What is a Portable Workbench?
In the article I explain what a portable workbench is, what to look for and where to get one.
A portable workbench is a workbench that folds and can be easily stored and moved. It's useful if you live in an apartment or your car takes up most of your garage. You can fold it up and tuck it away or hang it on a wall.
Where to Buy
I must admit that I am biased towards the Black + Decker brand. I've owned one of their older portable workbench models for years. I've lugged it all around the country from apartments to houses and it has never let me down.
- BLACK+DECKER Workmate Portable Workbench, 350-Pound Capacity (WM125) - a popular and inexpensive portable workbench that is perfect for apartment dwellers and hobbyists
- BLACK+DECKER Portable Workbench, Project Center and Vise (WM425-A) - this is the new and improved version of the model I own and will probably be the one I buy next
- BLACK+DECKER Portable Workbench, Project Center and Vise with IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Clamps, One-Handed, Mini Bar, 6-Inch, 4-Pack (WM425-A & 1964758) - you can also buy the workbench above as part of a bundle that includes clamps
- BLACK+DECKER Portable Workbench, Project Center and Vise (WM425-A) & 20V MAX Cordless Drill Combo Kit, 4-Tool (BD4KITCDCRL) - if you want to build out a brand new workshop you can even buy a model that comes with power tools
- 79-010-4 Workmate Swivel Grip Peg Replaces Black & Decker (4 Pack) - I've somehow managed to keep all the grips because they plug tightly into the bench - but if you need more or lose them you can try these replacements
- Bora Centipede 4ft x 4ft 9-Strut Work Table, Includes 4 X-Cups, 4 Quick Clamps, Carry Bag, Portable Work Support Sawhorse, CK9S,Black/Orange - an interesting alternative to creating a portable workbench
I do get concerned when I see complaints online that claim the quality is not the same as it used to be. If you are really worried about it you could look for the older models on sites like eBay. Once I upgrade I will let you know.
Adjustable Jaws
The best thing about portable workbenches are those that come with adjustable jaws. I've used them to clamp everything from tree branches that need cutting to plastic parts that need filing. You can adjust the vice by turning handles on either side so you can angle one side of the vice to fit around awkward shapes.
Look for jaws where the interior has a groove or notch to better hold round shapes, like pipes and branches.
Swivel Grips
No matter which model you go for, be sure to look for one that comes with swivel grips. These are plastic grips that can be stuck into holes on the work surface. They clamp in place but are free to swivel to provide a nice brace to keep things from slipping.
Foot Rest
A portable workbench can easily move when you are putting pressure on it. Look for one where you can put your foot on the rest to give you better leverage and make sure the table doesn't move.
Folding Feet
The model I have has folding feet. It's not an absolute requirement. But I guess it makes the model more compact when storing or putting it in a car. The argument is that you could also fold the feet under to make the table shorter. But I've never had the need for that.
Why Not Get Two?
When I say that I am looking to upgrade my portable workbench that might imply that I'm looking to replace it. Actually I'm looking to get a second one so that I can put larger items across them.
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