Improvement Suggestion for the Kreg Right-Angle Clamp

[PJ]

Hi there.

I've bout the Kreg Right-Angle Clamp about two months ago and thought to give my two cents take of it for a change. I strongly suggest to make the pin side of the clamp a bit thinner. My problem is that with the standard drill bit that come with the Kreg 5 Jig it is a bit too think and Especially with soft wood (but not only) it tend to rip the hole, now I've just ordered the Mini jig attachment and absolutely sure it will basically be useless with it, because that the mini obviously have even smaller hole. Please guys make that improvement in the future. For those with some wrongful usage ideas, No. I am not just sticking it and using too much pressure. Especially because of the fact that the pin is too thick I am being extra careful and sometimes tend to put less pressure when clamping.

[Peter Buy]

Hi

I am Peter from the UK

I have just got a right angle automax clamp and the gap between the pin and flat side of the clamp is 70mm. I cannot see how to clamp two 16 mm board's to form a box as it just does not close enough.

Any advice

Thanks Peter

[Tim Grace]

I haven't had the problem of the pin not fitting.  It does need to be lined up almost perfectly with the hole, then seated. There is no slop in the fitting and holds the work pieces tight.  I found that following this method, I have the best results:

Back off the adjustment screw

Seat the pin in the hole in the first piece

Align the 2 pieces

Close the clamp

Turn the adjustment screw until the face of the clamp meets the second work piece

Release the clamp and turn the adjustment screw about 1/4 to 1/2 turn

Close the clamp and join the pieces

I don't know if I would grind the pin.  If the pin size really is to big, I'd use a fine grit sand paper and slowly reduce the diameter of the pin.  It should be snug in the hole.

[Franc Short]

Hi,

Add me to the list.  I had the same problem.  It puckered out opening for the hole, and it required a good amount of sanding.  If I were staining and polying this side, it would look even worse.  Fortunately I only damaged the underside of the base.

[Михаил Анчутин]

Hi!

My right-angle clamps is on the way so I have a theoretic consideration. Is it possible to make the pin thinner with a grinder?

Thanks!

[Chin Tong]

I have the same problem with soft wood and pine ply. however I imagine a thinner pin would not set the right angle as tight, as too much play there would allow the pieces to move when getting the screws in. 

[Art Scurlock]

I noticed the same thing recently. I plan to grind mine down slightly, which I have yet to do.

[Ryan James]

I too have this problem with the right-angle clamp.  Just inserting it into the pocket hole causes the wall of the hole to flex.  As soon as I apply clamping pressure, it tends to rip out the wall.  A slightly smaller pin diameter would alleviate this problem.  Since I use mine for assembly of cabinets or other boxes, I'll likely purchase the corner clamp to help alleviate some of my aggravation.