China Tools, How good are these cheap clamps really?

[@carforumwanker]

Hello Dennis ..I want to comment about your videos .NOTHING about the items you test etc .BUT ONLY the way you film, the sound quality .YOUR mannerism and professional skill etc .Its a very very good "Benchmark " for all vloggers .

[@HookedonWood]

Thanks! I put some energy in it to make it as good I can and try to improve myself every time. So I am glad it makes a difference 😀

[@tonkatoy200]

For easy release the one handed clamps, squeeze the grips as to tighten , then pull the release trigger. Almost all quick clamps release much more easily.

[@paulwheelhouse7090]

Dennis the Fonson square also fits the MacAlister plunge saw rail. May I also add from your China tools recommendations I have purchased from Banggood 22 tools, (T squares, sharpening systems, clamps Fonson square and the extension rail Doweling jig, combination square, square and 2 sets of 90 squares but without the clamps dont make my mistake get them with clamps. I am 70 years old and have been pottering in my shed/workshop for getting on for 50 years, I can say without reservation these are some of the best & beautiful looking tools I have ever had or seen. Thank you for the time you have put in in bring these to our attention

[@BA-zy2kb]

Greetings from 🇨🇦! Thanks for the update on the fonson rail guide and extension. Just waiting for mine to arrive. Your reviews give me confidence to invest in these tools.

[@BA-zy2kb]

Received my Fonson guide and extension. Your review video(s) really help me assemble and set them up easily as there were no instructions. As you stated they are well made and together provide functionality that my TSO GRS-16 lacked without considerable additional cost. Very happy. Thanks again!

[@nickysmith2032]

Hi Dennis, really appreciate all you do here to assist the woodworking community! i do hope you will be testing the Hongdui clear cut stock guides copy of the jessem system

[@jcricket23]

Your videos are uniformly excellent. Your commentary is thoughtful and concise. But it is your honesty and integrity that puts them in a league of their own. Thank you.

[@igavinwood]

New here and surprised at the channel. It's great to see someone putting out this content. It's not easy to find quality reviewers of tools. Thank you.

[@dennisnahorney8215]

Dennis have you reviewed any thin rip jigs for table saws. Been through most of your great reviews on china tools and haven’t seen any. Thanks keep up the great reviews Dennis

[@johannesbengner383]

Dennis, thanks for yet another very informative episode. Well done. I have longer (5 ft) versions of the blue/orange aluminum clamp, bought elsewhere several years ago, and they are terrible. Besides the fact that the pressure plates keep falling off, they are too hard, so they usually slip when tightened, and always leave indentations in the wood. Also, the aluminum bends very easily when I crank the pressure. Glad to see you didn’t recommend them. I got a couple of Bessey F-clamp ripoffs from IGM tools in the Czech republic, and I’ve never looked back. Half the price of Bessey, great performance.

[@matthewjaniszewski9657]

Hi Johannes -- if you still have those clamps, one common way to make them better is to cut a piece of hardwood to fit in the interior of the aluminum bar. While it doesn't solve the other problems you mentioned, it definitely helps with making them more sturdy. I have a number of them, and while they are the last ones I reach for, I still use them when I get to the point of "always need one more clamp".

[@mahmut123456]

Hi Dennis nice to see another video from you. To be honest after your videos and a few purchases I consider Hongdui und Ganwei as premium tool builders. I hope they keep up the good work and stay loyal to high quality! 👍

[@rogerwhoareyou]

Great review! I always look forward to your reviews as they give me valuable advice of tools i may not know avout as well as things to look for in items that are available in my local market. Keep up the great work. Many thanks, RL

[@ChristianN-]

Great video as always! I think after trying quite a few different clamps that Bessey clamps are just worth the price. They just seem to work as I expect them to.

[@Crushwokery]

Hello Dennis, I've watched all you incredible videos. I enjoy them greatly and now eagerly look forward to them. I hope bangood keep offering new products so you can keep the reviews going. Thank you for your time and effort you put into these videos. Kindest regards from 🇬🇧 Alec.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Denise I really respect your thoughts and reviews! You are honest and upfront about every product that you bring to our attention! I have followed your advice on several items that you have reviewed and I can say I have not been disappointed! 😁🛫

[@Kelvallontan]

Same here. Each item I've bought on your recommendation has been great.

[@HookedonWood]

Thanks Man! I like your comment!

[@theduftmeister]

thanks Dennis. great honest review

[@ex-nerd]

Paul Sellers has a good video (from many years ago) about reinforcing those cheap bar clamps with a bit of wood down the middle of the body. It doesn't help the clamp jaws but does make a huge difference in the rigidity of the clamp itself. Works great for the similar clamps I got from harbor freight, which are great for light duty panel glue-ups.

[@pantelismanioudakis2039]

I was always waiting for the new episode of Hooked on Wood with greater impatience than when I was waiting for the next episode of Game of thrones. Perfect work Mr. Dennis !!!

[@HyperactiveNeuron]

I have a set of the Veiko rail clamps and they are as good as you can get. They are spectacular. As for the one handed clamps... It doesn't matter. I've bought expensive and cheap and there's little to no difference. I'm happy to meet you off the hook here. I'm an average diy person and I wouldn't second guess the clamps. Paul Sellers solved the problem with the cheap long clamps a long time ago. I would love to see your address his solution which was to re-enforce them with hard wood... Simple and effective. Dare me!

[@necrosbowen]

i have the scheppach track saw and rails. yes it will fit the scheppach rails but not without modifying it. i had to remove about 3-4mm off the edge of the fonson square with a file. where the track is supposed to butt up against the lip on the square. because the scheppach rails are about 4mm too wide. doing so it works perfectly and have now bought the extension kit also. which i had to take 1mm off the edge of where it butts against the fonson square also. so voided warranty on both of them, but they work amazingly well now and worth it. i would do it again in a heart beat

[@Robe999]

Hi Dennis as always very thorough review , I did buy the black single lever clamp it’s truly awesome for the MFT top the only disappointment was the shipping time to Australia was just over 4 weeks , I can get stuff sent from USA in two weeks but having to wait 4 weeks at a time is the only downfall , again great products at a great price just don’t expect that fast delivery

[@btrswt35]

Here in the USA we have harbor freight. They sell aluminum bar clamps similar to those but with shorter jaws. They are great for edge glue ups, like for table tops. But if there is something that requires more force, I would not use them because they just aren't sturdy enough. I think the big thing is, use the right equipment for the right job. Love the china tool videos!

[@nickblumert3865]

Hi Dennis, I love your videos. I have to say, I purchase most of the tools you give a positive review to. I would love a video on how you made your MFT table, that is one of many projects on my list to do. Thanks for the awesome content.

[@DavidBealeakaFKD]

thanks, I ordered one of the rail guide clamps based on your recommendation. been looking for a less costly parallel clamp, guess I keep looking. I do have some of those blue/orange aluminum clamps (sold In Canada at the Princess Auto retailer). look identical. I do find them quite useful and maybe the Canadian retail versions are more sturdy that China tool ones. Use them a lot without any issues. But they are no Bessy clamp

[@MrPatdeeee]

What would we do without "our" genius "Dennis"? From the day he began this channel; he has shared innate and incredible items; that makes our Woodworking better. Thank you much kind Sir. NONE Finer!

[@clemoniii]

Dennis I was "hooked" on HOOKED ON WOOD when saw your Incra Positoner mounting system. I LOVE my Incra TS/LS and super fence. Then you started China Tools series. More wonderful gadgets with HONEST reviews THANK YOU! Now my real question... I'm getting a SawStop table saw. Should I use the true Bessemer fence from SawStop or my 52" Incra TS/LS Joinery System XL and left mount Incra Router table?

[@diycave5144]

Hi Dennis, nice video as usual. I have noticed that Banggood sell a copy of the WoodPeckers Autoline drill press. Be interested to see your scorecard on it if you can get your hands on it. Also have you seen a rail guide hinge yet from China for the tracksaw?

[@leebrammall7009]

Another great review thanks Dennis 👌👌

[@ErickHernandez-zt6gk]

Hey Dennis I started watching your videos and gotta say it. Enjoy the reviews, great feedback. Just place my first order base on a couple of your recommendations. Can you review the veiko drawer slide jig? 🙏🏼

[@motocviorel6856]

i do have the evolution and the excel guides and the track square doesnt fit the evolution since the evolution t track its a litle bit narrow.the excel works very well

[@markgillett1472]

Thanks Dennis for another great review, you always deliver very balanced, truthful and reliable recommendations. I bought the Veiko clamps, and your opinion is correct, but the good price does make them a good buy..not the best quality, but still very good in most situations. I love the Hongdui products too, they are amongst the best. Thanks for introducing me to Banggood, keep up the good work :)

[@robmeijers5750]

Hi Dennis, I fully agree with your review of the aluminium bar clamps. I bought a set of six about a year ago and every single one has a problem. The aluminium bar bends and damages easily and all connections come loose. I regret buying them. I hope you keep on searching for a better alternative :)

[@billboy7390]

I own Rockler aluminum bar clamps and they are very good. Jorgensen also make them and I’ve had them for 35 years. I have about 40 of the Rockler.

[@kamleo1685]

Paul Sellers stiffens his inexpensive/good-enough aluminum bar clamps by inserting wood (1x2 lumber in USA) down the length of the bar. Paul also replaces the pads with pieces of 1/4" (6mm) plywood.

[@Alex_vGrafenstein]

Regarding one handed clamps, my clear favourite comes from Wolfcraft. I have both the Bessey and the Wolfcraft clamps. Regarding force and durability, they seem very equal to me. Also price is almost the same. But the Wolfcraft clamps have a different layout which makes ergonomics far superior in my opinion. Most one handed clamps have the same layout of levers as Bessey. But I have a hard time to really apply them one handed, especially on the longer ones. And opening them is almost impossible one handed. In contrast, the Wolfcraft clamps have the fixed part at the upper side, and both levers on the lower side. Consequently, I hold the them the other way round, so that the clamp is looking towards me and it is basically laying on my arm. That gives far more control, when you try to put both ends of the clamp to the right position. Next, both levers for thightening and releasing can be actuated without changing the position of your hand. And finally, you can use the small release lever also for actively extending the clamp. That is super useful when you realise too late, that you need to open the clamp a little more.

[@whatahell6666]

Thanks for the review

[@jcwoodworx-corneeldutoit3419]

Hi Dennis, as always an excellent video, thanks! One question I have that is not directly about the products you review: where can I get that device that you measure the clamping force with?

[@chrispcall]

I love your videos and please don't let this comment bring you down but the music comes in loud and jarring at times. I really enjoy your comments and find your voice soothing but the music that pops in when you list the product ratings isn't necessary and/or can definitely be turned down. Keep up the great reviews!

[@rexseven6907]

As another comment noted, the aluminum bar clamps are sold in the US through Harbor Freight. To make them much more sturdy and feel more substantial, I cut a piece of wood to fill the hollow aluminum. Improves the feel a lot. I think they are even cheaper here too.

[@thejpod77]

You beat me to this comment, well said. Yes the 60" model is only $20. For the money and a small amount of fiddling to add a wood filler bar, and filing down burrs on the screw mechanism it is worth the price for sure.

[@davetarrant6888]

I agree as it relates to the non-parallel version of these aluminum clamps, but in my opinion these cheap parallel clamps are not any good even if you put the wood in the aluminum bar. I bought a couple at HF and they are collecting dust.

[@johnfrederickson3082]

THANK YOU AS USUAL

[@mrki412]

Bought Veiko clamps, work like a charm...

[@jimfelton1]

In the US the 24/36 Inch Aluminum Alloy F-Clamps are sold at Harbour Freight. I Can confirm your question about durability. The rail under the threaded end of the clamping face will become worn and cause the clamp to jam. I would drop your rating.

[@davidmiller2348]

Hi Dennis I noticed that banggood have a version of the clear cut for table saw etc Would it be possible for you to review this compared to the jessum clear cut for table saw David miller England

[@Maker_of_fine_sawdust]

Mr. Miller, can you provide the Banggood reference number for the clear cut stock guides? I’m unable to locate any on their website and would certainly be interested in them for my table saw.

[@davidmiller2348]

@@Maker_of_fine_sawdust Hi Dan the clear cut is made by Hongdui the model number is. HD -YL 08 I have this and it is excellent Dave Miller

[@Maker_of_fine_sawdust]

@@davidmiller2348 thank you

[@davidmiller2348]

@@Maker_of_fine_sawdust Hi Dan recently received an email from banggood on which was the clear-cut devise we spoke about it is now just over £200 Hope this helps

[@Maker_of_fine_sawdust]

@@davidmiller2348 Thank you David. I’ll check it out.

[@Kelvallontan]

Thank you for, again, a great video. Indeed clamps are hard to find. I guess I'll end up buying pipe clamps for my panels. After all, I have oh so many steel tubes (I'm a HVAC tech).

[@TheBonbenk]

Hi Dennis, awesome review as usual. I'm wondering, after all these years reviewing china tools, which tools are your most favorite that you can't live without it? haha. And which tools that you hate because it didn't meet your initial expectation? So I suggest you make some kind of top/worst ten list video.

[@erictroutman1571]

Thx Dennis.

[@yoannbzh7396]

Nice vidéo ! thanks a lot

[@drtodd2007]

Your final clamps are also sold by Harbor Freight in the U.S. They ARE loose and fragile. One of the most frustrating with these is the nut easily falls off one side of the handles. If you don’t notice it immediately, you are soon looking for a nail or something to use in its place!

[@williamcaldwell9431]

good review

[@tjacksonwoodworker3726]

Dennis, I just bought the Festool Domino Joiner 500. I am learning how to use. Would you consider a video on how to use it? One of the areas I am trying to master is how to get the location of the slot where I need every time. MM to imperial conversions are also a bit complicated. Enjoy your videos.

[@Mike--K]

I don't want to detract from Dennis, but if you look for the "Festool USA" or "sedgetool" KZbin channels, you will find several videos by Sedge showing how to use the Domino.

[@tjacksonwoodworker3726]

@@Mike--K I have...still would like Dennis insight.

[@borismakesart]

Hey for your work table, why not just glue two sheets of mdf together? Trying to decide for my own table. It’s hard to find any plywood that is as flat as mdf… do you find the strength of 1.5in mdf not sufficient for the such a table? Great reviews.!

[@markcancio8455]

I would like to know where I can buy the clamp pressure meter that you are using?

[@HyperactiveNeuron]

If it fits the Makita and Festool rail guides it will fit Powertec and Wen rails as well. I have a Wen track saw and Powertec rails. They're pretty much universal. I also have the WNew rail system (router and circular saw sleds) and love it! Dare me! I will take pics! My WNew router sled is in my dining room LOL! Yes I'm single. I'm not as lucky as Scott Brown... I don't have a Jess. I should though 😉

[@tomhostetter8516]

I have 6 of the 50" version of the aluminum clamps you couldn't recommend... ive used them a ton on table glue ups and they work great. I have 4 50" Bora clamps which are compatible to Bessey and I still reach for the cheaper clamps more often cause they are lighter.. Ive never had a glue up joint come apart, and it seems everyone whant to know how much force can a clamp apply? I'm more concerned with will the clamp apply enough force to keep the boards together? Havnt had a glue up fail on me yet.. Anyways have a great weekend Dennis always a pleasure watching your content.

[@richardlug6139]

I agree they work good enough for certain jobs. Never understood why you need a lot of pressure on a glue up, you just need a lot of clamps putting even pressure along the length of the joint and with these you can do that at a reasonable price.

[@usaf4dbt]

Thank you

[@DirkieB]

34 already! Damn. The serre-joint (of hoe je het ook schrijft) particularly was on my wishlist! Not anymore. Seems like I'll just have to go buy a set of Bessey pipe clams and some steel pipes. That seems indestructible combination. I thikn the biggest "issue" Banggood has with producing clamps that outperform their price is that you can't really skimp on materials and still expect it to perform well.

[@5lowethechamp964]

Loose tenon jig 2 in 1 ?

[@theaudiophilist1036]

Hallo, your Vids are great Entertainment 👍 very sadly banggood doesnt ship to Austria

[@frenchyroastify]

If you want really good quality aluminum bar clamps, get the Dubuque ones.

[@tpaulfelder1]

To release the pressure on those difficult clamps it helps if pressure is applied to the clamp at the same time as using the release mechanism

[@HookedonWood]

good tip! I will try!

[@ColinKleinNL]

I can confirm this, by applying clamping pressure, the "locking cam?" inside the mechanism gets unbound and allows you to release it MUCH easier

[@HookedonWood]

@@ColinKleinNL It sounds very logical!

[@danielegger6460]

I think the reason why all of the "normal" clamps from China are either lackluster and/or not really cheap really comes down to them being a perfected commodity, built to a price (in China, no less!) so it's really hard to compete both on price and on quality with established brands. Also with tools which could break down, I'm also willing to pay a bit more to get one with proper warranty and easy product return; even if you could return it, shipping from Europe to China costs more than a whole brand clamp! I think your link to the one hand clamp is messed up, it's going to the guide rail clamp. The Hong Dui dog clamp on the other hand is very unique (and also fits 19mm holes, yay!) and oozes quality -- definitely going to buy a pair...

[@andrewsmall2718]

Thanks Dennis for another informative episode of China Tools. Good to see for those who may doubt your independence that you give honest recommendations and not all products are recommended by you. I can honestly say that I’ve always been super happy with all my purchases made after viewing your China Tools series. Keep up the good work.

[@briancollins2230]

The last clamp you reviewed i strongly agree with. I bought this clamps and they will brake at the twist point every time. They work great at light applications. But not much else.

[@Imnotachef]

Hi Dennis. Thanks again for a great video. It's unfortunate that there's no cheap and great clamp. But this on it self is still very useful information and great guidance for the budget woodworker such as my self. I'll be saving up for some bessy clamps...

[@AnasSuhaimi]

I'd skip Veiko clamp, and just go with Irwin Quickgrip

[@francoisvandingenen2373]

Dennis weer een zeer fijne en een goede uitgelegde video al naar de nieuwe uit.

[@andrewcruickshank7463]

Hey Dennis, love your work. When are we getting the next workshop update? Looking forward to seeing the new worktop designs :) Cheers

[@HookedonWood]

I hope soon

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic reviews, Dennis! Thanks a lot! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@NilsdeWitte]

Hi Dennis, geweldige show, ik doe veel inspiratie op. Je aanbevelingen hebben me nooit teleurgesteld. Thanks!

[@Slugsie1]

Shame about the Veiko clamps. I have 3 Veiko squares, and I think they're excellent quality, they look great, and seems pretty accurate.

[@alisacao304]

hello, here is our website :www.jgctools.com. VEIKO is from us

[@colindoesdiy]

Hi Dennis, another comprehensive and informative video, finding the right clamps at a competitive price is always a challenge 😁. The Aluminium F-Clamps you reviewed look very similar to the "Silverline" range which I have seen in my local DIY store here in the UK, but I have not actually used any of these as yet. Thanks for another great video 😁.

[@Thyme2sea]

Beste Dennis: je laat donkere gereedschappen zien tegen de donkere achtergrond van jouw trui. Misschien een goed idee om daaraan te denken :-)

[@HookedonWood]

Thanks! Ga ik onthouden👍

[@PaliVCiernom]

BTW the you reviewed last time is sold out. I ordered after your video, still wasn't shipped. :|

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

Thanks Dennis for another great review I was looking to try another brand of clamp and was hoping you would have some good news on a great clamp and price to go with it. Maybe next time thanks again love your channel and what you do it’s so helpful

[@arminfloss6155]

Super 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@ple101fox]

I bought the rail guide clamps (branded as Enjoywood) after watching your video and am very disappointed and can't recommend them under any circumstances. After the first light test they were bend by a lot (before 90°, afterwards ~105°). I own two Bessey Rail guide clamps (GTRH 160) and never observed any bends, even under maximum pressure... When this is what can be expected from Enjoywood quality-control I'm very scepical about EnjoyWood products in general....

[@fruitman58]

Thank you for your as always honest reviews you can never have enough clamps

[@katekeough9819]

Thank again Dennis for another informative video I love my rail clamps you suggested in a previous video the last set of clamps you would not rate I purchased a set from Princess Auto and they are not the best I had to glue the orange flat piece on all of them (4) after using them I broke down and got a set of Bessey clamps the others are just collecting dust

[@erroneouscode]

There's a Plunge Track Saw sold in Australia under the brand Detroit sold by Total Tools. It's yet another clone of several other brands sold worldwide and you can readily identify them by looking at the blade cover, handle, and knobs. The tracks are identical to Makita as I have both.

[@vbdeman]

Hoi Dennis, was a goed episode agan! And finally orderd those VEIKO rail QR clamps to replace my makita twist clamps (25 euro set of 2) i use on my MFT table. Are there any 20mm benchdogs that you would recommend?

[@jamesbruce3105]

I like you and your content, but you seem to be doing too many China tool/product videos and not enough woodworking.

[@miki09876]

Thumbs up for admitting you made a mistake

[@ДартВейдер-з4э]

👌👍🤝😎

[@samrix5793]

Awesome!!

[@3vil3lvis]

The USA black MDF link is broken, but if you search the site for Black MDF it can be found.

[@sumosprojects]

Many Chinese tools are absolutely shit unless they’re made from international designs & plans under patent.

[@richardsorge-]

Mmmm . No, sorry, the clamp from Hongdui is a copy of the Veritas one. I don't think it's fair to copy so blatantly....

[@memezilla4370]

But when there is a 30% price difference for probably a par product, saving are essential especially with the rising cost of materials

[@richardsorge-]

@@memezilla4370 I see... I checked today the Veritas Price, is around 80 $.... A lot of money for a clamp

[@sergeyshorokhov2167]

This new Hongdui clamp is basically stolen design of the Veritas Surface Clamp.

[@HookedonWood]

I see, Did not know this before. Always search, but did not look at Veritas. Was not familiar with this design. I try to do fewer imitation products. Thanks!

[@sergeyshorokhov2167]

@@HookedonWood I didn't try to blame you at all. These days the Chinese make a lot of replicas of Western originals. For example, Hongdui also copies magnetic Veritas Dovetail Guides. I am not a fan of fakes and prefer to support inventors, not thieves. However, due to the pandemic-induced shortage, Veritas has simply been out of stock for the past 2 years, so the idea of ​​​​buying replicas no longer seems so criminal. I'll say more: since I live in Russia and at the moment the West has deprived us of the ability to pay with Visa and MasterCard abroad, we have some difficulties with ordering goods from Western online stores directly. Well, since they don't need our money, it's their choice ) However, we can still buy any goods in China without any problems, so we definitely won't be left without tools.

[@BobMuir100]

I write as a fan, a big fan. I love your videos, your way of working and your workshop in general. So please that in mind as I continue ; this is possibly your worst ever video, it’s disjointed, confusing, poorly planned and I became unsure what the aim was?! On the parallel clamps you added in “your feelings” about the product and did not bother to rate them at all despite stating they will find a place in your workplace! How do I know if they are worth being in my shop? I am not interested in your feelings! What place do they have in a tool review? Our feelings may not be in sync so how do I rate your feelings? Are you right now throwing away your test gear and will shall have instead ‘I feel this will take 11lbs of pressure’ Sir, facts are your tools of review and it makes your reviews far better to see how a tool is faring, your feelings override all these facts!! Disappointed, feeling very low, feeling like a yogurt, feeling let down. Bob England

[@johndavid3114]

Do we really need to be buying more cheap Chinese ripoffs?