What Are Bench Dogs and Why Do Woodworkers Use Them?
If you've spent time in a woodworking shop, you've probably seen small pegs or metal accessories sitting in the holes of a workbench. These are called bench dogs, and they're one of the simplest ways to hold workpieces securely while you work.
Bench dogs are removable supports that fit into specially sized holes in a workbench. When used with a compatible vise, another bench dog, or a clamping system, they help prevent wood and other materials from shifting during cutting, planing, sanding, and assembly.
Whether you're building your first woodworking bench or upgrading an existing setup, understanding how bench dogs work can help you get more out of your workspace.
How Do Bench Dogs Work?
Bench dogs are placed into matching holes in a workbench. They provide contact points that help position and secure a workpiece.
For example, a workpiece can be positioned between a bench dog and a compatible workbench vise. Tightening the vise presses the material against the dog, helping hold it in place.
Some bench dogs have flat tops, while others feature round, angled, or specialized gripping surfaces. The right type depends on the task, your workbench, and the materials you're working with.
Bench dogs are commonly used for:
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Holding boards during hand-planing.
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Supporting wood while sanding.
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Positioning materials for cutting.
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Securing pieces during assembly.
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Providing repeatable positioning points for workshop tasks.
Always make sure your bench dogs and workholding arrangement are appropriate for the size, shape, and forces involved in your project.
What Size Bench Dogs Do You Need?
Bench dogs come in different diameters and styles. The size you need depends on the diameter of the holes in your workbench.
Common sizes include 3/4-inch and 20 mm. While these measurements may seem close, they are not interchangeable in every setup. A proper fit is important for safe and effective workholding.
Before purchasing bench dogs, measure your workbench holes and check the product's dimensions.
What Is the Difference Between Bench Dogs and Bench Dog Holes?
Bench dogs are the removable accessories that provide contact points for holding workpieces.
Bench dog holes are the openings in the workbench that accommodate those accessories.
Together, they create a flexible workholding system. You can move your bench dogs to different holes depending on the size, shape, and position of the material you're working with.
When dog holes aren't in use, however, they can collect sawdust, chips, and other debris. That's where bench dog plugs can help.
Why Use Bench Dog Hole Plugs?
Bench dog holes are useful, but you don't need every hole open all the time.
When you're using your workbench for assembly, layout, or general shop tasks, unused holes can interrupt the surface and allow debris to collect inside.
Magnetic stainless steel bench dog plugs provide a way to cover those openings when they're not needed.
Wilbur’s Finest 3/4-inch Magnetic Stainless Steel Bench Dog Plugs are CNC-machined from solid 416 stainless steel in our Indiana shop. Their flush fit helps create a smoother work surface, while their solid construction allows you to lift them out with a common shop magnet.
They make it easier to keep unused holes covered without giving up the flexibility of your bench dog system.
Getting More From Your Workbench
Bench dogs are a practical addition to many woodworking benches, whether you're using a traditional bench with a vise or a modern perforated work surface.
With compatible bench dogs, clamps, and dog hole plugs, you can adapt your workbench for different projects while keeping your setup organized.
If you're looking to improve your workholding setup, start by checking your dog hole dimensions and identifying the accessories that suit the way you work.
Keep Your Unused Dog Holes Covered
Add Wilbur’s Finest 3/4-inch Magnetic Stainless Steel Bench Dog Plugs to your workbench. Made from domestic steel and machined in our Indiana shop, they're designed to help keep your work surface clean, flush, and ready for your next project.
