Why a holdfast isn’t really a “clamp” but earns its spot here
A holdfast drops into a round hole in your workbench top and locks a workpiece flat against the bench with a single mallet tap — no threading, no ratcheting. It solves a different problem than a bar or parallel clamp: holding a piece down flat to the bench surface for planing, chiseling, or routing, rather than holding two pieces together.
Comparison
| POWERTEC 71528 (2-pack) | DCT Bench Holdfast (2-pack) | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 8" | 8" |
| Shaft diameter | 3/4" | 3/4" |
| Reach | 3-1/2" | 4" (Shepherd hook design) |
| Material | Powder-coated metal, “as cast” finish | Drop-forged steel |
| Notable feature | General-purpose, for standard 3/4" bench dog holes | Hook end has a 1.3" x 1.3" square, wider perimeter reach |
| ASIN | B085VS6W77 | B07SSH37D6 |
POWERTEC 71528 Workbench Holdfast (8", 2-pack)
Manufacturer markets it for sanding, routing, cutting, and general workholding in standard 3/4" bench dog holes.
View Price on AmazonDCT Bench Holdfast (8", 2-pack)
Manufacturer markets the Shepherd hook shape as giving a wider effective clamping perimeter than a straight-arm holdfast of the same length.
View Price on AmazonWhat actually matters when buying one
Shaft diameter has to match your bench’s dog holes exactly (3/4" is the common size, but check your bench before buying) — a loose-fitting shaft won’t lock reliably no matter how good the holdfast otherwise is. Beyond that, reach determines how far from the edge of the bench the holdfast can hold a workpiece down.
Bottom line
Both are sized for standard 3/4" dog holes at the same 8" length; the DCT’s hook design reaches slightly further (4" vs 3-1/2") due to its shape, not just its length. POWERTEC 71528 and DCT Bench Holdfast .