5 Best Cabinet Face Frame Clamps for Easy Frame Installation

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Cabinet face frame clamps are an essential tool for installing cabinet frames. They work to hold the two halves of a cabinet together while you attach screws from one side to the other. Cabinet face frame clamps can speed up installation and help you achieve a perfect finish on every project without leaving any gaps in between your pieces. This article will show you 7 of the best cabinet face frame clamps that will make your life easier when building cabinets or working with wood in general! 

What are Cabinet Clamps?

What are Cabinet Clamps?

Cabinet clamps are a tool used to hold the end panels of a cabinet frame together. This makes it easier for you to install screws from one side into another without having gaps between your pieces. They are adjustable and can be locked in place. This makes it easier for you to make a final adjustment before the screws have been installed. There are different types of cabinet clamps, depending on the size and shape of your cabinets.

In addition to being an essential tool for installing a cabinet frame, it is also important to note that they can be used in many other applications such as shelving units, picture frames, or even simple crafts like making a birdhouse!

Image Product Details   Price
Bessey Cabinet Face Frame Clamps Bessey Cabinet Face Frame Clamps 3 Adjustable Jaws, Pilot-Hole Guide, 2pieces Check Price
WORKPRO Wood Cabinet Clamps WORKPRO Wood Cabinet Clamps Fast Cut clamps, 2 Adjustable Jaws, 6-inches, 6 pieces Check Price
Jorgensen Cabinet Install Clamps Jorgensen Cabinet Install Clamps 2 Adjustable Jaws, 6-inches, 2 pieces Check Price
Bessey Super Clamps for Cabinets Bessey Super Clamps for Cabinets 3 Adjustable Jaws, One Handed Clamp, 1 piece Check Price
Pony Cabinet Claw Face Frame Clamps Pony Cabinet Claw Face Frame Clamps 3 Adjustable Jaws. Pilot-hole Guide, 2 pieces Check Price

Different Types of Cabinet Face Frame Clamps

A clamp is a fastening device used to hold or secure two or more objects together. There are many different types of clamps used for securing face frames. Cabinet face frame clamps are specialized clamps used to assemble the face frames of cabinets.

Face frame clamp

A face frame clamp is a clamp specifically designed for holding cabinet face frames together while they are being assembled. Face frame clamps have long jaws that can reach around the entire face frame, and they can be tightened very securely.

Face clamp

Face clamp is also commonly used clamp for installing cabinet face frame.

C-clamp

A C-clamp is a type of clamp that has a C-shaped frame with a screw that passes through the center. C-clamps are very versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including holding cabinet face frames together.

Bar clamp

A bar clamp is a clamp that has a long bar with a screw at one end. Bar clamps are very versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including holding cabinet face frames together.

Quick-release clamp

Quick-release clamps are known for their ability to be fastened and unfastened rapidly, with minimal effort. This makes them useful when speed is necessary.

Hand screw clamp

For intricate tasks with small-scale objects, hand screw clamps offer precision and versatility. This allows for multiple angles so that no matter the application, the clamp can be adjusted accordingly.

Spring clamp

Spring clamp utilizes the tension of a spring in order to remain secure when placed on various surfaces. This clamp is often used for light-duty merchandising displays, glue or other adhesives, and smaller projects.

Bench clamp

Bench clamps feature strong jaws designed to securely hold two pieces together. While being secured to a workbench, they are typically intended for heavier-duty uses such as carpentry or metalworking operations.

Strap clamp

The strap clamp has strong, adjustable straps that can be modified and placed around objects to create a tight grip while remaining easy to remove.

Hose clamp

A hose clamp works well in plumbing projects or other applications to secure hoses. It uses an adjustable band of metal or plastic that wraps around the material and then fastens using bolts or clasps.

List of Best Cabinet Face Frame Clamps

If you’re installing cabinet face frames, two models of clamps are made especially for the job. But any other standard or adjustable tool will do just as well in most cases! Let’s take a look at how these work and some alternatives that may be better suited to your project needs. I will provide a list of the 6 best cabinet face frame installation clamps.

1. Bessey Cabinet Face Frame Clamps

Bessey Cabinet Face Frame Clamps

Bessey BES8511 clamps are specially designed for installing cabinet face frames. Let’s see what feature does these clamps offer;

The BES8511 Face Frame Cabinetry Clamps are the perfect solution to keep your cabinets aligned and in place while you’re pre-drilling or screwing them into place. This package contains two specially designed clamps. These handy tools have one fixed jaw and two adjustable jaws with two screw handle. These three jaws will create pressure from 3 sides, so there is no scope for sliding the frame.

It is made of aluminum and comes equipped with a pilot-hole dill guide that will allow you to make perfect holes for attaching the screw without any hassle! You can also flip out the guide from the hole for inserting the screw. These unique features let you tighten without having repositioning – making installation easier than ever! 

This clamp is a powerful tool for any cabinet maker with stiles up to 1-1/4 inches thick. It can hold 600 pounds. It has a 4-inch clamp capacity and has jaws that open 2-inch wide to grip even the widest boards, making this an excellent choice when you need extra strength or range in your work! They come with non-marring felt pads for the clamp faces and an alignment plate, which protect those points of contact on an expensive piece of furniture from scratches!

Bessey cabinet face frame clamp is the best option if you’re looking to install a cabinet face frame. I recommend you to stop reading here and purchase this one. I can guarantee that this will not disappoint! Two features made this clamp best suitable for attaching the cabinet face frame. The first one is the pilot-hole guide and the second one is a double-sided adjustable key. However, there are still other options worth considering, so keep watching our list for some more variety in your search results today.

Pros

  • The clamps will hold your cabinets in place while you screw them together. 
  • They are made of aluminum, which is lightweight and durable.
  • It contains a movable pilot-hole guide for easy screwing.
  • It comes with a non-marring felt pad for protecting the cabinet.

Cons

  • I haven’t found any cons of this product.

2. Bessey Super Clamps for Cabinets

Bessey Super Clamps for Cabinets

Bessey EKT55 One-Handed edge clamp is one of the best cabinet installation clamps. You can use this clamp without any hesitation. Let’s see some eye-catching features of this clamp. The Bessey EKT55 is a one-handed edge clamp that can be used with a single hand. It uses a compound screw mechanism to tighten the clamp’s jaws, which makes it easy for users to adjust and tighten the clamp. The pressure pads use soft plastic caps for gentle, no-slip clamping with up to 2-1/8″ thick clamps surfaces. This is especially useful when working with delicate materials or surfaces that you do not want to damage. The jaws on this clamp are able to hold panels from 3/8 inches to 2-inches.

The Bessey EKT55 is the one-handed clamp that provides a secure hold during realignment. This clamp prevents materials from slipping and can handle up to 450-500 lbs of pressure. The edge clamp has two adjustable jaws and a fixed jaw. These three jaws will create pressure from the three sides that are ideal for holding workpieces in place while they are being cut, drilled, routed, or welded. Its unique design makes it easy to operate with only one hand. It features a patented quick-release button that allows you to immediately remove the clamped material without having to loosen any screws or bolts.

This clamp has many beneficial features, but this is not as good as Bessey BES8511 clamps when attaching the cabinet face frame. Bessey BES8511 clamp has a pilot-hole guide that will allow you to drill holes and insert screws without repositioning the clamps. But if you have enough experience that you don’t need any guide for making a pilot hole, this clamp suits your work perfectly. And also, it has broad usability for various kinds of woodworking projects.

Pros

  • This is a one-handed clamp that is usable with both hands.
  • It has two adjustable jaws for creating pressure.
  • Pressure pads use soft plastic for gentle grip.
  • This clamp can hold up to 450-500 lbs of pressure.
  • It has broad usability for any woodworking project.

Cons

  • It doesn’t contain any pilot-hole guide.

3. Pony Cabinet Claw Face Frame Clamps

Pony Cabinet Claw Face Frame Clamps

The structural design of pony 8510BP cabinet claw face frame clamps is no big difference from Bessey BES8511 clamps. But right now, this product is out of stock, and we don’t know when it will be available again. If you like this model and don’t find it anywhere, you can go for the Bessey BES8511 clamps. Now let’s see some features of this claw face frame clamp.

This clamp has three jaws, and one of them is fixed, and another two are adjustable. These adjustable jaws can be adjusted with two screw handle as per your need. They will produce much more pressure for holding up to 600lbs tightly. The company provided 3 protective pads for protecting the cabinet from damage.

Pony’s 8510BP Cabinet Claw is designed to work with 1-1/2 inch to 2-inch stiles. The jaws are 2 inches wide, and the throat depth is 1-1/2 inches. It has a maximum opening capacity of 4-7/16 inches and a minimum opening of 2 inches.

Pony claw clamp also has a pilot-hole guide for making the pilot holes. This guide is movable, so you don’t need to reposition the clamps when you are inserting the screw. So it is a great clamp to purchase for long-lasting and efficient service. But I told you before you may not find this product available right now but check the link below for availability. If it is not available, then don’t worry, BES8511 has the same features with the same price range.

Pros

  • It has two adjustable jaws for creating pressure.
  • All of those jaws wear protecting pads.
  • It has a pilot-hole guide for making pilot holes.
  • Pilot-hole guides are movable when inserting screws.
  • This package contains two of these claw clamps.

4. Jorgensen Cabinet Install Clamps

Jorgensen Cabinet Install Clamps

Especially made cabinet face frame clamps have two unique features. One is a pilot-hole guide another one is two adjustable jigs. But there are only a very few models available with these features. The price range of these products is a little bit higher than other clamps. That’s why I listed some other clamps that are perfectly suitable for installing cabinet face frames with a little bit of practice and experience. Jorgensen bar clamp is the first one of them.

The Jorgensen 6” Bar Clamp Set is the perfect clamping set for your DIY projects. This bar clamp set comes with 2 clamps, providing more than 600 pounds of clamping force on your workpieces. This product allows you to prevent your workpieces from slipping out of place during the bonding and fixing process. It also features a metal latching mechanism that minimizes warping and distortion. Use this bar clamp set for woodworking and other household repairs!

It is made of high-quality steel, with a maximum opening capacity of 6 inches and a throat depth of 2 inches. The Jorgensen 6” Bar Clamp Set is designed with the user in mind. The quick-adjust design allows the sliding head to hold security at any position along with the bar clamp. And the fast-acting sliding head is a threaded design, making the sliding head fixed firmly at any point on the rod. 

This premium design also comes with an ergonomic soft-grip handle, a threaded design, making it non-slip and comfortable. The fine-tuning knob can increase grip and precision. The soft and durable plastic pad protects your workpiece, reduces indents. The clamps have a wide range of applications and can be used in a variety of industries, from woodworking to construction.

Pros

  • Clamping force up to 600 pounds. 
  • It prevents workpieces from slipping during the bonding process. 
  • They have a rubberized handle for a comfortable grip.
  • The clamps are made from strong steel. 
  • The quick-adjust design makes it easy to use and set up. 
  • It has a maximum opening capacity of 6 inches and a throat depth of 2 inches.

Cons

  • This clamp does not have any pilot-hole guide.
  • It only has one adjustable jaw.

5. WORKPRO Wood Cabinet Clamps

WORKPRO Wood Cabinet Clamps

WORKPRO bar Clamps are made of hardened steel and nylon. It is very easy to use; just push the button on the clamp head to adjust the size of the jaw opening. The unique quick-change button design allows you to take off one end as a spreader or put it back in place as a clamp. This tool will help you complete many tasks on your project with ease.

WorkPro Bar Clamps are the perfect solution for any woodworking or household repair job. They feature a powerful clamping force of up to 150 lbs and a metal ratcheting mechanism that provides an easy squeeze, even when you’re working with one hand. WorkPro Bar Clamps also comes with non-marring removable and replaceable pads that offer flexible material and non-slip texture, enhancing the overall clamping force. The quick-release latch allows you to adjust and lock the wood clamps simply and quickly, while an ergonomically designed handle allows for easy maneuverability while working on your project.

WORKPRO bar clamps are made of high-quality steel and have an adjustable locking screw for a secure fit. The set contains 4 pieces 6” bar clamps and 2 pieces 12” bar clamps. The 6″ clamp can be set to spreaders of size up to 11-1/8,” and the 12″ clamp is also a spreader with size up to 17-5/16″. These are the best tool for woodworking, metalwork, plastic work, craftwork, etc.

Pros

  • It can be used in many different ways, saving you time and money.
  • The bar clamp is made of hardened steel and nylon.
  • It’s easy to use; just push the button on the clamp head to adjust the size of the jaw opening.
  • The unique quick-change button design allows you to take off one end as a spreader or put it back in place as a clamp. 
  • Metal ratcheting mechanism provides an easy squeeze, even when you’re working with one hand. 
  • They have an adjustable locking screw for a secure fit. 
  • The set contains 4 pieces of clamps. 

Cons

  • Does not contain any pilot-hole guide.

Know More: 6 Best Panel Clamps Review in 2022

Cabinet Face Frame Clamps Buying Guide

Now, this is the important part when you are buying this for the first time. I provided the list of best cabinet face frame clamps above, but this list contains 5 clamps that can make you confused. Let’s check how to select one suitable clamp for your need by considering some important factors.

Project Size

Cabinet face frame clamps come in various sizes and shapes for a variety of applications. The cabinet face frame clamp is designed to fit inside the cabinet’s frame and clamp down on it so that it doesn’t move when you’re working with the cabinet face or installing hardware. Before buying a cabinet face frame clamp, you should check your project and cabinet and determine the size of the face frame clamp you need.

The cabinet should be able to accommodate both your project and the weight of a cabinet face frame clamp without too much trouble either way. If there’s no space, then it won’t work; if the cabinet can barely hold itself together as is, don’t add more stress by adding hardware.

Experience

It also depends on your experiences. Bessey and Pony Cabinet face frame clamps have a pilot-hole guide for making pilot holes. This feature made these clamps best suitable for installing face frames but also increased their price. So if you don’t need any pilot-hole jig for making holes, you can go for other cheap models. But installing a cabinet face frame is always a tough job, so my recommendation is don’t look at the price and buy the best product for once and reduce your working pressure.

Budget

Price should always be considered when buying anything. Cabinet face frame clamp is not an exception to this rule, so check your budget before buying one and see if the cabinet face frame clamps are within it. If not, look for something else that’s more affordable but still has all the features you need or want in a cabinet face frame clamp.

It’s important to keep cabinet face frame clamps within your budget, so you don’t overspend and end up with something that doesn’t fit what you need. However, if the cabinet face frame clamp is too cheap, then it could be of lower quality or not as durable because they’re cheaper made. You should aim for a good balance between the two.

Purpose

Another important factor to notice is using purpose. You must keep in your mind that where you are going to use these clamps. Are you going to use these clamps only for installing cabinet face frames or for something else?

It depends on your project and cabinet. If you’re installing a cabinet face frame, then Bessey is best suitable because it has some unique features like a pilot-hole jig hole-making system, which helps to make accurate holes in the cabinet’s frame. This cabinet face frame clamp is more expensive than other cabinet face frame clamps, but it’s worth your money.

If you’re going to use these cabinet face frame clamps for something else like installing drawer slides or panels, other cabinet clamps would be best because of their adjustable aluminum bar, which can adjust as per the project requirement and save space.

How do You Screw a Cabinet Face Frame Together?

How do You Screw a Cabinet Face Frame Together?

Know More: How to Use Cabinet Face Frame Clamps for Fast Cabinet Assembly

To screw a cabinet face frame together, you need to make sure the two pieces match up perfectly. Use some wood glue on one of the pieces and attach it to the other piece by drilling in screws from one side. You will want these holes to be slightly smaller than your screws, or they can split apart when you tighten them down with a clamping mechanism.

Once both panels are attached together, place your clamps on each side and adjust them so that they’re tight enough but not too much where it looks like anything is bulging out between them. Make final adjustments before securing them into place using your drill. Finally, install all of your screws until everything feels really sturdy!

Know More: 5 Best Drawer Slide Jig for Quick Installation

What Screws to Use to Fasten Cabinets?

The screws you use to fasten cabinets or cabinet face frame clamps should be long enough to go through the entire wood thickness and meet on the other side. This way, it is impossible for them to come loose while preventing any damage between pieces.

Depending on what kind of material your cabinet frames are made out of (MDF versus plywood), make sure you choose a screw with a head diameter that matches up perfectly. You don’t want anything too small or large because this can lead to issues when trying to install the piece into place!

As a general rule of thumb, try to use screws that are at least an inch longer than the thickness of your cabinet. This gives you enough room for each screw within the frame and will make installation much easier!

Know More: Best Self Centering Drill Bit Set in 2022

How Do You Fix a Cabinet Face Frame?

Cabinet face frames are an important part of many cabinets. They provide a decorative surface that covers the cabinet interior and helps to support the cabinet doors. Face frames can be made from a variety of materials, but most are made from wood.

Wood face frames are generally easier to repair than those made from other materials. If a cabinet face frame is damaged, it is important to repair it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the damage may become worse, and the frame may eventually need to be replaced. There are several ways to repair a wood cabinet face frame.

The most common method is to use wood glue and clamps to reattach loose or broken pieces. This method is best for small cracks or breaks. For larger damage, it may be necessary to use a replacement piece of wood. This can be done by cutting a piece of wood to fit the opening and then attaching it with wood screws or nails.

Another option for repairing a cabinet face frame is to use a veneer. The veneer is a thin piece of wood that can be glued over the damaged area. This will cover the damage and give the frame a new, smooth surface.

No matter which method you use to repair a cabinet face frame, it is important to sand the area before applying any finish. This will help to create a smooth, even surface. Once the repair is complete, you can stain or paint the frame to match the rest of the cabinet. If you are using veneer, you may need to apply a top coat of polyurethane to protect the surface.

Various Uses of Cabinet Face Frame Clamps

  1. Cabinet face frame clamps can be used to clamp cabinet doors shut while the glue dries.
  2. It can be used to clamp cabinet door panels in place while the glue or screws are being installed.
  3. It can be used to clamp cabinet drawer fronts in place while the glue or screws are being installed.
  4. Cabinet face frame clamps can be used to clamp cabinet moldings or trim in place while the glue or screws are being installed.
  5. It can be used to clamp cabinet shelves in place while the screws are being installed.

Frequently Asked Question Answered

1. What are The Benefits and Uses of Cabinet Face Frames?

The cabinet face frame provides a finished look to your cabinets with just one step. A cabinet that has its own door and looks good without it also makes an empty space which can be filled with many things like pictures or vases etc. It helps you keep the dust-out, so the cabinet stays clean for longer periods of time as well. But cabinet face frames help in more than these ways. They provide added storage space inside the cabinet because most people don’t know how much room there actually is behind those doors! You can use this extra space for storing pantry items such as boxes of cereal, cans of soup, and other cabinet face frames.

2. Why do Cabinet Makers Use Face Frame Clamps?

Cabinet maker uses cabinet face frame clamp to make cabinets because it’s easy to install than toe kick or self-close hinges which requires more time in installation. It also helps them save money by making a cabinet quickly without any issues. It also tightens the cabinet’s frame, so it doesn’t get loose or shake when you close cabinet doors, which is a common problem in cabinets with toe kick hinges because they don’t have any visible hardware to hold them together.

3. How Do Cabinet Face Frame Clamps Work?

Cabinet face frame clamps are very easy to use. They work like cabinet hinges. You attach cabinet face frame clamps to the cabinet’s frame by drilling the holes and then screw them into place with screws provided in the package; you can also use your own if they’re more durable or look nice.

4. What Wood is Used for Face Frame Cabinets?

Most cabinet face frames are made out of hardwood, and cabinet face frames made from softwood are usually used in low-traffic areas that don’t get used, such as mudrooms and kitchens.

Hardwoods like oak, cherry, maple, birch, and walnut provide durability for cabinet face frame clamps so they can handle the abuse without getting damaged or falling apart over time. Softwoods also work great for this type of cabinet face frame cabinet, but, as we mentioned above, they’re best for areas of the house that don’t get used as much.

How Many Clamps Do You Really Need?

It depends on your cabinet face frame size. Generally, you need to order one clamp for every 1 foot of face frame. Now figure out how many clamps you currently need depending on your cabinet face frame size.

How Far Apart Should Clamps be?

You should place face frame clamps after every 1 foot of the frame. 1 clamp can provide enough pressure for attaching 1 foot of the area.

How do you clamp cabinets together?

To clamp the cabinets together, you will need a clamping tool and some wood screws, as well as an electric drill or screwdriver. Begin by pre-drilling holes in each piece of cabinet you plan to assemble, then use face frame clamps to hold them together while you insert screws into the pre-drilled holes. 

This will form a strong connection between the pieces for lasting stability. Additionally, it is important to use wood glue on any joints that do not have hardware connecting them for even more stability.

What size screws to screw cabinet faces together?

When it comes to attaching cabinet faces, a #8 x 1-5/8″ screw is usually a secure and robust option. These screws are perfect for cabinets that you may be making out of different materials and have different thicknesses. The size is versatile enough for successful fastening. Be sure to check the instructions that come with each specific piece of cabinetry needed to assemble the tools.

How do you hide screw heads in cabinets?

An easy and economical solution is to cover screw heads with wood putty or filler sticks. First, clean the area around the screws with sandpaper until it is smooth and even. Next, apply the filling material over the screws and allow it to harden overnight. For a more polished finish, lightly sand the putty before finishing with a coat of paint or stain that matches the cabinets.

Another option for hiding screw heads is using decorative wood trim pieces such as rosettes or rocaille blocks. These are designed to fit around screws.

What amount of force is suitable for a clamp?

When it comes to the amount of force used for a clamp, it is necessary to find the proper balance. Too little force won’t keep the pieces firmly in place, but too much can damage them by leaving marks. Consequently, experts advise using protective pads to prevent this from happening.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading this blog post. We hope that it’s been helpful and informative to your needs in finding the best cabinet face frame clamp for your project. For more information, please feel free to leave a comment below with any questions or thoughts!

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