Bessey VAS23 Vario Angle Strap Clamp

by Bessey

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

This angle strap clamp, with its various angles and swiveling pressure plates, provides infinite angle adaptability and continuous high pressure on all mitered corners and tightens automatically as it clamps. The specially woven polyester strap guarantees high-tensile strength (up to 1,100-pounds) with almost no stretch. The strap also features reciprocal gears, is easy to fix at any position, and has a clamping capacity of 23-feet. The set includes one clamp and four angle plates.

Product Description

Irregular shapes, unusual objects, picture frames or circular work are no match for this innovative new Bessey clamp. With a 23 long x 1" wide, high tensile strength polyester "no stretch" strap that winds up for safe and easy management, and four unique "vario-angles" that exert continuous pressure on the joints, this is more than just a strap clamp. Special winding gears at the head of the threaded spindle draw the strap evenly from both sides guaranteeing distortion free clamping. Additional vario-angles are sold separately in packs of six.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 8.5 x 11 inches ; 1.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000224B3
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: VAS23
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,784 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #3 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Hand Tools > Clamps > Strap Clamps

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Terrific Clamp, June 14, 2000

By 

Matthew Schenker (Western Massachusetts) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bessey VAS23 Vario Angle Strap Clamp (Tools & Home Improvement)

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.

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Framework is impossible without - this thing is sweeeeeet!, December 22, 2004

By 

R. J. Lechner (Laurel, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bessey VAS23 Vario Angle Strap Clamp (Tools & Home Improvement)

DEC 2004 ENTRY: 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. Two things make this device work well: 1. corner/angle plates and 2. the tensioner. First the angle plates have unique swivel pads so they fit up to the frame and provide even pressure without damaging the frame. Second, the tensioner is so easy to use, yet extremely powerful - can really ratchet down on the frame to close up the not so perfect miter joints. DEC 2005 UPDATE: I'd give this clamp a 6 if I could. This is the only clamp that's designed to clamp more than 4 corners/sides. I was able to so successfully glue an 8-sided octagon frame together. To my amazement, all the joints were perfect when I took the clamp off the next day [see my picture of a in-laid granite lazy-susan]. I really love this clamp. Does what a million other corner clamps can't ... turn out perfect frames every time. I was so impressed with the value of this clamp that I bought my brother one. Again see my posted picture - notice the seamless joints.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The more you use it, the more you use it., January 13, 2004

By 

Bob Feeser "MillCrafters.com" (Springfield, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bessey VAS23 Vario Angle Strap Clamp (Tools & Home Improvement)

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.