The downside is that folding and unfolding the Clarke is a time-consuming business, with legs to be deployed and knobs to be tightened. 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.

Mac Allister Folding Workbench 850mm - Screwfix

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.Hagerty International Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA Firm Reference Number 441417). Once you’ve finished working, the Draper collapses easily and folds almost flat to make storage easier.

Mac Allister Mobile Workbench 600mm - Screwfix

This doesn’t seem to hurt its capabilities, though, because the carrying capacity is 180kg – only beaten by the test-winning Workmate. It allows you to hold, hammer, paint and polish parts away from the car, providing a means to keep you and the components safe and secure.

Folding and unfolding is a complicated process that involves putting legs into place and tightening knobs. 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. When unfolded, the hinged legs allow for two working heights, meaning you can work on taller items without having to stand on your tip toes.

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

The two bench boards are fixed horizontally, but the clamping edges are shaped to grip smaller items such as pipes or fastenings. This won't be my main workbench, just something portable, convenient, and easy to stash away when not in use.The Keter cracked/split under one edge when I was standing on it- and I ain't that heavy at 14stone. 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 were looking for products that could fulfil a variety of DIY motoring tasks, such as holding a wheel for cleaning, grippin a pipe and providing a platform to hold a body panel. The half-hour it takes to assemble the bench might be forgotten after a while but is certainly an irritation at the time.