Holdfasts - 400mm x 19mm - Pack of 2

I finally bought a pair of these when they came on offer. Already put to good use and as promised were very convenient, quick and effective to use. The long reach, both horizontal and vertical will keep them in constant use on my work bench. Clamping force with a single tap of a hammer is impressive. The only question is the diameter of the rods which are 17.6mm and therefore quite a bit less than the specified 19mm dog holes. They work fine in 19mm dog holes but I tried an 18mm hole as a test and they still seemed to work perfectly. Which begs the question of why I paid extra for a 19mm bit in the same order to make new dog holes of the "standard" size. I have never owned a 19mm bit and the only one of that size on Rutlands' website was a rather pricey Forstner bit. Like most people I already had a perfectly serviceable 18mm flat bit which is one of the standard sizes of bits. Worth noting that I also own a Rutlands Bench Hold Down clamp which uses a 20mm dog hole so no obvious standardisation there. Also the latter clamp is fairly pathetic and fiddly to use in comparison to the Holdfasts.

Very well built and put together. I have found it perfect for holding down iregular pieces whilst carving and also more normal woodworking and jointing. I've now converted the whole of my home made workbench to the 19mm hole format. It takes a few practice whacks to get the hold and release right first time, but then its very quick and easy to use. Is now always on my workbench.

A solid piece of kit which generally works very well. Once you get used to how to place them they hold the work steady for most purposes. Occasionally I have to use a conventional clamp to really hold the work in place but overall these are quick and easy to use. Recommended.

Excellent quality and much more substantial than the image shows, which is a bonus. Very quick and easy to use, and always give a strong hold, sometimes I think people overcomplicate clamping, when a simple solution like this is available I say use it. delivered next by Rutlands as usual.