jewelers bench pins - custom designedjewelers bench pins - custom designed

What are Jeweler’s Bench Pins?


Jewelry makers use bench pins to steady their hands, tools, and pieces for intricate work. Learn which type of bench pin will best meet your needs.

1 Minute Read

HomeLearning CenterJewelry and LapidaryWhat are Jeweler’s Bench Pins?

IGS may receive customer referral fees from the companies listed in this page.

jewelers bench pins - custom designed
Jewelry makers can purchase bench pins ready for use or customize their own sets, like this pop-in/out model, featured in Make:. It seems to combine the benefits of both clamped and fixed types. Read on to learn more about your options. "IMG_9808" by Solarbotics. Licensed under CC By 2.0.

A bench pin is a notched piece of wood you attach to your work table to aid with sawing. Bench pins also help steady your hands and tools, so you can do intricate work in small spaces. For example, you can snugly anchor numerous tools, such as ring clamps and pliers, into the bench pin's notch. This will help you with filing and polishing metals as well as setting gemstones.

Bench Pins with C-Clamps

You can attach a bench pin to your work surface with a C-clamp. This also makes removal easy. Amazon has many models with C-clamps available, including this well rated set. This setup is ideal if you're just starting jewelry making or not yet ready to purchase a jeweler's workbench.

jewelers bench pins - C-clamp model
Bench Pin with Clamp.

Some jeweler's workbenches come with bench pins. However, you may need to notch the included pin yourself. You'll have to saw a notch in the middle of the pin.

Bench Pins with Fixed Holders

You can also purchase separately a bench pin to fix permanently to your workbench or table. These come with a metal holder, not a clamp. Secure the pin to your workbench by inserting it into the metal holder and tightening a screw on the side. Then, bolt the metal holder to your bench.

Of course, Amazon has bench pin sets with holders. Gesswein also sells a very sturdy, well-rated permanent bench pin.

Custom Bench Pins

You can have bench pins custom made or modify existing models to suit your workspace and needs. Before you make any modifications, consider these ergonomic factors.


Megan Coward, Graduate Jeweler Gemologist, GIA, Graduate Gemologist

Megan Coward is a graduate of the GIA with Graduate Jeweler Gemologist and Graduate Gemologist accreditations. She has 20+ years in the retail jewelry industry in various roles including as a diamond buyer and gemstone appraiser.

Latest Articles

More Articles
Classic Engagement Ring StonesPastel purple sapphire</a>, 1.08 cts, 5.8 mm, round cut, Sri Lanka. © <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/bench-pins-used/"https://www.thegemtrader.com/">The Gem Trader</a>. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Classic Engagement Ring Stones

Emerald, ruby, sapphire, and diamond are the most popular choices for classic engagement ring stones. Learn more about these traditional...
Read More
Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Broken Bangle — The Blunder-Besmirched History of Jade Nomenclature: Book Review

Is fei cui a better term for "pyroxene jade" than jadeite? Jeffery Bergman reviews Broken Bangle, a new book on...
Read More
Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry InformationJoel E. Arem</a>, PhD, FGA. Used with permission." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Cuprite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

One of the rarest of all facetable gems, cut cuprites can show magnificent deep red color. However, these beautiful stones...
Read More
Gemstone Radiation TreatmentPhoto courtesy of <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/bench-pins-used/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/">liveauctioneers.com and <a href=https://www.gemsociety.org/article/bench-pins-used/"https://www.liveauctioneers.com/auctioneer/1081/eros-auctions-inc/">Eros Auctions, Inc</a>." src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" decoding="async" data-nimg="responsive" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;right:0;box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;border:none;margin:auto;display:block;width:0;height:0;min-width:100%;max-width:100%;min-height:100%;max-height:100%;object-fit:cover;object-position:50% 50%"/>

Gemstone Radiation Treatment

Gemstone radiation is a common but little understood technique for altering colors. Learn how it works and what gems usually...
Read More

Never Stop Learning

When you join the IGS community, you get trusted diamond & gemstone information when you need it.

Become a Member

Get Gemology Insights

Get started with the International Gem Society’s free guide to gemstone identification. Join our weekly newsletter & get a free copy of the Gem ID Checklist!