Synopsis: A clamp won’t solve problems of bad geometry, but if the math adds up, a good clamp should accurately position stock and firmly close the joint, writes Anatole Burkin of Fine Woodworking. Nothing is more maddening than trying to get by with a clamp that won’t bring a joint home or won’t hold it securely while the glue sets. Here, he analyzes 20 miter-clamping devices and describes 16 of the winners and why they succeed. He assesses ease and precision of alignment, ergonomics, and pressure exerted (measured by using a feeler gauge in a joint and tightening the clamp). He rates the clamps as light, medium, or heavy duty, depending on their grip strength, and he gauges their overall performance.

A good miter joint begins with an accurate cut and ends with a precision clamp. Errors made along the way—a cut that’s off a degree or a clamp that won’t pull the joint tight—can get compounded. It’s like using a checkbook: mess up one entry and the entire running balance turns to slop.

A clamp won’t solve problems of bad geometry, but if the math adds up, a good clamp should accurately position stock and firmly close the joint. Nothing is more maddening than trying to get by with a clamp that won’t bring a joint home or won’t hold it securely while the glue sets.

There are a lot of ways to clamp miters, and readers of Fine Woodworking have come up with many ingenious solutions. Manufacturers have been prolific, too. I looked at more than 20 clamping devices currently on the market and included the best 16 in this survey. I evaluated the clamps on several criteria: ease and precision of alignment, ergonomics and pressure exerted on a…