Pipe Cramps

[lurker]

A few years ago I bought some Pony Pipe Cramp heads in USA.

I've decided to get some more as they are more versatile than sash.

I see axminster have their own version at half the price (which means I can buy twice as many!). Are they any good, compared to the Pony?

 

[Nick W]

I can't speak for the Pony version, but I did buay some of Axminster's and within a few days half of the metal plates that do the holding had broken. I think they're best avoided.

 

[WellsWood]

Haven't used either myself but did have them recomended to me by another customer when I was in Axminster's place the other week. His opinion was that the APT ones were better because:

"they're iron heads instead of ally like the Pony ones, so you can give 'em a good clout with a hammer when you want to get that extra bit of oomph out of 'em"

I replied, rather undiplomatically with hindsight, that any piece that required that much force to clamp probably wasn't made right in the first place. He just looked at me and said "when can you start?"


Mark

 

[stewart]

I had the same problem as Nick W with the clutch plates breaking but Axminster replaced them and I've had no problem with them since. don't have any experience with the pony clamp heads. I seem to remember someone recommending Jorgenson pipe clamps but 'fraid I can't remember the site...

 

[wrightclan]

"...they're iron heads instead of ally like the Pony ones..."

Are Pony's made of ally now? :shock: I've got a couple of old Ponies and a few nondescript old pipe clamps. They're all cast iron.

Brad

 

[wrightclan]

I had the same problem as Nick W with the clutch plates breaking but Axminster replaced them and I've had no problem with them since. don't have any experience with the pony clamp heads. I seem to remember someone recommending Jorgenson pipe clamps but 'fraid I can't remember the site...

Jorgensen is the maker of Pony.

Brad

 

[beech1948]

I have a few Pony clamps which I bought in the US. They have been excellent and have largely replaced my sash clamps except for when I need a great deal of cramping pressure..which ain't often.

For me the issue here is the fact that UK bought Pony clamps are twice the price of US bought ones. VAT and taxes is an unlikely and inappropriate excuse. I feel that APT and any others are probably a bit of a rip-off...I'll have to buy more next time in the US.

regards
Alan

 

[lurker]

Alan,

Well I WAS planning to get some over there.

However, Dept of homeland security gorillas have put me off buying stuff in USA.

Special relationship and all that stuff pending, they seem to delight in damaging suitcases and their contents when they rummage though them after they have gone down the conveyor but before loading into the hold.

 

[WellsWood]

"...they're iron heads instead of ally like the Pony ones..."

Are Pony's made of ally now? :shock: I've got a couple of old Ponies and a few nondescript old pipe clamps. They're all cast iron.

Brad

To be honest Brad I don't know because the Ponys were bubble packed, it's just what the other guy said, I was busy drooling over a large display of Besseys at the time.

Mark

 

[jasonB]

My ones are all iron No 50 & No 56 think they are ductile or maleable iron not something thats been melted down in China which is likely to be what the Axminster ones are.

Pony & Jorgensen are all part of Adjustable Clamp Co look for clamp fixtures to get to the pipe clamps.

I always got mine from Toolbay.net but they are no more, last ones I got were from **** or Tilgear. Look out for sets of 2 or 4 heads as there is usually a decent saving to be made.

Also get black pipe from a plumbers merchants as the heads don't grip the plating so well on the sets that Axminster sell , but you will need a 3/4 BSP die and ratchet stock if you want the pipe shorter than 10ft.

Jason

 

[wrightclan]

My ones are all iron No 50 & No 56 think they are ductile or maleable iron not something thats been melted down in China which is likely to be what the Axminster ones are.

Pony & Jorgensen are all part of Adjustable Clamp Co look for clamp fixtures to get to the pipe clamps.

I always got mine from Toolbay.net but they are no more, last ones I got were from **** or Tilgear. Look out for sets of 2 or 4 heads as there is usually a decent saving to be made.

Also get black pipe from a plumbers merchants as the heads don't grip the plating so well on the sets that Axminster sell , but you will need a 3/4 BSP die and ratchet stock if you want the pipe shorter than 10ft.

Jason

Yeah , according to their website, they are still made of ductile cast iron--not ally. Couldn't find them on their website earlier. Odd heading..."clamp fixtures." :-k

As for getting it from plumber's merchants... when I first came over here, I went to all kinds of plumber's merchants, asking for the pipe, and even took a sample along. None of them had any idea. :roll: In the end, I bought some pipe and some threaded connectors in the States, cut them into 24" sections, threaded them at my Dad's and packed them in a suitcase.

Brad

 

[houtslager]

the pipe you need to ask for is GAS PIPE with a 3/4 internal dia.

I've got about 40 sets of heads, plus some from HARBOUR FREIGHT

but I have seen the Rockler improved version

which are now on "sale"
(Regular Price: $14.99) Sure-Foot 3/4'' Pipe Clamp

Quantity Discounts Available:4 or more: $11.99

BUT if you have someone in the States who can order this for you

have just phoned HF and thse are selling at $ 7.99

So imho these are better as they allow one to turn the "knuckle" with out banging ones knuckes on one's work surface DAMHIKT

So , there you have it.

All the best in your future purhases :twisted:

HS

 

[lurker]

I've never had problems getting gas pipe, thats why pipe cramps are so versatile as you can have various lengths and join them where required.
If you get threaded T's you can make up a rig to cramp up frames real easy with unmovable right angles.

Houtslager,

They look just the thing! I notice they already have holes for fitting wood face plates as well.

And a fiver each, man we get ripped off over here!

40 sets!!! I know you can't have too many cramps but thats going too far!

 

[houtslager]

Lurker wrote

40 sets!!! I know you can't have too many cramps but thats going too far!

that is not far enough There have been times albeit few (thank god) when I needed all 40 in use and wished I had a few more

HS packing for the UK