Vises Technical Information

Basics of...Vises

Vises are devices typically containing two jaws that may be brought together or separated via screw, lever, etc; used to secure an object while it is worked on.

Types of Vises

Angle: contains marked adjustments which allows for clamping at different angles. Bench: mounted on a table or workbench to secure work between two flat jaws; most often used in light-duty applications.

Clamp: ideal for portable use; equipped with a combination fixed and portable vise featuring a bottom clamp which attaches easily to tables, sawhorses and workbenches.

Drill Press: holds work while you are drilling, reaming or tapping on a drill press. Machine: also known as Milling Machine vise-secures a work piece between a movable jaw and a stationary jaw; used in conventional machine tool applications such as milling, jig boring, grinding and shaping.

Machinist: mounted to a workbench and used for general clamping.

Pipe: made of iron yoke and base with hardened steel jaws; used to hold pipe to perform pipe fabrication operation.

Self-centering: facilitates accurate, automatic job centering. It is most handy when applied to work pieces of varying sizes for which the same operation will be performed, as it requires just one machine setting.

Sine: uses solving triangles and gage blocks to set up high accuracy clamping at desired angles.

Toolmaker: useful in tool manufacturing, grinding, milling, engraving and jig boring machines for measurement and inspection, and in manufacturing processes that requires accurate clamping. They are available in screw and screwless models.

Vacuum Base: features a lever-operated suction cup on the bottom that attaches to a tabletop or similar work surface; used in light-duty applications.

Woodworking: features wooden padded jaws used to secure work without marring the work piece surface.

Types of Vise Jaws

Soft Jaws: plastic, aluminum, leather or lead jaw covers on jaws of a vise or pliers that prevent marking and damage to work.

Smooth Jaws: able to hold material of different shapes and prevent indentation in soft metals; versatile.

Grooved Jaws: vertical/horizontal grooves effectively hold cylindrical pieces parallel or perpendicular to vise.

Serrated Jaws: cross-hatch pattern permits firm gripping of piece in any position.

Safety Tips

Do's

Wear safety glasses or a face shield when using striking or power tools on a work piece held by a vise
Always attach the vise securely. Place bolts in all holes in the base of the vise. Use lock washer under the nuts
Mount a vise so that the stationary jaw projects slightly beyond the edge of the workbench, as this will allow long work to be clamped in the vise free of interference from the edge of the workbench
Ensure workbench is firmly secured to its base
Always check vises for cracks or other damage before clamping a work piece
Use a vise large enough to hold work without strain
Place work piece in vise so that full clamping surface of the jaw supports the work piece
Keep work piece in vise as close as possible to jaws to avoid vibration while operating
Support end of extra long work with an adjustable stand, saw horse or box to avoid extra strain on vise
Keep all threaded and moving parts clean, oiled and free of chips and dirt
Use vise jaw liners where work might be marked
Replace bent handles and worn jaw inserts immediately

Don'ts

Do not weld vise base to any metal
Do not repair vise by welding or brazing
Do not try to bend a heavy rod in a light vise
Do not cut into the jaws
Do not apply heavy pressure at vise jaw corners
Do not use handle extension (i.e. pipe) for extra clamping pressure
Do not hammer the handle to tighten beyond normal hand pressure
Do not use vise jaws as an anvil
Do not operate vise with even the slightest crack
Do not unscrew or open vise jaws wider than they were designed for use

It is recommended that all users refer to manufacturer’s instructions for specific safety guidelines.

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