Workbench Accessories

About Workbench Accessories

A well-organised workbench is the cornerstone of any productive workshop, and the right accessories can transform a basic work surface into a highly efficient workstation. Workbench accessories encompass a diverse range of products designed to enhance functionality, improve organisation, and increase comfort during extended periods of bench work. From magnetic tool holders and lockable drawer units to anti-fatigue matting and specialist clamping systems, these accessories help tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts maximise their workspace potential.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes essential organisation solutions such as tool storage strips and bit holders that keep frequently used items within easy reach, reducing time wasted searching for tools. Workshop matting products provide vital comfort and vibration dampening benefits, particularly important when operating bench-mounted machinery or standing for long periods. Specialist accessories like bench hooks, vice stands, and MFT clamping systems cater to specific tasks, enabling precision work and secure material handling across woodworking, metalworking, and general fabrication applications.

Modern workbench accessories are engineered to address real workshop challenges, from reducing machine noise and vibration to protecting work surfaces and improving ergonomics. Whether you're setting up a professional workshop, upgrading an existing space, or simply looking to work more efficiently, investing in quality accessories can significantly enhance both productivity and working conditions.

Jargon Buster

MFT (Multifunction Table)

A precision worktable system with a grid of holes that accepts specialised clamps and accessories, particularly popular with Festool users for accurate cutting and assembly work.

EVA Foam Matting

Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate foam material used in interlocking workshop floor mats, providing cushioning, insulation, and anti-fatigue properties whilst being chemical and oil resistant.

Anti-Fatigue Matting

Cushioned floor covering designed to reduce strain on legs, feet, and lower back during prolonged standing, improving circulation and reducing workplace fatigue.

Bench Hook

A traditional woodworking accessory with two perpendicular edges that hooks over the bench edge, providing a secure stop for sawing or planing operations without requiring clamps.

Vibration Dampening

The process of reducing mechanical vibration transmission, typically using rubber or composite mats placed beneath bench-mounted machinery to minimise noise and improve stability.

Magnetic Tool Strip

A wall or bench-mounted bar with powerful magnets that securely holds ferrous metal tools, keeping frequently used items visible and immediately accessible.

Who Uses Workbench Accessories?

• Carpenters and joiners – requiring bench hooks, clamping systems, and organised tool storage for precise woodworking operations
• Cabinet makers and furniture makers – utilising specialist clamping accessories and MFT systems for accurate assembly work
• Metal fabricators and welders – needing vibration mats, protective surfaces, and heavy-duty storage solutions
• Mechanics and vehicle technicians – benefiting from anti-fatigue matting, parts storage, and tool organisation systems
• Electricians and electronics engineers – requiring organised component storage and static-dissipative work surfaces
• Maintenance engineers and facilities managers – implementing comprehensive workshop organisation and safety flooring
• Hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts – enhancing home workshop efficiency with practical storage and comfort accessories
• Educational institutions and training centres – equipping workshop spaces with durable, practical accessories for student use
• Model makers and craftspeople – utilising precision accessories for detailed bench work

How to Choose the Right Workbench Accessories

Assess Your Workspace: Begin by evaluating your available bench and floor space. Measure areas where accessories will be mounted or positioned, and consider traffic flow around your workbench. Wall-mounted magnetic strips and vertical storage solutions maximise space efficiency in compact workshops, whilst larger facilities can accommodate interlocking floor matting systems and standalone drawer units.

Match Accessories to Your Work Type: Different trades have distinct requirements. Woodworkers benefit from bench hooks and MFT clamping systems for precision joinery, whilst those operating bench-mounted power tools should prioritise vibration dampening mats. If your work involves prolonged standing, anti-fatigue matting becomes essential for comfort and health.

Consider Compatibility: Many accessories are designed for specific workbench models or systems. Drawer units from brands like Sealey often fit particular bench series, whilst Festool MFT accessories require compatible multifunction tables. Check compatibility before purchasing to ensure proper fit and function.

Durability and Material Quality: Workshop environments can be demanding, with exposure to oils, solvents, impacts, and heavy use. Look for accessories constructed from robust materials – steel tool holders with strong magnetic force, chemical-resistant EVA foam matting, and lockable drawer units with solid construction. Tooled-Up stocks professional-grade accessories from established manufacturers like Sealey, Festool, and Facom that withstand rigorous workshop conditions.

Ergonomics and Safety: Accessories that improve working posture and reduce physical strain deliver long-term health benefits. Anti-fatigue matting reduces leg and back stress during extended standing periods, whilst properly positioned tool storage minimises repetitive reaching and bending. Consider lighting accessories if working with small components or detailed tasks.

Organisation Systems: Effective tool organisation saves time and reduces frustration. Evaluate whether magnetic strips, drawer inserts, or dedicated bit holders best suit your most frequently used tools. A well-organised bench reduces time spent searching for items and helps maintain tool inventory.

Popular Accessories

• Workshop matting and floor tiles – interlocking EVA foam systems and rubber anti-fatigue mats in various sizes
• Bench vices and vice accessories – including hydraulic lift stands and replacement jaws
• Workbenches and workstations – compatible platforms for mounting accessories
• Tool storage systems – drawer units, toolboxes, and cabinet organisers from Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita
• Clamping equipment – G-clamps, quick clamps, and specialist woodworking clamps
• Lighting solutions – task lights and LED work lights for improved visibility
• Power strips and socket accessories – 240v distribution for bench-mounted equipment
• Bench-mounted power tools – grinders, drill presses, and sanders requiring vibration mats
• Hand tools – complementing organised storage solutions with quality tools from Bahco, Knipex, and Wera
• Workshop furniture – perching stools and task seating for varied working positions

Safety Information

Whilst workbench accessories are generally straightforward to use, proper installation and maintenance ensure safe workshop operation. Secure all wall-mounted accessories to studs or solid masonry using appropriate fixings – magnetic tool strips carrying heavy tools must be firmly attached to prevent falling hazards. When installing drawer units, ensure they're level and stable, particularly when fully loaded with tools and equipment.

Anti-fatigue matting and interlocking floor tiles should lie flat without edges that could create trip hazards. Arrange matting to allow clear pathways and ensure joins are secure. Keep matting clean and free from oil or liquid contamination that could create slip risks, in accordance with HSE workplace safety guidelines.

Vibration dampening mats beneath bench-mounted machinery must be appropriately rated for the equipment weight and positioned on stable, level surfaces. Ensure 240v powered bench equipment is properly earthed and connected through appropriate protection devices. When using clamping accessories, verify secure attachment before applying force, and always position clamps to direct pressure safely away from your body.

Lockable drawer units containing sharp tools or hazardous materials should remain secured when not in active use, particularly in shared workshops or environments where unauthorised access could pose risks. Regular inspection of all accessories for wear, damage, or loosening fixings helps maintain safe working conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between EVA foam matting and rubber anti-fatigue mats?

EVA foam matting typically comes in interlocking tile formats, offering good cushioning, thermal insulation, and resistance to oils and chemicals at an economical price point. Rubber anti-fatigue mats generally provide superior durability and slip resistance, particularly in environments with heavy foot traffic or wheeled equipment. EVA is lighter and easier to reconfigure, whilst rubber offers better long-term performance under demanding conditions. Your choice depends on workshop usage intensity, budget, and whether you need permanent or temporary flooring solutions.

Will magnetic tool holders work with all my tools?

Magnetic strips effectively hold tools made from ferrous metals (iron, steel, and their alloys), including most spanners, pliers, screwdrivers, chisels, and saw blades. They won't hold tools made from non-ferrous materials like aluminium, brass, or stainless steel varieties that aren't magnetic. Consider the magnetic strength rating when selecting holders for heavier tools – stronger magnets provide more secure holding power for larger items. Positioning tools with their weight balanced along the magnetic strip ensures secure storage.

Are workbench drawer units universal or brand-specific?

Most drawer units are designed to fit specific workbench models or series from the same manufacturer. For example, Sealey drawer units typically fit designated AP-series benches with corresponding mounting points and dimensions. Some universal options exist, but checking compatibility specifications before purchase prevents disappointment. Measurements of your existing bench and comparison with accessory dimensions help determine fit for standalone units that sit beneath or alongside benches rather than integrating directly.

How much difference does vibration dampening really make?

Vibration dampening mats significantly reduce noise transmission and improve stability when operating bench-mounted machinery like grinders, sanders, or drill presses. The difference is immediately noticeable – reduced workshop noise protects hearing, less vibration prevents tools and components from "walking" across the bench surface, and improved stability can enhance work quality. In shared buildings or residential settings, vibration dampening becomes particularly important for neighbourly relations and compliance with noise regulations.

Can I cut interlocking workshop matting to fit irregular spaces?

Yes, most EVA foam interlocking matting can be cut with a sharp utility knife and straightedge to fit around obstacles, corners, or irregular workshop layouts. The material cuts cleanly when scored deeply and snapped. Many sets include edge pieces for finished borders. Plan your layout before cutting, starting installation from the most visible or regular area and working toward spaces requiring custom cuts. This approach ensures the best visual result and minimises waste.