I like the way a band clamp pulls four miter joints together all at once. The problem is that the pressure from the strap is not focused directly across the miter joints. The strap can also mar the corners. I’ve tried the corner brackets available for band clamps, but I like the following method better.

Partially tighten the strap, and then insert two dowels under it near each corner. Push or roll each dowel toward the joints, pinpointing the direction of the clamping force. Tighten the strap if needed. This fix costs the price of a dowel and works great.

Peter Lokken, Chicago, IL

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