Bessey Revo Clamp Handles

[lincmercguy]

My collection of Revos spans about a decade. The latest ones have the hex bolt in the handle, which I like quite a bit. I've been searching around and you can't just buy the handle/screw, you have to buy the full head for $30/ea.

Has anyone been able to source just the handle/screw with the update or fashion some other way to make tightening/loosening the clamps easier?

[Handplanesandmore]

The joinery is the problem, not the clamp handle. There shouldn't be a need to use a socket wrench to tighten the clamp when a joint is properly made. The bessey clamp as designed exerts more than enough force for a wooden joint. If your need is to have a better purchase on the handle, try hockey tape.

Simon

[tablesawtom]

The joinery is the problem, not the clamp handle. There shouldn't be a need to use a socket wrench to tighten the clamp when a joint is properly made. The bessey clamp as designed exerts more than enough force for a wooden joint. If your need is to have a better purchase on the handle, try hockey tape.

Simon

I hate to admit it, but I agree with Simon. Even the least expensive Bessey clamps should be able to apply enough pressure

Tom

[lincmercguy]

Just simple edge joints. The joints have been fine, but I thought it might be an easier way to crank down on the handle.

[Guest]

Rockler used to have a foam grip that slipped on the Bessey wooden handles.  That really improved the grip.

[fredhargis]

My older ones (with the red slippery wood handles) all have either the Rockler foam grip or some friction tape wrapped around them.  I agree the newer handles would be nice to have on all the clamps, but like you said...it ain't easy or cheap to do.

[MarkSingleton]

Joinery is key, I agree. There are times though, that you need to tighten/loosen, etc and they just don't
want to cooperate. Arthritic hands, or whatever.

I have a scrap of non slip tool drawer liner that I keep near the clamp storage rack. Adaptable for every
clamp/situation.

[tablesawtom]

Joinery is key, I agree.  There are times though, that you need to tighten/loosen, etc and they just don't
want to cooperate.  Arthritic hands, or whatever.

I have a scrap of non slip tool drawer liner that I keep near the clamp storage rack. Adaptable for every
clamp/situation.

I agree with that also. I have arthritics in my thumbs. I use the drawer liners myself especially on my wood only K clamps.  But I am not sure if that amounts to more clamping pressure or getting the clamping pressure one used to be able to get. There seems to be a thin line between getting enough clamping and starving a glue joint because of clamping pressure.

Tom

[packerguy®]

My collection of Revos spans about a decade. The latest ones have the hex bolt in the handle, which I like quite a bit. I've been searching around and you can't just buy the handle/screw, you have to buy the full head for $30/ea.

Has anyone been able to source just the handle/screw with the update or fashion some other way to make tightening/loosening the clamps easier?

Wrap the handles in hockey tape. 

https://www.amazon.com/Renfrew-Cloth-Hoc...192&sr=8-3

[camp10]

Wrap the handles in hockey tape. 

https://www.amazon.com/Renfrew-Cloth-Hoc...192&sr=8-3

Right.   And watch this two minute 'spin the tape' method for even better grip.