Framing Tools Points

Point drivers are generally built around a specific point size and feed mechanism, so it's worth confirming your driver's compatible point specifications before ordering. A driver designed for one manufacturer's point strips won't always seat a different brand's points cleanly, and a mismatch can cause misfires or points that don't sit flush. If you're unsure what your point driver takes, check the model number against the compatible points list rather than guessing by point size alone. This matters more than most first-time buyers expect, since a driver and point set that don't match can waste product and leave you with points that back out of the wood over time.

Most standard frames use four to eight points, one or two per side depending on the frame's size and the weight of what's inside. A small pack works fine for occasional home framing projects, but professional framers and shops doing regular volume go through points quickly enough that a larger pack is the more economical choice per point. Point strips typically come in packs of 600 or 2500, so think in terms of how many frames you're completing per month rather than per project. If you're framing only occasionally, browsing the full framing tools lineup alongside your point pack decision can help you plan the whole setup at once rather than piecing it together over time.

This depends entirely on the point type. Flexible points are designed to bend back, so you can lift them, adjust the contents underneath, and press them back down without damaging the frame or the point itself. Rigid points don't allow for that kind of adjustment; once driven in, removing them usually means prying them out and either replacing them or patching the frame. If a project might need future adjustments, such as swapping mats, adding glazing, or replacing artwork, flexible points are the safer choice from the start. For anything meant to stay assembled permanently, rigid points give a firmer hold and are less likely to work loose with handling over time.

Points generally work well on standard wood mouldings, but density and thickness matter. Very hard woods or unusually thin moulding profiles can make it harder for a point driver to seat the point fully, sometimes leaving it proud of the surface or causing it to bend unexpectedly. If you're working with a harder or narrower moulding than usual, it helps to test on a scrap piece first to confirm the driver seats the point cleanly before running through a full batch. For dust cover trimmers, joiner supplies, and other items that pair with your point setup, framing tools accessories round out a complete framing station.