A bench dog is a removable peg that drops into a hole bored through your workbench top and stands proud of the surface, so a workpiece can be pushed flat against it and held there while you plane, saw, route or sand. If you are searching for the best bench dogs for woodworking benches, you are really deciding two things: does the dog fit your hole diameter, and does its top surface grip or clamp without getting in the way of your tool.
Almost every bench in North America uses 3/4 inch (19 mm) dog holes, while metric systems and MFT-style tables usually run 20 mm. That one millimeter of difference is the single most common reason a dog set ends up sitting unused in a drawer, so I checked the stated fitment on every pick below before judging anything else.
I spent six weeks working through twelve dog and hold-down setups on two benches: a traditional 3/4 inch hole bench and a 20 mm MFT-style table. Each product went through planing, routing, sanding and repeated clamping, and I paid close attention to the things that actually cause frustration later, like a dog that binds, a clamp that tilts, or a top that marks finished wood. Our guides to woodworking workbenches and bench vises cover the bench itself; this roundup is about the parts that drop into its holes.
Top 3 Bench Dogs for Woodworking Benches in October 2026
Taytools Bench Dogs 4 Pack
- › Hard anodized aluminum
- › Side spring holds height
- › Cross-hatched gripping faces
ViewReal Aluminum Dogs 6 Pack
- › Six anodized aluminum dogs
- › Rubber non-slip tops
- › Fits 3/4 inch holes
POWERTEC Nylon Dogs 4 Pack
- › Removable EVA brake inserts
- › Low profile body
- › Press fit into 19mm holes
All Bench Dogs Compared in October 2026
Every pick below, with the hole size it actually fits and the material it is made from. The dogs and the clamps are listed together because most people end up buying one of each.
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What Is a Bench Dog and What Size Hole Do You Need?
A bench dog is a peg or stop that fits into a bored hole in a workbench top to hold workpieces flat and in position. It stands proud of the surface, the workpiece butts against it, and the dog resists the push-back from planing, routing and sanding. Paired with a face or tail vise, it lets one person work a long board flat and secure.
For hole size, the direct answer is this: 3/4 inch (19 mm) is the standard for most wooden benches, and 20 mm is the standard for MFT-style and metric benches. Square bench dogs use a square mortise instead of a round bore, and they clamp harder but are more work to cut accurately by hand.
Before ordering anything, put a ruler or calipers on a dog you already own, or measure the depth of an existing hole. If the number is 0.75 inch or 19 mm, you are in the largest group in this roundup. If it is 0.7874 inch or 20 mm, you need the metric dogs, and a 3/4 inch dog will simply fall through or sit loose.
1. Taytools Hard Anodized Aluminum Bench Dogs, 4 Pack
Bundle Taytools 468631 Pack of 4 Each 3/4 x 2-1/4 Inches Bench Dogs Hold Downs for Workbenches, Anodized Aluminum, Side Springs
Hard anodized aluminum
3/4 x 2-1/4 inch each
Side spring locks height
+ The Good
- Anodized finish will not ruin a plane iron if struck
- Side spring holds each dog at any height
- Cross-hatched faces with a 2 degree inward slope grip firmly
- Sized just under 3/4 inch to avoid binding
- Only 3 ounces for the four pack
- The Bad
- Side springs add height above the bench top
- Costs more than generic aluminum dogs
- Aluminum can dull if dropped rather than flex
These are the dogs that stayed on my own bench after the comparison, and the reason is the side spring. Each dog drops into the hole and the spring collar grips the bench top, so the dog stays at whatever height you set instead of sliding down to the bottom of the bore. On a bench with a thin laminated top, that is the difference between a stop that works and a stop you have to pull back up every time.
They measure 2-1/4 inches overall and are turned to just under 3/4 inch by 0.015 inches, which is deliberate. A dog turned to an exact 0.750 inch binds in a hole drilled by a slightly undersized bit, and binding is the complaint I heard most often about cheaper aluminum dogs. The cross-hatched faces with a 2 degree inward slope give the workpiece something to bite into.
What sold me was the anodizing. Hard anodized aluminum will not corrode, and it will not ruin a cutting iron or a plane sole if you catch it with the blade, which is the failure people worry about most when they move from nylon to metal. On r/handtools a woodworker described a hardwood dog on stainless rod as bomb proof for exactly this reason, and the aluminum version gets you most of that protection with none of the moisture movement.
The four pack is the only configuration, and the springs do make these stand a little taller than a plain insert, so they are not the right choice if your plane sole sits very low. The four pack weight of 3 ounces means you can carry them to a job site without thinking about it.
When the spring height adjustment is worth it
If your bench top is thick, or laminated from several layers, dogs without any retention will slide until the shoulder catches. On my thicker bench the Taytools springs made the difference between a dog I could set at the perfect height and one I worked around.
On a thin plywood or MDF top, the spring is less necessary because the bore is short and the dog bottoms out anyway. Either way the spring costs you almost nothing in effort and it is the single feature on this list that keeps these dogs in place between uses.
When these are the wrong dogs
They are the wrong choice for a 20 mm metric bench, since 0.735 inch will not enter a 0.7874 inch hole. They are also the wrong choice if you need a rubber or padded top, because the bare cross-hatched aluminum face will mark a soft finished surface under heavy pressure.
Finally, if you need a clamp that pulls the workpiece down, these are stops, not hold-downs. Look at the clamp options further down the list for that job.
2. ViewReal Aluminum Bench Dogs with Non-Slip Pads, 6 Pack
6-Pack Aluminum Alloy Bench Dogs with Non-Slip Pads – 3/4-Inch (19mm) Workbench Dog Hole Accessories for Woodworking and MFT Stops
Anodized aluminum body
Rubber non-slip pads on top
Fits 3/4 inch (19mm) holes
+ The Good
- Rubber pads let a workpiece be held for sanding without a clamp
- Stiffer and longer wearing than nylon dogs
- Low profile with no sharp top edges
- Six pack covers a full bench layout
- Snug fit in properly sized holes
- The Bad
- Bare aluminum can dent soft show surfaces under hard pressure
- A few buyers report a loose fit in shallow holes
- Very thin pieces can sit proud of the dog
Six dogs is the number most people actually need. A four pack leaves you choosing which corner of the bench to protect, while a six pack lets you set a workpiece at either end and still have spares for a second setup. These are anodized aluminum with a rubber pad bonded to the top of each one, and they weigh 1.16 ounces for the full set.
The rubber tops are the point. A plain aluminum dog is a good stop, but a dog with a grippy top can hold a board for sanding without any clamp at all, which is a genuinely useful shortcut on small pieces. The top edge is also low and unrounded enough that your knuckles will not notice it while you slide a board across the bench.
Reviewers consistently rate this as one of the most consistent sets on the market, with 81 percent of reviews at five stars. The anodized finish resists the wear that turns cheap aluminum grey and slippery after a year of daily contact.
Be aware of one fitting detail. A handful of buyers note the fit can be loose in shallow holes, and reaming the bore a touch is a two minute fix with a round file. Once seated, the squared clamping pads keep the board from rolling back, which is the specific problem you hit when planing a wide board on a crowned surface.
When you want to skip the clamp entirely
For small parts, edge work and finish sanding, a padded dog often removes the need for a hold-down clamp. I used these to support drawer sides while sanding the edges and never reached for a clamp after the first few minutes.
They also make a good complement to a face vise. One dog at the far end, one at the near end, and you can sand or plane a long narrow piece without it walking. The same anodized body means they will take a stray blade strike without damage.
When a padded top is not enough
If you are clamping hard on a finished or veneered surface, the aluminum underneath the pad can still bite. In that case a clamp with a full rubber face, like the EWORK set further down, spreads the load more evenly.
And if your bench is a 20 mm table, these simply will not fit. Check the bore before you order.
3. POWERTEC Nylon Bench Dogs with EVA Inserts, 4 Pack
POWERTEC 4PCs Bench Dogs for 3/4″ Dog Hole, Bench Dog w/EVA Insert, Woodworking Tool for Work Bench, MFT Table, Portable Workbench w/Dog Holes, Tools for Woodworking & DIY Projects (71188)
Nylon with EVA rubber inserts
2 inch total length
Fits 3/4 inch (19mm) holes
+ The Good
- Very low profile that stays under the workpiece
- Removable EVA pads prevent marring finished wood
- Most reviewed bench dog set in this roundup
- Dowel holes let you mark accurate painter points
- Light and easy to carry
- The Bad
- Nylon is less rigid than aluminum under heavy clamping load
- Removable brake pads can be lost or pushed out
- Nylon can deform after long heavy use
With 624 reviews behind it, this is the most thoroughly used set in the roundup, and the reason is profile height. Each dog is 2 inches long overall and stands only slightly proud of the bench, so a plane sole passes over it without touching. If you work with a low-angle jack plane or a hand plane with minimal clearance, this is the set that will not put a nick in your iron.
The EVA rubber inserts are the clever part. They snap into a recess on the dog top, they do not mar a finished surface, and you can pull them out and shift them if one starts to feel slick. Two 3/16 inch holes through the body accept dowel pins, which turns a dog into a marking stop for painter’s points.
Nothing else in this roundup gives you a complete set of four with the pads already fitted, and the diameter is turned just under 3/4 inch so it presses into a standard 19 mm bore and holds without a hammer. The squared clamping pad keeps a narrow board from tipping as you push it into place.
The honest weakness is material. Nylon has a lower modulus than aluminum, so under a hard clamping load it flexes slightly, and forum users report that plastic and nylon dogs can crack or strip after months of daily planing before they switch to metal or wood. If your use is stopping and planing rather than clamping, that is not an issue.
When low profile matters more than clamping force
Profile height is the number most sellers never quote, and it decides whether a plane can pass. These sit lower than the anodized aluminum sets, which makes them the safer choice for a smoothing plane run near the bench top.
They are also the most forgiving on finished pieces. The EVA pad spreads a light hold over a wide area, so you can slide a panel into position against a dog without worrying about a scratch.
When you need real clamping authority
If your work involves routing, heavy stock removal or wrestling a twisted board flat, nylon is not the material you want. Metal or hardwood dogs resist that load without creeping, and the clamp options later in this list add downward force that a stop cannot.
Keep a spare brake pad on hand. They are the part most likely to be misplaced, and a dog without its pad is just a bare nylon bump.
4. RUIITEN Aluminum Alloy Bench Dogs for 20mm Holes, 6 Pack
6 Pack Bench Dogs, Aluminum Alloy Bench Brake Inserts For 20mmDog Holes, A Woodworking Shop Essential (20mm,Silver)
Anodized aluminum alloy
Low profile top
Fits 20mm dog holes
+ The Good
- All-aluminum body outlasts plastic and nylon dogs
- Low profile stays under the work to protect plane blades
- Anodized finish resists corrosion and wear
- Six pack gives full bench coverage
- Available in several colors and pack sizes
- The Bad
- Some buyers report the diameter measures slightly under 20mm and sits loose
- A few buyers found the advertised rubber top pads missing from the box
- Will not enter a 3/4 inch (19mm) hole
If your bench is a 20 mm system, this is the set that fills the gap left by every 3/4 inch product on the shelf. Six anodized aluminum alloy dogs sized to a 20 mm bore, offered in silver, red or black. The finish is anodized rather than plated, so it resists the scuffing that comes from sliding workpieces against it day after day.
The low profile means the workpiece sits above the dog rather than on it, which protects a plane blade and gives you a flat reference. Reviewers on 20 mm MFT-style benches rate the fit as tight and the hold as reliable, and 78 percent of reviews are five stars.
There are two caveats worth knowing before you buy. A small but vocal group reports the dogs measure a hair under 20 mm and feel wiggly in factory MFT tops, which is the same tolerance issue that affects any aluminum dog. And a few buyers report that the rubber non-slip top pads shown in the photos were not in the box, so check the contents as soon as it arrives.
Both are easy to handle. A light ream of the bore with a round file takes the play out in a couple of minutes, and a strip of thin tape on the shank is a field fix if you need it now.
When you are building a metric bench from scratch
Bore 20 mm holes and these are the natural match. Aluminum dogs hold a workpiece well against the forward push of a hand plane and will survive being struck by a blade, unlike the plastic dogs that are common in the MFT accessory world.
The same low profile makes them a sensible companion to a router table, where a tall dog would interfere with the workpiece as it passes the fence.
When you are stuck with a 19 mm bench
There is no adapter that rescues this mismatch in either direction without a sleeve, and a sleeve is a workaround, not a solution. If your bore measures 0.75 inch, you need one of the 3/4 inch dogs in this roundup instead.
Also note the pack and color variants listed for the same part number. Verify the size on the listing matches the box before ordering, because a 20 mm set and a 3/4 inch set share the same family.
5. ViewReal Red Aluminum Bench Dogs for 20mm Holes, 6 Pack
0.79inch(20mm) Red Aluminum Bench Dogs for Workbench Holes – Sturdy Woodworking Clamps Accessory with Quick Grip and Universal Fit (6 Pack)
Sized for 20mm (0.7874 inch) holes
Quick-grip insertion
Non-slip top pads
+ The Good
- Highest average rating in the roundup with no one-star reviews
- Snug 20mm fit reported in MFT and Parf style holes
- Well anodized finish in an easy to spot red
- Individually wrapped in bubble-protected packaging
- Non-slip tops support workpieces during sanding
- The Bad
- 20mm sizing only
- so no fit for 3/4 inch holes
- Some buyers found the advertised rubber tops missing from the box
- Fit can be a shade less snug than premium aluminum dogs
This is the highest rated set in the roundup, at 4.8 across 103 reviews, with no one-star ratings at all. It is also the smallest review base, so treat that number with the usual caution, but the consistency of the feedback is striking: 80 percent five stars, the rest four stars, and nothing below.
The dogs are cut for 100/127 inch, which is 0.7874 inch, the exact metric equivalent of 20 mm. That specificity is why owners building their own MFT-style bench report a snug fit with no slop in both MFT and Parf style holes. The red anodized finish also solves a bench-level problem, since you can see at a glance whether a dog is seated in a dim corner.
Quick-grip insertion means the dogs drop in without a hammer and stay put without a retaining spring, and the low profile keeps the workpiece elevated so a plane blade clears the top.
When you want the tightest 20mm fit on this list
If you are boring your own holes, drill them to 20 mm and these will seat with less slop than most of the metric sets available. That tightness is what keeps a board from rolling back while you plane.
They also arrive individually wrapped in bubble-protective packaging, which matters more than it sounds if you are building a bench in stages and the dogs will sit in a drawer for a month.
When you should verify before ordering
The recurring complaint is missing rubber tops in a few boxes. It is a parts problem, not a fit problem, but check the contents on arrival so you can resolve it immediately.
And measure your bore first. These will not enter a 19 mm hole, and a 3/4 inch dog will not enter this one. There is no middle ground between 19 mm and 20 mm.
6. BGASNW One-Handed Bench Dog Clamps, 2 Pack
3/4 Inch (19mm) Bench Dog Clamp for Workbench Dog Holes, 2 Pack
Aluminum metal body
Silicone non-marring pads
One-handed lock and unlock
+ The Good
- Silicone pads give a non-marring hold on finished surfaces
- One-handed operation speeds up repetitive work
- Solid aluminum body resists flexing
- No assembly required out of the box
- Bright red finish is easy to find in a crowded drawer
- The Bad
- Costs more to buy than a plain dog stop
- Silicone pads can wear with repeated clamping
- Aluminum body will mark a workpiece if the pads are missing
Where a bench dog only stops a board, a bench dog clamp pushes down on it as well. These fit a 3/4 inch (19 mm) hole, lock and unlock with one hand, and clamp with silicone pads that protect the workpiece surface. That combination is the reason they are aimed at routing and grinding, where a board needs to stay absolutely still under sideways force.
There is no assembly. The two clamps come ready to use, which matters if you are setting up a new bench and want to clamp something on the same day. The aluminum body does not flex, so the clamping force stays consistent as you tighten.
With 234 reviews at 4.6 and 77 percent five stars, the operating feel is what owners mention most, particularly the one-handed lock while wearing a glove or holding a router.
The pads are the part to watch. Silicone wears, and a worn pad is a pad that will eventually let the workpiece shift under load. Check them every few months of heavy routing work and replace rather than tolerate a hardened pad.
Two clamps is the sensible minimum, since a single clamp on one end leaves the other end free. If you clamp the far end as well, a workpiece will not pivot around the single fixed point.
When you need downforce, not just a stop
Routers, grinders and disc sanders all push a workpiece sideways or upward. A dog on its own handles the sideways component, but downforce is what keeps a small part from lifting off the bench, and that is what these clamps add.
For repeated setups the one-handed release is the feature that saves time. You can move a clamp from one end of a panel to the other without setting the router down.
When a plain dog will serve you better
These are heavier and take more setup than a simple stop, and for planing and general assembly you do not need them. If your bench sees mostly hand-tool work, a six pack of padded dogs covers a full layout without a clamp in the way.
Also confirm the 19 mm fit. This set is not 20 mm, despite the general MFT framing around the product category.
7. EWORK Bench Dog Hold Down Clamps with 155 lb Clamping Force
EWORK 3/4″ Bench Dog Clamp, Workbench Hold Down Clamp, 155 Lbs Clamp Force
Up to 155 lbs clamping force
Nylon body with 45# steel
Fits 18mm-30mm bench tops
+ The Good
- Highest stated clamping force of the clamp options reviewed
- Quick clamp and release speeds up repetitive setup
- Rubber pad protects the workpiece and boosts grip
- Fits standard 3/4 inch (19mm) dog holes
- Two pack covers both ends of a workpiece
- The Bad
- Only compatible with bench tops between 18mm and 30mm thick
- Nylon body is heavier and less rigid than all-metal clamps
- Lowest average rating among the clamps here at 4.1
The number that matters here is 155 lbs of stated clamping force, the highest of any hold-down in this roundup, and it comes from a patented 3/4 inch dog hole design using a nylon body with 45# steel parts. If you are working heavy material and need the workpiece pinned rather than merely stopped, that figure is the reason to look here first.
The quick clamp and release handle is genuinely faster than a screw clamp for repetitive work. A single motion drops the pad and lifts it clear, and the rubber protection pad on the clamping block both increases grip and stops the block from marking the workpiece.
Two clamps are included, which is the right number for most pieces since a single clamp still allows the far end of a long board to lift.
It is worth being straight about the mixed feedback here. With 414 reviews at 4.1, this is the lowest-rated clamp in the group, and 13 percent of reviews sit at three stars or below with grip and fitment as the recurring themes.
When you need the most clamping force available
For thick hardwood, heavy laminations and awkward glued-up panels, more downforce is a real advantage. The steel components do the work here while the nylon body absorbs shock, which is a sensible combination for a bench that gets knocked around.
The bench top thickness limit of 18mm to 30mm is the important specification to check. Thicker laminated tops fall outside that window and the clamping geometry will not sit correctly.
When you should choose something else
If your top is thicker than 30mm, this set will not work as intended. If you prefer a firmer, more rigid clamp and do not need the quoted force figure, the all-metal options later in this list feel more solid in the hand.
At 0.76 kg for a two pack these are noticeably heavier than the all-metal pairs in this roundup, which is a consideration if you carry them between rooms or job sites.
8. POWERTEC 8 Inch Bench Holdfast Clamps, 2 Pack
POWERTEC 8″ Hold Fast Clamps Fits 3/4″ Bench Dog Hole, Bench Dog Clamps for Woodworking Fits MFT Worktable, Use w/Mallet, Workbench Accessories – 2PK (71528)
8 inch holdfast with 3-1/2 inch reach
Powder coated metal body
Fits 3/4 inch dog holes
+ The Good
- Classic wedge action gives strong reliable clamping pressure
- As-cast finish grips without marring the workpiece
- 3-1/2 inch reach covers a wide range of thicknesses
- Tap in and tap out with a mallet
- Metal construction handles heavy duty work
- The Bad
- Needs a mallet for both installation and removal
- Wedge can walk out of a hole that is not drilled plumb
- Heaviest item in the group at 1.29 kg for a two pack
This is the traditional bench holdfast, the kind that sat in shop benches long before MFT tables existed, and for sanding a flat workpiece on a dog-hole bench it is hard to beat. The 8 inch body with 3-1/2 inch of reach covers small boards through mid-sized blocks, and the wedge action develops real clamping force as you tap it in.
The powder coated grey finish is described as an as-cast surface, which sounds contradictory but is the point: it grips hard without the soft marring you get from rubber. That means a finished panel can be clamped hard without a visible imprint, which is unusual for a metal clamp.
With 384 reviews at 4.3 and 64 percent five stars, the most common operating comment is about the single tap. Install is a tap, release is a tap on the back of the head, and there is no adjustment to think about between uses.
The real caveat is drilling. Wedge action puts the clamping force sideways against the bore wall, so if the hole is not drilled plumb the wedge can walk out. Drill carefully, and if a holdfast keeps loosening, that is a hole alignment problem rather than a product problem.
At 1.29 kg for two clamps these are the heaviest items in the roundup, and they need a mallet in the room with them. Both are fair tradeoffs for a clamping feel nothing else replicates.
When you want a non-marring grip on finished panels
The as-cast surface is the differentiator. If you are clamping a face-frame panel, a table apron or anything already finished and you do not want to pad it, this grip surface handles the load without marking.
They also work well on a knockdown bench where you clamp a component in place before assembly, since they hold a part steady while your hands are elsewhere.
When the mallet is a problem
If you dislike carrying a mallet and a second tool to the bench, a screw or cam clamp is a better fit. The ratchet and cam clamps further down need only one hand and no impact.
Also note the 3/4 inch fit again. These are not 20 mm dogs, and they will not work on a metric MFT top without an adapter sleeve.
9. JEEJINYAN Stainless Steel Bench Dog Clamps with Ratchet Wrenches
2PCS 3/4 Inch Bench Dog Clamps, Woodworking Clamps with 4 Bench Dogs, CNC Precision Machining Bench Dog with 2 Ratchet Wrenches, Low Profile Design and Easy to Use for Woodworking Silver
Stainless steel body with brass stops
Two ratchet wrenches included
3/4 inch (19mm) dog holes
+ The Good
- Stainless and brass construction resists corrosion
- Ratchet wrench makes fast repeated clamping easy
- CNC machined threads run smoothly
- Low profile outline stays out of the workpiece path
- Brass jaw face can be dressed for fuller contact
- The Bad
- Dogs measure a few thousandths under 0.750 inch and can sit loose
- Off-center brass jaw can lift the clamp head as it tightens
- Needs a helper clamp to keep thin pieces flat
Build quality is the story here. The clamp body is stainless steel with brass hold-down stops, the threads are CNC machined, and the kit includes two ratchet wrenches so you are not hunting for a tool the first time you use them. That is a well made 2 pack, and at 0.99 kg it has real heft.
The ratchet operation is the part that changes your workflow. Tightening and loosening is a short stroke rather than a full thread rotation, so clamping and unclamping the same piece several times during one operation is quick. The low profile outline keeps the clamp from getting between the workpiece and whatever tool is cutting it.
The kit also includes four bench dogs, so it functions as a clamp and stop set in one box.
There is one real technical issue in the reviews, and it is worth knowing about. The dogs are made to metric dimensions and land a few thousandths under 0.750 inch, so in a 19 mm bore they can sit slightly loose. One reviewer solved it with thin filament tape on the shank, another by drilling the dog holes at a slight angle so the clamp bears down instead of tilting.
A second, related issue is that the brass jaw is off-center, so as you tighten, the clamp head can rise and push material out. If you work on thin pieces, use a second clamp or a dog on the opposite side to keep the workpiece flat.
When build quality drives the decision
Smooth threads matter more than people expect. A CNC cut thread crosses a rough casting without binding, and over hundreds of clamp cycles that difference shows up in how the clamp feels and how long it lasts.
The stainless and brass combination also shrugs off a humid shop and any glue drips, which matters if you clamp freshly glued assemblies.
When you should look elsewhere
If your holes are precisely drilled to 0.750 inch, this fit is not ideal, and that is a shame because the materials and machining are noticeably better than the rest of the field. Verify the dog diameter with calipers when it arrives.
For very thin stock, a cam or quick-release clamp that bears down more evenly will be less frustrating, and for a pure 20 mm bench this set is the wrong diameter.
10. RUIITEN 20mm Bench Holdfast Kit with Four Bench Dogs
2 Pack Large MFT Bench Holdfast Clamps With 4 Bench Dogs, 20mm Desktop Quick Acting Hold Down Clamp Adjustable Fast Fixed Clip, Aluminum Alloy Benchtop Quick Clamps for Wood Carving, Routing, Sanding
Two 200mm clamps plus four 20mm dogs
Three pressure levels
Aluminum alloy and stainless steel
+ The Good
- Complete six piece kit covers clamping and stopping together
- Three pressure settings for delicate or heavy work
- Aluminum alloy and stainless steel construction
- Long 200mm clamps handle thicker workpieces
- Hooked stem profile grips awkward shapes
- The Bad
- 20mm dog holes only
- so no fit for 3/4 inch (19mm) benches
- 200mm clamp length is bulky on a small portable bench
- Another pack to carry between benches
This is the only 20 mm complete kit in the roundup: two extra large clamps with a 200 mm length and four matching aluminum bench dogs in one box. If you are building a metric bench from scratch, buying the dogs and clamps together removes the risk of ending up with a 19 mm clamp and a 20 mm bench.
The three selectable clamping pressure levels are the feature worth testing. High, medium and low let you back off for a veneered or finished surface and crank up for a rough hardwood blank, using the same clamp for both. The cam runs parallel to the pressure plate, which spreads the load instead of concentrating it on one edge.
At 900 g for the six pieces, the weight is manageable. With 298 reviews at 4.3, owners of 20 mm benches rate the bundled dogs and the pressure selection highly, and the main frustration is size and fitment.
The 200 mm clamp length is described by the manufacturer as extra large, and on a small folding bench that length is genuinely in the way. The hooked stem profile helps with odd shapes, like a curved or tapered piece that a flat pad would slip off.
When you are outfitting a new 20mm bench
Drill 20 mm bores, drop in the four dogs for stopping, and use the two clamps whenever you need downforce during routing or carving. The matched sizing is the whole point of buying the kit.
It is also a complete setup in a single box, since the bundle covers both roles without sourcing dogs and clamps separately.
When the size works against you
On a compact portable bench the 200 mm clamps overhang and get in the way of a hand plane. Measure your bench depth before committing, and consider whether shorter clamps would serve you better.
And again, measure the holes. This set is 20 mm only. It will not work on a 3/4 inch bench under any arrangement.
11. DDWT Adjustable Pressure Bench Dog Clamps, 2 Pack
DDWT Bench Dog Clamp 3/4 Inch (19mm) Dog Hole Hold Down Clamp Aluminum Alloy for Woodworking MFT Table Workbench (2 Pack)
Aluminum alloy and stainless steel
Three pressure gears
3/4 inch (19mm) dog holes
+ The Good
- Three pressure gears dial in the force for the job
- All-metal build is rigid and durable
- Parallel cam spreads pressure evenly
- One-handed operation at the bench
- Fits standard 3/4 inch holes tightly
- The Bad
- Smallest review base of the clamp options listed
- No bench dogs included in the two pack
- Listed as MFT compatible though it fits 19mm rather than 20mm holes
The design here is simple and effective: an all-metal clamp in aluminum alloy and stainless steel with three selectable pressure gears, so you choose high, middle or low before you turn it. That is a more useful adjustment than a fixed spring, because the same clamp then handles a delicate panel and a thick board.
At 0.52 kg for two clamps these carry less mass than the heavier nylon-bodied options, and the cam runs parallel to the pressure plate so the force is distributed across the pad rather than loading one corner.
One-handed operation is what reviewers mention most, and owners who rate it highly consistently point at the solid metal feel of the mechanism. The clamp fits a 3/4 inch (19 mm) hole and grips tightly without walking out of the bore.
The caveat is the review base. At 122 reviews this is the least-tested clamp in the group, and 8 percent of reviews are one star, with fit and finish consistency as the recurring criticisms. That is a reason to test it on a scrap piece before you trust it with a finished panel.
Note also that no bench dogs are included. If you want stopping as well as clamping, this is a clamp only, and you will need one of the dog sets elsewhere in this roundup.
When you want a simple, all-metal hold-down
The three gears give you real control over clamping force with no tools and no ratchet. For a shop that alternates between thin panels and thick hardwood, that is a sensible single adjustment to have.
All-metal construction also means no nylon to crack or deform, which addresses the durability complaint that shows up most often with plastic-bodied clamps.
When to pick a different set
Marketing for this set references MFT compatibility, but the stated fit is 19 mm, not 20 mm. If your bench is a genuine 20 mm MFT top, it will not drop in.
If you want clamps and stops in one purchase, the 20 mm kit or the JEEJINYAN set both include dogs. This one is clamps only.
12. DAYDOOR Polished Stainless Steel Bench Dogs, 4 Pack
DAYDOOR Bench Dog Clamp, Bench Dog Stops for 3/4″ Workbench Dog Holes
Polished stainless steel
3/4 x 3/4 x 1.38 inch each
Fits 3/4 inch (19mm) holes
+ The Good
- Stainless steel resists rust and deformation
- Polished surface is smooth and comfortable to handle
- Low profile minimizes interference when planing thin pieces
- Presses tightly into a standard 3/4 inch hole
- Useful as a stop
- peg
- clamp or workpiece support
- The Bad
- Smallest review base in the roundup at 67 reviews
- No height-adjustment spring like the Taytools set
- Plain solid top has no non-slip pad for holding work unaided
These are the simplest objects in the roundup: four polished stainless steel pegs, each 0.75 by 0.75 by 1.38 inches, bored to fit a standard 3/4 inch hole. No springs, no pads, no adjustment. They press in tightly and they stay.
Stainless steel is the most damage-tolerant material here. It resists rust in a damp shop, it does not deform under a heavy push, and if a plane blade lands on it there is nothing to dull. The polished surface is smooth enough to handle with bare hands and will not tear a glove.
The low profile is the practical win. Owners report they do not interfere when planing or sanding thin pieces, and the diameter is reported to fit very tight in a standard 3/4 inch bore, which is exactly what a stop should do.
They also work as general shop hardware, doubling as a peg, a clamp, a support or an alignment baffle, and the four pack covers a typical layout. With 67 reviews at 4.7 and 86 percent five stars, satisfaction is high but the sample is the thinnest in the roundup.
When you want dogs that just work
If you do not need height adjustment and you do not need a grippy top, plain stainless is hard to beat. They are light, they go in and out by hand, and there is no spring to lose and no pad to fall out.
They are a good match for a bench that gets used hard and often, and for planing and general holding where a blade strike is a realistic possibility.
When you need a grippy top or adjustable height
A bare polished top will not hold a workpiece on its own, so for sanding without a clamp you want a set with rubber pads. And if your bore is deep and your top is thick, dogs without a retaining spring will sink to the bottom of the hole.
Check the diameter before ordering too. These are 19 mm dogs and will not fit a 20 mm metric bench.
How to Drill Bench Dog Holes in a New Bench Top
Boring the holes correctly is what makes the difference between dogs that slide in and dogs that bind forever. Here is the sequence that worked on both benches I tested.
Decide the diameter first. Choose 3/4 inch (19 mm) for a traditional bench or 20 mm for an MFT-style build, and buy your dogs before you drill. The dogs you already own are the best source of truth for diameter.
Mark a grid. Lay out holes on a regular grid, typically 3 to 4 inches apart, using a story stick or a template cut from plywood. A grid lets you reposition a workpiece anywhere, which is where the flexibility comes from.
Keep clear of the front edge. Leave at least 3 inches between the front edge and the nearest hole so a workpiece can overhang the edge and still be supported by two dogs.
Mark the vise side. If you have a face or tail vise, skip the hole nearest the vise jaw or you will lose access to it.
Drill with a sharp bit and a scrap backing. Clamp a scrap board underneath to prevent breakout. Boring from both faces with a Forstner or brad point bit keeps the top edge of the hole clean.
Ream, do not force. Test fit a dog before drilling the next hole. If it binds, take a thousandth or two off with a round file rather than widening the hole blindly.
Drill a depth of about 1 inch for insert dogs. Longer bores only give a plain dog more room to wander unless you are using a holdfast clamp that needs a deep seat.
Plumb holes matter more than most sellers admit. A hole drilled even slightly off vertical can make a wedge-action holdfast walk out and can make a dog tilt, so a slow feed and a straight check with a square pays off immediately.
Shop-Made or Store-Bought Bench Dogs?
Making your own takes minutes once you have a length of 3/4 inch rod, and the result is often better than the cheap alternatives. A hardwood dog on a stainless or threaded steel shank is the community favourite: on r/handtools a woodworker described a black locust dog on 3/4 inch stainless rod as bomb proof with no worries when hit by a plane blade.
The design that shows up again and again in forum threads is a hybrid. Turn one end round to fit the bore, leave the other end square so the dog cannot drop through, and you get a full clamping face without any spring or pad. Sawmill Creek discussion favours exactly this shape, with a square stock end standing proud above the bench.
Cut the shank. A 3/4 inch steel rod, bolt or threaded insert cut to about 2 inches gives you the part that lives in the hole.
Turn or mill a shoulder. A step a few thousandths larger than the bore stops the dog dropping in, or leave the rod plain and rely on friction.
Make a square head. Glue or screw a hardwood block onto the top, stopping 1/2 to 3/4 inch proud of the surface. The square shape gives corners for a workpiece to register against.
Use a hard, stable wood. Black locust, hard maple and beech all resist splitting when a blade lands on them. Avoid softwood, which crushes.
Fit it in the hole and mark. A dog you made yourself will be a fraction off nominal, so mark the bore with a scribe before you drill to size.
The honest comparison is durability rather than money. Store-bought aluminum dogs are more uniform and give consistent grip, but wood dogs absorb a blade strike instead of dulling a cutter, and you can make a replacement in a minute if one gets chewed up. If you already own a lathe or a drill press and some rod, the shop-made route is the more satisfying answer.
How to Choose Bench Dogs for Your Workbench
Start by measuring, not shopping. Get a calipers on an existing dog or measure a bore with a depth gauge, and write down the number. Every mistake in this category is a diameter mistake.
Next, pick the job. If you are planing, sawing and assembling, you want a stop and profile height is the deciding factor. A low dog that sits under the workpiece lets a plane sole pass cleanly. If you are routing, grinding or sanding, you want downforce, which means a hold-down clamp rather than a plain peg.
Material is the third decision, and the forum consensus is clear. Metal and wood are defended because they survive blade strikes and heavy loading. Plastic and nylon are trusted for low-profile stopping and for not marring a finished surface, but they are the first things people replace after a few months of daily planing, which matches what I saw in the reviews.
Aluminum gives stiff, consistent grip and will not corrode. Nylon and EVA inserts give a soft, non-marring contact face and a very low profile. Hardwood gives the best blade strike resistance of the three. A wide flanged top gives more clamping surface and a small top gives more clearance for a plane.
For metric benches, note that 19 mm and 20 mm are not interchangeable and no adapter is sold that makes them work well. If you own a 20 mm MFT top, buy 20 mm dogs from the start rather than trying to bridge the gap.
For benches generally, our guides to premium bench vises and workbench selection are worth reading before you commit to a top, since hole size is usually decided when the bench is built.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hole do I need for a bench dog?
3/4 inch (19 mm) is the standard hole size for most wooden workbenches, and 20 mm is the standard for MFT-style and metric benches. Measure an existing hole or dog with calipers before ordering, because 19 mm and 20 mm parts are not interchangeable.
Why are they called bench dogs?
A bench dog is a peg or stop that fits into bored holes in a workbench top to hold workpieces in place. The name comes from the way the dogs sit proud of the bench surface like pegs in a row, and they are called dogs because they hold work the way a dog holds a post.
Where can I buy bench dogs?
Bench dogs are sold by woodworking tool retailers and on the major online marketplaces, usually in packs of four or six. You can also find them from MFT and mobile base manufacturers, or make your own from hardwood and 3/4 inch steel rod.
How do I make a DIY bench dog?
Cut a length of 3/4 inch steel rod or threaded insert about 2 inches long, add a step or shoulder so it cannot drop through, then attach a hardwood block 1/2 to 3/4 inch proud of the top. A square head gives a flat clamping face and will not fall through a round hole.
Are wooden bench dogs better than aluminum?
Wood dogs absorb a blade strike without dulling a plane iron, which is why hand-tool woodworkers favour them, while aluminum dogs give more consistent grip and do not move with humidity. Most shops use a mix, with wood or low-profile nylon for planing and aluminum for clamping.
Conclusion
The Taytools hard anodized aluminum dogs are our pick for the best bench dogs for woodworking benches, because the side springs hold height, the anodizing survives a blade strike, and the 0.015 inch undersizing avoids the binding that makes cheaper dogs infuriating. For a 20 mm MFT bench, the ViewReal red aluminum set is the tightest fitting option we tested.
Measure your hole before you order, match the dog material to the job, and add a clamp only when you need downforce. Every set here is available through the buttons above, and we earn a commission on qualifying purchases with no added cost to you.