Is the Black & Decker Workmate the most popular or useful DIY accessory that you can buy for less than £60?
December 2, 2009 – 11:42 am
The Black & Decker Workmate, designed and invented by Ron Hickman (who also designed the Lotus Elan) in 1968, went on sale here in the U.K. in 1973 and later in 1975 it was introduced in the U.S.. By 1981 over 10 million Black & Decker Workmates had been sold Worldwide.
So just what makes the Black & Decker Workmate so popular amongst Professional, Trade and DIY users?
Well for a start it’s fully portable and fold’s flat for easy storage. The Workmate generally has a dual working height which doubles its versatility. The top of the Workmate is a giant vice which is designed to hold add shaped materials securely. You can easily hold circular objects and pipes without fear of them falling off whilst working on them.
Product Description
This has two working heights and a fixed position vice jaw which can be opened to a maximum distance of 136mm. It will stand a maximum load of 160kg, has a working top made from particle board and is supplied with adjustable pegs which enable it to hold irregular shaped objects.
Vice jaw length - 610mm
Working Heights 595mm & 775mm.
Product Features
* Dual working heights allows use as a workbench, bench tool stand, vice or sawhorse
* Durable steel construction
* Folds flat for compact storage and easy transport
* Dual clamping cranks increase clamping force and versatility
* Adjustable swivel pegs and jaw retention grooves provide clamping versatility and reliable material hold
* Designed for easy set-up and clean-up
* Rubber feet are anti-slip
* Working heights 775 / 595 mm
* Folded size (W x H x D) 610 x 740 x 195 mm
* Vice jaw opening 0-136 mm
* Vice jaw length 610 mm
* Max table width - Jaws open 384 mm
* Vice jaw positions 1
* Maximum load 160 kg
* Vice jaw material Particle board
Admitted the Black & Decker Workmate has been developed since it was first introduced in 1973 but I think that the sales figures show that the Black & Decker Workmate could be the most popular and useful DIY accessory in history! - What do you think and do you find it useful?
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