Possible new product

[Bob Zambelli]

I'm doing a little survey.

Would anyone be interested in clamps like these?

They are aluminum, open to 1.0 inch and feature pivoting self-aligning Teflon tips (pads).

Bob Z.

[Steve Helmick]

Are those "Kant Twist" brand? If not, looks like a patent infringement from here. Uh...and I wouldn't use Teflon (R), too slippery. Delrin (R) would work well. Hecho en China?  Steve

[don Burke]

"Kant Twist" clamps have been available for so long that I doubt if any patent would still be in effect.  I remember seeing them used in the machine shop after I started working at Northrop in the mid- 60s, don't remember the exact year, CRS I guess.  I also bought some copies at a swap meet in the mid-80s, nowhere near the quality of the genuine article.  In fact the aluminum frames with plastic pivots self-destructed in no time at all.

The ones I've seen have steel frames and cast bronze pads, although for modeling the Delrin would probably be better.  The pads have grooves in them for holding round stock.

[Bob Zambelli]

Hi, Guys - to address some concerns:

I have about 20 of the old  Kant-Twist clamps.
As pointed out, they are heavy duty, being steel and bronze.

I doubt that the patent is still in effect. In any case, the manufacturer, who I know very well, is quite thorough and I'm sure he would not violate a patent.

These new ones are light duty and designed for modelers BY A MODELER.

The Teflon (actually may be Delrin) pads are such so that glue will not stick.

They are MADE IN USA!!!!!

Bob Z.

[Keith Spriggs]

Taken from the Kant Twist website.

"The original firm purchased the Kant-Twist line from Paul Saxton in 1953 and paid him royalties until the patent expired. In fact, many old timers may remember the clamp being referred to as "The Saxton clamp." The line has been expanded many times since. Our most recent additions are the 2-1/2" Deep Throat and the 1-1/2" Round Handle clamps."
http://kanttwist.com/

[phil c]

You probably want to use ultra high molecular weight polyethylene for the blocks.  Almost as not sticky as teflon, and a lot stronger and cheaper.  Or even just plain old polyethylene.

[Shultzie]

That one item that I miss most...after retiring from Boeing.
I had a drawer full of the coolest clamps...(some very similar to all these!)
no home should be without these great little clamperoos.

[Bob Zambelli]

Ok, Guys - thanks for the tips and I'll pass them on.

I'll also keep you posted on availability and source.

Bob Z.

[RandySmith]

Hi, Guys - to address some concerns:

I have about 20 of the old  Kant-Twist clamps.
As pointed out, they are heavy duty, being steel and bronze.

I doubt that the patent is still in effect. In any case, the manufacturer, who I know very well, is quite thorough and I'm sure he would not violate a patent.

These new ones are light duty and designed for modelers BY A MODELER.

The Teflon (actually may be Delrin) pads are such so that glue will not stick.

They are MADE IN USA!!!!!

Bob Z.

HI Bob

Delrin will work well, and  glue or epoxy doesn't  stick to it  either.
Looks like just the thing for holding motor mounts


Randy

[Dave Nyce]

Yes, I'd be interested in a couple of those.

[EddyR]

Bob I would buy some also.
Ed Ruane