In sawing small pieces such as the side boards of the tool box just described, it is often more convenient to saw them on the work-bench instead of holding them on a box with the knee. To do this one must have what is called a bench hook. The way it is used is clearly illustrated, but its full advantage cannot be appreciated until it is tried. It consists of a small board about four inches wide and eight inches long with a little cross-strip nailed squarely across each end - one on top and one below. The lower one catches the edge of the bench and the top one keeps the board being sawn from slipping back. When one attempts to hold a piece of wood on the bench while it is being sawn, it will almost always shift back and forth with the saw, because there is nothing to push against, but with the bench hook one can lean slightly forward and very easily hold the wood steadily against the back piece of the hook.