DeWalt Adjustable Metal Legs Sawhorse

A good pair of sawhorses can be an indispensable asset in any workshop. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with DeWalt's Adjustable Metal Legs Sawhorse (model DWST11031), and I wanted to share my experience. These sawhorses have a lot to offer in terms of versatility and functionality, but they also come with some significant caveats.

The Standout Features

One of the first things that caught my eye about these sawhorses is their adjustability. The legs can be adjusted separately, which is incredibly useful when working on uneven surfaces. The mechanism for adjusting the legs is straightforward and efficient, making it easy to set up quickly. The height adjustability comes with measurement indicators, allowing for precise adjustments, which I found particularly handy.

The combination of metal and plastic in the construction is supposed to offer a balance of durability and weight. The sawhorses are rated to support up to 2500 lbs per pair, which is impressive on paper. Additionally, the rubber inserts on the legs and the upper ruler add stability, reducing the risk of slippage. The V-groove ruler on the top is a nice touch, making it easier to stabilize lumber or pipes during cuts.

Practical Use

In practical use, the sawhorses do live up to many of their promises. They are notably sturdy and provide a stable platform for a variety of tasks. I used them to support lumber for cutting, and they performed admirably, holding the material steady and reducing movement.

The notches on top for 2x4s and 2x6s are particularly useful for creating makeshift worktables or cutting platforms. I was able to set up a portable workbench using these notches and a couple of 2x4s, and it held up well under moderate weight loads. The sawhorses also fold up easily, making them convenient to store when not in use.

Durability Concerns

However, the durability of these sawhorses is a mixed bag. While the metal parts are robust, the plastic components leave much to be desired. The plastic top brackets designed to hold 2x4s are a notable weak point. During my usage, one of these brackets broke off under what I would consider a relatively light load. This is concerning, especially given the sawhorses' high weight rating.

The plastic leg spreaders are another area of concern. They are essential for the stability of the sawhorses, but they seem prone to breaking under pressure. I experienced a situation where a minor bump caused the spreaders to fail, leading to a sudden collapse of the sawhorses. This is not only inconvenient but also potentially dangerous.

Portability and Storage

One of the redeeming features of these sawhorses is their portability. Despite the issues with the plastic components, the overall design makes them easy to transport and store. They fold down to a compact size, and the weight, while a bit on the heavier side due to the metal construction, is manageable.

Final Thoughts

So, would I recommend DeWalt's Adjustable Metal Legs Sawhorse? It's a bit of a mixed recommendation. On the one hand, the sawhorses offer excellent adjustability, stability, and ease of use. They are particularly useful for those who need a versatile and portable solution for various tasks. The ability to create stable work platforms quickly is a significant advantage.

However, the durability issues cannot be ignored. The plastic components are a weak point that undermines the overall reliability of the sawhorses. If you plan to use these for heavy-duty tasks or need to rely on them for significant weight loads, you might want to consider other options. The risk of sudden failure due to the breaking plastic parts is a serious concern.

For lighter tasks and occasional use, these sawhorses are a good option. They are user-friendly, easy to set up, and store conveniently. But if you need something more robust and long-lasting, you might want to explore alternatives that offer better durability without the reliance on fragile plastic components.

In conclusion, DeWalt's Adjustable Metal Legs Sawhorse has a lot of potentials but falls short in critical areas. If you can work within its limitations, it can be a valuable addition to your toolkit. Otherwise, you might find yourself seeking a more reliable solution for your sawhorse needs.