Black and Decker Workmate - still with dangerously sharp edges?

If it's still more or less OK apart from the clips, get a new set ! Plenty on eBay for around £5 per set of 4 Google for "Black & Decker Workmate Leg Catch " Part no. for mine was 374985-49

Chris

Is that the sharp bit that does the leg ripping? ;-)

dedics

Ha ha. Actually, the ruddy thing has sharp bits all over it. I really ought to file down/round off the worst culprits, but then I'd have to paint over it to prevent rust.

I must say I'm surprised that the catches are available separately, so I may well look into getting some. I think one of the clips is still functioning.

MM

I have had mine must be 34 years and never known any sharp edges. mind you I have never checked, but it has been used plenty over the years.

Mine is about the same age but they were a cast alloy construction then and the unfolding mechanism for the legs was different. Much better and lighter IMHO.

Chris K

In message , SS writes

Likewise. The OP could perhaps get some flexible plastic u-channel and stick it on the offending edges.

The old B&D cast alloy ones were very good, had mine for years and it didn't get treated gently! Finally one of the legs snapped when I dropped a heavy tree trunk on it (don't ask) so my son bought me a new one for christmas - one of the B&D pressed steel things.

Absolutely hopless, not very rigid, the tops wobble about on their fixings, and seem made of cardboard - a lump has already broken off. As for standing on it - NO WAY (I used to on the old one).

Spares for most Workmates here.

Draper Magnum 850. Streets ahead.

Yes I still use my cast one regularly. Only problem so far is the feet wore out. A set of feet from an old bath provided a replacement, even the threads on the stems matched.

In message , MM writes

My very old cast Workmate is still great. Well worn, but does the job.

My 2ish year old Wickes branded cheapo version is utterly, utterly dreadful.

Close the jaws and they rise up and push the object of their affections out, the metalwork bends and sways. Wickes is writ large on the front, presumably as a warning to keep well clear.

Richard.

My original Workmate - mostly ally - cost a great deal. The Wicks one probably much less in cash terms even before inflation is taken into account.

the Workmate is utterly stable, once I've coaxed all four legs out. They're like unruly puppies.

MM

Far from flimsy, built like a brick outhouse. Doesn't wobble at all.

Dunno - but don't be tempted to buy the Screwfix-branded jobbie that's on offer at the moment - they're complete crap, despite some of the positive reviews on the SF site!

My workmate is still going OK. ButI have something that I like better. My neighbour put it out in the rubbish and there's no name on it so I don't know what it is. It's all steel. It's about the same size as half a Workmate. There's a singe winder and movable jaw on the end, and a fixed jaw that can be moved to clamp up to 600mm. Both jaws can swivel and hold irregular shaped objects. Perhaps somebody knows what it is.