Small Holdfast

Comments about Small Holdfast :

This holdfast is great to secure pieces especially closer to the center of the bench. It is quicker and easier than using clamps at the edge of the bench. Perfect for holding flat pieces down for edge treatment or boards for end treatment. If you have to move the piece often, this holdfast is easier to ise than the bench vise because you don't have to deal with moving bench dogs. One cation though! The item description says 5/8 inch shank. This is NOT accurate. The shank is 11/16 inch. And as someone else pointed out fits in and works great in an 11/16 hole. I have 5/8 dog holes on my bench and thought that this would fit in those. It does not. I had to drill strategically located 11/16 holes for this. While I can or use it in the dog holes, I still find it very effective and easy to use.

Comments about Small Holdfast :

This dog works great in a 11/16 hole. the instructions say to use 3/4. I wish I had tested it before I drilled those 3/4 holes in my bench top.

Comments about Small Holdfast :

I use the holdfast to hold parts fast to the work bench. It is fast to clamp a part and equally as fast to unclamp.

Comments about Small Holdfast :

These are simple and shouldn't be scrutinized too much. It's simple and does what you want it to. The only downside is that TAIWAN is stamped in the neck, oh well, better than CHINA and not as good as USA. nice and heavy/sturdy. Enjoy.

Comments about Small Holdfast :

acquired an Oak woodworker's bench with 3/4" bench holes. bought the bench dogs and the holdfasts to help set up and work on porjects. Both work better than I could have imagined and they will be in use until I quit doing the work.

Comments about Small Holdfast :

Unpack, Drill 3/4'" holes and put to use. Wish I had done this a long time ago!

Comments about Small Holdfast :

This holdfast is simple and quick. To improve its performance, glue a piece of leather to the clamp pad so it doesn't mar your workpiece. If it slips, roughen the shaft with 60grit sandpaper. It needs friction to work, so if it slips it is an indication it is too smooth.

Comments about Small Holdfast :

I most likely drilled too big of a dog hole (3/4"), but it's a great benchdog, especially used on the side of the bench - plus it looks oldschool cool. I'm not recommending it because I haven't got it to work - I'll probably get a Veritas stay and just have the holdfast as a benchdog.