I have made a dedicated adjustable/expandable MFT style bench which I use for woodworking projects on site and the 'Keter' benches get used for most other work. Unlike the others in the test, it doesn’t follow the ‘replica Workmate’ formula, instead using a mainly plastic construction and a clever folding mechanism. Stability is crucial, so we checked the benches for wobbles once they were erected, and also assessed how easy it was to operate the various functions, in addition to the folding and unfolding mechanisms. We tested how well they gripped a radiator hose while being cut, held a wheel while it was being wire brushed, and provided a platform to hold a differential. There’s also a step, which can also be used to steady the bench while sawing or wrestling with a rusty bolt.

Mac Allister Folding Workbench, (H)755mm | Tradepoint

You’ll also find a workbench invaluable for clamping parts such as hoses and trim while they are being cut. The stated maximum weight capacity is 100kg, but it felt wobbly even when we loaded it with a wheel and tyre. The Keter cracked/split under one edge when I was standing on it- and I ain't that heavy at 14stone.

Mine have had a hard life and they still function although one of them has sagged a little in the middle so that it's no longer flat. This won't be my main workbench, just something portable, convenient, and easy to stash away when not in use. The “step” is useful for steadying the bench while sawing and can be used to work on taller parts, such as the top of a body panel.

Mac Allister Multicolour Foldable Folding Workbench (H: 755mm

The TB01 follows the same pattern and is excellent value; in fact it is the cheapest workbench we could find. A second, lower shelf also provides a handy place to put tools, rags or cans of WD-40 while tackling a job.

It feels more stable, too, and its 120kg maximum capacity meant it was wobble-free even when loaded with our hefty wheel-and-tyre combination. A workbench is an essential bit of kit for anyone who likes tinkering with their car or doing any other form of DIY.

Mac Allister Folding Work Bench vs. Keter Folding Work Bench Mac Allister Folding Work Bench vs. Keter Folding Work Bench

If space is at a premium you’ll need to think about storage too, as the Minotaur’s switchable clamping jaws mean it is an awkward and lumpy shape once folded. We couldn’t find a workbench any cheaper than the TB01, so as you might expect, it’s free of frills and requires about 30 minutes of assembly time.This means it folds down into a neat package that resembles an oversize briefcase, but when erected it provides a solid and stable bench with a huge working surface. If your garage space is at a premium you might also need to consider storage, because the Minotaur is an awkward shape once folded. They are good value and useful for jobs which you don’t do often or won’t need anything too sophisticated, such as chisels and hammers. Hagerty International Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Firm Reference Number 441417). We didn’t test it to that extreme, but it certainly felt perfectly secure with our heavy wheel and differential.

mac allister folding table vs keter folding table | Talk mac allister folding table vs keter folding table | Talk

Folding and unfolding is a complicated process that involves putting legs into place and tightening knobs. But the weedy 100kg capacity means you’ll be a little limited as to what the Minotaur can be used for, and it feels a little wobblier when faced with a heavy wheel or other weighty component. It also has a step so you can put a foot on it comfortably to steady the bench while using a saw, or can reach high up if working on a tall parts such as a bumper.The half-hour it takes to assemble the bench might be forgotten after a while but is certainly an irritation at the time. The work surface boards are fixed horizontally, but the faces of the jaws are shaped to let them grip small, rounded items such as pipes and bolts. weight means it’s not too much effort to lift off a hook on a garage wall either – that’s less than half the weight of most other benches here. To save costs it comes as a big bag of bits, so you’ll need to do about 40 minutes of assembly yourself, but once built you are left with a pretty basic – and small – bench.