How do I open a WORKMATE?
To open a Black & Decker WORKMATE workbench, we set it upright, release the locking clips, then pull the legs and top apart until the frame fully spreads and the locks snap into place. This ensures the bench is stable before you clamp or cut.
- Stand the WORKMATE on its end so the legs can swing freely.
- Find the locking clips or latches near the folding joints.
- Pull the clips outward to release the folded position.
- Spread the legs and top apart until the bench opens flat.
- Press down on the top (using body weight if needed) so the locks fully seat.
- Confirm both sides are equally opened and not twisted.
A WORKMATE is safest when it is fully opened and both locking points are engaged.
| Check | What you want to see | What to do if it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Locks engaged | Clips/latches are fully seated | Re-open, then press down until they snap in |
| No wobble | Bench does not rock on the floor | Move to a flatter surface, re-check leg spread |
| Top alignment | Jaws/top halves sit level | Re-open and make sure both sides open evenly |
| Clamp action | Handles turn smoothly and clamp evenly | Back off, re-align the jaws, then tighten again |
- Check for sawdust, paint, or rust at the hinge points; clean and re-try.
- Look for a bent leg brace or twisted frame; straighten before forcing it.
- Loosen the clamping handles slightly; some units bind if the jaws are tightened.
- Apply a small amount of light oil to pivots, then wipe off excess.
If the WORKMATE is not fully opened and locked, it can fold unexpectedly under load. A proper lock-in also keeps the clamping jaws square, which helps when cutting, sanding, or holding a workpiece.
For replacement parts and diagrams for your WORKMATE workbench, start with the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Are black and decker workmates good?
Yes. Black & Decker WORKMATE benches like the WORKMATE are good for light to medium DIY tasks because they combine a portable workbench with a built-in vise-style clamping surface, so you can hold wood, trim, and small assemblies securely while you cut, drill, sand, or glue.
A WORKMATE is a strong choice when you need a compact, foldable bench that sets up fast and stores easily.
- Works as a small workbench, clamping station, and sawhorse-style support
- Dual clamping handles help you grip uneven or awkward pieces
- Swivel pegs (bench dogs) add flexibility for different shapes
- Folding frame makes it easy to carry and store
- Great for garages, apartments, and jobsite punch-list work
These benches are designed for versatility, not heavy industrial loads.
| Use case | Fit for a WORKMATE | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Holding boards for drilling/sanding | Excellent | Clamping is the main advantage |
| Small glue-ups and assembly | Very good | Add scrap wood pads to protect surfaces |
| Cutting long lumber | Good | Support the free end with a stand or sawhorse |
| Heavy hand-planing or large doors | Limited | A heavier, wider bench is more stable |
- Set the bench on a flat surface and fully lock it open before loading it.
- Keep fingers clear of the moving jaws when tightening the cranks.
- Use scrap wood as jaw pads to prevent marring softwood or finished pieces.
- For long stock, add outfeed support so the workpiece does not tip the bench.
- Re-tighten hardware periodically; folding benches loosen over time with vibration.
A portable clamping workbench improves accuracy and safety because the work stays put. That means cleaner cuts, straighter holes, and less chance of the material spinning or shifting while you use a drill, jigsaw, or sander.
For the best parts match, confirm the exact model marking on your bench and then search by model number on Sears PartsDirect. You can also use our guide, how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts), to identify the correct model information.
Last updated: February 2026
How old is the Black and Decker workmate?
The Black & Decker WORKMATE line is more than 50 years old. The original WORKMATE design dates to the late 1960s, and WORKMATE models were widely sold in the U.S. starting in the 1970s. For your Black & Decker WORKMATE workbench, the exact age depends on the specific type/version and when it was purchased.
We use a few quick checks to narrow down the production era without guessing.
- Look for a type number or date code on the frame, underside of the top, or a label near the hinge area.
- Check for country of manufacture markings (often helps separate early vs. later runs).
- Note the jaw/top style (wood vs. composite, handle style, and vise mechanism design).
- Compare hardware (leg braces, pivot points, and fastener style) for older vs. newer revisions.
- If you still have the original receipt or packaging, use that purchase date as the most accurate reference.
These milestones help you place your bench in the right decade.
| Era | What it usually means | What you can do next |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1960s | Original concept and earliest versions | Look for early markings and older hardware styles |
| 1970s | Broad U.S. availability and popular adoption | Check for U.S. market labels and type numbers |
| 1980s to 2000s | Multiple revisions and variants | Match your jaw/handle style to your type/version |
| 2010s to today | Modern production runs and updated materials | Use label codes and purchase history |
Knowing the approximate age helps us match the right replacement hardware and accessories (clamping jaws, crank/handle components, leg braces, and fasteners) and avoids ordering parts that fit a different WORKMATE type.
We recommend searching by the most specific identifier you have (type/version, label code, or the exact model marking). If you do not see the exact breakdown you need, search by your identifiers on Sears PartsDirect. You can also use our guide: how to find your appliance model number (and what it means for parts).
Last updated: February 2026
What can you do with a black and decker workmate?
A Black & Decker WORKMATE workbench is a portable clamping and support station: we use it as a small workbench, a bench vise for holding material, and a stand for benchtop tools. It’s ideal for cutting, drilling, sanding, and assembly when you need a stable, hands-free setup.
- Clamp wood, metal, or plastic between the jaws for sawing, filing, or sanding
- Use the top as a compact work surface for measuring, marking, and assembly
- Hold irregular shapes (trim, dowels, small frames) more securely than by hand
- Support long boards as an outfeed or temporary support during cutting
- Mount or steady certain benchtop tools (when the tool base fits and can be secured)
Most WORKMATE-STYLE benches clamp in two main ways: between the front and rear jaws, or on the tabletop using bench dogs (pegs) and the jaw faces.
| Task | Best holding method | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Hand sawing a board | Clamp between jaws | Keeps the cut line steady and safer |
| Sanding a small part | Clamp between jaws | Prevents chatter and rounded edges |
| Drilling a piece | Clamp between jaws | Reduces spinning and bit grab |
| Light assembly/gluing | Tabletop support | Frees both hands for alignment |
- Lock the legs fully open before loading weight
- Keep the load centered; avoid side-loading that can tip the bench
- Clamp the work tight enough that it cannot shift, but not so tight that you crush soft wood
- Keep hands clear of the jaws and moving tools; clamp first, then cut or drill
- If the jaws slip, inspect for worn jaw faces, loose hardware, or damaged threads
Using a WORKMATE as a clamp-and-support station improves accuracy and reduces the chance of the workpiece moving unexpectedly, especially during cutting and drilling.
If you need replacement hardware or want to search by the exact WORKMATE version you own, we recommend using the model and parts lookup on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
