Tired of awkwardly balancing lumber on wobbly stacks of old books or struggling to find a stable surface for your projects? If you’re a DIY enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or just someone who needs a reliable workspace, you know the frustration of a makeshift setup. That’s where the humble folding sawhorse steps in, a true unsung hero of the workshop and job site.
But with so many on the market, how do you pick the one that won’t let you down? The sheer variety can be overwhelming. You want something sturdy, portable, and easy to set up, but wading through endless specs can feel like a chore. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there, staring at a wall of options, wondering which will actually get the job done without tipping over.
In this guide, we’re going to cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a great folding sawhorse, what to look for, and how to choose the perfect one for your needs. Get ready to discover how to transform your workspace and make your projects smoother and safer than ever before.
Our Top 5 Folding Saw Horse Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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BORA Workhorse Saw horses 2 pack Folding Heavy Duty Legs | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Amazon Basics Rectangular Folding Sawhorse – Set of 2 | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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CRAFTSMAN Metal Sawhorse | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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Metabo HPT Folding Sawhorses | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Klein Tools 80178 Folding Saw Horse | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Folding Saw Horse Detailed Reviews
1. BORA Workhorse Saw horses 2 pack Folding Heavy Duty Legs
Rating: 8.5/10
The BORA Workhorse Sawhorses 2 Pack Folding set is a game-changer for anyone who needs reliable support for their projects. These heavy-duty, all-metal saw horses are built tough and designed for serious work. They are perfect for carpenters, contractors, and woodworking enthusiasts who demand quality and efficiency from their tools.
What We Like:
- Incredible Strength: Each sawhorse holds an impressive 1350 lbs., meaning the pair can handle a massive 2700 lbs. That’s enough to support almost any project you throw at them.
- Super Fast Setup: Forget fumbling with latches. The legs deploy quickly and easily with a single release latch and gravity. You get a sturdy sawhorse in seconds, 10 times faster than old-style ones.
- Build Your Own Workbench: The built-in 2×4 brackets are genius. They let you connect multiple saw horses together to create a strong and stable workbench.
- Smart Design: These sawhorses fold up neatly inside themselves. This makes them compact and super easy to store and carry wherever your work takes you.
- Durable Construction: The all-metal design and sturdy steel leg latches mean these sawhorses are built to last. They create a strong A-frame leg without any hassle.
- Bonus Feature: Yes, there’s a built-in bottle opener! It’s a small touch, but it shows BORA thought about the user.
What Could Be Improved:
- Price Point: While they offer great value, the initial investment might be higher than some lighter-duty options.
- Height Adjustment: There is no adjustable height feature on these sawhorses, which might be a minor inconvenience for some specific tasks.
These BORA Workhorse Sawhorses are a fantastic investment for anyone serious about woodworking or contracting. They offer unmatched strength, speed, and versatility, making your job easier and safer.
2. Amazon Basics Rectangular Folding Sawhorse – Set of 2
Rating: 8.6/10
Looking for a sturdy and reliable setup for your projects? The Amazon Basics Rectangular Folding Sawhorse set is here to help. This pair of sawhorses offers great stability and strength for all your DIY needs. They fold up easily, making them simple to carry to different job sites. Plus, they can hold up to 900 pounds, so you can trust them with heavier materials.
What We Like:
- These sawhorses are super easy to set up and fold down.
- They feel very strong and stable when you use them.
- The locking braces and non-slip feet keep everything secure.
- You can use the fold-out stoppers as a handy shelf for small items.
- There are hooks on top and bottom to hold your materials or wrap cords.
- They come already put together, so you can start working right away.
- The price is very reasonable for what you get.
What Could Be Improved:
- While sturdy, they might not be the best choice for extremely heavy-duty industrial work.
- The plastic parts, while functional, might show wear and tear over time with very rough use.
This set is a fantastic option for homeowners and DIYers. They provide excellent support and convenience for a wide range of tasks.
3. CRAFTSMAN Metal Sawhorse
Rating: 9.2/10
The CRAFTSMAN Metal Sawhorse, Folding (CMST11154) is a strong and handy tool for any DIYer or professional. It’s built to handle tough jobs, making your projects easier and safer. Whether you’re cutting wood or assembling furniture, these sawhorses provide a stable workspace.
What We Like:
- It can hold up to 1,000 pounds when you use two of them together, which is very strong.
- You can easily stack two sawhorses using the side latches. This makes them simple to carry and store away neatly.
- Setting them up and taking them down is super fast thanks to the folding legs.
- The rubber pads on the bottom grip surfaces well. This stops your material from sliding while you work.
- You get one CRAFTSMAN CMST11154 Metal Sawhorse in the package.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are strong, they might be a bit heavy for some people to move long distances.
- More sawhorses would need to be purchased separately if you need a wider work area.
Overall, the CRAFTSMAN Metal Sawhorse is a reliable and practical tool that makes work much easier. It’s a solid investment for anyone who needs a dependable support system for their projects.
4. Metabo HPT Folding Sawhorses
Rating: 9.1/10
Need more workspace? The Metabo HPT Folding Sawhorses are here to help! This 2-pack offers a strong and stable platform for all your projects. They are easy to set up and take down, making them super handy for any job site or workshop.
What We Like:
- They are really lightweight, weighing only 11.8 lbs together. This makes them easy to carry and set up wherever you need them.
- These sawhorses can hold up to 1,200 lbs as a pair, so they are strong enough for big jobs.
- They come with four “sawbucks” that help you raise your work surface and protect the sawhorses when you’re cutting.
- You get a built-in shelf and cord hooks, which keeps your tools and cords organized and within reach.
- The non-skid feet keep the sawhorses steady, so your work stays put.
- Metabo HPT tools are known for being tough and reliable, built with Japanese engineering.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are lightweight for their capacity, some users might prefer even lighter options for maximum portability.
- The included sawbucks are a great addition, but some might wish for more versatile attachment options for different types of materials.
These Metabo HPT folding sawhorses are a fantastic addition to any toolbox, offering a great mix of strength, portability, and smart features for your projects.
5. Klein Tools 80178 Folding Saw Horse
Rating: 9.4/10
Looking for a strong and versatile setup for your projects? The Klein Tools 80178 Folding Saw Horse set is here to help. This two-pack of saw horses can handle serious work. They are built tough for any job, whether you’re in the workshop, garage, or on a busy construction site. You can even turn them into a sturdy table by adding your own 2x4s.
What We Like:
- These saw horses are really strong. Each one holds up to 1500 pounds, and together they can handle 3000 pounds.
- You can change the height easily. The legs adjust from 26 inches to 32 inches, in one-inch steps, so you can get the perfect height.
- They fold up neatly for easy storage. The legs tuck away inside the metal beam, making them compact.
- They make a great workbench. The special arms let you add 2x4s to create a stable surface for cutting or building.
- Carrying them is simple. Each saw horse has a comfortable handle.
- The top has a grippy surface. This stops your materials from sliding around while you work.
- They are made of strong steel. This means they will last a long time, even with heavy use.
What Could Be Improved:
- While they are sturdy, some users might wish for even more adjustability options beyond the 1-inch increments.
This set offers excellent support and flexibility for a wide range of tasks. They are a smart addition to any DIYer’s or contractor’s toolkit.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Folding Sawhorse
A folding sawhorse is a super handy tool for anyone who likes to build, fix, or create. It’s like having a sturdy workbench that you can fold up and put away when you’re done. This guide will help you pick the right one for your projects.
Key Features to Look For
1. Stability and Weight Capacity
The most important thing is that your sawhorse is strong and won’t wobble. Look for a high weight capacity. This tells you how much weight it can safely hold. A good sawhorse can hold at least 500 pounds, but some can hold much more!
2. Portability and Folding Design
The whole point of a folding sawhorse is to be easy to move and store. Check how easily it folds. Does it have a good locking mechanism to keep it shut when folded? Some have handles to make carrying them even easier.
3. Height and Adjustability
The height of the sawhorse matters for your comfort. You don’t want to have to bend over too much. Some sawhorses let you adjust their height. This is great if you have different projects or different people will be using them.
4. Surface Top
The top of the sawhorse is where you’ll put your wood or other materials. Look for a good grip. Some tops have special grooves or non-slip surfaces to keep things from sliding around. Others have holes so you can clamp things down easily.
5. Durability and Build Quality
You want a sawhorse that will last. Think about how often you’ll use it. If you’re a weekend DIYer, a less heavy-duty model might be fine. If you’re a contractor, you’ll need something built tough.
Important Materials
The materials used to make a sawhorse greatly affect its strength and how long it lasts.
- Steel: This is a very strong and durable material. Steel sawhorses can hold a lot of weight and last for many years. They are a great choice for heavy-duty work.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is lighter than steel. This makes it easier to carry. It’s still strong, but usually not as strong as steel. It’s a good option if you need to move your sawhorses around a lot.
- Wood: Wooden sawhorses can be strong, but they can also be heavier and might need more care to prevent rot or damage from moisture. They are often more affordable.
- Plastic or Composite: Some sawhorses use strong plastics. These are usually lightweight and can be weather-resistant. Make sure to check the weight capacity, as not all plastic sawhorses are built for heavy loads.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Sawhorse Better:
- Thick metal gauge (for metal sawhorses): Thicker metal means more strength.
- Reinforced joints: Where the parts connect should be strong.
- Non-slip feet: These stop the sawhorse from sliding on smooth floors.
- Easy-to-use locking mechanisms: These keep the sawhorse open and closed securely.
- Good welds (for metal sawhorses): Strong welds mean a sturdy build.
What Can Make a Sawhorse Worse:
- Thin, flimsy metal: This can bend or break easily.
- Wobbly legs: Legs that don’t lock firmly can be dangerous.
- Cheap plastic parts: These can crack or break under pressure.
- Difficult folding mechanisms: If it’s hard to fold or unfold, it’s less useful.
User Experience and Use Cases
Folding sawhorses are used by many people for many different jobs. They are perfect for:
- DIY Projects: Building shelves, making furniture, or fixing up your home.
- Woodworking: Cutting wood, sanding, or assembling projects.
- Painting: Raising doors or trim to paint them easily.
- Temporary Work Surfaces: You can put a piece of plywood on top to create a bigger workspace.
- Events: Some people use them to hold up tables or displays at parties or markets.
When you use them, make sure they are on a flat, stable surface. Always check that they are locked open before you put any weight on them. A good folding sawhorse makes your work safer and easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main benefit of a folding sawhorse?
A: The main benefit is that they are easy to store and move around. You can fold them up small and put them in a corner or your car.
Q: How much weight can a typical folding sawhorse hold?
A: Most can hold at least 500 pounds per sawhorse, but many can hold much more, like 1000 pounds or even 1500 pounds.
Q: Are steel or aluminum sawhorses better?
A: Steel is usually stronger and more durable, but it’s heavier. Aluminum is lighter, making it easier to carry, but might not be as strong as steel.
Q: Can I use folding sawhorses for heavy-duty construction?
A: Yes, if you choose sawhorses with a high weight capacity and made from strong materials like steel. Always check the product’s specifications.
Q: How do I keep my sawhorses from slipping?
A: Look for sawhorses with non-slip feet or rubber pads. You can also add your own non-slip material to the feet.
Q: What is the best way to store folding sawhorses?
A: Most fold flat, so you can store them against a wall, under a workbench, or in a shed or garage.
Q: Are adjustable height sawhorses worth the extra cost?
A: If you have different projects or people of different heights using them, then yes, adjustable height sawhorses can be very convenient.
Q: Can I put a piece of plywood on top of sawhorses to make a bigger table?
A: Absolutely! This is a very common way to create a larger, temporary workbench for bigger projects.
Q: How important is the locking mechanism for the legs?
A: It’s very important. A good locking mechanism keeps the legs securely in place, preventing the sawhorse from collapsing unexpectedly.
Q: Are there any safety tips I should know?
A: Always make sure the sawhorses are on a level surface. Ensure they are fully opened and locked before placing any weight on them. Never stand or sit on a sawhorse.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!