Review on Irwin Quick Grip 90 Degree 226410: The Ultimate Tool for Secure and Efficient Clamping by Luis Watts

First of all I would like to say that I am an experienced carpenter and somewhat of a perfectionist so my review is based on more than just occasional use. I bought 2 of these about 7 years ago after having had 4 bessey versions for a couple of years and needed more but didn't want to pay the bessey price. I also bought a Stanley that was on sale at the time and it was absolute crap! In any case, compared to Bessie, they are literally identical with one exception. The ones I got had a very good rubber grip compared to the wood on the Bessey, but it looks like Irwin has switched to wood grips now too and I can see why. I was using one from irwin today when the rubber grip slipped off rendering the clip useless. I've never encountered this on a Bessie, but as I said, it looks like Irwin has switched to a Bessie-style grip now, so maybe that won't be a problem anymore. As far as it stays perfectly flat I can understand people will have trouble using this as a clamp, it won't work at all. If you're looking for something that will hold your boxes or drawers perfectly level until the glue dries, then this is for you. In order for them to do what they do best, you must assemble the box FIRST and then use it to hold it straight until the glue dries. Again, this isn't to hold the parts together during assembly, but to keep things straight after assembly while the glue dries.