Mitee-bite xpansion clamps

[pp-TG]

Any one know of a better way of holding a part down other then these clamps? (Mitee-Bite Xpansion clamps)
I have a job that we must hold by the 2 - 1/4" dia. holes we put in it because the part gets totaly machined (3d machined) on the outside profile and these clamps suck!!!!!! I have had nothing but problems with them it is either the clamp jaws break off or the screws strip out i had to next day in 12 screws it cost $120 witch for these little 2-56 screws in my opinion is nuts.

Any advise on something that works good for holding by the inner walls of holes in a part would be great there must be something else out there. I Hope.

Thanks, Travis

[Mitee1]

Travis,

We recently had a customer with a similar problem, which was resolved with one phone call. You should contact us directly or distributor/rep for assistance. These clamps, when properly used will last for years. The 2-56 screw has a max torque of .5 ft lbs. We recommend a cordless drill that has an adjustable torque setting and a ball-end hex key, keep the trigger pulled for quick loading/unloads...and same torque every time.
If the clamp is continually over expanded the segments will break or not fully retract. To properly machine clamps for long life...expand .002-.005 over relaxed dia. and machine to your bore size. This will allow easy load/unload and max. line contact.

Feel free to contact me if problems persist. Customer satisfaction is our #1 priority!
800-543-3580
Dave

[pp-TG]

I did do just as you had said we did expand .002-.005 over relaxed fit and machined clamps so part would just slide over them then released them and we also did use a cordless drill and minimum torque setting we at first did use a straight hex key but then changed to the ball end witch did help but still had lots of problems with the screws. The first screws we got with the clamps the hex was so far off center it was just about breaking through the wall of the screw I called Mitee bite and they did next day me out new screws but them only lasted about a day then i had to order a dozen more. We have designed a new fixture for this part witch is working great so at this time we have done away with those clamps but thanks for the advise....