How to Recognize It
The blue paint, the aluminum H-frames, and the 4-rib step with a center section of cross-ribbing identify a Type 5. See the gallery of detail photos below. The Workmate 79-001 Type Study spreadsheet shows how all ten Types compare. |
Like the very similar 79-001 Type 3, the Type 5 was part of the UK line of WM625 Workmates manufactured in Ireland. The Type 5 was imported to the U.S. for a very short time to supplement production of the Type 4, probably at a time when the factory in Canada was shut down with temporary layoffs. See the 79-001 Timeline page for more details. The Type 5 is almost an exact match to the Workmate that was sold in the UK as the WM625 Type E04, except that it has the cross-rib section on the step from the WM625 Type E05.
Notable Characteristics
Notable Characteristics
- Since the Type 5 came from the Irish factory, it's easiest to track the changes by comparing it to the Type 3 rather than the Type 4.
- The most visible difference between the Type 5 and the Type 3 is the step, which has a central section where the ribs run crossways.
- On the other hand, the most significant but not visible characteristic of the Type 5 is its light weight due to a thinner gauge of steel. It weighs a little more than 27 pounds, three to six pounds lighter than all other Types except the all-aluminum Type E.
- The mounting holes near the ends of each jaw are smaller on the Type 5, about 1/4", because they no longer have nylon nuts embedded in them. Instead, the plywood itself is threaded to accept the bolts that attach the jaws from below.
- The eight bushings installed at the pivot points of the H-frames are a blue nylon rather than the metal ones usually used for the Type 3.
- The torsion spring for the top release levers was modified in shape with the addition of a small bend near the end that presses on the lever. That bend is captured in a slot in the lever to hold the spring more securely to the lever. On the Type 3 the end of the spring would sometimes slip off of the lever.
- The upper portion of the legs on the Type 5 was modified so that they don't splay outward so far when unfolded. This makes them slightly more upright, so the Type 5 is about 3/4" taller overall than the Type 3.
- There was a minor change to the feet, switching from a grooved post to a smooth one.
- The label on the jaws is the same style used on the Type 1, 2, and 3, although the only label I've seen was pretty chewed up.
Click on any image below to open the gallery of full-screen images.