What brand are miter spring clamps/where can I get them?

[woodwarda99]

I have been using some crappy miter spring clamps for years for door casing and window casing glue ups and ran across these when I was working with an old timer last year. Before I was able to dig for the details to get my hands on a set, I lost the picture with the part information. These clamps really are a game changer and apply some very nice pressure and the fine points do well to grab into some of the harder maple and oak I tend to work with. Any help would be appreciated here in getting info on these miter spring pinch clamps!

 

[PeterJJames13]

Rockler has their version here...
https://www.rockler.com/spring-mite...SLuTKygWICFlEEoy5vl5Brj9bcos7vIRoCr4MQAvD_BwE

But I think you're referring to the Maestro MPC20 pinch clamps?

 

[PeterJJames13]

Maestro also had a larger kit, but I think that's been discontinued for years. Collins Tool does have pinch clamps as well. They can be found here...
https://www.collinstool.com/tools/miter-clamps/

 

[woodwarda99]

Yes! Maestro! They have replaceable tips and I like that you didnt have to flip the pliers when switching sizes (I tend to use a small and large size clamp for larger miter glue ups). I guess I'll need to get on the hunt for a set of them. I have two of the original clamp clamps that I reconditioned and look new that I would be willing to trade with a full set of standard c miter spring clamps for some Maestro's if anyone wanted to get rid of their clamps

 

[demographic]

Ulmia? These aren't mine, just a pic I found on the net.

 

[woodwarda99]

No, those are the style that I have now and I'm not happy with them. Unless I took a grinder to sharpen the points, I find them less than stellar

 

[Birdhunter]

How do you cover up the holes the clamps make.

 

[mkasdin]

How do you cover up the holes the clamps make.

I use the brand Collins. The mark they leave is very, very small. I just leave it as-is and not worry about a small imperfection on the outside corner. If someone is looking with a magnifying glass it might be an issue? In the end it gives me tighter mitered corners for base moulding and casing so it’s worth the super small divot.

 

[bertv]

Plus one on Collins. Not too expensive, work well.

 

[rst]

I've had the Ulmias for about thirty years and have at least twelve of each size.  Great for trim work and picture frames.  Amazon has a set for $171.45...Glad I bought mine years ago.

 

[cider]

No personal experience with these, but looks like the same picture:
https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodwo...ters/how-to-clamp-compound-miters-for-glue-up

Says Grizzly sells them, but I didn't see them on the Grizzly site.

 

[ChuckM]

Here:https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-clamp-all-combo-starter-set/h3703

 

[cblanton42]

Here:https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-clamp-all-combo-starter-set/h3703
You missed the HUGE box stating they're discontinued and no longer available... [wink]

 

[Peter_C]

Collins clamps are probably the most common type.

These are the best on the market and what a pro should be using.https://www.miterclamp.com/

Edit:http://www.garymkatz.com/ToolReviews/clam_clamps.html

 

[peter halle]

Collins clamps.  There are cheaper imitators out there, but perhaps supporting the little guy might be helpful right now.

Peter

 

[ChuckM]

Here:https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-clamp-all-combo-starter-set/h3703
You missed the HUGE box stating they're discontinued and no longer available... [wink]

I swear. That huge note wasn't there when I shared the link! (But may be I did miss it? [big grin])

I use this (also made in the USA):https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/sho...189-spring-clamps-and-pliers-set?item=17F8403

To use those clamps for furniture-grade miters, there's a proven trick. Don't use them alone as they'll leave unsightly holes. Clamp the joints with masking/binding tape first (I like this:https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/sho...sives/tape/70856-3m-binding-tape?item=25U0330) and then with the pinch clamps. After the glue cures, remove the clamps but not the tape. Fill the holes while the tape is there with stainable filler/putty. These are the best ones: Timber Mate (oil) orhttps://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/supplies/finishing/75766-aqua-coat-wood-grain-filler (water).

After the filler is dried, remove the tape, light sand and stain the piece -- the putty is invisible (except to yourself) if you do a good job. If the piece is not to be stained, touch up the putty with a marker or stain/dye to match the wood. This last step is where experience matters. Practice it on a scrap first.

Do not use a paste made of glue and sawdust as a filler in a furniture-grade build! 

 

[Festdewalkita]

Collins are awesome (saw them on the Paulk video series about how to do crown and ordered some).

ChuckM-what a phenomenally sharp tip!!!! (that's kinda punny, right?) 

Btw, when you look at the picture on the LeeValley website, you can see the miter clamp pliers says "Collins Tool Co." on them.  I thought those Lee Valley ones looked familiar!!  Har.  Besides getting a set there, you can order the pliers and some clamps at Collins' website, or Collins miter clamp sets on Amazon.

 

[Oldwood]

The Ulmias came as a set. I have had these for so long I don't remember where I bought them.

It is handy on wider pieces to use both a small spring on the tip and a larger one further up the mitre.

A friend has a set like these and had a shop that makes springs reproduce 20 of each size. The set  has 8 of each size.

 

[Sparktrician]

One more vote for the Collins clamps.  They've been a life-saver doing outside corners on crown molding. 

 

[Cheese]

For small pieces of trim I use Collins.https://www.highlandwoodworking.com/collinsmiterclamppliers4miterclamps.aspx

For larger pieces of trim I use Clam Clamps.https://www.miterclamp.com