Definition

Noun: A bench hook is a simple device used in woodworking. It is a flat piece of wood, often with a batten or stop attached, that hooks over the edge of a workbench. Its primary function is to hold a workpiece securely in place against the bench's edge, preventing it from moving while you perform operations like sawing, chiseling, or planing.

Usage

A bench hook is used to stabilize work on a bench. You place the hook over the front edge of the bench, with the workpiece butted against its stop. You then apply force toward the bench and the stop to keep the piece from sliding. - Use the bench hook to hold the small board steady while you saw it. - He pushed the wood firmly against the bench hook before making the chisel cut.

Advanced Usage

• As a shooting board accessory: In precision planing, a bench hook can be adapted or used in conjunction with a shooting board to square the end of a board.
• For repetitive cuts: It is invaluable for making multiple identical cuts safely, as the workpiece and the hook itself can be positioned consistently.

Variants and Related Words

• Bench Stop (noun): A general term for any device, including metal or adjustable types, fixed to a bench to prevent workpiece movement. A bench hook is a specific, portable type of bench stop.
• Planing Stop (noun): A stop, often a simple raised peg or block, specifically used to hold wood for planing.

Synonyms

• Work stop
• Bench stop

Related Tools and Concepts

• Vise (noun): A mechanical apparatus that grips and holds a workpiece, often providing more clamping force than a bench hook.
• Clamp (noun/verb): A device used to hold objects tightly together. While a clamp secures a piece the bench, a bench hook secures it the bench.

Noun

1. any of various stops on a workbench against which work can be pushed (as while chiseling or planing)