Festool clamps

[Mavrik]

I have both types. On reading this thread have realized I always use the screw types and never the quick types

 

[Acrobat]

I have both types and much prefer the screw versions. I find the other ones just don't seem to slide into position as well for me like the screw clamps do, and I like the feeling of getting that pressure tweaked to the right degree by twisting the handle, find the others don't have the same feel like it, but thats a personal thing I guess.
As an exercise I used both to hold down a rail prior to using the ts55, after many tests clamping, cutting, moving  find the standard screw type win hands down for me. I think I'll use the usual clamps for my rail cuts and delegate the other type to less frequently used jobs like on a kapex wing. If I get an mft, I'll try them on that, perhaps this is where they are most suited.

 

[Jesse Cloud]

Just for the record, I put together a Rube Goldberg jig that is held together by six Festool clamps, some screw type, some quickies.  The jig has been in use for 6 months and none of the clamps have slipped.  Frankly, they greatly exceeded my expectations.  Went out and bought some more!

 

[Krnbk2]

Over the last few weeks I have been doing a lot of glue ups and have noticed that my screw clamps will be loose after 20-30 minutes of clamping.

 

[grbmds]

I don't think there is one solution for clamping on the MFT. I have several different types of clamps and dogs, including Festool clamps and holding clamps, and have found that I use different methods of holding wood in place, depending on what I'm doing or working with. I still am learning about the versatility of the MFT. It just works in so many ways.

 

[VW mick]

Just a point

By my calculations you can get 6 screw clamps for 2 quick clamps

Worth thinking about

 

[alex946]

I have 4 quick clamps, and probably ten or a dozen screw.
Quick clamp is possible to fix one hand.
And use those and those looking what is more convenient at the moment.

Clamp does not happen much ©

 

[grbmds]

Quite the accomplishment to set a quick clamp with just one hand. I haven't mastered it yet. My next trip to the place I buy Festools will include some screw clamps, I think. There are just some things that need to be secured more firmly.

 

[rst]

Slippage on any clamp of this style (hollow riding on shaft) will slip if you do not jam the hollow up tight on the shaft before applying the leverage, whether it be the quick pull or the screw type.  Another problem occurs over time through over tightening the clamp; the torquing lever can become bent and does not catch the L bar at a good angle.

 

[semenza]

    I like both the screw type and the quick type. Just depends on the clamping situation. I especially like the quick clamps when used as shown in the pictures. Very handy when working through a stack of pieces.

[attachimg=1]

[attachimg=2]

Seth

 

[Hurricane Whisperer]

I don't think there is one solution for clamping on the MFT. I have several different types of clamps and dogs, including Festool clamps and holding clamps, and have found that I use different methods of holding wood in place, depending on what I'm doing or working with. I still am learning about the versatility of the MFT. It just works in so many ways.

I had the same problem with screw clamps.  Had them several years and had no problems.  Then they came loose and caused me to ruin a part I was laminating.  I thought it was a fluke, but then I notices they would come loose all by themselves after a few minutes even in clamping situations where the part didn't need clamping unless you were working on it.

I lightly scrubbed the L shapped part of the clamps with green Scotchbrite and the problem hasn't reoccurred yet.  It has been about 5 months since I did that.

I have never got any finish or lubricants on these clamps.  The only thing I can think of is that maybe the surface layer on the zinc plating get's powdering or slick after awhile and scruffing it removed the unstable layer..

I scr

 

[Stone Message]

Quite the accomplishment to set a quick clamp with just one hand. I haven't mastered it yet. My next trip to the place I buy Festools will include some screw clamps, I think. There are just some things that need to be secured more firmly.

I am really arthritic, especially my wrists, and find screw clamps a real pain. I can do quick clamps one handed with either hand as I am sure can be seen on some of my videos.

Peter

 

[Cealan]

For me i love these clamps i use them a lot but they both do the same job and the screw clamps €38 for a set & the rachet lever ones are €48 each. I think €96 for 2 clamps is crazy so im happy to use the screw clamps

 

[promark747]

For the screw clamps, does anyone put anything on the handles to make them grippier?  That's my only complaint with them...I was thinking about adding hockey tape or maybe dipping them in that plasti-dip (?) coating.

 

[Kevin D.]

For the screw clamps, does anyone put anything on the handles to make them grippier?  That's my only complaint with them...I was thinking about adding hockey tape or maybe dipping them in that plasti-dip (?) coating.

Been in love with High Friction Silicone tape for years now and this is one of the areas it shines in use.  Even used it to regrip my wheelbarrow handles about five years which is left year round outside and they are still there.  Tough stuff and gives a nice rubbery grip and allows you to remove one day and have no sticky residue.

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=67792&cat=1,110,43466

 

[#Tee]

i dropped mine and chipped some paint off one of the handle edge....i felt sick and wanted to throw up.

 

[Brent Taylor]

I have to agree with John H. for real world work the DeWalt clamps and tracks work the best for me. I also like the Makita short clamps, because of there handles are larger and easier to grip, for the same reason Peter Parfitt stated in an earlier reply . I am older and still have to work in the field, so anything that can make my work better and easier, that is what I use. (Know matter the color, I just don't have the time to paint the stuff between my naps and Dr. appts. Oh and work. [big grin]) B

 

[Brent Taylor]

[wink]Being old, I forgot to add that having all of the Festool clamps and I love them for most uses, but other clamp options that I love are Bessey's Klik clamps and there welding screw clamps, they are a great addition, for non=track use. (" it must suck being brainless Scarecrow." said Dorothy. And who is the heartless one thought the Tin Man.) B

 

[EV]

I actually prefer the screw ones. The quick-grip ones are good when using them to clamp the rail down (as in your pic) but for anything where they're being used the other way up I find I need to use two hands to operate them (one to hold the 'L' up to the underside of the work, and one to squeeze the handle).

Also I've found that, due to the cam action, the quick-clamps can move the piece you're trying to clamp in position. Maybe it's user error... [embarassed]

Ive had same problem with panels moving while trying to clamp them down. Then I thought I must be doing something wrong!

First thing was that like possibly many other i have been trying to squeeze living day lights out of them, where it is totally unnecessary. 2-3 clicks (mostly 2) is more than enough to hold panels tight to the bench without creeping.

Second thing is to prevent creeping I now use technic I use when laminating say table leg using your ordinary "F" clamps. I would using first clamp to just gently squeeze two or more parts together following by alternating orientation of each consecutive clamp in same manner of application and pressure. Once all clamps installed, I then go back and forward a number of times and tightnening each clamp ever so slightly more until reaching clamping pressure I am happy with. So with Festool quick clamps, I do same thing. I apply gentle pressure to the clamping element while pulling up on a clamping bar, then squeeze the lever with two clicks and repeat same thing on the other clamp while squeezing lever 2-3 clicks and go back to a first clamp and give a extra one squeeze.

I own 4 of these clamps, 4 of the screw type, 2 300mm screw type and a rapid clamp, which has it's own reason to be in my collection. They all great but I tend to use 2 screw type clamps mostly as they are alway at hand in my SYS - HWZ  toolbox Systainer.the rest live in my FS - BAG - VL.

Hope this helps folks.

Best regards

EV