My cheap MFT clamps

[overanalyze]

So I will end up with a set of the ratcheting quick clamps from Festool someday. For now I have decided to save that money for other Festools and  make a cheap set on my own.

I got the Irwin 6" quick-grip on sale for $5. I ground off the plastic of the fixed end. Then I removed the roll pin and removed the clamp. Next was heating up the bar with my torch so I could put a 90 degree bend on the end. Finally I used my pipewrench to twist the bent end 90 degrees. Then I put the clamp back on the bar and re-installed the roll pin.

The one thing I really do like is the one hand operation. I have a bed to build coming up so these will get put to the test.

I hope I haven't broken any Festool laws by doing this instead of buying the nicer green ones. [emoji6]

Cheesy video of them. Cheap Mft Clamp:

 

[mobed]

That's great. Thanks for sharing.

 

[squarecut]

Really great idea - nice job [thumbs up]
I'm sure there will be many members copying your idea!

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I just bought a crap load of the Festool clamps right away, just to get it over with. 

 

[Benjamin]

no seriously, thats a great idea,

buy some festool clamps but trust me you'll be using those equally as much

I'm going to the garage next chance I get and I'm going to make some of those

Thx

 

[#Tee]

in some states its illegal to mix tool colors .. just sayin lol

 

[shed9]

Simple and effective.

I'd be tempted to bend over the other end as well so you don't poke yourself in the eye every time you lean over.

 

[wow]

That's the bet use of an Irwin clamp that I've seen - and I might have to plagiarize be inspired by that!

I don't think I could bring myself to doing that with a Bessey clamp, but Irwin - No problem!

 

[jbair]

Simple and effective.

I'd be tempted to bend over the other end as well so you don't poke yourself in the eye every time you lean over.

If you're tempted to bend over anyways, just go ahead and buy the Festool Clamps. LOL [scared]

 

[overanalyze]

That's the bet use of an Irwin clamp that I've seen - and I might have to plagiarize be inspired by that!

I don't think I could bring myself to doing that with a Bessey clamp, but Irwin - No problem!

Yeah I wouldn't do it to a Bessey either! I considered HF clamps but their quick grip style clamps are cheaper than these quality wise. These are a decent quality and for $5 I was willing to give it a try.  Thanks for the kind words guys!

If anyone is going to make their own I used a regular propane torch to heat it. Mapp gas might work a little faster. Also I made the bend approx 1-1/2" and I think 2" would be a little better.