What Are 3/4-Inch Dog Holes?

Dog holes are openings drilled into a woodworking workbench to accommodate bench dogs, clamps, and other workholding accessories. They allow woodworkers to secure materials in different positions without needing to rely entirely on traditional clamps.

One of the commonly used sizes in woodworking is the 3/4-inch dog hole. These holes are designed to accommodate compatible 3/4-inch bench dogs and other accessories made for that diameter.

Whether you have a traditional woodworking bench, a custom-built workbench, or a modern MFT-style table with compatible hole dimensions, dog holes can provide additional flexibility for a wide range of projects.

What Are 3/4-Inch Dog Holes Used For?

The main purpose of dog holes is to make workholding more convenient.

With the right accessories, you can use dog holes to:

• Hold boards in place while planing.

• Secure materials during sanding.

• Position workpieces for cutting.

• Support assembly and layout tasks.

• Use compatible clamps and bench fixtures.

• Create adjustable workholding arrangements.

Instead of relying on a fixed clamping position, dog holes allow you to move accessories around your workbench to accommodate different project sizes.

Understanding Dog Hole Spacing

The diameter of a dog hole is only one part of your workbench setup. Spacing also plays an important role in how you use your bench.

Some workbenches use a regular grid of dog holes, while others have holes positioned to work with a particular vise or clamping system.

A consistent layout can make it easier to position workpieces and use accessories. However, the best spacing depends on your workbench design, the types of projects you complete, and the accessories you intend to use.

If you're building a new workbench, consider the size of your typical workpieces and the clamping arrangements you'll need before deciding on your hole layout.

Are 3/4-Inch and 20 mm Dog Holes the Same?

No. Although the measurements are close, 3/4 inch and 20 mm are different sizes.

While some accessories may be designed to accommodate variations, you should not assume that a 3/4-inch bench dog or plug will fit a 20 mm hole correctly.

How to Keep Unused Dog Holes Clean

Dog holes are useful when you're holding materials, but unused openings can collect sawdust, wood chips, and other debris.

This can become especially noticeable during sanding, routing, and general workbench cleanup. Small items may also fall into open holes and become difficult to retrieve.

One simple solution is to cover unused openings with bench dog plugs.

Wilbur’s Finest 3/4-inch Magnetic Stainless Steel Bench Dog Plugs are designed to fit compatible 3/4-inch dog holes and sit flush with the workbench surface. The solid 416 stainless steel construction provides weight to help keep the plugs seated, while magnetic retrieval makes them easy to remove when you need the hole again.

They're a practical accessory for woodworkers who want to keep their workbench cleaner without permanently blocking access to their dog holes.

Choosing Accessories for Your 3/4-Inch Dog Holes

Once you've confirmed the size and layout of your workbench holes, you can start selecting accessories that fit your workflow.

Consider adding:

• Bench dogs: For positioning and holding workpieces.

• Compatible clamps: For securing materials during different woodworking operations.

• Bench dog plugs: For covering holes when they're not being used.

• Workholding fixtures: For specific tasks such as assembly, cutting, or routing.

Choosing accessories that match your existing setup can help you get more use out of the workbench you already own.

Make Your Workbench More Versatile

A well-planned dog hole system gives you more flexibility in your workshop. From securing large boards to supporting small assembly tasks, 3/4-inch dog holes can accommodate a variety of compatible workholding accessories.

And when you're not using them, there's no reason to leave every opening exposed.

Upgrade your workbench with 3/4-inch Magnetic Stainless Steel Bench Dog Plugs from Wilbur’s Finest. Made from domestically sourced steel and CNC-machined in Indiana, they're designed to help keep unused holes clean and your work surface flush.