The alignment tool is designed to align the housing ends, not hold the axle housing in place when welding. I like the 360 degree brackets on my ladder bar and 4 bar brackets for a drag car, not just because of the welding process but because of their inherent strength. For other brackets, the weld a bit and let it cool process works fine. I do check all the housings I weld on with the alignment fixture when I'm done welding. A large press and the appropriate fixtures will straighten a slight misalignment.