4 comments about Bessey KLIK-4S 4-Piece 8-Inch Ratcheting Action KliKlamp Set.

1. These clamps are good.
   - Very light weight.
   - Took me few tries to getting used to it.
   (1) The black ratcheting handle has to be all the way
   out, away from the iron arm and
   (2) the jaws have to be touching with
   full contact on material before tightning.
   (3) Now you pull the ratcheting handle towards the iron
   arm to tighten it.
   
   If step (1) is not fulfilled then you will not get the
   full pressure after tightening. If you need less pressure
   you can keep the ratcheting handle in the middle also, but
   in my case I never wanted that. Since the ratcheting handle
   will maintain its position when you release it, you have to
   make sure before tightening that it is all the way
   open before tightening. I frequently forget that,
   and it takes some time getting used to it.
   
   The release of the clamps are also great, just
   one hand operation.
   The maximum pressure cannot be changed, but for most of
   my operation it is fine. I never planned to use these
   for heavy duty operation.
   
   Except the main clamp backbone, every thing else is non
   iron. The jaws are probably light hardened aluminum, but
   looks like plastic. It has a silver color.
   The ratcheting handle and the release mechanism
   is made of hardened plastic.
   I have not used it too roughly or for a long time, to comment
   on its durability, but uptil now these are holding up fine.
   The finish is really nice.
   
   
   This package of 4 has a very good price. I paid around $60
   with shipping. In Wood craft and Lowes these are priced $20
   a piece. Which adds up to $80.
   
   These are all 8 inch long I wish they also offer the 12 inch
   version at this price, or you can choose a pair of each kind.
   Like two 6 inch and two 12 inch or two 8 inch.
   
   I will recommend this product to any one at this price.
   The main outstanding qualities of this product are
   very light weight and ease of use.



2. These are fantastic little clamps. I use them in almost all my glue-ups. They are not a replacement for the the clamping power of the "traditional" bessey parallel clamp, but boy they are easy to use and convenient.
   For example, I use these clamps for a board glue-up on the sides of the joint to keep the boards aligned top to bottom while my k-bodies apply the joint pressure. These clamps compliment right angle jigs very well. I got 8 of them now and I am thinking about the 12". I wish they had the 12" in this 4 pack package. It seems like a good value.
   Update 4/07 - I have had two of these clamps fail...they start slipping immediately after putting on pressure...they are still nice overall...but i would look for alternatives given the cost



3. I've been using these around the shop for about a year now. When you look to buy clamps, remember that you will need a variety of clamps for different tasks. I have parallel clamps, bar clamps, wooden hand screw clamps, spring clamps and quick action clamps.
   
   These clamps are a type of quick action clamp. I prefer them over the Quick Grip clamps as they have more holding power and the ratchet is fun to use. When I first got them, I just played with the ratchet. I was also really surprised by how light they are. Much lighter than a Quick Grip.
   
   If you don't have much hand strength (kids or older woodworkers), they are easier to put on the pressure than a Quick Grip (which takes a certain amount of grip strength) and you'll get more clamping pressure too. Another point, the bottom pad (the one the ratchet handle is attached to) is able to tip a little, so if you're attaching something that has an angled face (i.e. the two faces are not parallel to each other), it will still work (as long as the angle is not too steep - in this case, it'll slide off/pop out).
   
   However, a couple of points to consider... Due to the ratcheting action, the pads are not parallel through the range of motion. That is to say, that if you have two pieces of wood that are aligned along an edge for a glue up, they will move on you as you tighten the ratchet through it's arc - not hard to deal with if you're expecting it - just remember to check the edge alignment before you walk away. Also, the ratcheting handle will need some clearance as it moves through it's arc - in tight quarters, this can be a problem. Remember that these clamps are speed clamps, not for heavy glue ups - they only give around 300# of pressure (some flex is evident) - not 600# of pressure like a Bessey Tradesmen clamp (much heavier bar). The ones I have seem to have a chrome coating that has flaked off in spots - not a problem in use, just makes them not appear as new. Another thing I don't know about is how long the teeth on the ratchet will last. This is a metal on hardened plastic action, which may eventually cause the teeth to fail (years down the road I'm assuming).
   
   Now with all that being said, I still really like them. I much prefer them to my Quick Grip clamps. And they blow the spring clamps away (I find these type of clamps about useless). I have found that when I need to attach a jig or fixture I reach for my KliKlamps (I have 8 - 8").



4. These clamps are absolutely awesome, easy to use. very little pressure needs to be applied to use clamp, while the clamp is squeezing with up to 350 pounds. quick and easy to clamp and unclamp. Would spent the money again for another set or for some more!!!

No comments about KD Tools 3702 2 Piece Hog Ring Plier Set.

2 comments about Leatherman 830589 Vista 830589 Hunting Pruner With Camo Nylon Sheath.

1. My husband has a Leatherman Multi tool and I just got him the Leatherman Pruner. He has used it and I have used it myself. It's very easy to use and very sharp. I highly recommend as this is a superb product for men and women. It has everything you need in one tool



2. I deer hunt almost every weekend in the fall and participate in archery, rifle and muzzleloading. I typically hunt from the ground, so cutting shooting lanes is particularly important. In the past I have used a Leatherman Super Tool, using the wire cutters on small branches, which worked OK but was slow going. My wife got me the Vista, and it's great so far.
   
   The Vista's pruners are sharp and cut through branches a little over 1/2" easily. The saw works well for larger branches, but don't be surprised if you get a hand cramp on trees/branches over 2" in diameter since the saw is only about 3" long. I haven't used the other tools nearly as much but they seem to be robust as well.
   
   The sheath work well too with a nice wide belt loop that fits on my hunting belt.
   
   Another great tool from Leatherman.

No comments about Oshlun MTEC-08 8-Inch Stainless Steel Digital Caliper with Super Large Display.

1 comments about Stanley 54-304 5 oz Magnetic Tack Hammer.

1. ITEM RECIEVED IS NOT THE SAME AS ITEM PICTURED. THE HAMMERS ARE DIFFERENT WITH SHORTER HANDLE AND DIFFERENT HEAD. I ORDERED THIS HAMMER AS I SPECIFICALLY WANTED THE ONE PICTURED. I COULD HAVE GOTTEN THE ONES SENT IN ANY HARDWARE STORE. THIS ITEM DESCRIPTION AND PICTURE SHOULD BE CHANGED TO MATCH THE ITEM, AS IT IS NOW DECEIVING AS TO WHAT YOU ACTUALLY GET.Stanley 54-304 5 oz Magnetic Tack Hammer

1 comments about General Tools 444 Depth/Angle Gage.

1. OK, I make very percise holes for the project I do. I was tired of using my tape for the job. This tool does exactly what it was made for. The numbers are easy to read, the tool is solid and well made.

1 comments about General Tools 837 6-Inch Contour Duplication Gauge.

1. For archaeologists, this is one of the last options for a contour gauge. Unfortunately the really good french ones are not produced any more, and there is not much choice left. Decent quality at an extremely competitve price.

2 comments about MSI-PRO MSI-302F (52120) Push/Pull Quick-Release Toggle Clamps.

1. the bolt is a little long for my application(I use it as a hold down on my tablesaw crosscutting sled) but a little work with a dremel made it more appropriate. otherwise a decent clamp.



2. The clamps were great. I used them as wagon brakes to stop moving scenery and they worked like a charm. About 1/2 of the price of a standard wagon brake or platform brake. It was shipped quickly and arrived in great time. Thanks!

No comments about Arrow Fastener BN1816B 1-Inch Brown 18 Gauge Brads.

2 comments about Footprint 160101 Series 1876 Beechwood Mortice Marking Gauge.

1. Don't shy away from this tool just because its made of Beech instead of rosewood. I have one of these and one similiar made by Lee Valley tools. Though not as pretty as the rosewood models, they are tougher than they look and work well. I have several marking gauges(I think 5), mainly because I tend to use the same dimensions a lot, so I have them set to the most common ones I use, with a couple to use with other stuff. Saves time and besides I like looking at em. HaHa. Every serious or want to be serious wood worker needs at least one of these. Much more accurate for layout than a pencil, especially for mortise/tenon, and dovetail joints. Highly recommend.



2. I just ordered and received this. I haven't used it yet, so this is an initial impression. It's fairly nice, and feels solid. The only thing I don't like is that the thumb screw used to adjust the unit is made of plastic, and looks cheap. It may hold up well over time, but it makes the unit feel cheap, which it isn't.