SKU: 100-793

Infinity Tools 2" Pinch Dogs, 12-Pc. Pack

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Sale price $24.90 Regular price$29.90

Infinity Pinch Dogs – Clamp Where Other Woodworking Clamps Can’t Reach

In any woodworking shop, clamps come in all shapes and sizes, but few match the versatility and precision of the Infinity Pinch Dogs.

These unique end-grain clamping tools may look unconventional, but when it comes to holding tight during glue-ups—especially in hard-to-clamp situations—they deliver unmatched performance.

Each pinch dog is made from durable mild steel, measures 2 inches across, and features a ¼-inch thick spine, allowing for strong, focused clamping pressure right where you need it. They're ideal for projects where traditional clamps fall short, and they're conveniently sold in packs of 12.

While standard bar clamps work well when edges are parallel, the Infinity Pinch Dogs shine when clamping at an angle—like when coopering a crest rail, building curved panels, or assembling irregular joinery.

To use, simply make your beveled cuts, crosscut your parts slightly long, and glue the edges. Then gently tap the pinch dogs into the end grain, and the angled legs will pull the joint tightly together. For thicker stock, add a second pinch dog for extra holding power. Flip the assembly, repeat on the other side, and let your glue set.

Once dry, just trim the ends to remove the pinch dog entry points, and you’ll be left with a clean, solid glue-up—even in places where conventional clamping methods would struggle.

Whether you're building chairs, curved cabinets, or doing specialty woodworking, Infinity Pinch Dogs are an essential clamping solution for tight, reliable joints in difficult spots.

Product Specs:

  • 2" wide with 1/4" thick spine
  • Sold in packs of 12

Infinity Pinch Dogs – Clamp Where Other Woodworking Clamps Can’t Reach

When you're building chairs, curved cabinets, or tackling any project with angled or irregular joinery, standard clamps often fall short. That’s where Infinity Pinch Dogs come in—offering a simple, reliable clamping solution for tight spots where traditional clamps can't reach.

Infinity Pinch Dogs in Action

Why Pinch Dogs?

Most woodworkers have bar clamps, F-clamps, and pipe clamps at the ready. These tools work great when surfaces are flat and edges are parallel. But when you’re coopering a crest rail, building segmented panels, or working on non-square assemblies, you need a different kind of clamping force.

Infinity Pinch Dog Clamps are sold in a set of 12.

Infinity Pinch Dogs excel in these situations. Their compact size, angled legs, and ability to work from the end grain give you precise, reliable clamping power right where you need it.

A. closer look at the pinch dog clamps.

Built for Performance

Each pinch dog is crafted from durable mild steel and features:

  • Two tapered, angled legs that grip and pull joints tight
  • A ¼" thick spine for serious holding power
  • A 2" wide profile for optimal surface contact and leverage

This smart design focuses pressure directly into the joint, tightening pieces with surprising strength.

How to Use Infinity Pinch Dogs

Using pinch dogs is straightforward and effective:

Angled wood blocks for a beveled joint on a workbench beside wood glue and a mallet

  1. Make your beveled or angled cuts and glue up your joint surfaces.

  2. Press the parts together by hand to create a light bond. Tapping a pinch dog across the glue line of a beveled joint with a small mallet

  3. Tap a pinch dog into the end grain across the glue line. The angled legs bite in and draw the joint tight.

  4. For thicker stock or extra security, add another pinch dog on each side.Driving a second pinch dog into the end grain of an angled glued joint for extra hold

  5. Flip the assembly and repeat the process on the opposite face.

  6. Let the glue set, then trim the ends to remove the pinch dog entry points.

The result? A tight, clean joint—even in places where clamps can’t reach.

Angled joint drawn tight by a pinch dog, with eight more Infinity pinch dogs laid out in front

Small Tool, Big Results

Infinity Pinch Dogs may look unusual, but they deliver unmatched performance when it comes to tricky glue-ups. Whether you're working with curves, angles, or specialty joinery, these small clamping tools bring big benefits to your workflow.

Pinch Dog Size Guide

Stock and joint Recommendation
Thin stock (under about 1/2") Use a smaller pinch dog, or work carefully. The legs can split thin parts if they're too close to an edge.
Typical furniture stock (3/4" to 1-1/2") Our 2" pinch dogs bridge the joint with plenty of wood around each leg. Use one per face, or two on wider joints.
Thick or wide glue-ups (over 1-1/2") Use two or more 2" dogs per end, spaced evenly across the joint, and add them on both ends of the assembly.

As a rule, center the dog on the glue line so each leg sits at least about 1/2" from the edge of the part, and keep the legs running across the grain direction of the end grain to reduce the risk of splitting.

Where to Use Pinch Dogs

  • Segmented and staved work: barrel-stave columns, tapered and coopered panels, and turning blanks.
  • Edge-glued panels: pull short boards tight on the ends while bar clamps handle the middle.
  • Mitered and angled joints: chair parts, hexagons and other shapes ordinary clamps can't grip.
  • Repairs: close a split or check in the end of a board while the glue sets.

Pinch Dog Tips

  • Use them on ends that will be trimmed off or hidden, because the legs leave two small holes.
  • Tap them in with a mallet or light hammer, and seat them evenly so both legs pull equally.
  • Remove them by levering gently with a flat screwdriver or chisel under the spine, working from both sides.
  • Combine pinch dogs with bar clamps on wide panels for even pressure along the full joint.

Pinch Dog FAQ

How do pinch dogs work?

The inside faces of the legs are tapered, so as you drive the dog into the end grain, the legs are forced together and pull the two parts tight.

Do pinch dogs leave marks?

Yes, two small holes in the end grain. Plan to trim the ends or use the dogs where the holes won't show.

How many pinch dogs do I need?

Usually one or two per joint on each end of the assembly. A 12-piece pack covers most glue-ups.

See more clamping options in our guide to specialty clamps every shop should have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are pinch dogs used for?

Pinch dogs are end-grain clamping tools that pull joints tight during glue-ups, especially in hard-to-clamp situations like angled, curved, or irregular joinery where standard clamps fall short.

How big are these pinch dogs?

Each pinch dog measures 2 inches across with a 1/4-inch thick spine for strong, focused clamping pressure.

How many come in the pack?

They are sold in a convenient pack of 12.

What are pinch dogs made of?

They are made from durable mild steel, which holds up to repeated tapping into end grain.

How do I use a pinch dog?

Make your beveled cuts, crosscut the parts slightly long, glue the edges, then gently tap the pinch dog into the end grain. The angled legs pull the joint tightly together. Trim the ends once dry to remove the entry points.

Can I use pinch dogs on thicker stock?

Yes. For thicker stock, add a second pinch dog for extra holding power, then flip the assembly and repeat on the other side before letting the glue set.

How are pinch dogs different from bar clamps?

Bar clamps work best on parallel edges, while pinch dogs excel at angled and irregular joints. The two complement each other in the shop. Browse our bar clamps.

What projects are pinch dogs best for?

They are ideal for coopering crest rails, building curved panels, assembling chairs and curved cabinets, and other specialty woodworking with tricky joints. Pair them with more clamping tools.

Will pinch dogs leave marks in my workpiece?

Pinch dogs enter the end grain of parts that are crosscut slightly long. After the glue sets, you simply trim the ends to remove the entry points, leaving a clean, solid glue-up.

Do pinch dogs work where regular clamps can't reach?

Yes, that is their specialty. They deliver reliable clamping pressure in tight, angled, or irregular spots where conventional clamping methods would struggle. Explore the full clamping collection.