When you've invested in an HDS Workbench Top, fixing it down securely — while keeping the option to lift it off later — makes all the difference. There are a few ways to do it:
- Countersink, drill and screw the top down directly — simple and permanent
- Install angle brackets underneath and secure from below
- Drill and use the HDS Fixing Kit — our preferred method, which lets you remove and refit the top whenever you need to
In this guide, we'll walk you through installing your top with the HDS Workbench Top Fixing Kit — the clean, repeatable solution using threaded inserts and M6 button-top bolts.
What's in the kit
Each kit contains 4 threaded inserts and 4 M6 button-top bolts, available in two sizes:
- 50mm bolts with 20mm inserts — for thicker benches
- 35mm bolts with 13mm inserts — for thinner benches
Note: you'll need 2 kits if you want a securing bolt in each corner of both 600mm boards.
Tools you'll need
- Flat-bottomed Forstner-style bit
- 6mm drill bit
- 8mm drill bit
- Allen/hex key for the button-top bolts
- A little CA glue (optional, but recommended)
Step-by-step installation
- Mark your positions. With your HDS Workbench Top in situ, locate where you want your fixings and mark the top accordingly.
- Recess the bolt head. Using a flat-bottomed Forstner-style bit, drill down approximately 2mm so the button top sits flush or just below the surface. Tip: test this by turning a bolt upside down and offering it up to the hole.
- Drill through the top. Drill through the centre mark left by the Forstner bit with a 6mm bit, into the workbench below.
- Remove the top. Lift the workbench top off to work on the bench itself.
- Deepen the hole. Continue the 6mm hole in your bench to a depth where the bolt won't bottom out — approx 30mm for the 50mm bolts, 15mm for the 35mm bolts.
- Open up for the insert. Using an 8mm bit, widen the 6mm hole to a depth of either 20mm or 13mm to accept your chosen size of threaded insert.
- Install the inserts. Thread the inserts into place. Top tip: add a little CA glue to strengthen the joint.
- Secure your top. Refit your HDS Workbench Top and fix it down with the button-top bolts.
A quick word of caution: don't overtighten the bolts, or you risk stripping the inserts.
That's it! Your HDS Workbench Top is now securely mounted — and thanks to the threaded inserts, you can remove and refit it whenever you need to. Ready to get started? Grab your HDS Workbench Top Fixing Kit today.