Uploaded September 2025 | Updated September 2026, 4 minutes ago
Band clamps are used to hold mitered joints together during glue-ups.
I actually made a Bitesize recently explaining how they work—but while I was looking for a link to recommend a good one, I realized something: band clamps online are insanely overpriced.So I stopped thinking like a consumer—and started thinking like a maker. If you’ve got a ratchet strap lying around, you don’t need any extra parts. You already have a band clamp.
To make one, you’ll need a pair of scissors and a flame.Start by cutting off the short hook from the ratchet strap, along with the hook from the longer nylon strap that comes with it.Since nylon frays, I hit the freshly cut tip with a flame to melt and seal the end.
Next, go back to the spot where you cut the loop off and tie a simple knot.It doesn’t have to be fancy—just make sure it won’t pull free.Nylon straps are notorious for locking down once they’re knotted, and in this case, that’s exactly what we want.
You don’t need the plastic pieces that come with the store-bought versions—and honestly, you’re better off making your own with a couple of 2x2s.
Wrap up your stock, crank the ratchet a few times, and you’re done.
I go into a little more detail on this over on my second channel—but for more clamping tips…
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Make Things
Band clamps are used to hold mitered joints together during glue-ups.
I actually made a Bitesize recently explaining how they work—but while I was looking for a link to recommend a good one, I realized something: band clamps online are insanely overpriced.So I stopped thinking like a consumer—and started thinking like a maker. If you’ve got a ratchet strap lying around, you don’t need any extra parts. You already have a band clamp.
To make one, you’ll need a pair of scissors and a flame.Start by cutting off the short hook from the ratchet strap, along with the hook from the longer nylon strap that comes with it.Since nylon frays, I hit the freshly cut tip with a flame to melt and seal the end.
Next, go back to the spot where you cut the loop off and tie a simple knot.It doesn’t have to be fancy—just make sure it won’t pull free.Nylon straps are notorious for locking down once they’re knotted, and in this case, that’s exactly what we want.
You don’t need the plastic pieces that come with the store-bought versions—and honestly, you’re better off making your own with a couple of 2x2s.
Wrap up your stock, crank the ratchet a few times, and you’re done.
I go into a little more detail on this over on my second channel—but for more clamping tips…
Check out my other channel! → @makethingswithrob
Become a patron! → patreon.com/makethings ←
Huge thank you to my patrons that keep this thing going!
*MAKER TEAM*
Michelle B
Keith Current
William L McNally
Rich Lightfoot
Tutor the Barbarian
Aubrey G.
Nukebert
Sam W.
Aaron Knows DIY
G. Salazar
David B.
Marc B.
Richard B.
Ben. K
Make Things
