A reader (thanks, Abe!) sent in a tip that Klein Tools has come out with a new folding workbench.
Abe wrote:
Who is making this for Klein? Overseas? And their Saw Horses too.
I presume that the new workbench is made in China, similar to their plastic ModBox tool boxes and accessories.
Design-wise, the Klein ModBox folding workbench looks very similar to others on the market, featuring a clamp-friendly X-shaped slot pattern, as well as dog holes.
Klein says it can support up to 1,000 lbs of equally distributed weight.
Looking through Klein’s product images, I found the connection to the ModBox system – accessory cleats on the short end side of the workbench. Compatible Klein ModBox accessories are sold separately.
The work top measures 33.63″ L x 23.75″ W x 30.9″ H. It weighs 26.2 lbs, and is said to have a folded thickness of 4.5″.
Price: $120
Discussion
The new Klein workbench reminds me of Dewalt’s, and also ToughBuilt’s. There’s also a relatively new Kobalt model.
The Dewalt folding workbench is currently still $89 at Home Depot. Why buy the Klein instead, for the small ModBox cleat section?
The work cart seemed inventive – New Klein Tools ModBox Work Cart – but I feel that the workbench seems more derivative. That’s not bad, just an observation.
Does the Klein folding workbench do things better than competing models? Does it have to?
I find myself holding conflicting opinions. At first glance, I don’t see anything wrong with the new ModBox workbench. But what’s special about it?
If we boil things down, there are generally 2 types of products, problem-solvers and money-makers. Sometimes a product can be both.
It seems to me that Lowe’s and Klein Tools are walking down the aisles at Home Depot and making a list of tools and accessories they’d like to partner on.
That’s not a bad thing, and I’d be surprised and disappointed if they didn’t do this.
But are they innovating and improving?
Many companies expand beyond their specialties. I can’t put my finger on why, but Klein’s rapid expansion in many new directions at once is giving me misgivings.
General construction tools, storage products, plumbing tools, and mechanics tools – Klein has entered a lot of new markets in a very short time. We should be praising their ability to do so, but underneath everything there’s a nagging voice whispering “what’s the catch?”
Not every new tool needs to be innovative. Side by side, except for the ModBox rails, what differentiates or elevates this new Klein product from others on the market, especially Dewalt’s?
Expansion is necessary – I think it’s the right move for Klein Tools – I’m just not convinced about the way and rate they’re doing this.
This is just one more new product, but I feel as if it’s part of a bigger picture that’s rapidly evolving.
