Tension-Fit Bench Dogs (20mm)

A bench dog designed to print on any machine and fit every bench, perfectly.

I recently made an entire new worktop, and because of tiny, unavoidable tolerance issues, the machined stainless steel bench dogs I already had from UJK became a massive headache. In some holes, they would stick down so hard that I literally had to use tools to pry them back up again, which got really annoying, really fast.

Instead of fighting the usual tolerance issues—where variations in machines, filaments, or even premium metal dogs leave you with a fit that is either too tight or too loose—this design solves the problem entirely through geometry. In fact, these 3D-printable dogs quickly became my absolute favorite over my expensive UJK steel ones!

Instead of fighting the usual 3D printing tolerance issues—where variations in machines, filaments, and calibration leave your prints either too tight or too loose—this design solves the problem entirely.

These 3D-printable bench dogs feature an integrated spring-tension mechanism built directly into the base. By utilizing the natural flexibility of 3D-printed plastics, they dynamically adapt to minor tolerance variations in your workbench holes and printing variances. They slide in smoothly, stays firmly into place with constant outward pressure, and remain completely stable—even if your dog holes are slightly worn, oversized, or your printer's calibration is slightly off.
 

Compatibility & Fit

• Hole Diameter: Made for 20mm dog holes.
• Worktop Thickness: Optimized for standard 19mm (3/4") worktops.
• Chamfer: The bench dogs has a chamfered edge. 

Available Sizes (Dog Height)

I have included pre-configured print files for all five heights (measured above the collar) as shown in the product image. This makes it incredibly easy to select and print the exact dog you need:

• 10mm: Low profile – perfect for thin stock, sanding, or routing without the bit hitting the dog.
• 20mm: Standard height for general woodworking.
• 30mm: Great all-rounder for medium to thick stock.
• 40mm: Extra support for thicker boards or edge-gluing.
• 60mm: High profile – ideal for stacking stock or specialized clamping setups.

Features

• Integrated Tension Spring Slots: The base design ensures a snug, zero-wobble fit by creating constant outward pressure against the hole walls.
• Tolerance-Forgiving: Perfectly compensates for minor 3D printing shrinkage or variances in workbench hole diameters.
• Rock Solid Stability: Provides a firm, reliable stop without any annoying play.

⚠️ Important Care Instructions

Plastic has a natural tendency to deform permanently under continuous pressure (known as material creep).

• Remove them after use: Make sure to pull the bench dogs out of the workbench holes when you are done working. Leaving them compressed inside the holes for extended periods will cause them to lose their spring tension and function.
• Easy replacement: If you accidentally leave them in and they lose their spring, don't worry—they are fast and easy to print again!

Feel free to leave a comment if you try them out, and happy making!