Woodworking Hold Fast Hold Down Bench dog clamp for 3/4” dog hole(5/8" diameter shaft) (sold as a PAIR)

I get why people have a problem with these tools, but I was able to work out the issues and I do really love them.These are beautiful examples of craftsmanship. I went through several iterations of testing to find out how to get them to work in my 5.2 inch thick benchtop and now I have it and also understand why some people have problems even when they counterbore a thicker top.When you bore the 3/4 inch hole, use a forstner bit. Do not use a spade bit or even a twist drill bit. Spade and twist bits cut a sloppier hole and the ragged hole was, I surmise, the reason the holdfasts didn't work for me on my test cuts. When I cut holes with a forstner they worked perfectly. My bench is made from laminated, construction grade 2X6's, so it is pretty thick and the wood is soft. The holes that work were cut from the top with a 3/4 inch forstner and from underneath with a 1 1/2 inch spade bit. The holes meet in the middle. This gives the bottom of the holdfast sufficient clearance so that it doesn't hit the side of the counterbore hole and wedges entirely in the 3/4 inch hole. It also means the 3/4 inch hole is 2.6 inches deep.Oddly enough, I had trouble with the holdfasts in my 2.25 inch thick red oak deadman, but they are holding in that one perfectly now even though those holes were bored with a spade bit. Maybe a kindly wood spirit cast a spell, but they work.Bottom line now that the holdfasts are working for me, I like everything about them (I bought two). They feel good in the hand, they have a nice finish, they are very finely crafted. I wanted quality and looked far to find it and I think I have it. I would take these over any of the cast iron holdfasts any day. I get a sense of pride when i see these holdfasts in my bench and I know the maker takes pride in his work. If you're like me, a hand tool woodworker who appreciates fine quality that wasn't spit out of a mold, you'll appreciate these holdfasts. You can find cheaper holdfasts but you won't find betters. I'm not saying other holdfasts are junk; I'm saying these are very fine tools and I get a feeling from owning them that is worth a few extra dollars. I know they'll last a lifetime. I built a Roubo workbench that I expect to pass on to my nephew or niece some day. These holdfasts will surely go with it.UPDATE: After more than a year I am still very happy with them. My only complaint is at myself for using a hammer to bang them in. I've marked up the crown of the holdfasts with hammer blows, though they are as sturdy and hold as well as ever. However, they will set perfectly well if you use a dead blow hammer or rubber mallet. Don't use your wooden joiner's mallet or you'll end up damaging the mallet.

There are 2 main kinds of hold fasts, cast iron and forged. Cast iron holdfasts are cheap and are what you mostly see on Amazon. Cast iron is brittle however and it can easily crack during use.Forged holdfasts are much more work to manufacture because it requires a skilled blacksmith and only one can be made at a time. They are much more ductile and tough however, they can be pounded much more violently and have a much tighter grip. These products are hand forged holdfasts and are excellent for the money and by far the best value.If you want to improve the grip further you can texture the post with a bastard file or make many shallow grooves with a triangular file.

Fits, robust and works perfectly also much cooler then Chinese knockoff. I've used this for about a month everyday and I would have to guess this will last my lifetime.

This hold fast works very well. I have had no issues with it, and I have used it regularly for a month. I read some people have trouble getting it to work for them; however, I will say that like any tool, you have to learn to use it. There is a bit of a knack to setting it, but once you learn it will be second nature. By the way, it works equally well in the bench top or the apron.Pick a dog hole on your bench and practice until you can do it. At first it might not set, but it's a 99.9 percent chance that it is your technique and not the tool. When you first picked up a handsaw could you cut a straight line or a dovetail? Same concept here--you aren't born with the knowledge--practice.Outstanding tool. Quality. Highly recommend.Update: I've been using this holdfast regularly in my shop for almost a year. I repair and build furniture for a living. I don't know how I got by without a holdfast... Okay, I do, but holding wood was harder. If you do any handwork, it's a must have. It also is excellent if you need to hold wood for power tools.To those who wonder, my bench has a 2 inch hardwood top and a 1 1/2 inch fir apron.If you have a thin bench top, try putting a thicker piece of scrap under the holdfast where it contacts your workpiece. After that, try setting it.I stand by my original review 100 percent.

The product was shipped promptly and arrived a day early. My bench is 2-1/4" thick with 3/4" dog holes. Since I work a day job, I haven't been able to really put them through their paces yet, but I did test them out briefly. Worked exactly advertised. Grips tightly, release when tapped. Appears quite sturdy. I can't wait to put them through their paces. I can't rate them on sturdiness yet, but I'm guessing if my great grandkids do any woodworking, they'll be able to use these. I have it 4 stars only because I haven't used them much yet. May upgrade to 5 in a few weeks.