Band Clamps - Comparing MLCS Merle Adjustable Clamp vs. Generic Band Clamp

Рет қаралды 2,561

Күн бұрын

In this video we compare the well-respected Merle Adjustable Clamp from MLCS with a generic plastic and fabric clamp from Mastercraft. These band clamps, also known as strap clamps or corner clamps, are used to hold multi-sided work pieces such as picture frames, boxes, and other geometric shapes together during glue-up.
LINKS TO BUY FEATURED PRODUCTS (INCLUDES PAID LINKS):
🇺🇸 MLCS Merle Adjustable Clamp - amzn.to/3kQ2fWl
🇺🇸 Powertec Band Clamp (similar to Mastercraft) - amzn.to/3kHAQpG
🇨🇦 MLCS Merle Adjustable Clamp - amzn.to/3w9QsaG
🇨🇦 Powertec Band Clamp (similar to Mastercraft) - amzn.to/3vN6Rmy
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Introduction
0:19 Overview of Mastercraft band clamp
1:53 Overview of Merle band clamp
4:21 Testing Mastercraft band clamp
9:05 Testing Merle band clamp
12:55 Final thoughts
LINKS TO BUY PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT (INCLUDES PAID LINKS):
🇺🇸 Sony ZV-1 Camera - amzn.to/3KM7XDu
🇺🇸 SMALLRIG Camera Cage - amzn.to/3LPJy17
🇺🇸 RODE Wireless Go II Microphone - amzn.to/3KOKvpd
🇺🇸 SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB SD Card - amzn.to/3MUXXJy
🇺🇸 K&F 72" Camera Tripod - amzn.to/3w7p0dL
🇨🇦 Sony ZV-1 Camera - amzn.to/38UPB5K
🇨🇦 SMALLRIG Camera Cage - amzn.to/3FiFdB3
🇨🇦 RODE Wireless Go II Microphone - amzn.to/381pomd
🇨🇦 SanDisk Extreme Pro 256GB SD Card - amzn.to/3LNOrry
🇨🇦 K&F 72" Camera Tripod - amzn.to/3yhWOHZ
Please note that this video is not sponsored by any of the brands in the video and all products have been purchased with my own money. As a member of the Amazon Associates program, I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.
#bandclamp #strapclamp #merleclamp

Пікірлер: 9

@kennyg6482 7 ай бұрын

I have a Powertec band clamp like your cheaper one and it slides the band much easier than yours. My issue with it is if you are clamping thinner material or even 3/4" material and have a chamfer on the outside edge, the corner clamps won't stay grabbing the wood; they pull off over the top which is frustrating. In the future, any edges I put on the outside will have to be done after the frame is glued up instead of prior to clamping although I don't like doing that in case routing an edge goes bad or splits or chips etc. and ruins the whole project. Good video.

@garynelles 2 жыл бұрын

My cheap band clamp doesn’t give me a fraction of the headache yours does. The band on mine easily slides through the hole/slot with no effort. Can you enlarge the hole/slot the band goes through? Maybe it was a poor mould?

@selwocc Жыл бұрын

My only observations about this clamp of which I have been using now for over a year: First of all... I LIKE IT. However, I see two minor draw backs. #1. The device that winds the metal strap IS difficult to use. But, with some practice of working with the handle and a combination of actually feeding the strap into the winder, it is much easier than just trying to wind it up. A little patience and it seems to work quite well with that method. #2. As with all of these strap clamps, it sometimes is necessary to nail the corners for added support. Especially picture frames, where a good, tight and long lasting fit is a must! Unfortunately, since the corners cover the nailing area completely, the nailing can only be completed AFTER the frame is finished. Yes, it does work, but I feel that the nailing is better achieved while the work is in progress and the glue has not completely set up. This is a good, sturdy & compact clamp. It takes some practice and getting used to. But in the end and once you have used it a few times... even a novice should be able to become adept. Good luck and have some fun - BE PATIENT and don’t force anything, you’ll be o.k.

@FearsomeWarrior 2 жыл бұрын

It’s well known in the fan club for them that McMaster has a perfect stand in for the wrench part. The kind with a spring in it to leave the handle flat for picture frames. You have to shorten the bolt with a hacksaw but it’s perfect.

@MasonWoodshop 2 жыл бұрын

Oooooh, that's a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

@odhranlynch 2 жыл бұрын

Surprised by the small price difference between the two! Merle is certainly worth it by the looks of things. Hadn't realised there was a decent alternative to the usual fabric band clamps. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and showing us the difference 👍

@MasonWoodshop 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting! The $30 price tag of the Merle definitely makes it very appealing. It took me many years before I finally decided to try the Merle and I am glad I did.

@bsoneill3 Жыл бұрын

Good review fair review. Some pros and cons on both. It does look like you pick them up differently (around 7:45 and 11:20)- it looks like you allow the fabric one to pivot vs resisting the pivot/angle on the Merel. The tension on the Merel handle looks deadly.