CHARNWOOD PFK04 Deluxe Picture Frame Joining Kit with Corner Clamp

This is a well constructed device that guarantees a perfect join every time. It knocks those cheaper hand tools into the shade. I got it at a great price and the delivery time was fine. I thoroughly recommend this.

Produced a perfect frame at my first attempt, straightforward to use, supplied staples work fine.Vendor very helpful replacing a faulty part.I replaced the supplied magnet with a weaker and slightly longer alternative from Railroom Electronics(10207900) and havent had the magnet issue other reviewers report.

Overall a handy bit of kit. Its a bit fiddly at first, but after a few goes it gets easier and you get good joints. I have found that a little application of PVA wood glue prior to assembly and driving the steel wedges in helps to guarantee a strong joint. Fitting the steel wedges on the magnetic holder needs to be done carefully and rechecked constantly prior to driving the wedge in as often the wedge will "tumble" under the influence of the magnet meaning that the wedge is not driven in cleanly. The wedge needs to be absolutely perpendicular to the frame. I found that you need to firmly manipulate the wedge as high as it will go on the side of the magnetic holder to prevent the wedge from tumbling. A good tool but perhaps a little on the expensive side, if it was €60 to €70 I'd say it would be a fairer price. I found spare steel wedges elsewhere on Amazon and at a vastly cheaper price than going back to Charnwood for re-stocking.

Impressive piece of kit.

Going through invoices for the year, I was shocked to realise I spent 75 pounds on this. Only works on the most blandest of picture frames, otherwise you need to support the moulding from underneath or frame goes crack. On average it forces apart the mitres that were flush, at least for one of the 4 corners. The placement of each individual v nail is so tedious and prone to slipping off or misaligning on the join. The mitre clamp is useless and again if the moulding is anything other than the most basic, will slip off or the moulding will rise out. Worst spend of the year...

Does the job, except for one problem which others have found.Magnet holding joining clamps does not hold them properly. Manufacturer supplied two spares, but the problem continues, making each join a fiddle. Disappointing.

I bought this to help with my personal framing. It works perfectly so long as you take your time and don't expect high volume production. When it comes to inserting the v-nails, line everything up and gently but firmly press down on the handle to insert the nail in one positive steady movement. I also glue the joint at the same time.

Take your time to set this up properly (watch the video) then it's a great tool. I used it to secure box frames and even stacked 3 x 10mm staples on top of each other, which is one more than recommended, but worked well.