NoCry Workbench Review
A detailed look at the NoCry Portable Workbench, evaluating its build, clamping capacity, and value against established brands in the portable workshop market.
Quick answer
The NoCry Portable Workbench is a solid budget-friendly alternative to brands like Workmate or Bora. It offers a wide clamping capacity and a large work surface, but its plastic frame lacks the rigidity of steel-framed competitors, making it best suited for lighter woodworking and DIY tasks.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (clamping force, weight capacity, material)
- Build quality & warranty checked against manufacturer claims
- Aggregated owner reviews from major retailers
- Brand reliability compared to established competitors
- Design and portability assessed for garage and site use
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
NoCry Portable Workbench
Solid value for money with a large clamping range, but plastic construction limits heavy-duty use.
Pros
- Very large 50-inch clamping capacity for wide boards
- Lightweight and folds flat for easy storage
- Includes removable pegs for holding irregular shapes
- Significantly cheaper than premium steel alternatives
Cons
- Plastic frame feels less rigid than steel competitors
- Clamping mechanism can bind under heavy load
- Not suitable for heavy planing or chopping tasks
Who is the NoCry Workbench For?
The NoCry Portable Workbench is designed for DIYers, apartment woodworkers, and hobbyists who need a temporary work surface that can be stored away easily. It targets users who perform light sawing, sanding, gluing, and assembly tasks. It is not intended for professional site work or heavy joinery where a rock-solid, steel-framed bench is required.
Performance and Build Quality
The NoCry workbench features a plastic top with steel leg supports. Owner reviews consistently praise its large clamping width, which can handle boards up to 50 inches wide. The clamp mechanism uses a simple screw system, which is adequate for holding workpieces steady for sanding or painting. However, several users report that the plastic components can flex when applying significant downward pressure, such as when hand planing or using a mallet.
The bench folds to a compact size for storage, and the included pegs are useful for holding irregularly shaped items like pipes or chair legs. The 550-pound weight capacity is a static rating; dynamic loads during sawing are much lower. For the price, the value is decent, but owners of brands like Bora or DeWalt report superior rigidity and smoother clamping action.
Alternatives to NoCry
For users needing a more robust portable bench, the Bora Portamate PM-4000 offers a steel frame and better stability for around double the price. The classic Black & Decker Workmate 425 remains a benchmark for folding benches, with a proven steel design and higher clamping force. For heavy-duty site work, a full-size folding workbench from Stanley or DeWalt is recommended.
FAQs
Can the NoCry workbench hold a vise?
Yes, the bench has pre-drilled holes that allow you to mount a standard vise, though the plastic top may flex under heavy clamping force.
Is the NoCry workbench easy to assemble?
Yes, it comes mostly pre-assembled and requires minimal setup, typically just attaching the legs.
What is the maximum material thickness it can clamp?
The jaws open to approximately 2.5 inches, suitable for most dimensional lumber and plywood.
Does it come with a warranty?
NoCry offers a limited lifetime warranty on their workbench, covering manufacturing defects.
Can I use it for planing wood?
Light planing is possible, but the plastic frame may flex under heavy pressure. A steel bench is better for heavy planing.
How does it compare to a Workmate?
The NoCry is cheaper and lighter but less rigid than the classic steel-framed Workmate.
Is it portable enough for jobsite use?
Yes, at 28 lbs it is lightweight and folds flat, making it easy to transport in a car or van.
What tools can I use with it?
It is ideal for hand saws, sanders, drills, and clamps. Not recommended for heavy power tools like planers or jointers.
Does it have a tool tray?
No, the NoCry workbench does not include a built-in tool tray.
Can it be used as a sawhorse?
It can be used as a low sawhorse for cutting, but its height is lower than standard sawhorses.
Our verdict
The NoCry Portable Workbench is our best budget pick for light DIY and hobby work. For greater rigidity and heavy-duty tasks, the Bora Portamate PM-4000 is a better overall choice.