If you’ve ever cut a wooden board by yourself, you know how essential it is to be able to cut in a straight line. The straight edge clamp can provide you with a guide to cut the straightest boards and planks for your wooden project. In this article, we will go through the 7 best straight edge clamp tools in the market today. These tools are hand-picked because of their durability, effectiveness, and high approval rate.
The best straight edge clamp can offer craftsmen stability and control when cutting straight boards. It can also give the user the ability to connect power tools, such as a circular saw. We will go through the list to discuss the different products, highlights, pros, and cons. Let’s get started.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProGrip Straight Edge 50-inch Clamp | The ProGrip Straight Edge 50-inch Clamp is made of extruded aluminum that provides stability and durability. | ||
| Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide | Check out the Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide if you’re looking for the best straight edge clamp that can easily be adjusted and firmly clamps to a ply-board. | ||
| CMT Professional Straight Edge Clamp | If you’re looking for the best straight edge clamp that has two uses, check out the CMT Professional Straight Edge Clamp. | ||
| Rockler Low Profile Straight Edge Clamp | The next item on the list is the Rockler Low Profile Straight Edge Clamp. It has a low profile that provides a miter saw or circular saw with a straight path to follow. | ||
| DCT Aluminum Pro Grip Clamp Straight Edge | Check out the DCT Aluminum Pro Grip Clamp Straight Edge if you’re looking for the best straight edge clamp with an aluminum build that provides for its durability. | ||
| E. Emerson Tool Co. Straight Edge Clamping Tool | If you’re looking for the best straight edge clamp that can firmly and securely mount your power tools, check out the E. Emerson Tool Co. Straight Edge Clamping Tool. | ||
| Bora WTX Clamp Edge and Straight Cut Guide | The last item on the list is the Bora WTX Clamp Edge and Straight Cut Guide. It has an adjustable clamp end that slides up and down the saw guide. |
A Detailed Review On the 7 Best Straight Edge Clamps
ProGrip Straight Edge Clamps
The ProGrip Straight Edge 50-inch Clamp is made of extruded aluminum that provides stability and durability.
Product Highlights
The ProGrip Straight Edge 50-inch Clamp is easy to clamp on any flat surface or workshop table. It comes with 2-3/16-inch-wide tube rails that are perfect for use with your power tools. The straight edge allows you to cut accurate straight lines on any wooden plank or board. It is easy to install and straightforward to operate.
The Good
I like the ProGrip Straight Edge 50-inch Clamp because it has three positions for locking. It clamps mechanism can be adjusted depending on how much pressure you need for the material. The straight edge is also lightweight and easy to carry around in your woodshop. It has a solid aluminum construction that makes it robust and durable.
The Bad
User reports say that the scale on the straight edge slides out easily. The scale can easily bend and get damaged during use. Some reports say the straight edge is hard to remove free when clamped in.
PROs
- It has three locking positions.
- It is made of aluminum alloy.
- The straight-edge is easy to operate.
- It is lightweight and can easily be stored.
CONs
- The scale is not attached to the straight edge and can fall-off.
- The scale on the straight edge can easily get damaged.
- It is hard to remove when clamped in.
Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide
Check out the Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide if you’re looking for the best straight edge clamp that can easily be adjusted and firmly clamps to a ply-board.
Product Highlights
The Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide comes with a saw guide for precision straight cuts. The power tools can easily slide into the rails and fastened. Its edges can easily attach and detach to make it easy to operate. The tool is made of high-quality aluminum that provides for its durability in the job site.
The Good
I like the Kreg KMA2685 Rip-Cut Circular Saw Guide because it is made high-quality materials. The high-quality material does not easily rust when exposed to moisture. It has a saw plate where you can easily fasten power tools like miter saws and circular saws. The straight-edge has a smooth slide from one end to another.
The Bad
User reports say it is very difficult to align the saw plate with the saw blade. The mechanism to secure the power tools to the edge is a little bit too flimsy for some. There are user reports that say the track does not smoothly slide.
PROs
- The tool is easy to handle and operate.
- It is made of durable aluminum alloy.
- The tool does not easily rust.
- It can make precision straight cuts.
CONs
- There is some difficulty aligning the saw plate to the blade.
- Its securing mechanism is too flimsy for some users.
- The track on the straight edge does not slide smoothly.
CMT Professional Straight Edge Clamp
If you’re looking for the best straight edge clamp that has two uses, check out the CMT Professional Straight Edge Clamp.
Product Highlights
The CMT Professional Straight Edge Clamp can be used as a drill press, or auxiliary fence on your router table or table saw. It has a sturdy jaw that holds your workpiece in place to provide stability. The full length of the straight edge can be used without vibration or wobble. It comes with an adjustable scale to properly align your project.
The Good
I like the CMT Professional Straight Edge Clamp because it comes with two T-clamps. The clamps make it easy to install power tools and other accessories. It is made of extruded aluminum alloy that is durable. The unit is also lightweight and easy to carry around on any job.
The Bad
There are user reports that say the straight edge arrived with some dents due to shipping. It also has sharp edges that may cut the skin when bumped. The clamps also give out during prolonged use.
PROs
- It has a sturdy clamp that is stable when installed.
- It has two rails that can accommodate accessories.
- The straight edge does not vibrate easily.
- It is made of extruded aluminum alloy.
CONs
- The straight edge arrived with some dents.
- It also comes with sharp edges that can cut the skin.
- It also comes with sharp edges that can cut the skin.
Rockler Low Profile Straight Edge Clamp
The next item on the list is the Rockler Low Profile Straight Edge Clamp. It has a low profile that provides a miter saw or circular saw with a straight path to follow.
Product Highlights
The Rockler Low Profile Straight Edge Clamp is used to accompany the router or circular saw. It can be added with a T-fence to make a T-square that can be for woodworking projects. The straight edge can clamp on any flat surface and table to provide for stability. The guides provide total control over your power tools when cutting.
The Good
I like the Rockler Low Profile Straight Edge Clamp because it is easy to carry around the workplace. It also includes rubbers surfaces to provide an extra grip when mounting the straight edge clamp. The tool also provides a straight shaft without any ridges. It is a contender for being the best straight edge clamp in the market.
The Bad
The handles on the clamps are flimsy and can break off during heavy use. The knobs on the clamp are held together by cheap glue. It can be too long and hard to store away.
PROs
- It is straight without ridges.
- The clamps are strong and tough.
- It provides total control when using power tools.
- It comes with a rubber surface for traction.
CONs
- The clamps are flimsy and can break off with heavy use.
- The knobs are held with cheap glue.
- It is long and hard to store.
DCT Aluminum Pro Grip Clamp Straight Edge
Check out the DCT Aluminum Pro Grip Clamp Straight Edge if you’re looking for the best straight edge clamp with an aluminum build that provides for its durability.
Product Highlights
The DCT Aluminum Pro Grip Clamp Straight Edge has a flush finish and strong construction. It is built to last and can manage power tools efficiently. The straight edge comes with a T-track that can guide your power tools in cutting the perfect line. It is easy to operate and straightforward to use.
The Good
I like the DCT Aluminum Pro Grip Clamp Straight Edge because its two clamps provide a tight grip. It does not easily break its hold off a table and is stable when used. The rail comes with predrilled holes for mounting accessories. It is straightforward to use and is highly adjustable.
The Bad
Some reports say the rails do not run smoothly. Some reports also say that the straight edge does not have a side with rubber. There are also reports that say it can be unbalanced when on a flat surface. These are things to note before you purchase the product.
PROs
- It has a flush finish.
- The straight-edge is easy to use.
- The clamps provide a tight grip.
- It makes cutting a straight line with power tools easier.
CONs
- The rails don’t run smoothly.
- The straight edge clamp does not have a rubber side.
- It can be unbalanced when on a flat surface.
E. Emerson Tool Co. Straight Edge Clamping Tool
If you’re looking for the best straight edge clamp that can firmly and securely mount your power tools, check out the E. Emerson Tool Co. Straight Edge Clamping Tool.
Product Highlights
The E. Emerson Tool Co. Straight Edge Clamping Tool has an extra-wide track to accommodate accessories. It can provide your power tools with a straight line to work with when cutting boards and planks. The straight-edge has a low profile that makes it flush with the table. It has a solid construction and is durable.
The Good
I like the E. Emerson Tool Co. Straight Edge Clamping Tool because it is lightweight and easy to carry around the workshop. The clamping components are made of Zytel-nylon for durability. It provides for a great guide to cut straight lines. The straight edge has an aluminum construction and smooth finish.
The Bad
There are reports that the clamps slide off easily. Some users report that there are tilted metal bars underneath the tool. There are also users who report that there is not much friction between the bars and the rod. These are things to check out before you purchase the product.
PROs
- It has an extra-wide track to accommodate accessories.
- It provides a straight line for cutting boards and planks.
- The straight edge has a low profile.
- It has aluminum construction.
CONs
- The clamp slides off easily during prolonged use.
- There are tilted metal bars that make it hard to clamp.
- The tool is not getting enough friction in the bars and rods.
Bora WTX Clamp Edge and Straight Cut Guide
The last item on the list is the Bora WTX Clamp Edge and Straight Cut Guide. It has an adjustable clamp end that slides up and down the saw guide.
Product Highlights
The Bora WTX Clamp Edge and Straight Cut Guide can fit any material being cut with its long shaft. It makes cutting plywood boards easy. The straight edge has rigid aluminum guide rails that provide for its durability. It comes with a modular design making it easy to attach accessories.
The Good
I like the Bora WTX Clamp Edge and Straight Cut Guide because it has a rigid aluminum body. The material does not easily rust and corrode. It provides a smooth track for power tools to follow and cut straight boards or planks. The straight edge is easy to use and lightweight. It is a contender for being one of the best straight edge clamps in the market.
The Bad
There are user reports that say the locking mechanism is hard to unclamp. The clamp can get worn out during heavy use. Some users say you need to pound on the clamp to free. These are things to check out before purchasing the product.
PROs
- It can fit any material being cut.
- It has a strong aluminum build.
- The straight edge has a modular design.
- It does not easily rust and corrode.
CONs
- The locking mechanism is hard to use.
- It can get worn out during heavy use.
- The clamp may need to be pounded to open.
Conclusion
Having the best straight edge clamp is an advantage in the woodshop. Not only will you be able to produce precision-cut boards and planks, but you will also be able to attach different accessories that need a straight rail to follow. It can attach to any flat surface or table to use with your power tools as a guide. The straight edge clamp will also allow you to hold material that is hard to manage for a single person.
Just remember when you purchase the best one, make sure to compare different products on the list. Go through each of the product highlights and choose the one that leans most towards your needs in the woodshop. The price may be a crucial aspect of the decision, but do not let it be the deciding factor. Happy crafting! Here’s how to learn more about straight edge clamps.