Comments on: The Mystery of Holdfasts

By: Gus

Gus — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:06:03 +0000

This article explains why my adding of 3″ of redwood to the bottom of bench failed to engage the holdfast. It takes lots and lots of testing to learn about anything.

By: Megan Fitzpatrick

Megan Fitzpatrick — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 23:21:22 +0000

That article is from a while back — from before the current Gramercy holdfasts were available. Pretty safe to say that those of us who use holdfasts at PWM like the Gramercy version a lot. I’ve a set on my bench at work, and I’m pretty sure Bob does, too.

By: Clay Dowling

Clay Dowling — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:51:55 +0000

I’ve been using the gramercy holdfasts for a couple of years in a 3″ thick workbench. The hold is okay, but not great, in that thick workbench. It takes a pretty substantial whack with a deadblow or 20oz metal hammer, and isn’t as resistant to movement as I might like. I may either rebuild my benchtop, or spring for the hand-forged holdfasts.

By: texasbelliott

texasbelliott — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 17:21:57 +0000

This was a nice read. Very informative, and it’s nice to see there are options out there to choose from. Thank you, Mr. Lang!

By: stanrisk

stanrisk — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:43:17 +0000

I bought a pair holdfasts by Gramercy Tools for 32.50 and they are great. you can drop the holdfast on a piece of wood and it will almost be tight enough to use, then just a small tap and it is ready. (3 inch top, 3/4 whole)

By: Christopher Hawkins

Christopher Hawkins — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:09:03 +0000

I have a pair of Gramercy holdfasts from Tools for Working Wood. The pair cost $32 and they work great for me in my 1.5″ thick bench. I’ve had them for about a year and used them a fair amount.

http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com//Merchant/merchant.mvc?Session_ID=a8c2c1f8c65e59e43468d0645d120c1a&Screen=PROD&Store_Code=toolshop&Product_Code=MS-HOLDFAST.XX&Category_Code=

By: Jim Maher

Jim Maher — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:08:26 +0000

And how do we retro-fit an existing bench to use holdfasts?
Two questions come to mind.

First, what are the lengths of these recommended holdfasts? My manufactured bench has storage cabinets in the base, and I only have 4″ or 5″ of space under the 3″ top.

Second, where (and how) to put the holes in the benchtop? I’ve a row of (squared) dog holes an inch or so in from the front edge (for use with the end vise). Did the Schwartz already answer this latter question?