Rutlands parallel jaw clamps
- Thread starter George_N
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I have some 300mm ones from a previous offer. They're OK at the (reduced) price, but don't be fooled into thinking you are getting bargain besseys, because they're much cheaper in build quality - again, as they would be at the price.
Lord Nibbo
Established Member
George_N":f9u7d3uf said:
I've ordered some at £8.73 each you cant go wrong. I limited myself just to the 600mm ones though just incase.
Lord Nibbo":3b775g5y said:
I've also taken the plunge and ordered a set of the 600 mm clamps. I'll post my opinion of them after I've had a chance to try them out. I have some kitchen cabinets to build over the next couple of weeks, so I will have an opportunity to put them through their paces.
Lord Nibbo
Established Member
George_N":3v1rmo47 said:
Hi George, I got an email back from Rutlands saying they were out of stock until Monday so it's a matter of sit and wait. At least they were good enough to let me know. =D>
CNC Paul
Established Member
I have order some 600mm and 900mm and they are winging their way to my workshop 
Lord Nibbo
Established Member
Yes, I've just had another email saying dispatched. Perhaps someone at Rutlands was having a bad day. :lol:
SP
Established Member
My order of 4 600mm and 4 900mm just got delivered.
First impressions:
Heavy and robust.
Looks to be well made.
Tilting handle great for tightening.
Slightly difficult to release the ratchet to allow opening jaws ( maybe improve with use.
Definitely worth the reduced price.
At least as good as my Bessey Uniklamps and cost less.
Appear to be better than the APTC ones and cost less
Overall a satisfied buyer so far.
First impressions:
Heavy and robust.
Looks to be well made.
Tilting handle great for tightening.
Slightly difficult to release the ratchet to allow opening jaws ( maybe improve with use.
Definitely worth the reduced price.
At least as good as my Bessey Uniklamps and cost less.
Appear to be better than the APTC ones and cost less
Overall a satisfied buyer so far.
A
Anonymous
Guest
SP":3bhxmd4r said:
For those that don't know the Uniklamp is the lightweight Bessey clamp.
The K-bodies are the real deal.
Cheers,
Neil
My order just delivered - however there were only three in the pack . Spoke to someone at Rutlands who is now looking for advice - asked if I wanted to return or have one sent. I opted for the latter
) I agree with the comments made by SP (like you I hope the ratchet improves with use!)
Cheers
Tony
. Spoke to someone at Rutlands who is now looking for advice - asked if I wanted to return or have one sent. I opted for the latter Other than comparison with Bessey (not rich enough for theseSP":1h70l27j said:
) I agree with the comments made by SP (like you I hope the ratchet improves with use!)Cheers
Tony
Lord Nibbo
Established Member
At a little over £8 each how do they compare to Besseys K clamp?
The head is almost indentical to the bessey even how it's fixed on is the same. With the exception of the black hard rubber pad on the face there is not much difference. The steel shaft is identical in profile as are the serrated edges that the clamp head uses to grip the shaft.
The handle can be hinged to add leverage on clamping really tight, I think this is an improvement over the bessey, this is done by pulling the spring loaded handle away from the body and simply swinging it around. Although the handle is well made I do suspect the hinge pin is not strong enough and is not the quality of the rest of the clamp, only time will tell.
When clamping up a panel I normally lay the clamp the other way up to how I've taken this picture, It will stand on it's back but the lever I've ringed which is used to open up the clamp stops it sitting firmly on a level surface by about 1/8" it's annoying that this clamp would be every bit as good as the Bessey and as heavy but this is a let down. I intend to grind it back with my bench grinder which should be quite easy and clean the edges off with a small file.
How well does it clamp?
To open up the clamp using that little lever is a little tight. On clamping it is every bit as good as a Bessey, no noticeable distortion to the heads as weight is applied so at a little over £8 each these are a bargain certainly much better than the aluminium extrusion type sash cramp. If I gave 10/10 for a bessey this clamp is easily worth 9/10 for build and 10/10 for value for money.
The head is almost indentical to the bessey even how it's fixed on is the same. With the exception of the black hard rubber pad on the face there is not much difference. The steel shaft is identical in profile as are the serrated edges that the clamp head uses to grip the shaft.
The handle can be hinged to add leverage on clamping really tight, I think this is an improvement over the bessey, this is done by pulling the spring loaded handle away from the body and simply swinging it around. Although the handle is well made I do suspect the hinge pin is not strong enough and is not the quality of the rest of the clamp, only time will tell.
When clamping up a panel I normally lay the clamp the other way up to how I've taken this picture, It will stand on it's back but the lever I've ringed which is used to open up the clamp stops it sitting firmly on a level surface by about 1/8" it's annoying that this clamp would be every bit as good as the Bessey and as heavy but this is a let down. I intend to grind it back with my bench grinder which should be quite easy and clean the edges off with a small file.
How well does it clamp?
To open up the clamp using that little lever is a little tight. On clamping it is every bit as good as a Bessey, no noticeable distortion to the heads as weight is applied so at a little over £8 each these are a bargain certainly much better than the aluminium extrusion type sash cramp. If I gave 10/10 for a bessey this clamp is easily worth 9/10 for build and 10/10 for value for money.
Thanks for the comparison and mini review LN. Nice to know that I have made what appears to be a good buying decision (for a change!). I know what you mean about the aluminium extrusion clamps (mine are quite bendy )
Just a quick update I have had a couple of calls and an email from Rutlands. Bottom line is they are sending out my missing clamp tommorrow. I must say I am quite impressed with their communication and on that basis will be very happy to deal with them again - wonder if they read the comments in the forum
Cheers
Tony
EDIT: Your comments about not lying flat like the Bessey's interesting - had overlooked that. Instead of taking the clamp to the grinder do you think that adding say 1/4" wood using epoxy (with a cutout) would be viable alternative?
)Just a quick update I have had a couple of calls and an email from Rutlands. Bottom line is they are sending out my missing clamp tommorrow. I must say I am quite impressed with their communication and on that basis will be very happy to deal with them again - wonder if they read the comments in the forum
Cheers
Tony
EDIT: Your comments about not lying flat like the Bessey's interesting - had overlooked that. Instead of taking the clamp to the grinder do you think that adding say 1/4" wood using epoxy (with a cutout) would be viable alternative?
MooreToolsPlease
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the stated lengths are the maximum clamping lengths.
I ordered some which I hope will be here tomorrow.
I ordered some which I hope will be here tomorrow.
cambournepete
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Mine would be on the way if I hadn't placed the order late friday using a credit card that expired before they processed the order. :roll:
At least they've emailed and phoned me to get it sorted. =D>
At least they've emailed and phoned me to get it sorted. =D>
MooreToolsPlease
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Don't order too many Gary, if they are good I will be buying a fair few more :wink:
Colin C
Established Member
I got some of the 900mm ones and should have them tomorrow
As long as i dont miss them :roll:
As long as i dont miss them :roll:
