Get to know your hand tools Bench Pin

How it works:

Most jeweler's benches are designed with an interchangeable slot for bench pins, but if you don't own a bench you can still have a pin.

And once you are serious about making jewelry, you'll customize your pin according to the work you do.

Portable bench pins are a great option for workshops held in non-studio situations, like convention or recreation centers.

There are several options for ready-made portable bench pins on the market, and in an emergency, you could even make one yourself with a pine 1×3 and a C-clamp.

On the economy end, there is an inexpensive clamp-on bench pin which features a reversible clamp.

This is a handy feature when you are faced with convention center tables that are variable thickness.

Many beginners choose this type of bench pin when they are learning metalwork, and it is a fine starter pin, although I prefer a pin with a narrow V-slot. Fine in a pinch, it's lightweight, usually not too expensive and extremely portable.

On the higher end, I have a personal favorite portable bench pin that is also a combination steel bench block/anvil as part of the clamp.

This bench pin requires custom treatment, which is why I like it.