How to Install an Over-The-Range Microwave

Installing an over-the-range microwave can be quick and easy.

Over-the-range microwaves are held in place by a bracket against the wall and several screws on the top of the microwave. The bracket is secured to the wall but the microwave is typically just placed in or clipped into the bracket. This allows the microwave to pivot against the bracket which makes installation easier but still holds the microwave securely in place.

Removing your old over-the-range microwave:

The first step is to remove the old microwave or hood if you have one. Before you do anything, please unplug your existing microwave. The outlet should be hidden in the cabinet above the existing unit. Next, use your JackClamps in the jacking position, foot attachments installed, and place them under the existing microwave. Jack them firmly against the microwave or hood to hold it in place as you remove the screws from the top of the unit. Unscrew the screws (which are usually hidden inside the cabinet above the existing microwave or hood). The JackClamp will hold the unit securely while you do this so you don't have to worry about it falling. 

Once you have the screws in place, slowly release the brakes on the JackClamps supporting the unit. It should pivot against the existing wall bracket with the JackClamps bearing the weight of the microwave. Once it pivots out enough, probably 30-45 degrees from the wall, you should be able to lift the microwave out of the wall bracket. Next, just unscrew the existing wall bracket from the wall and you're done!

Installing your new over-the-range microwave:

Now that your old unit is out of the way, we can install the new over-the-range microwave. The first step is to install the new wall bracket which will support the microwave. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you do this correctly. The most important thing is to mount it very securely, making sure to screw it to your wall studs so there is plenty of structural support. These things are big and heavy, sheet-rock alone will not support them!

Now that your wall bracket is attached, make sure that the holes in your cabinets above the microwave for the cord and screws all line up. The cord for the microwave and the screw holes to secure the top of the microwave to the cabinets may not be in the same place as they were in your last unit. If they're not, just drill new holes where you need them.

Once that's taken care of, lift your microwave onto the bracket, making sure that the microwave is seated properly in the bracket. Now, pivoting against the bracket, lift the microwave and place the JackClamps in the jacking configuration with the foot attachment installed under the microwave. Just jack the microwave up until the top is flush with the cabinets above it. Make sure you feed the cord into the cord hole in your cabinets so you can plug it in later. The JackClamps will hold the microwave securely in place, hands free. This allows you to secure the screws that hold the top in place without someone else holding the microwave in position!

Next, screw in the screws that hold the microwave in place, making sure to remember the washer! Once these screws are tight, your new over-the-range microwave should be securely installed. Release the JackClamps and make sure that it's not loose and that it looks level. As long as your wall mount was measured correctly, you should have no problem. Just plug your microwave in and you're ready to go!

Top 5 Projects the JackClamp Can Be Used For

So, you know what the JackClamp is..

 .....but, in what ways can you use it? You don't have to be a carpenter, rancher, mechanic or any other fancy title or status to use one. AND, you don't have to be male to use it, either. It is so applicable to everyday life for both men and women. See the list we've compiled of the Top 5 ways to use it!

1. Installing cabinets or microwaves

How heavy are cabinets and/or microwaves? Probably pretty heavy if you're awkwardly trying to hold them up while someone attaches it to the wall. Oh, and then they mess up... so you hold it even longer! DON'T DO THAT! The JackClamp has "feet" that can be attached to the clamp so they can literally stand and hold up a cabinet or microwave in the exact spot you want. 

2. Holding Pipe to Weld

The JackClamp has another set of attachments called the "V-Jaw" attachments. They work so well for holding pipe, and other round objects. We've found lots of people like to weld with the V-jaw attachments because they don't slip! 

3. Spreading Apart Wooden Fences

Do you try to use a pry bar or crow bar when tearing down old wooden fences but it just doesn't work very well? The spreader attachments can fit in between very small spaces, allowing you to get more work done quicker. 

4. Holding Braces on a Wooden Fence

Instead of taking one down, you can also build a fence with the JackClamp! The parallel bars are reversible, so you can get a wider hold on objects. We're the only clamp that can do that! This is such a great feature and makes the JackClamp so universal!

5. Hoisting to Change a Flat Tire

While using the foot attachment and the spreader attachment, you can hoist up many different things. It doesn't have to even be a vehicle! It could be plywood boards, metal, anything you have lying around that you need just a little help lifting up! 

To see more ideas of how to use the JackClamp, visit our website: www.jackclamp.com          Don't forget we're on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest! 

How to use the JackClamp for DIY projects

Women: Queen's of DIY Projects

Ok gals, who doesn't like cheap home decor? There are so many DIY projects that you can make yourself - with the help of the JackClamp. You really don't need your man, boyfriend, husband, know-it-all brother, or anyone else to help you create beautiful home art. Look at this picture, for example.

You can see the glue seeping out of the cracks of this barn wood cross. A lady made this, YES, I said a LADY. You can do it, too! 

This cross if made out of one board, a 2x6 to be exact. You could use an old pallet, a torn down fence, anything you think would look great hanging on the walls in your home. The longest piece (vertical) measures 18 inches long and the two side pieces (horizontal) are 5 inches long. Regular old wood glue works great to secure the pieces together. 

Stay tuned to our Facebook page and our Instagram to see the final product of this barn wood cross. I guarantee you'll want to build it! 

How to Install Decking with the Proper Spacing

Installing a new Deck is Easy with the JackClamp

                When building a deck, you want to have a perfect, uniform look to the spacing of your boards. That can be challenging when using boards that have any warp or twist in them though, sometimes leaving you an inch or more out of place. Forcing the board into the proper position can be extremely difficult and can even require another person’s help.

Using the JackClamp, you can do it yourself faster and more precisely than ever before. Simply attach the spreader jaws – these will allow you to get the board into the perfect position because they fit into gaps as small as ½”, allowing you to clamp the board in place and then secure it to your frame very quickly.

Just insert one of the spreader jaws into a gap in your deck, clamp your warped board to the proper spacing and screw it in place. Proper spacing of your decking boards used to be difficult and imprecise. The JackClamp makes it very quick and allows you to achieve the perfect spacing.

For a demonstration of how to install deck boards with a JackClamp, watch the video below.

The JackClamp makes getting the proper board spacing on your deck a piece of cake!

How to Hang Cabinets by Yourself

Hanging Cabinets Alone with the JackClamp is Safe and Easy

                Hanging cabinets, even with two people, can traditionally be extremely challenging. You need someone to hold the cabinet in place, someone to check for it being level and someone to attach the cabinet to the wall. Or at least you used to!

Using the JackClamp, one person can do all these jobs quicker, safer and more precisely.

Start by assembling the JackClamps in the jacking configuration as shown below:

Next attach the stands to one end of each of the tools. Position them a little less than the width of your cabinet and place the cabinet on top of them.

Now simply slowly squeeze each of the handles and jack the cabinet into position. Using the built in levels, you can precisely adjust the cabinet to be perfectly level. Then, just attach the cabinet to the wall like you normally would.

Hanging cabinets with the JackClamp is fast, simple, safe and precise.

Watch the video below for a demonstration. 

Hanging a Cabinet Alone Using the JackClamp

How to Open a Stuck Window

Open a stuck window using the JackClamp

Painted shut or otherwise stuck windows can be a nightmare. They’re not only a hassle but they’re also unsafe. Getting them open without damaging the frame can be a challenge too. Screw drivers, pry bars and other traditional methods of opening stuck windows leave permanent damage behind. 

Using the JackClamp though, it’s extremely easy to open, or shut, a stuck window without damaging it.

Simply remove the top and bottom bar, reverse their directions so they’re in the jacking configuration as shown.

With the JackClamp in the jacking configuration, place one end on the edge of the window frame and the other on the window sill. Now slowly squeeze the handle, spreading the ends and freeing the stuck window with no damage. Similarly, to close a stuck window, just put brace the clamp again the top of the window frame and the top of the stuck window. Slowly spread the clamp to release the stuck window.

Watch the video below for a demonstration of opening a stuck double hung window using the JackClamp: