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1287 Review
69 Karma

Review on Efficient Drawer Front Installation Clamps from POWERTEC 71181: Optimal Cabinet Hardware Jig and Drawer Jig for Quick and Effortless Drawer Front Panel Installation by Patrick Nepal

Revainrating 1 out of 5

Rubber feet stain wood in minutes. Metal support to unscrew the legs.

This unit is similar to Rockler's but cheaper. One reviewer said that the rubber feet will stain the wood if left overnight. In my case, when using a dry Danish oil stain on red oak, the rubber left significant stains within minutes. In addition, a rubber foot is pulled over a metal "washer" at the end of the clamping screw. The metal washer attaches to the clamp bolt with a smaller screw on the end, rather than the more common attachment method, which is more like a rivet head. Unfortunately, the screw head protrudes well beyond the metal washer and presses the center of the rubber washer hard against the wood. When loosening the clamp, the head of the small screw protrudes even further. This can be fixed by taking it apart, aligning the head of the bolt on the grinder, and possibly shortening the bolt itself. Then lock it. A piece of tape under the rubber to protect it from the wood and maybe a different finish on the wood could help reduce staining. Lateral adjustment is via two screws that often stick out too far to fit in corners and next to some appliances like refrigerators. A workaround is to only use a side-to-side alignment screw on the side that has no clearance limit. All this to make the new tool work somehow?

Pros
  • Easy to read control panel
Cons
  • Upgrades