Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To keep a woodworking assembly square during a glue-up, make a pair of right-angle braces from 3/4-inch Baltic-birch plywood. WOOD Magazine’s plan starts with a 12-inch square, cut diagonally into two braces, then notched so clamps can hold the braces against the work. The same pair can support a chest lid while you install its hinges.
Make the plywood braces
- Cut the blank. Start with a 12-inch square of 3/4-inch Baltic-birch plywood.
- Divide it diagonally. Cut the square in half from corner to corner to make two triangular pieces.
- Cut clamp notches. Add notches that let your clamps fit around the braces and hold them against the assembly. WOOD Magazine’s instructions do not specify notch dimensions, so lay them out to suit the clamps and workpiece you are using.
The braces are a shop-made jig, not a commercial product. Their size can be changed for smaller or larger projects. These construction details are from WOOD Magazine’s “Keep right angles right,” updated March 21, 2024.
Use the braces to keep a glue-up square
Position the braces against the assembly so their right-angle corners help maintain 90-degree alignment, then clamp them in place while the glue-up is held together. Check the assembly for square as you position the braces; the braces help hold alignment but do not replace careful setup and clamping.
Support a chest lid during hinge installation
Clamp a pair of braces to the chest to support its lid while you install the hinges. The lid is held in position by the braces, leaving you to work on the hinge installation without having to support it by hand.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
JORGENSEN 36-Inch Parallel Bar Clamps Set, 2200 lbs Load Limit, 2-Pack
- RIGID STEEL BAR: This JORGENSEN 36-inch parallel clamp features a compact, industrial-grade steel bar that resists flexing under pressure, ideal for woodworking, furniture repairs, and cutting board assembly where even pressure matters
- POWERFUL CLAMPING FORCE: The upgraded steel screw thread delivers up to 2200 lbs of consistent clamping force, keeping workpieces secure and preventing warping during precise glue-ups, cabinet assembly, and other woodworking projects
- QUICK CLAMP-TO-SPREADER: The sliding jaw can be quickly reversed without tools, instantly converting the clamp into a spreader, making it versatile for clamping or separating tasks in DIY, carpentry, and home projects
- ERGONOMIC & SAFE OPERATION: An ergonomic soft-grip handle allows for controlled, high-torque tightening by hand, while a quick-release trigger enables safe repositioning without losing alignment, especially useful during glue-ups on drawers or frames
- SMART ACCESSORIES & DESIGN: The newly designed Soft Landing System prevents the sliding jaw from falling when carried vertically. This 2-pack bar clamp set also includes a 2-in-1 glue separator and clamp stand, elevating the bar off the surface to stay clean and stable. Replacement jaw pads are available for added protection and improved glue resistance
Choose clamps to fit the job
The braces require clamps, but the source does not specify a clamp type, size, brand, or model. Choose clamps that fit the notches and can hold the braces securely against your work; no particular clamp product or performance comparison is established.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 4
Best Value
Sale
JORGENSEN 50-Inch Parallel Bar Clamps, 2-Pack Cabinet Master Bar Clamps
- RIGID STEEL BAR: This JORGENSEN 50-inch parallel clamp features a compact, industrial-grade steel bar that resists flexing under pressure, ideal for woodworking, furniture repairs, and cutting board assembly where even pressure matters
- POWERFUL CLAMPING FORCE: The upgraded steel screw thread delivers up to 2200 lbs of consistent clamping force, keeping workpieces secure and preventing warping during precise glue-ups, cabinet assembly, and other woodworking projects
- QUICK CLAMP-TO-SPREADER: The sliding jaw can be quickly reversed without tools, instantly converting the clamp into a spreader, making it versatile for clamping or separating tasks in DIY, carpentry, and home projects
- ERGONOMIC & SAFE OPERATION: An ergonomic soft-grip handle allows for controlled, high-torque tightening by hand, while a quick-release trigger enables safe repositioning without losing alignment, especially useful during glue-ups on drawers or frames
- SMART ACCESSORIES & DESIGN: The newly designed Soft Landing System prevents the sliding jaw from falling when carried vertically. This 2-pack bar clamp set also includes a 2-in-1 glue separator and clamp stand, elevating the bar off the surface to stay clean and stable. Replacement jaw pads are available for added protection and improved glue resistance
Rank #4
Sale
GADFISH Panel Clamps Woodworking, Panel Clamp, 2 Pack of 4 Way Pressure Clamps, Compatible with Two Mounting Methods, Suitable for Bonding Tabletops, Shelves, and Laminate Surfaces(2pc)
- Wooden boardTwo Installation Options: Two installation solutions are provided, allowing users to select the most suitable option based on operational requirements. Whether choosing wood beam installation or high and wide strut channel installation, detailed installation instructions and all necessary accessories are included to ensure a smooth installation process. flat clamp
- Prevent Workpiece Deformation: The clamps applies equal pressure simultaneously from four directions (top, bottom, and both sides) effectively preventing unexpected deformation caused by uneven force during machining. Equipped with 6-inch-long non-damaging jaw surfaces to protect workpiece surfaces from damage.
- Capacity Controllable: The clamping capacity of the bar clamp is determined by the length of the user-supplied wooden beam. Featuring an adjustable length design, it easily accommodates various processing projects. Whether bonding tabletops, shelves, veneers, or laminates, it delivers stable and adaptable clamping performance to meet the demands of diverse projects.
- Height Adjustable: GADFISH wood clamps for woodworking feature durable plastic rods with four slots. Simply adjust the number of slots engaged to set different width capacities, enabling easy handling of workpieces of various widths. They can accommodate boards up to 6 inches thick.
- Simple Operation: During installation, simply attach the clamp to a wooden beam of any length using the provided wood screws. After applying wood glue, place the clamp on the distribution board and turn the handle to complete the clamping operation on all four sides.
Rank #3
SpeTool 24 inch Panel Clamps 2Pack, 4-Way Pressure Steel Parallel Clamp For Board Cabinet, Tabletops, Woodwork, Adjustable parallelogram Couplers, Cutting Board Clamps For Precision Projects
- The 4-Way Panel Clamp：With parallelogram couplers, our 2 pack panel clamps are very convenient to use. It clamps in two directions at once, making it easier to achieve flat panels and flush joints.
- Easy to Use: With parallelogram-action couplers and fix pins, it is easy to adjust the width and thickness you need and continuous apply pressure from all sides. (Tips: Although the operation process is simple, please follow the instructions or video instructions to use it to bring a better experience. )
- Durable Quality: These clamps are made by steel pipe with a durable powder-coat finish and copper thread bushing to ensure that the retaining pins are durable and strong，making it a reliable and precision tool. The special surface treatment allows the glue spilled during the panel splicing process to be easily removed by hand or knife, and is not easy to damage the surface of the panel fixture.
- Versatile Adjustable: Our panel clamps are designed to accommodate panels up to 24'' wide and thicknesses ranging from 1/4" to 3", making it perfect for panel clamp woodworking projects of various sizes and dimensions.
- Ideal Projects: Perfect for medium panel clamp woodworking projects such as cutting boards, table tops, wide door panels, cabinet tops, and thick bench tops. This tool is designed to meet your various needs.
Rank #2
SpeTool 36 inch Panel Clamp 2 Pack, 4-Way Pressure Steel Parallel Clamp for Board Cabinet, Tabletops, Woodwork, Adjustable Parallelogram Couplers, Cutting Board Clamps for Precision Projects
- The 4-Way Panel Clamp：With parallelogram couplers, our 2 pack panel clamps are very convenient to use. It clamps in two directions at once, making it easier to achieve flat panels and flush joints.
- Versatile Adjustable: Our panel clamps are designed to accommodate panels up to 36” wide and thicknesses ranging from 1/4" to 3", making it perfect for panel clamp woodworking projects of various sizes and dimensions.
- Easy to Use: With parallelogram-action couplers and fix pins, it is easy to adjust the width and thickness you need and continuous apply pressure from all sides. (Tips: Although the operation process is simple, please follow the instructions or video instructions to use it to bring a better experience. )
- Durable Quality: These clamps are made by heavy-duty steel pipe with a durable powder-coat finish and copper thread bushing to ensure smooth operation, making it a reliable and precision tool. Special surface treatment allows glue used in the panel assembly process to be easily removed.
- Ideal Projects: Perfect for medium panel clamp woodworking projects such as cutting boards, table tops, wide door panels, cabinet tops, and thick bench tops. This tool is designed to meet your various needs.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.
