

comments (3) May 18th, 2009 in Blogs

Justin Fink, Senior Editor

33 users recommend

These clamps are pricey, but dont waste any time waiting for that big job that justifies the added expense. Buy these now and you wont ever have to look at sloppy miter joints in casings again (well, at least not on your projects...)

I keep at least a half dozen of these pointy-tipped pincers at close reach for closing up miter joints in baseboard, crown, scotia, chair rail, shoe mold...actually, just about everything but casing, which you already have covered by the Clam Clamps.
See? genius.

These clamps are pricey, but don't waste any time waiting for that "big job" that justifies the added expense. Buy these now and you won't ever have to look at sloppy miter joints in casings again (well, at least not on your projects...)

Photo: Courtesy: Jim Chestnut

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Not every tool that you read about in this blog will be brand-spankin’ new.

That’s because some of the best tools have been around for years, but the small "mom and pop" companies don’t have deep pockets for marketing campaigns and mass-retailing. So, unless somebody you know uses them, or you see a photo in your favorite magazine (ok, fine...your second favorite magazine), you don’t know they exist.

Well, hopefully The Clam Clamps and Miter Clamps will both be new to you. If not, then it’s a chance for you to chime in (add a comment, below) and share your approval or other opinions with the guys/gals who aren’t in the know…

I’m in the middle of a whole-house trim job right now. The works: base, case, two-piece crown, paneled wainscot with two-piece cap, and window wainscots in every room. Needless to say, there are miters by the million. I'll post photos in our gallery when the job is done, but for now trust me on these two tools. Without them I’d be lost.

Trim Complete
by Greg Kossow Expert advice on a wide array of trim and molding projects $21.95 more info...

posted in: Blogs, remodeling, finish carpentry, restorations, windows, miter saws, built-ins

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Comments (3)

Simon32 writes: carpentershane:
Have you experimented with using yellow glue and/or biscuits in conjunction with the 2P10? Do you finish after install, if so, how does the activator overspray affect the finish after staining? We generally prefinish our casing and then install and I think the activator overspray (even if your careful) would mar the finish. I'm interested in some details on your system. We can't get the Clam clamps, so I'm looking for other systems. We won't go back to installing piece by piece. We have used yellow glue, a clamping table, and hidden trim screws to assemble casings thus far but you can do very many at a time.
Posted: 12:21 pm on December 30th

MFournier writes: Best Casing Miter clamp for my money is the Hartford Clamp
http://www.coastaltool.com/clamps_vises/hartford/hartford_miter.htm

I have several sets of these. They have also been around a long time.
Posted: 3:06 pm on June 29th

carpentershane writes: I have used the miter clamps before but more recently have switched to a new method. After I install all the doors in the house I will go back and measure and make a cut list. Then I cut all the jamb legs and heads and glue them together with 2P10, a CA glue with activatior that allows you to hold pressure on the joint for about 5 seconds and it is cured. You can pick up can carry the hole shebang to the door opening and shoot it in place. This (as long as you install your doors properly) insures tight mitres and clean reveals every time
Posted: 11:04 am on June 9th

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