The HDS Portable Workbench is designed to be exactly that — portable. But when you're in the middle of a job and need it rock solid, a little movement underfoot can be frustrating. The good news? You can bolt it down in seconds using the HDS Workbench Top Fixing Kit — and lift it straight back off when you're done.
This guide walks you through securing your Portable Workbench at all four corners for maximum stability, without any permanent fixings.
Why bolt it down?
Even on a flat surface, a workbench can shift during heavy planing, routing, or clamping. The M6 Anti Slip plugs remove that movement but if you want to take it to the next level then fixing it at each corner eliminates that movement entirely — giving you the rigidity of a fixed bench with the flexibility of a portable one. When the job's done, unbolt it and move it on.
What you'll need
- HDS Workbench Top Fixing Kit — you'll need 2 kits to fix all four corners (each kit contains 4 threaded inserts and 4 M6 button-top bolts)
- 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)
Choosing the right kit size
The Fixing Kit comes in two sizes:
- 50mm bolts with 20mm inserts — for thicker benches or surfaces
- 35mm bolts with 13mm inserts — for thinner benches or surfaces
Choose based on the thickness of the surface you're fixing into.
Step-by-step: securing your Portable Workbench
- Position your workbench. Place the HDS Portable Workbench exactly where you want it on your bench or work surface. Consider clamping in place if that's option.
- Mark the four corners. Mark your portable bench all four corners ready for drilling.
- Recess the bolt head. At each marked point, use a flat-bottomed Forstner-style bit to drill down approximately 2mm — just enough for the button-top bolt to sit flush or just below the surface. Tip: test the depth by offering a bolt upside down to the hole.
- Drill through the workbench base. Using a 6mm bit, drill through the centre of each Forstner recess, through the base of the Portable Workbench and into the surface below.
- Remove the workbench. Lift it clear to work on the surface beneath.
- Deepen the holes. Extend each 6mm hole in the surface to a depth where the bolt won't bottom out — approximately 30mm for 50mm bolts, or 15mm for 35mm bolts.
- Open up for the inserts. Using an 8mm bit, widen each hole to accept the threaded insert — 20mm deep for the larger inserts, 13mm for the smaller.
- Install the inserts. Thread each insert into place. A small amount of CA glue helps lock them in and strengthens the joint.
- Drop the workbench back in. Reposition your HDS Portable Workbench over the inserts and bolt it down at all four corners using the M6 button-top bolts.
Don't overtighten — firm is fine; too much torque risks stripping the inserts.
The result
Four bolts. Four corners. A Portable Workbench that goes nowhere until you want it to. When you're finished, unbolt it, pack it away, and the inserts stay neatly recessed in your bench surface ready for next time.
Ready to set yours up? Pick up the HDS Workbench Top Fixing Kit — you'll need 2 kits for all four corners.