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Collins clamp source?

andybuildz | Posted in Tools for Home Building on March 8, 2009 09:51am

I lost the pliers for mine plus I need a bunch more and wondered if anyone had a better/cheaper source then the ones from http://www.collinstool.com/base.php?page=collins_miter_clamps.htm

Not that they’re so terribly expensive anyway but thought it couldn’t hurt to ask being I need about a dozen and the pliers(again)..ugh

 

 

 

http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

Why do I keep…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

http://www.ramdass.org

 

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Replies

  1. jimjimjim | Mar 08, 2009 10:22pm | #1

    Bite the bullet - they're worth it.

    I use a carabiner to keep them organized.

    I have the pliers but tend not to use them.  Sometimes you can use both hands to pull them open when placing them, and you can always remove them this way.  Otherwise, I don't use my thumb but instead pull them open in a closed fist, then place them.

    Jim x 3

     

  2. gordsco | Mar 08, 2009 10:28pm | #2

    Lee Valley has them slightly cheaper.

    Don't know if they are knock offs.

    http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=54189&cat=1,43838

     

    1. wrudiger | Mar 08, 2009 11:14pm | #3

      Lee Valley is where I got my set - they're the genuine article.  Don't know why they don't just say so...

  3. USAnigel | Mar 08, 2009 11:44pm | #4

    You can use standard slip joint pliers to open them. Just squeese at about the 1/2 way point.

    1. andybuildz | Mar 09, 2009 01:43am | #7

      You can use standard slip joint pliers to open them. Just squeese at about the 1/2 way point. <<<

      Thanks...yeh...been using pliers but I'm kinda anal about some things. The real deal worked so much better specially when yer using a dozen at a time. If they were $50-$100 then yeh......but....well ..you know what I mean.

      I even had their own lil' case I made.....awwwwww...lol

       

       

       

      http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

      Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

      http://www.ramdass.org

       

  4. calvin | Mar 09, 2009 12:44am | #5

    Andy, call these guys and help keep them in business.  My tool supplier since the beginning.  Ask for Tim and tell him I sent you, he'll do what he can to make you happy.

    thanks.

    ELECTRIC TOOL & EQUIPMENT, INC

                        3637 BRIARFIELD BLVD.

                            MAUMEE OH 43537

                         PHONE: 419-867-7670

                           FAX: 419-867-7690

                     TOLL FREE: 888-497-9953

              STORE HOURS: M-F 8-5 & SAT 8-1

    A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    http://www.quittintime.com/

     

    1. andybuildz | Mar 09, 2009 01:30am | #6

      Thanks Cal...I'll give em' a shout.

      Lee Valley is about the same cost as anyone else but I would rather give my biz to the little guy as long as their price is the same or better. I know it's not like I'm gonna get em for half price and like I said it's not like it's a big ticket item anyway... but just figured the crew here might have something interesting to offer....and you do.

      Keep the small guy in business.

      Also...I was using my channel locks but for $14ish dollars the real deal works so much better especially when you're using half a dozen at a time.

      Thanks bro

       

       

       

      http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

      Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

      http://www.ramdass.org

       

      1. calvin | Mar 09, 2009 02:12am | #9

        And thank you Andy.  These folks (the father) gave me an account on a handshake in the early 70's..............long hair-no credit history.  His question was would I pay when invoiced.  Responding yes, he offered his hand and the deal was done.  And the beginning of a friendship was begun.

        He's gone now, but his son Tim and his mother Ruth still run a two store operation-one here, one in AnnArbor.  They've closed their Columbus store.

        He's donated to QT fundraising, BT Fest giveaways and kept me in operation more times than I can remember.  If my saw broke-he gave me another to use.  Warranty time-extended on his own dime.

        This is no bull ####-Keep your locals in business.  When they're gone what will replace it?  Online-HD?  Good luck.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        http://www.quittintime.com/

         

    2. AitchKay | Mar 09, 2009 04:19am | #15

      andybuildz sez, “...as long as their price is the same or better....”Sorry, that’s not good enough. Full-service operations HAVE to charge more, because they are FULL service. Internet operations charge less, because they provide LESS service.So, sure, there’s hardly a one of us that hasn’t snatched up an online deal because it was simply too good to pass up, but if we do that all of the time, we’re totally screwed, because it’s the E Tools of the world that keep us alive!So, andybuildz, how about saying, “... as long as their price is reasonably close.”Calvin, we’ve talked about E Tool before -- I deal with Pete and Dave up here in Ann Arbor, and I’m still in contact with Tony, who is now running Midnight Millworks halfway between us -- ever work with him? Great prices on custom doors, sashwork, etc.BTW, you asked me once about MY Cal, so I’ll try again. These pics are from '06, now he's 6' tall.

      1. calvin | Mar 09, 2009 04:40am | #18

        Short Tony?  Sure, good boy for a conservative............

        Haven't seen or talked to since he left Tims.

         

        And I'd be 6 ft tall too if that kid hung me up from the tree for a few weeks.

        Nice family, good looking yard.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        http://www.quittintime.com/

         

        1. AitchKay | Mar 09, 2009 04:45am | #19

          Getting down was no problem, BTW. All I had to do was promise to buy him a flamethrower.AitchKay

      2. andybuildz | Mar 09, 2009 05:18am | #20

        Sorry, that’s not good enough. Full-service operations HAVE to charge more, because they are FULL service.

        100% agree and that IS how I usually work but for  spring clamps I don't think I'm gonna need too much sevice...except for delivary options.

        I've had companies that are good for some suck for me and visa versa...I know with Amazon for example I can return things with no problem and get free shipping on a lot of things.

        Depends what I'm buying.

        My Powermatic Cabinet saw I bought from Powematic on line.

        Lot of my fastners I buy on line too direct from the supplier.

        Really depends on the item I'm buying.

        Matter of fact...how many people you know hate DeWalt's service? A LOT!!!

        Well...they heard me complain about my DW radio/charger and my jig saw that had a simple part break twice...and my batteries wore out fast. I threw the battery complaint in cause I was so angry about the saw and radio..

        A month later a UPS truck drove up with 2 free batteries...free radio /charger and free jig saw.....so some peoples nightmare companies are other peoples Christmas in July companies...seems to be hit n miss a lot of the time.

        Used to hear how great Bosch's service is....then started hearing complaints...it's a friggin jungle out there...lol

         

         

         

         

        http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

        Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

        http://www.ramdass.org

         

    3. AitchKay | Mar 09, 2009 04:23am | #16

      And here's his technique for picking up girls:AitchKay

      1. AitchKay | Mar 09, 2009 04:25am | #17

        BTW, those pics showed up in the famous "Bowling Ball On A Pedestal" thread.AitchKay

    4. andybuildz | Mar 10, 2009 12:07am | #22

      Ended up getting them from Collins Tool. I called your guys...Tim was busy but I spoke w/ some other guy who seemed to know you...I think...he checked with someone else there and apparently they'd have to order them then mail them out to me so I told them forget it...I told Electric Tool the next time I need something I'll give em' another try. They were very nice.

      Then I started checking out Fastcaps 2p-10....a little hassle. I wanted the kit.

      Checked out the sites that Fastcap shows and most don't even carry it...the best was Amazon...called the company Amazon uses (Hardware Supply Inc)...They're also on Fastcaps list I noticed later. Was cheaper through Amazon to use them then going to them directly...weird. Then the pictures on Amazon all show three one ounce bottles but say...it should be 4-2oz bottles...the guy at HArdware Supply assured me that it was in fact 4- 2 oz bottles and that when you see something on amazon not sold directly from the Amazon company the pictures and descriptions can be wrong so be forwarned...He said once it's been posted they never remove the original post/pictures even if the item has been updated. Apparently Fastcap used to sell only 3 one oz bottles in the same kit....Just thought I'd mention that to anyone reading  this b/c I've noticed in some reviews of tools people didn't get everything they thought they were supposed to...thats why.

      Thanks again Cal

      Next time maybe

      a

       

       

       

      http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

      Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

      http://www.ramdass.org

       

      1. calvin | Mar 10, 2009 12:53am | #23

        No problem Andy.  Collins is a straight up good guy, so doing biz with him is great-and it personally thanks the inventor.

        Truly, when you call them -talk to tim and maybe some need of yours can be direct shipped to you, don't know that angle.

        2P-10, good stuff.  If you'd have gone to Katz's they (fastcap) usually give a gift box to the first 50 or whatever-included are two bottles of glue and the eccelerant.A Great Place for Information, Comraderie, and a Sucker Punch.

        Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

        http://www.quittintime.com/

         

  5. alias | Mar 09, 2009 01:43am | #8

    Dynamite Tool -Bohemia New York...... No Muss -No Fuss.... just a little time and gas.

    1. andybuildz | Mar 09, 2009 02:38am | #10

      hey kent...yeh...I know they have em' but thats really killin a day when I can let my fingers do the walkin'.

      Hope allz good with you and yerz...speaking of LI tool stores...did you go to Ace Tool Friday in Amityville to Gary Katz's workshop? I was signed up but forgot I hadda get a 5' tube shoved up my butt that day...colonoscopy...hee hee

       

       

       

      http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

      Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

      http://www.ramdass.org

       

      1. alias | Mar 09, 2009 03:20am | #12

        Things are static which isnt a bad thing . Thanks for asking .I think you mean wantagh, as far as ace tools . I wish i knew that, i was putting in some zeluck windows, man are those things heavy. Was beat after more than a couple of days of that ballet. Would of probably nodded off and looked like a beat up wookie in the corner.

  6. cliffy | Mar 09, 2009 03:14am | #11

    If you use them for mitres on casing, you have to try Jim Chestnutts clamps.  They are unbelievably great.  

    Have a good day

    Cliffy

    1. andybuildz | Mar 09, 2009 03:25am | #13

      Interesting cliffy http://www.miterclamp.com/  but pretty costly...The Collins clamps'll have to do... Thanks though. always fun to put more toolz on my wish list

       

       

       

      http://www.cliffordrenovations.com

      Why do I keep...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ZkQC0riwc

      http://www.ramdass.org

       

    2. KenHill3 | Mar 09, 2009 03:26am | #14

      I also use spring miter clamps. I use the Ulmias.Jim Chestnut's clamps are the total shizzle-dog, better than the Hartford clamps. But, for either Hartford or Chesnut, you are gonna pay about $60 a crack. That's $120 to preassemble one door casing set (two legs and a header). Ouch!Someday, when I have a sizeable trim job lined up, I'll spring for the Chestnuts.

      Edited 3/8/2009 8:29 pm by kenhill3

      1. cliffy | Mar 09, 2009 04:45pm | #21

        It cost me 300 Canadian to get 4 clamps imported here.  Well worth the money.  Paid for themselves first house I did.

        Have a good dday

        Cliffy

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