This video reviews some of the frustrations people has had with the Automaxx Clamp System from Kreg Tools. I think that the Kreg Autommaxx clamp system have changed the way we approach woodworking. We no longer have to wrestle with the screw threads on a traditional bar clamp or fumble around with traditional bar clamps.
Instead, you squeeze handle to open up the jaws. Put your piece of wood into place. Then, release the handle to clamp it down on the workpiece.
This seems simple enough and demo videos makes it look seamless. But as we know life in a shop can be different than the demo. Where does the frustration start for many?
It starts right there… At transition from the demo room to everyday use. The design is cool but when something go wrong, it’s merciless.
The handles seem grippy and sometimes hard. The jaws gets hung up and the whole thing jam when you least expect it. Knowing what causes the problems and how to solve it will save you time and protect the tool.
Fixing Common Kreg Automaxx Clamp Problems
Common Jaw Jamming Issues
But the most frequent complaint I’ve heard about them is that the clamp jaws don’t open and close smooth. That’s typically due to buildup of debris inside the sliding tracks. Glue residue, wood dust, and sawdust acts like mortar between the joint.
And if you work in a dry environment, static electricity will suck all kind of fine particles into the crevices. Over time, these hardened particles cause friction which exceed the force that can absorbs by the spring mechanism. The solution is simple but take some patience.
Remove the jaw assembly just as described in Kreg manual and then clean the tracks with a mild solvent and stiff brush. Don’t go crazy with the oil… It’ll attract even more dust.
Dry PTFE lubricant is best; a little goes a long way. The mechanism move freely but doesn’t turn your tool into a dust magnet.
Restoring Handle Tension
There is lack of tension.
Another common problem is losing tension in the handle where it doesn’t lock firmly into place anymore. That’s usually due to spring and/or locking pin inside wearing away over time. The Automaxx has a ratcheting system that keep the pressure on the workpiece.
When the ratchet wear out or gets out of alignment, it slip and you’ll find your workpiece sliding around when lightly pressed on. This is not good for fine joinery. Look at the teeth on the ratchet.
Is there any wear or bending? Do the teeth looks round? Those are signs it’s gone past its best days.
Most times Kreg will sell replacement parts for handles so replacing only what’s worn out is less expensive then a whole new one. Keep those pins checked regularly to ensure consistent clamping force.
Preventing Slippage on Smooth Surfaces
On some users’ accounts, the clamp slip on smooth surfaces.
Why? Because the clamp’s jaws has worn down and are now slick from residue left behind by the finish. Fortunately, the pad material have good grip.
They’re made of a rubberized compound, which used to provide a great grip. But eventually those pads will begin to deteriorate and lose their grip. Excess glue from application can also make surface slick.
You can solve this by cleaning them well or replacing the pads. Kreg offers replacement pads to bring back the original grip. Alternatively, you can rub the contact area of your workpiece with sandpaper to give it just enough grit to get a mechanical bond with the clamp.
Doesn’t sound like much I know but it stops slippage in a really important glue-up situation.
Routine Maintenance Tips
Just like all mechanical tool, the secret to a long life is regular maintenance. With the Automaxx, this mostly mean keeping it clean and lubricated.
After each use wipe down the clamp. Keep it in a dry storage area so it doesn’t corrode. These simple practices will add many years to your tool’s lifespan.
Prevention is always better than repair. You should of not wait until there is a problem. Does that mean the Kreg Automaxx is perfect?
No. But it’s easily fixable. Problems are caused more by normal wear and neglect than anything else. A bit of care go a long way toward restoring it to like-new performance.
It’s worth the small amount of maintenance for how convenient it is. Clean those jaws out and make sure those pads stays grippy. The machine will be right as rain again which will benefit your projects.