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The folks at Rockler have been thinking about woodworking again and we get a great lever clamp for their effort! Click image to enlarge

Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp

Versatile table top clamping

Text, photos and video by Tom Hintz

Posted – 6-13-2014

Everyone knows the “you never have enough clamps” adage but just as true is never having enough ways to clamp things. Like many of you I have run into these situations on an assembly table where being able to apply horizontal clamping force would be like having an extra set of hands. The folks at Rockler recognized that need and came up with their Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp and a special mounting bracket that expands their usefulness even more.

The Basics

Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp (#58616) is a lever clamp at its core but with a new level of adjustability and utility. These clamps have an open dimension of 2-3/4''-wide x 8-5/8''-long and 5-3/8''-tall. In the closed position they are 2-3/4''-wide by 8-5/8''-long and 2-1/2''-tall. The Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamps have a cast metal body and hardened steel push rod to resist flexing and bending under the 10 to 500 pounds of clamping pressure they are capable of developing. A simple adjusting screw lets you select the amount of pressure used and is accessible through the operating handle. The face that applies the pressure is 2-3/4''-wide by just 13/16''-tall to allow more work on the surface of a piece while clamped. The center of the clamping face has a large v-groove that makes applying pressure to a corner more secure. Protentus sulankstomi ir prekybiniai stalai, greito surinkimo bei prekybines palapines The clamping face is also covered with a non-slip, non-marring rubber coating to resist slipping as pressure is applied.

The cast metal base (left) is very different from the stamped metal most others use. That base gives us options like being able to mount these clamps (right) at 90-degrees or 45-degrees to the t track! Click images to enlarge

To give the Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp even more uses they can apply clamping pressure at 45-degrees and 90-degrees to the T- track (or optional base). A pair of screws/pins can be relocated in an array of tapped holes in the bottom of the Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp to put the clamp on a precise 45-degree or 90-degree angle to the slot. A finger wheel at the base of the clamp lets you secure it wherever needed in the t-track. A non-slip rubber pad on the bottom of the Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp keeps it from slipping under pressure. The pushrod can be adjusted up to 3-1/2'' to let you work on a wide range of stock widths without readjusting the clamp.

The Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp uses the familiar t-bolt to fasten it in all common t-tracks that accept 5/16” T-bolts. That size is so common that it includes a bunch of tables including my Rockler T-Track Table (#46654). You can also get an optional Mounting Bracket (#57940) from Rockler to make your own fixtures and jigs. Once adjusted flipping the large operating lever lets you repeat the clamping action as many times as needed to make short work of repetitive jobs.

In the Shop

The Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamps are certainly handy in any woodworking or home shop but one of the first things I noticed about them is the quality of their construction. Most clamps like this are made from stamped steel but Rockler apparently went for durability and function before worrying about manufacturing costs. The cast body is super rigid and makes a solid base for this style of clamp. Even the operating handle has been given a coating that makes it slip resistant and easier to use.

Being able to mount the Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp at 45 or 90-degree angles also sets them apart from the crowd in this type of clamp and gives you a bunch of options for their use without having to buy more styles or configurations.

This screw (left) is all that controls the amount of pressure applied. they even made a hole in the handle so you can get to it directly. Need to build lever clamps into a wood-mounted jig? Rockler offers these brackets (right) that make these clamps simple to mount wherever you need them. Click images to enlarge

As with any tool the real worth shows up under working conditions in your shop and the Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamps pass this test with flying colors. When you put these clamps into use it becomes apparent that people who do woodworking designed them. They simply work as you expect and do it reliably. The amount of clamping power is adjustable because the materials we clamp changes from job to job. I love tools that do what they are supposed to without a bunch of adjusting and messing around. The Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamps are that kind of tool.

Making these clamps compatible with existing t-track systems allows you to work faster and easier to use because you can use your existing table or bench. If you have not put t-tracks into your work table or bench you need to catch up. In many cases having something else hold the project firmly lets you be more accurate with everything from drilling to shaping. Remember that Rockler offers the Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp Bracket (#57940) that lets you make virtually any surface in your shop compatible with these clamps.

Conclusions

The Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamps are both well designed and well made with woodworking in mind. These clamps have lots of uses in the average shop and will make lots of tasks easier and by holding pieces firmly could also make many operations safer.

The Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp sells for $29.99 each (6-10-2014) and can be purchased in pairs for $49.99. The Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp Brackets cost $9.99 each. While none of these prices are remarkably cheap I think they are more than fair for the quality of the tools you get. If you need more justification compare the Rockler Auto-Lock T-Track Clamp and their prices to the stamped steel versions already on the market. Rockler appears to have put longevity near the top of the design criteria list and looking at the materials and workmanship shows that those factors made it through to the final product.

Visit the Rockler web page for the Auto-Lock T-Track Clamps – Click Here

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