A hold fast is an accessory used on a woodworking workbench and in blacksmithing to fix a workpiece to the top or side of the bench while it is being worked. A hold fast is shaped like a shepherd`s hook. In use, the shank fits loosely into a hole in the top or side of the bench and the tip of the hook is pressed against the work. The hold fast is.... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hold_fast