FastCap Crown Mold Clip

[Packard]

I work alone almost all the time.  Working alone makes installing long lengths of crown molding difficult.  I am in the process of remodeling the guest bathroom in my home and one run of crown molding is just over 9 feet long.  Too long for me to install on my own. 

So I bought FastCap's Crown Mold Clip from Amazon.com (set of four clips for under $10.00 including shipping).

I drove a nail in for each clip.  Then hung the crown molding on the clips and removed each clip from the nail (which gets left in place) as I drove in the nails. 

It worked perfectly and was extremely easy to use.  I recommend it.  Cheap, fast, easy and works well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001V9KFVI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Bob D.]

How do these compare to the Smithline crown hangers?

Anyone used both and care to comment on their performance.

 

[Packard]

I watched the video on the Smith hooks.  They have adjustability that allows the hooks to hold the molding snug to the ceiling. 

When I installed the molding I nailed the hooks so that the molding was about 3/4" below the ceiling.  I had made marks on the wall showing the correct height for the molding. 

At that point, I just nudged the molding up towards the ceiling until I exposed the height line and then drove the first nail.  If I was using a hammer and nails, then I think the adjustability would be a huge advantage.  But with a 15 gage nail gun I never felt a need to get the molding flush to the ceiling until I drove the nails. 

If you are using a nail gun, then the Smith hooks resolve a problem that really does not exist.  It is more money, and I doubt that is is much of an advantage. 

You do want to establish the right height to drive the nails, as you do want it pretty close the the ceiling when the moulding is in place.

 

[Bob D.]

Thanks. Wife has been talking about adding crown in the kitchen and there are some runs over 12 feet so these could be handy.

 

[Packard]

I coped the inside corners (instead of mitering).  In the past I've done that (not well) with a coping saw.  Paintable caulking made it all look much better than otherwise. 

This time I used a flap wheel on a 4-½" grinder to accomplish the same.  I made two practice pieces and then I was off to the races. 

I estimate that it took less than 3 minutes per miter like that (the last miter went quicker yet--but I probably won't need this skill for a few more years and I will have that same learning curve.)

This video (the beginning is all talk--start at 3:30 minute mark) shows how.