Home > Consumer Reviews > Bessey KBK1224 Picture Framers Kit

The Bessey K-Body clamps are--bare none--the finest woodworking clamps that one can buy. The beefy serrated steel bars ensure both clamping power and rigidity, while the unique clamping mechanism guarantees that the clamp faces remain parallel at all times.

What this means for the user is quicker setup, tighter joints, and less prolems with racking. Used with the KP blocks included in this kit, these clamps make getting a square joint (almost) automatic.

If they're good enough for Norm Abram, they ought to be more than enough for the rest of us. They are.

I recently purchased the Bessey KBK1224 Picture Framers Kit and a pair of K3.550 50" Max Opening K-Body Clamps. The final choice came down between Bessey and Jorgensen. Although a family member who uses both prefers the Jorgensen, I was concerned about several reviews telling of the Jorgensen clamping mechanism breaking. Too bad - The Jorgensen had two appealing features: 1)The ability to operate in reverse as spreaders and 2)A built in end spacer to keep large clamps level (keep them from falling over) when clamping small items. To my surprise the Bessey clamps also have these two features even though the online pictures and writted descriptions never mentioned it. The Bessey end spacer is a small piece of high impact plastic that locks into a hole at the end of the bar. A quarter turn unlocks it and allows for the clamping mechanism to be remove and reversed. Jorgensen uses an end spacer held in by a pin.

The framers kit also comes with a block set that does a nice job keeping a set of four clamps square. The blocks will also accept Jorgensen clamps - with a litter persuasion.

My only concern was with the shipping method. The framers kit arrived in a single box - no problem. The 50" clamps were shipped with a thick wrapping of bubble pack protecting each end of the clamp but with no protection for the bar centers. Luckily my clamps arrived undamaged. However, as an ex-UPS truck unloader, I can imagine a situation where the bars could be damaged during shipment.

Great clamps, possibly best I have used. Wish they were cheaper to buy, but still a good buy.

I've used these many times since I purchased them and have yet to use them for a picture frame! They work great for all kinds of clamping needs. They really hold tight. They take a little getting used to, but once you get the hang of them they are tough to beat. When I get around to using them for building frames, I know they'll be just what I'll need.