
What Are Bench Vises Used for?
- Drilling. When you’re doing drill work, you’re going to need a lot of concentration and precision. ...
- Sawing. While drilling requires a lot of precision, sawing can’t be done without the most precise tools and performance.
- Gluing. Assembling something by gluing it can be quite a hassle and a difficult task. ...
- Sanding. ...
- Cutting Conduit. ...
- A simple workbench. ...
What can you do with a bench vise?
While a bench vise is a versatile tool, it is not immediately obvious just how many different applications it can have. Whether you are working with wood, metal, or other materials, this tool will provide the stability you need to perform with precision.
What is a vise used for?
A vise is a mechanical device you can use to hold a workpiece securely in place. If you want to do woodwork and metalwork applications, it’s something that you can’t do without. A bench vise is called so because it’s typically attached directly to a workbench to perform operations on a workpiece such as sawing, drilling, and planing.
What is the best vise for metalworking?
1 BEST OVERALL: Yost Tools 6″ Heavy Duty Steel Bench Vise 2 RUNNER UP: Wilton 11106 Bench Vise 3 BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: TEKTON 4-Inch Swivel Bench Vise 4 UPGRADE PICK: Wilton WS8 Shop Vise 5 BEST FOR METALWORKING: Forward DT08125A 5-Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise 6 BEST WITH QUICK RELEASE: Wilton 78A 4″x7″ Pivot Jaw Woodworkers Vise
What is a swiveling bench vise?
This bench vise secures to a benchtop with three bolts, and the swiveling base allows users to reposition metal pipes and bars, wood boards, and other items for easy and convenient access. And, swiveling will give the user access to the large anvil surface that is mounted directly over the swivel for maximum flexibility.

What is a medium duty bench vise?
Medium-duty bench vises are well-suited for a variety of applications. They are often constructed of iron and include interchangeable steel top jaws as well as pipe jaws. Numerous models have a 360-degree swivel and an integrated anvil. Jaw faces may be changed from serrated to smooth according on the application.
What is a metalworking vise?
Metalworking vises, also known as engineer’s vises, are used to secure pieces of metal rather than wood in order to file and cut them. These vises are sometimes constructed of cast steel but are mostly constructed of cast iron.
How does a chain pipe vise work?
Chain vises secure the pipe with a chain. A chain that clamps firmly around the pipe secures it in a V-shaped support. Typically, the chain is composed of high-tensile steel. Chain pipe vices are ideal for pipes or other irregularly shaped items. In contrast to hinged vices, they often have a greater working range and capacity, since the vice’s working range is limited only by the length of its chain. Due to the chain’s wide gripping area, it can firmly grasp the full circle of the pipe. However, using a chain pipe vice to secure a pipe takes longer than using other vises. This is because the chain must be inserted carefully between the tool’s jaws in order to securely clamp the pipe in place.
What are the jaws on a vise made of?
In vises intended to hold metallic workpieces, the active jaws are composed of hardened steel plates that are often detachable and have serrations that grasp the workpiece; to protect soft components, the permanent jaws may be covered by temporary jaws made of sheet copper or leather. Pipe vises have twin V-shaped jaws that grasp in four distinct locations rather of just two.
How many degrees does a bench vise rotate?
A typical heavy-duty bench vise will either be fixed or will rotate 360 degrees. Bench vises with pipe jaws are equipped with an additional pair of steel pipe jaws that spin 360 degrees and are interchangeable.
What is a pipe vise?
Pipe vises are used in plumbing to restrain pipes or tubing while cutting or threading. They can accommodate pipes as little as 3 mm in diameter up to 200 mm in length. They may be mounted on a workstation or used in conjunction with a portable tripod stand. Generally, a stand is used for tasks that occur outside of a workshop. They are collapsible for transporting, and they are often used in pairs or more for large lengths of pipe.
Do bench vises need to be connected to workbenches?
Bench vises are not need to be connected to workbenches; as long as the work surface is solid, they may be mounted directly to the surface or to the side. Vises that are connected directly to the surface include a swivel that allows the vise to revolve as required. Because many bench vises have metal jaws, lining the jaws with wood or a comparable material may help preserve the workpiece’s integrity. Jaws may be changed when they wear out. Certain bench vises may also be used as an anvil. Bench vises are classified based on their strength, durability, and intended use. Bench vises, both heavy duty and light duty, are often employed in industrial applications.
Why is a bench vise called a bench vise?
A bench vise is called so because it’s typically attached directly to a workbench to perform operations on a workpiece such as sawing, drilling, and planing.
Why do vises have swivels?
If your vise is attachable directly atop of a surface it should feature a swivel to enable the vise to rotate to the angle you find most convenient .
Can you glue in place with a vise?
You can use it to hold the objects you want to glue in place and then leave them fixed in the vise’s jaws until they dry. This maintains the desired structure and makes the whole process easier.
Can a bench vise be used as a workbench?
Besides all the aforementioned functions, you can use your bench vise simply as a workbench.
What are bench vises used for?
In addition to woodworking, bench vises also have many uses in metalworking as well. Bench vises can be used to hold metal in place to be cut or modified. 3. Using a Saw. Bench vises are also extremely useful when using a saw to cut lumber for your woodworking projects.
Why use a bench vise?
Using a bench vise will allow you to drill holes with more accuracy than you would be able to get without using one. 5. Using Sandpaper.
When cutting electrical conduit, is it important to secure the conduit in place firmly with a vise?
When cutting electrical conduit, it is important to secure the conduit in place firmly with a vise before cutting it. A bench vise is a perfect way to do this.
Is a bench vise a versatile tool?
on Jan 28, 2019. While a bench vise is a versatile tool, it is not immediately obvious just how many different applications it can have. Whether you are working with wood, metal, or other materials, this tool will provide the stability you need to perform with precision.
What is a bench vise?
Bench vises are an integral part of any workstation whether it is fixed or mobile. The primary function of any vise is to hold an object safety and securely so that it can be worked on. Bench vises make work such as sanding, finishing, chipping, sawing, and welding easier by freeing the operator's hands to perform the needed task. Their simplicity and versatility means users of any skill level or experience can benefit from their use.
How are bench vises made?
Bench vises are commonly made in two distinct processes: casting and forging. Casting is the most common and cost effective manufacturing process. It involves pouring hot liquid metal into molds. Once poured into the mold the liquid steel is allowed to cool.
What is the strength of a forging vise?
Unlike casting, the forging process uses solid blocks of steel that are heated and then pounded into their required shape. This production method is common in the tool industry when manufacturing wrenches and pliers. A high quality forged vise can have a tensile strength of 90,000+ PSI compared to 19,000-60,000 Psi for a cast vise.
What is a metalworking vise?
For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on the metalworking vise, often referred to as the Engineer's, Mechanics, Combination, or Tradesman vises. Metalworking vises are designed to be fastened to a sturdy table via eyelets located at the sides and back of the vise. The dynamic jaw (explained later) is designed to hang over the edge of the table. Although vises are primarily designed to hold a work pieces horizontally, the overhanging front jaw does permit the holding of objects vertically.
How large is a vise?
How large are the objects you will be holding? Vises are typically available in 4, 5, 6 & 8" sizes. These sizes refer to the width of the jaws. The larger and heavier the object to be held the larger the vise required. As a general rule of thumb, the maximum throat depth is typically proportionate to the jaw width.
Where are the pipe jaws located in a bench vise?
Look for a bench vises with integrated pipe jaws. These extra jaws are located in the throat of the dynamic and static jaw and are serrated and curved specifically to hold pipes. Determining the max pipe diameter is important in determining the size of vise you will need.
Where is the handle on a vise?
Handle – is located at the front of the vise. It acts as the lever that turns the lead screw, which in turn moves the dynamic jaw. The handle is engineered to match the maximum clamping power the vise can handle. A properly designed and manufactured handle will bend when too much force is applied.
TEKTON 54006 6-Inch Swivel Bench Vise
With TEKTON's 6-inch Swivel Bench Vise, you'll be able to accomplish more and work faster since it secures quickly and threads tight, providing a better grip and enabling you to feel confident when you're working.
Yost LV-4 Home Vise
Yost LV-4 Home Vise is the best bench vise for the home shop. The bench wise comes with a jaw capacity of 4.5 inches and 2.375 inches throat depth. With a cast iron base, swivel jaws, and a spindle threaded lockdown assembly, this bench vise offers ample hold. Moreover, jaws hold items and pipes between 0.6" and 1.85" in diameter.
Yost Tools Vises 445 Heavy-Duty Utility Vise
With iron construction, this bench vise from Yost is a quality product. With a jaw capacity of 4.5 inches and 2.6 inches deep throat, this Yost vice falls among the best options available. Featuring a 150-pound clamping force and a 73 ft.-lb torque rating, it meets the needs of most applications.
Yost Vises 750-DI Multi-Jaw Rotating Bench Vise
This Yost bench vise is one of the toughest benches available. It clamps the workpiece with 13,400 pounds of force and has a torque rating of 31 ft-Lbs. With a 5-inch jaw capacity and 4 inches of throat depth, it is an excellent choice.
Wilton 11106 Wilton Bench Vise
Wilton offers this quality bench vise with a lifetime warranty. With a 6 inches jaw capacity and 4 inches of throat depth, cast iron makes up this Wilton 11106. Besides its double lockdown mechanism, it also offers a 120-degree swivel.
Wilton Tools 550P Multi-Purpose Bench Vise
This Wilton’s heavy-duty bench vise is clearly marked with indexed increments of 30 degrees for quick setup. The tool offers a 5 inches jaw capacity and 5.5 inches of throat depth.
Capri Tools 10515 Ultimate Grip Forged Steel Bench
This Capri's tool is a tough bench vise that rotates 360 degrees. The tool comes with a jaw capacity. The bench vise comes with a yield strength of 54,000 PSI and tensile strength of 90,000 PSI.
What is a bench vise?
A staple in metalworking, automotive work, woodworking, and hobbyist shops, a bench vise is a metal clamping device that bolts to the top, side, or underside of your workbench.
What are the different types of bench vises?
Types of Bench Vises. There are three main types of bench vises: benchtop, front, and end vises. Each style has its merits, though the project at hand will most likely determine which will work best for your needs.
What is a Wilton bench vise?
The Wilton bench vise can help most DIYers clamp down and hold on to materials with its sturdy build and 360-degree swivel base. Hobbyists who need a little less swivel and bulk might start with the basic, affordable TEKTON bench vise.
What is a vise for woodworking?
This vise mounts to the front of your woodworking bench with lag screws (sold separately). It has two additional holes on each jaw for securing sacrificial wood jaw inserts (blocks of wood that clamp against the workpiece to avoid the metal jaws marring expensive hardwoods). There’s also a slide-up steel dog in the outer jaw, allowing you to clamp your workpiece against a bench dog for surface planing and flattening. Plus, the orange enamel finish is baked on for extra durability.
How do benchtop vises work?
Benchtop vises mount directly to your benchtop surface. They usually mount with four bolts that sandwich the vise’s base against the benchtop. It’s a good idea to mount a benchtop vise directly over a table leg. The leg will create a solid surface to hammer over, while the unsupported center of a bench may be overly bouncy and absorb a lot of your striking power.
How wide is a cast iron shop vise?
This 30,000 PSI cast iron vise features 8-inch replaceable jaws, a jaw opening of up to 8 inches wide, and a throat depth of 4 inches. It can also clamp pipes as small as 3/4-inch in diameter and up to 3 inches—more than 1/4-inch larger than other models—to provide more capability than most other bench vises.
How wide is a bench vise?
For a medium-duty, no-frills bench vise, this one is worth checking into. It is a 30,000 PSI steel vise with 6-inch wide serrated replaceable jaws and a jaw opening of up to 6 inches, covering most DIY and home workshop needs.
