Replacement / Aftermarket DMT Aligner Clamp

[jsolack]

Hello everyone, i just broke my first DMT aligner clamp and i'm wondering if anyone knows of a good replacement. I see someone sells them on ebay and i can buy another, but if there's a better alternative I'd like to know.

Thank you!

Jason

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

The Aligner clamps can be ordered separately, straight from DMT or any retailer who stocks DMT. Here's a link to one available from KnifeCenter (BF member dealer), for about $12 or so:

http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/DMTABG/DMT-ABG-Aligner-Blade-Guide-Knife-Clamp

Just curious, how'd this one break (what part)? You might even be able to get a replacement clamp or part(s) straight from DMT; their warranty might cover it.

Other clamps (Lansky, Gatco) can also be bought separately. I don't know that any one is universally better than another; each has it's own strengths and flaws.

 

[jsolack]

Thanks for the info... i was sharpening a queen traditional and i tightened the large screw on the clamp. Then i squeezed the clamp a bit and it snapped (smart i know). So it's really my fault.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Thanks for the info... i was sharpening a queen traditional and i tightened the large screw on the clamp. Then i squeezed the clamp a bit and it snapped (smart i know). So it's really my fault.

Might still be worth an email or phone call to DMT. They've developed a pretty good rep for customer service, so they might surprise you.

 

[prime77]

DMT has great customer service. I broke a clamp along time ago and they sent me a new one and a free pocket stone. I'm sure they will replace your clamp. I say give them a call.

 

[jsolack]

You guys are correct! I emailed them and they are sending me a new clamp. It's always nice to see companies with great customer service.

Thank you all.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

You guys are correct! I emailed them and they are sending me a new clamp. It's always nice to see companies with great customer service.

Thank you all.

Perfect! It's always nice to hear when companies like this are treating people right. Glad it worked out so well. :thumbup:

 

[OHALLUM]

I would think/hope that with all the negative remarks and failed clamps, that DMT would eventually re-design the clamp into a much more durable and stronger component. Maybe even one out of some type of metal. Even if it cost us more, it would still be worth it in my opinion.

Omar

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I would think/hope that with all the negative remarks and failed clamps, that DMT would eventually re-design the clamp into a much more durable and stronger component. Maybe even one out of some type of metal. Even if it cost us more, it would still be worth it in my opinion.

Omar

Even the metal ones are tricky. I've used four clamps so far (1 Aligner, 2 Lansky, 1 Gatco), and the Lansky/Gatco metal ones still have issues. All of them would benefit by finding a 'just right' finish/texture for the inside clamp faces, to more securely grip the blade. If the blade were less prone to slip inside the clamp, there'd be much less incentive to over-tighten them, which is what stresses the material and sometimes breaks them (and the metal ones will bend/warp/deform too, if over-tightened). I sometimes think a clamp with removable/replaceable 'grippy' inserts, on the inside faces, would be a good solution. The trick is in finding such a material that's grippy on all types of blade finishes (especially on highly-polished blades, which are very slick), but also durable and won't mar the finish at the same time. The best alternative I've tried, so far, is some med/fine wet/dry sandpaper (400+ grit), with the 'grit' side to the clamp, and the paper backing against the blade. The paper backing is surprisingly grippy on the blades, even when it's wet. But there's still the chance of some stray particles of SiC abrasive coming off the paper and getting sandwiched against the blade, which can scratch/scuff it.

 

[jsolack]

I always put a piece of electrical tape on the blade before putting the clamp on and that seems to help. I agree about the clamp material, it would be nice if it were made of something more durable, but in the end i'm happy that they will send me a new one. Good customer service goes a long way with me.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I always put a piece of electrical tape on the blade before putting the clamp on and that seems to help. I agree about the clamp material, it would be nice if it were made of something more durable, but in the end i'm happy that they will send me a new one. Good customer service goes a long way with me.

With me, too. That's worth a lot. :thumbup:

I'll still hope that DMT is 'taking notes' on some of the failures/returns that they're getting, and maybe that'll work it's way into a redesign/upgrade in the future. Lansky has somewhat improved their clamp over the years. The two Lansky clamps I have are about 15+ years apart in vintage, and the more recent one does a much better job holding small blades, in particular. It has indicated to me, they're paying some attention anyway.