 [Larger view] | Bessey VAS23 Vario Angle Strap Clamp
| ||||||
Average user rating:  | |
 Framework is impossible without - this thing is sweeeeeet! | |
| I can't believe how nice this stap clamp from Bessey is. Because it's designed so well, the product worked easily right out of the box ... no instructions needed. A few things worth special mention are the corner/angle plates and the tensioner. First the angle plates have two individual swivel plates so they fit up to the frame and provide even pressure without indentation. Second, the tensioner is so easy to use, yet extremely effective, that it's a dream to use (o.k. "dream" and power tools should probably not be used in the same sentence, but that's what came to mind; and no I'm not iffeminite!). Normally, I wouldn't take the time to give a review right out of the box/1st time use, but this thing impressed me so much and I liked how intuitive the design was that I had to tell the power tool/woodworking community immediately. | |
| The more you use it, the more you use it. | |
| This is a nice strap clamp kit. The key is the adjusting system. At first I thought, why not just use a strapping tie down assembly available at the local home center, at a third of the price. After all, it is a nylon web strap and it has a tightening and releasing system. The problem is that it gives you tighteness in a racheting fashion. So you are either at one click or the next one. No fine adjustment. Additionally, without the corner braces that comes with the Vario kit, you would be catching the corners, and creating a less than equal pressure. All told this Bessey kit is a very nice unit, and does a good job. For the money it would be hard to beat. Highly recommended. | |
 Terrific Clamp | |
| This clamp has come to my rescue several times when building boxes, bookshelves, or anything where I need even pressure all around an object. The mechanism for tightening the clamp tightens very well -- first you turn a gear to get the straps snug, then you turn a thumbscrew to firm it up all the way. The corner braces are great when you are tightening a box and you want to make sure the corners don't get damaged. Yes, even though it is a vinyl strap, the clamp can still make indentations in the wood if you tighten it enough. I gave the clamp 4 stars instead of 5 only because the gear mechanism is a little awkward to use. I emphasize that it is a minor problem. Sometimes, when you are trying to turn the gear, the clamp feels a little off-balance. But once it's tight, and you turn the thumbscrew, it's fine. With better positioning of the gear, these clamps would get 5 stars, no doubt. |
