When it comes to woodworking, it can be frustrating to hold two pieces of wood together at a 90-degree angle to join them. It’s a process that could benefit from an extra set of hands. A corner clamp, or right-angle clamp, is a better option for these projects.
A right-angle clamp consists of an L-shaped arbor that pushes against an L-shaped frame via a handle that attaches to a spindle. The vise holds two pieces of wood at a 90-degree angle with the ends perfectly aligned, which frees your hands to join the two pieces together either with glue or fasteners.
Do not make the mistake of thinking all corner clamps as same; otherwise, you might not get the most value out of your purchase. Remember, it is a versatile tool and will offer you a lot of utility as long as you have a clear idea of how it works.
If you are a beginner who wants to buy the best corner clamps in the market, then you came to the right place. In the following section of the article, we will give you a quick rundown of some of the top-rated units you can find to make your woodworking projects hassle-free.
Things to Consider when Buying the Best Corner Clamps
Now that you have gone through our list of reviews, here are a few things that you should consider when searching for the best corner clamps.
Accuracy
The most important aspect of a corner clamp is its accuracy. However, it is hard to check the accuracy perfectly without using it. But if you do not take this issue seriously and buy a faulty unit, you will not be able to get much use out of it. All your projects with it will be crooked and out of alignment.
One way to ensure you end up with an accurate unit is to slide the block to the machine’s outer walls. If it lines up perfectly, then you are good to go. However, if it does not, you are not getting a 90-degree corner clamp. But take this test a bit lightly since it does not guarantee the perfect accuracy even the clamp lines up.
Capacity
Another critical aspect of the corner clamp is to check its jaw capacity. The capacity essentially dictates how big of a material you can use with the unit. In simpler terms, the distance between the clamping block and the outer wall is known as its jaw capacity.
Thankfully, manufacturers clearly state the capacity of the product in the product specifications. If you are planning to do heavy-duty projects with thicker and denser materials, you should go with at least 2.5 inches. However, most basic projects do not require that much capacity.
Durability
Lastly, it would help if you looked at the construction quality of the corner clamps. Make sure it comes with strong materials like die-cast aluminum or steel. Some low-budget units come with plastic bodies to lower the cost of the product.
However, they are not worth buying as they might break down within a few years.
Price
Price isn’t the only factor that needs to be considered but sure is very essential when sampling out your best choice. A general rule of thumb is that the price needs to match the value of the product. To be sure, you can start by comparing your favorite picks online. However, you need to be careful since cheaper prices might sometimes mean a compromise on quality. For instance, our top pick – Kreg KHCCC 90° Corner Clamp – is of premium quality and goes for about $38 while the brittle IRWIN clamp will cost you $22, isn’t versatile and doesn’t last long.
Quality of Materials
Material quality is a fundamental factor that influences the versatility of a corner clamp. To evaluate a corner clamp’s durability and its capability to be used for a wide range of projects, we reviewed the quality of materials used to make it. This varied from plastic, metals, and sometimes both. For sturdy, durable, versatile, and lightweight clamps, most manufacturers often prefer to use heat-treated aluminum. Others such as the Miusuk right angle clamp are made of plastic and/or any other metal such as zinc. These are delicate and can only be used for light-duty projects. Finally, we also kept an eye on the paint used to coat the surface as it prevents corrosion. Note that subpar paints rub off on your workpieces.
5 Best Corner Clamps of 2021:
1. Housolution Right Angle Clamp
If you are looking for a light-weight corner clamp that is not only versatile but quite easy to operate, then the Housolution Right Angle Clamp is the one for you. It was designed with woodworking in mind. Just a simple twist of the screwdriver-like mechanism and the vice bolt retracts along a fixed threaded shaft. Then place the wood, cinch it up, and you are ready to glue, nail, or screw it in place.
It is made of aluminum alloy, so it is exceptionally light, which makes it the perfect corner clamp if you must travel for your woodworking business or hobby. It has a photo frame vise holder with an adjustable swing jaw, which can accommodate two wood blocks of different thicknesses to be joined seamlessly. And the rubber-coated handle on the clamp mechanism allows the user to give it an added twist without the handle slipping while torquing the blocks in place.
2. Wolfcraft 3415405 Quick-Jaw Right Angle 90 Degree Corner Clamp
Wolfcraft has always been a respected name in the tools industry. Looking at its high-quality corner clamps, it really should come as no surprise. It comes with all the features you need to take on projects from nailing to making box-frames effortlessly.
Construction-wise, the unit is built like a tank. It features a durable die-cast aluminum frame that can hold up against years of abuse. To account for your comfort, it comes with ergonomic handles that are easy to adjust.
The 2.5 inch jaw capacity that you get from this unit is suitable for most clamping projects. Thanks to the quick-release feature, you can quickly handle all your adjustments.
Additionally, the unit comes with a 3 inch clamp face along with V-groove channels that can grip round objects It is extremely useful for when you are using it as a workbench vise.
3. Can-Do Corner Clamps
Being tremendously simple to use, the can-do clamp relieves the fatigue while accomplishing woodworking or any repair tasks. Generally, the can-do clamp extensively finds its application for drilling, framing, and many more. The need to join cabinet frames or picture frames arise frequently, and in all such cases, the can-do clamp is an ideal choice. Capable to set up instantly, this clamp apparatus is readily available for use.
Those DIY enthusiasts looking to add a practical tool in their tool collection can certainly go for this one. Furthermore, the use of sturdy metal materials enhances durability whereas the screw tightening screw seems very smooth. This thing seems super sturdy and it works fairly well. To make the most of this clamp while using for cabinet frames, it is a feasible idea to use 2 right angle clamps simultaneously.
4. IRWIN Tools Light Duty Corner Clamp
The IRWIN Tools Light Duty Corner Clamp is another good clamp for framing projects. This clamp isn’t very sturdy, weighs 9.6 ounces, and can hold compression pressure of up to 200 pounds making it excellent for smaller projects only.
This model comes with nylon rounds that help protect your work, especially when working with tender wood. Its metallic body, steel screws, and IRWIN’s lifetime warranty all ensure its durability.
If you’re out looking for a semi-permanent and lightweight corner clamp at an affordable price, then the IRWIN Tools Light Duty Corner Clamp would be a decent purchase for you. For heavy-duty projects, you should opt for other premium-quality alternatives.
This tool is flimsy especially if your workpieces have a thickness of more than 3/4 inches and users should be keen on the amount of pressure applied. It is good for projects such as the construction of birdhouses and picture frames.
On the downside, several of the top reviews on Amazon have said IRWIN tools have a very high defect ratio.
5. SAND MINE Double Handle Corner Clamp
This corner clamp from Sand mine is yet another double handle tool that every woodworker can appreciate. It comes with a long-lasting body made with aluminum alloy steel. It also features the adjustable jaws that users can release as quickly as possible to clamp pieces of material together.
The double handle is made of anti-skid and robust rubber to help a user to grip tightly for a quick grip. If you want, the device can serve as your clamping tool for 90 degrees corner joint. It can also double as a workbench vise or saw guide for making 45 degrees miter cuts.
We appreciate the fact that you can use this device for framing, doweling, furniture installation, aquarium and frame installations, drilling, cabinet making, etc.
So, if you’re a cabinet maker who is always angry at low-performing clamping tools, this brand is for you. Also, if you plan to undertake a DIY project anytime soon, grab this corner clamp. Moreover, this device is also a must-have for handymen who carry out lots of projects.
FAQs
If you need a bit more guidance before choosing one of the best right angle clamps, read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
How do you use a right angle clamp?
Place the clamp face-up on a flat surface, making sure there’s enough space for the two pieces you plan to join and that the clamp’s jaws are open. Slide the first piece into the clamp, lining the end up with the corner of the clamp’s arbor. Slide in the second piece until it meets with the first piece. Align the two parts until the ends are flush to each other with no overhanging edges. Hold the pieces in place with one hand while tightening the clamp with the other. Tighten by turning the handle clockwise until firm. Avoid over-tightening, which may damage the material.
How do you clamp an irregular shape?
Irregularly shaped materials will not fit flush to the clamp’s flat jaws, preventing it from adequately holding the piece. To fix this problem, you need to create a brace out of scrap wood that fits between the clamp jaws and the material. The brace, which can be a single piece or multiple pieces, includes a flat side that fits flush to the jaws and an irregular side that fits flush to the piece. The brace allows the clamp to grip firmly by filling the gaps between the jaws and the irregularly shaped piece.
How do you join two pieces of wood at right angles?
There are a couple of ways to do this. One method is to use a miter saw to create a miter joint. Cut each end to be joined at a 45-degree angle using a miter saw. Apply glue to the ends of the pieces. Using the right angle clamp, clamp the pieces so the mitered ends butt together, creating a mitered joint. Allow the glue to dry, then use nails or screws to reinforce the joint. If using screws, drill a pilot hole for each screw to prevent the wood from splitting.
Final Thought – Your Best Corner Clamp of Choice?
Corner clamps or angle clamps are simple tools that you might found everywhere. And because now everyone can afford one even though they might touch it once a month, new models come out non-stop.
You must be sober to pick the best out of all attractive ads and eye-catching design.
It will take you days to do the searching and read through reviews but with us, 10 minutes scrolling down the latest updated list- best corner clamps!
And Don’t forget to check out more essential Clamps that you might need.