🔧 Efficient Clamping Made Easy: Introducing the Makita 194385-5 Clamper Set Review

Powerful, well made, works as intended. They are sold as accessories for Makita chainsaws, but I consider them very important. You can use the rail without locking it, but then there is always the possibility of slipping. Sometimes I use a saw without clamps when I'm in a hurry and accuracy isn't critical.

These clamps keep the chain stable while sawing. You don't really need them for unfinished material as the chain + saw + gravity keep the chain steady while cutting (although I use it for almost every cut). They work best when your material is pre-treated (slippery) or when your material is slippery from fine dust. These clamps are essential for your chainsaw. Highly recommended.

I have Makita rails, any clips will do. They're nothing special, but they were cheaper than Dewalt and available in 2 days thanks to Prime. One downside: the grips are poorly finished during the molding process and will cut your bare hands. They don't have a soft filling, they're just hard plastic. My hands are rough and calloused and they got me anyway.

I think I expected them to be a little more durable. They get the job done but slip off easily. If you put your hand under a sheet of plywood, are you about to snap and twist the handle but won't tighten it? It's like holding the clamp with one hand and turning the knob with the other. Sometimes it's annoying. Edit: One of them ripped from hand tightening, see photos. Cheap things, don't buy them.

Had trouble with one of them sliding on the orange aluminum T-rail which I also bought. I checked them with a caliper and indeed the width wasn't the same length or clamp to clamp. Same issue when ordering a replacement so I suspect they have quality control issues with their tolerances. The clip is a little sticky at times when closed (probably due to the same issue), but it snaps in nicely. I kept the best two for myself and gave the rest back. I wouldn't buy them again.

I used these as clamps for my Makita Rail and DIY MFT Bench. They both fit perfectly, but I should note that my table top is only 1/2" thick (20mm holes) so I can slide it in and get enough angle to get it in place after a 90 degree bend and place to turn. Not sure if this will work on a thick top. The metal looks solid and well chromed but has a bit of a rough cast. My only disappointment is that they don't fit the T-bar, which I have on the front of the bench and I have to sand them down a…

The product "works". It fits into a slot in the bottom of the Makita rails I bought and stays in place without slipping. However when one piece goes through the other for a rough adjustment it is rougher than my Bessey clamps and often requires 2 hands. to close it on the piece I clamp, which can be a little awkward when working underneath. Threads shut down and usually take 2 hands to restart. So now I need up to 4 hands. Luckily I usually wear flip flops so I just take them off and sneak in.