This won’t be a long review, mostly because the tool under scrutiny is so easy to use. Rockler introduced its Universal Clamp-It Kit several months ago. This is a clamp set designed to give you a “third arm” when assembling frames, drawers, or any two pieces of stock wood at 90 degrees. Anyone who’s done this type of work will recognize that clamping a perfect 90° angle can be a pain without the right jigs and clamps. The new Rockler Universal Fence Clamps with Clamp-It look to be a good “one person” solution that simplifies the process of tightly and securely joining stock before you glue it and use a cordless brad nailer or other tool to finish the job.
The kit includes two tools: the Rockler Universal Face Clamps, which adjust to a wide range of wood thicknesses and attach to the black polycarbonate Clamp-It frame, and the Clamp-It Fence. The fence measures 8″ x 8″ x 1/2″ and there are two 3/8″ holes which allow the aluminum universal face clamps to drop inside. Because each clamp can be adjusted, the system is perfect for just about any joinery application, including glued or nailed dado or rabbet joints, dovetails, or even face nailing applications and picture frames.
Rockler Universal Fence Clamps Features
- Rigid polycarbonate
- Dimensions: 8” X 8” X 1 – 1/2”
- 3/8” holes accommodate Universal Fence Clamps
- Works with table/band/cutoff saws
- Rigid aluminum clamps with steel threaded components
- Range of travel: 1/2” to 5-3/4”
Testing and Use
We used the system to quickly and efficiently set and fix some photo frames as well as to assemble some drawers for a built-in we were making. The clamp was easy to use, secured the wood firmly and let us quickly join the wood together without any marring of the wood. For more delicate work, we inserted some small pieces of soft wood between the clamp and the work piece to avoid marring the surface. Some kind of integrated pad or cover would be nice – and you can actually pick those up aftermarket. We especially liked how the black polycarbonate fence kept an even pressure and forced the proper 90 degree angle during use. About the only downside with these clamps is that, while sturdy, they don’t have any sort of quick-releases, so going back and forth between varying thicknesses of wood could take some time. Hardcore woodworkers will likely make their own jigs, but for around $25, this is still a handy tool that should probably be on the shelf of anyone who does joinery tasks. It’s portability and size make it handy for even a seasoned pro to grab and use at a moment’s notice.
