Kant Twist alternative?

To be clear, this is as supplied, I haven’t attempted to use it. Hard to know if it came out of the factory like that or was damaged in transit. I’m guessing the former but who knows.

Most previously decent brand of tools have reduced their quality so they can compete price wise.

Tony

There is a person offering a kit for some small kant twist clamps, side plates are laser cut from thinner plate. I hesitate to post an off the board link as I do not want to offend anyone. It comes with plans to finish the clamps. Would be suitable for smaller projects. I do not have one here with Me to measure but can get it if anyone interested. You have to supply the v blocks and screws. He includes side plates and screws to fasten them. This is from across the pond. PM for details.

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It’s a delicate balance, but [based upon what Vic has shown] Kant appears to have missed the appropriate point on the Value for Money curve by rather a long way.

MichaelG.

I’ve found a supplier of 2.5mm thick mild steel & stainless 304 sheet on the auction site. If I want any more clamps I may dig out my old jigsaw to see if it’s up to the job of cutting out some side plates. If it is I may make my own next time. Changing the design slightly to provide the ability to change the clamping blocks could prove useful.

I have ordered a set [from Canada], still in the box waiting for me to make them.

Tony

I just looked again at the two I bought, and there is no sign of twisting or bending and the screws work very smoothly (thought one is slightly tighter than the other). I suspect that the bent one got damaged in transit so it could be unfair to conclude that their quality has slipped based on one data point.

I’ve seen one kit offered online but it was more expensive than buying them ready made. And that was without import duty, VAT and shipping.

The patent ran out years ago and there are plenty of drawings around.

**LINK**

Well, the replacement Kant Twist clamp arrived today and I now have not one but two twisted clamps!

Silly question, but they don't straighten up when in use, do they?

Rob

As the threads are binding quite badly I’m not inclined to try. But I would say no, I don’t believe the construction is “loose” enough to correct the fault on tightening.

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… What’s in a name eh ?

MichaelG.

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P.S. __ are they still ‘Made in the USA’ these days ?

Having seen the photo here, I have to wonder: https://www.reddit.com/r/Tools/comments/ci2ssb/kanttwist_clamps_the_very_best_clamps_money_can/

Edited By Michael Gilligan on 07/12/2021 16:35:34

I’ve had a phone call from MSC and all the rest they have in stock are the same. So it seems like a manufacturing defect. MSC are arranging to collect them and give me a refund.

Good result

MichaelG.

Here's my suggestion, to be cut from 3mm steel when I can afford the components for my chassis:

They're 50mm deep, M8 studding and they'll be held together with M5 screws. As you can never have enough clamps, I'll be ordering enough for at least 6.

The above pictures of twisted ones suggest I should add some more bolt through spacers.

It’s time for plan B. Not sure when I’ll be able to implement it but I’ve ordered some 2.5mm thick steel sheet. I have plenty of round stock for the turned components. I’m going for a roughly 2” clamp and the KT had a 1/4” screw so I’ll probably use M6 studding rather than turn down some larger rod and thread it. Any clever suggestions for securing the head for the cross bar? I’m thinking just to screw on a larger “boss” and cross drill it say 4mm?

I’ll be using the plan pictured above. When printed out on my laser at 95% it is virtually the same as a 2” KT which is perfect for my needs.

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There’s an interesting comment there, about change of ownership.

MichaelG.