Customer Reviews

Quick-Grip 546 Mini Bar Clamp

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have several of these clamps purchased in the late 90's when they were marketed by American Tool Companies. They have been fantastic clamps and are the first clamps that I reach for when working on small projects.

I recently purchased some of the newer Irwin Mini Quick-Grip clamps, which seemed identical to the old ones except for the blue color. Unfortunately, the pistol grip trigger on the newer Irwin clamps does not engage the bar until it has been depressed about half way. The trigger on my older clamps engages immediately and advances the bar much further for each squeeze. In searching through the clamps on display at a local store, I found that the trigger action varied considerably. I was able to find a pair that worked reasonably well, but not nearly as well as my older American Tool Mini Quick-Grips.

The bar on the newer Irwin clamps also seems to be made of a softer steel. The locking mechanism leaves a groove in the bar each time the clamp is locked securely. The bars on my old clamps are still perfectly smooth after years of use.

As the other reviewers said, these are the handiest clamps to have. I have six and use them for everything from bench hold downs to assembling projects. Even if I don't use them as the main clamps on a project, I do use them as temporary clamps while I get the others on.

The best thing about them is the size - the handles fit my small hands much better and are more comfortable than their full-size cousins.

The squeezable pistol grip allows you to tighten the clamp fully with just one hand, allowing you to use the other to hold your work in place. It also won't vibrate loose by unscrewing. The one drawback I've found is this clamp can't grip as tightly as a screw clamp tightened with the help of a wrench; it does grip as well as a hand tightened screw clamp.

These are unbelievably handy and useful. I literally use them for every project. Also, don't be scared away by "mini". I just used them on a heavy duty project this weekend, and they worked flawlessly. They were dropped, stepped on, and had heavy loads dropped on them, and they continued to peform. I'm definitely going to buy more Quick-Grip products in the future.

This is a fantastic clamp; but note that they are sold individually (even though one of the photos shows a two-pack).

As with the entire quick grip products the features that should entice you to buy and use the Quick-Grip 546 Mini Bar Clamp are the ease of adjustment and the fact that it won't mar even the softest of wood yet still provide ample force for your project. People with low hand strength or hand pain can use the trigger ratchet used for the adjustment with ease. It only requires a firm squeeze just over the pressure used for scissors

Because of its size, this clamp does have some limitations; it cannot hold a great deal of weight or generate great amounts of pressure. For small projects like miniature boxes, frames or models, it is ideal. I use mine for all of the above and on my N-Guage railroad layout.

The one-hand tightening and loosening mechanism is easy to master and is the same as larger Quick-grip bar clamps. If you scale your project to your tools, you will have no problems with these.

I started off with two and I'm now up to eight. I have them stashed in several places in my shop, hanging under bench, gluing table, table saw etc. You just never know when you can use a third or forth hand.

This is the perfect product for the handyman. Received before stated in excellent condition and priced well below store prices. Makes clamping a breeze for any small project.

Yep, simply could not get along without these great little clamps. I, like other reviewers, use them for everything - glue-ups to hold-downs. The only complaint I have is that I just keep finding more reasons to buy more of these and it gets expensive! Regarless, I think I'm going to have to invest in yet another pair...