Using clamps to glue up any small box is tricky and almost always frustrating. The clamps are too large for the workpieces, so even getting them all in place is a chore – if not impossible. If the box features mitered corner joints, the troubles only multiply. This simple method solves all those worries.
To see more gluing and clamping strategies, check out Glue and Clamps.
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- Tape the outside of the joints.
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- Apply glue on the mitered ends.
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- Set the top and bottom in place.
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- Roll up the sides of the box.
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- Tape the last joint closed.
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- Use a little hand pressure to square the box
It not only works on boxes. I have just used tape to glue up a a much larger carcass and it works great. The technique is outlined in a Fine Woodworking article entitled “Strong, No Clamp-up Corner Joints” by Steve Latta from 1998. Check it out.
I use large rubber bands, I believe that they work even better than tape.
Good idea. I’ve never tried it myself, but it makes a lot of sense. I’ll put it on my list of things to try.
Thanks. A great tip. I have used the clear packing tape but I suspect that the stringed tape would be much stronger and not break when pulled tight as I have had happen with the clear packing tape. I am now searching for stringed packaging tape. Also, great looking box!!! Good craftsmanship. Thanks Again.
I’ve used blue tape before, but not stringed packing tape. Will have to give it a try.
Yes, the regular packing tape or blue tape works fine in many cases. But I’ve had both break on me when I tried to pull them tight across a sharp corner joint. . . that’s where the stringed version comes in handy.