I like these bench dogs. They are inexpensive, lower than most wood I work on (so I don't hit them with my plane) and they are plastic (if I do hit them with the plane, there is no damage to the blade.

Ideal for all workbenches that have 3/4'' dia. Holes. With low profile (7/16'') for working with 1/2'' thick material and up. Sold in packages of 4.

from $7.29