Of the vice

– an ingeniously simple invention

On vice is a device that can be used to bring a variety of workpieces and objects into a fixed position to work in any form. Perhaps the best known principle of physics comes from Isaac Newton and reads Actio = Reactio. This basically means that any applied force on a body requires a counter force to balance that system. The following practical example knows well every craftsman and hobbyist: Would like per fileChanging something on a piece of metal will be difficult if you only use both of your hands. If, on the other hand, you clamp the workpiece in one vice which in turn is stable on one Workbenchis attached, you can use both hands and the file exert great forces on the metal and thus rationally and selectively remove material.

Of the vice in detail

The most common version of this device is probably the manual parallel vise, which is designed for a fixed mounting on a stable surface. A common way to do this is to mount it on the solid wood panel of a workbench using 4 larger wood screws. About a threaded spindle, the distance between the two parallel clamping jaws can be adjusted, which usually moves only the front jaw. In addition, the should vice Be positioned on the work surface so that the rear jaw protrudes slightly beyond the edge of the workbench. Together, these two criteria mean that even larger and longer workpieces can be clamped without difficulty. Many models are also designed so that the clamping surfaces are screwed as separate insert parts with the jaws, resulting in meaningful benefits. In case of damage to the clamping surfaces only these must be replaced and you can also vary them. For example, there are smooth surfaces or they also have notches and grooves to accommodate even round materials safely. With high-quality parallel vices, the jaw inserts and the anvil are usually hardened and additional protective jaws made of aluminum or plastic can be used to accommodate scratch-sensitive parts. In addition, in the higher price segment, forged steel rather than gray cast iron is used as the material. Another practical feature is the optional horizontal turning capability, which allows you to better set your optimal working position. You can work even more ergonomically on a vice when it is mounted on a height-adjustable workbench.

The vice and its variants

In addition to the massive vices for the technical departments and craft businesses, numerous models are available for ambitious do-it-yourselfers in DIY stores and on the Internet. The different sizes are particularly relevant, so that every interested party will find the right model for his hobby. Filigree fixtures for small parts and light work can usually be quickly attached with a clamp on the table top. For mobile use, there are also small vices with a vacuum Saugfußbefestigung that finds firm grip on all smooth surfaces. Thanks to elastic rubber or plastic inserts, sensitive parts can then be clamped in and also rotated and swiveled in all directions using a swivel joint. For the usual repairs at home, a parallel 10 kg parallel vice made of cast steel with anvil, on the additional small straightening work can be performed. Especially for drilling and milling activities, the machine vice is a good choice. These fixtures are not mounted stationary, but can, for example, in one drill, together with the tensioned workpiece, be precisely positioned and then fixed. This also allows for exactly vertical holes and threaded holes. The machine vice is also available in a small and filigree design, for example made of aluminum and with a quick-release clamp. This can then u.a. Carry out light woodwork quickly and nevertheless accurately.

A few buy recommendations

For very simple and filigree activities you can use the multi-vice Dremel 26152500JA. He is inexpensive and very variable.
A small, handy and very flexible clamping device, but in professional quality, is the amber ToolSpannfix 9-205.
With the rotatable model Berlan parallel vice 150 mm, you get a high-quality tool for all medium and large work in the home improvement sector.
A robust and very precise machine vise can be described as the RÖHM Boring Machine Vise BSH 7201. Fine and rough drilling work equally well with this quality.