Bench hook

A bench hook is a workbench appliance used in woodworking to hold a workpiece in place while crosscutting with a hand saw.

[3][2] Bench hooks are simple in construction and though they can be purchased, they are typically made by the woodworker from offcuts and scraps of timber or sheet goods (such as plywood).

It is sometimes recommended to secure the hook with dowels and glue, to avoid risking the saw hitting against a screw or nail.

Alternatively to prevent it from moving the woodworker might choose to secure the hook into a face vice on the workbench.

[4][2] A pair of bench hooks made to the same dimensions can be used in unison for supporting longer pieces of wood.

Illustration showing how the workpiece is held against the bench hook.
Illustration showing how the workpiece and bench hook are held, ready for sawing.
To protect the workbench while sawing the fence doesn't span the full width of the bench hook.
Two bench hooks being used in parallel to support a longer piece of work.