Stanley Tools announced a new fold-up workbench via social media posts. They say that their new folding workbench, model STST11552, is versatile, sturdy, and portable.
The new Stanley Tools workbench will be available at Home Depot, as well as independent retailers. At the time of this posting, there’s no listing at Home Depot or elsewhere, and so pricing information is not yet available.
Stanley Tools says that their new STST11552 workbench is ideal for any jobsite, featuring full clamping coverage and a portable, space-saving design. It indeed has dog holes throughout its work surface, which can be used with accessories such as trigger-style bar clamps with removable heads.
The worktable also has molded-in pockets for holding tools, screwdrivers, fasteners, and other small parts.
When you’re all done with your work, the workbench folds up into a compact and easily transportable package.
Key Features & Specs
- 33-1/2″ x 23-1/2″ work surface
- 700 lbs max load rating
- Quick-folding feature
- Automatic safety plate lock
- Multi-bench connection
- Built-in measuring guide
Price: TBA
Discussion
The new Stanley folding work table looks to be a lighter duty version of Dewalt’s folding work table, which I reviewed here. I continue to use to use my Dewalt work table when it’s needed, and it has held up well over the years.
Note: Outside the United States, the same Dewalt work table is branded “Stanley FatMax Express.”
One of the only downsides to the Dewalt model is that it can be difficult to transport due to its size. I don’t really mind the way it folds down, as it’s easy for me to store, but I can definitely see appeal in the new Stanley folding workbench.
The Stanley’s top surface appears to be a bit different, and it also looks to be slower to open and close. Compared to the Dewalt, the Stanley also has a much lower load rating – 700 pounds vs. 1000 pounds.
Pricing information is not yet available. For context, the Dewalt portable workbench launched at $69 and is currently available for $90 to $99. The Dewalt model has fluctuated in price over the years, with the lowest pricing usually tied to seasonal promotional displays at Home Depot stores.
I do have one concern. I often use the large X-shaped slots in Dewalt’s portable workbench surface to insert, use, and reposition trigger-style bar clamps. Are the dog holes in the Stanley work surface large enough to fit common trigger clamp bars? If not, you might need to try track saw-style clamps that can be rotated through the dog holes – if the tabletop isn’t too thick.
There are some nice features here, and some compromises as well. Assuming the Stanley workbench is priced below that of the Dewalt model, it has some great things going for it.
Stanley Black & Decker’s engineers and design team did a great job with their Dewalt product, and so far it looks like they did a great job with this new Stanley as well.
