Vices

A vice (vise) is normally bench mounted and used to secure an object to be worked on, they have two jaws, one of which is moveable normally on a screw or lever action. There are several types of vice for different purposes.

A face vice is normally used in woodworking and are always securely attached to or built in to a workbench, the jaws are often made of or faced with wood to avoid marking the wood being worked on. The moving jaw may include a retractable dog or mount for a bench dog to hold work flat on the bench. Some include a quick-release using a split nut that allows the screw to disengage with the turn of the handle allowing free movement of the jaw throughout its range of motion speeding up adjustment.

A Engineers vice also called a metalworking, machinists or bench vice are normally made of cast iron but are sometimes made of cast steel or malleable cast iron and are mounted on a workbench. Their jaws are often engraved with serrated or diamond teeth for enhanced grip and can usually be replaced, Soft covers are available to protect delicate surfaces these are normally made of aluminum, copper, plastic or wood (for woodworking).

A Machine vice is mounted on machines (grinding, milling or drill presses) to securely and safely hold the material being worked on.

A pin vice hold s long cylindrical items by one end including drill bits for hand drilling or dor use in scale modelling.

A hand vice looks similar to a pair of tongs with a connecting screw used to apply pressure to the material.