Bench vice

The bench vice is a very useful workholding tool in all machining workshops, carpentry shops and DIY work. It is a device that allows you to hold a workpiece to be machined temporarily and very securely.

What is a bench vice?

The bench vice is an indispensable tool in workshops because of the benefits it offers. It is used to immobilise parts on which work is being carried out and, in this way, to machine them efficiently and safely. Bench vices are made up of two parallel jaws, one fixed and one movable. The movable jaw moves in and out when a screw and a lever are turned.

The bench vice is mounted firmly on the workbench so that the object can be held and multiple machining operations carried out on it: drilling, planing, cutting, sawing, etc. Thanks to its efficiency, the bench vice can be used in different industrial sectors such as metalworking, construction, locksmithing, carpentry, etc. As it is very easy to use, it is also recommended for DIY enthusiasts.

The main function of the vice is to keep the workpiece clamped within its jaws; the part is held fixed, stable and secure. This makes machining the part much easier than if it is held by hand alone. In addition, the bench vice provides safety for the operator, as it reduces the risk of accidents in cutting operations and when using hand saws.

How a bench vice works

The bench vice is quite simple in its operation. It consists of a base, which is what allows the vice to be fixed to the workbench by means of one or more special screws. It also comprises the two parallel jaws which, when operated, work together to grip the object firmly and hold it in place.

One of the vice's jaws is fixed and stays attached to the base and to the bench, which together form the stationary assembly of the tool. The movable jaw, for its part, is the one that moves to open or close the vice and adjust it to the object to be machined. In addition, bench vices have a threaded screw that connects to the jaws and passes through the body of the vice. This screw is driven by a handle or lever fitted at the outer end of the tool.

When this handle is turned, pressure is applied through the screw. This is what moves the upper jaw or movable jaw. When it is turned anticlockwise, the movable jaw moves away from the fixed jaw (it opens) and allows the space between them to open up. When the lever is turned clockwise, the movable jaw closes. Thanks to this movement it is possible to adjust the jaws on the surface of the workpiece and hold it firmly.

Types of bench vice

Today it is possible to find two different types of vice to suit the machining needs of the workshop or factory. These can be portable and permanent or fixed. Portable vices, as the name indicates, can be moved and attached to different surfaces and workbenches. The mechanism for fixing them to those surfaces is quite quick and simple.

Permanent bench vices, by contrast, are fixed to the workbench firmly and stably. These are the most widely used tools because they make it possible to hold objects of great weight and volume. With them there is no danger of the object or the vice slipping on the work surface, putting the operator and the machining results at risk.

In addition to the classification according to how the tool is fixed, bench vices can be made of cast iron or forged steel. Cast iron ones are the cheapest tools, but they have the disadvantage of being considerably more fragile and they cannot withstand high pressures or hard blows. That is why they are recommended for DIY or simpler jobs. Forged steel vices are professional and are the most widely used in machine shops, factories and large industries.

Parts

Bench vices, whether fixed or portable, are fitted with the same elements:

• Two jaws. These are the most characteristic part of this tool and are called clamping jaws, as they hold the workpiece to be machined.
• Drilled base. The base is what allows the tool to be bolted to the workbench.
• Guide. It allows the movement of the movable jaw of the vice.
• Lever. This part passes through the spindle and makes it turn.
• Threaded spindle. This is the mechanism that allows the vice to be opened and closed.
• Anvil. The solid structure of the vice, it is its body and allows parts to be hammered on it.