They can be either fixed on the workbench or used with a mobile tripod, and can usually hold pipes with diameters between 0.11 and 2 inches. Pipe vise: It is a specialty vise used by plumbers to hold pipes and tubing while cutting, threading or welding them.This tool doesn’t come installed into the workbench but it can be attached to its surface either temporarily with a clamp or permanently with bolts. The jaws can be covered in either soft materials like wood, copper, aluminum or plastic (to hold delicate workpieces) or hard materials like steel and iron, suitable for heavy-duty jobs. Mechanic’s vise: Is a tool developed to hold metal instead of wood and consists of a cast steel, cast iron, or ductile iron frame provided with two heavy duty and often replaceable jaws.This type of vise can accommodate large carpentry pieces and is often used in specialty workshops. Both types have flat jaws made of wood or metal faced with wood and are designed to firmly hold ligneous material or soft metals while sawing, drilling, or manipulating. Woodworker’s vise: Is a carpentry tool installed into the end of the bench and equipped with one mobile jaw (the worktop of the bench acts as the inside jaw) or onto the face of the bench, in this case consisting of a movable jaw mounted to a square beam.The most popular models are the woodworker’s vise and the mechanic’s vise. But in reality, there are different types of vises engineered to hold specific materials. Main types of bench visesĪ bench vise is such a rudimentary tool that novices might think that there is only one type. The tool allows you to position the object as needed and holds it tightly while you operate the sander, minimizing the risk of accidental injuries. Sanding: A bench vise can also hold your workpiece securely for sanding.A bench vise is the best tool for drilling with precision. Drilling: This task requires precision and stability, and keeping the workpiece completely firm during operation is the only way to achieve good results.Gluing: A bench vise can be used to hold glued pieces firm until the adhesive dries completely, allowing the object to retain the desired structure.They are designed to hold workpieces for easier manipulation during sawing or threading, but come in handy for: Ways to use a bench viseīench vises are versatile tools that serve many purposes. Since the vise delivers such practicality, manufacturers propose a selection of models fabricated for various materials. It exerts a firm grip on the object, giving you the possibility to perform all desired operations without holding the workpiece in your hands. PLEASE NOTE: X Link, wooden hub and handle or large metal hand wheel sold separately.A bench vise in an essential workshop tool used to manipulate workpieces. Shaft collar with 5/32” hex key wrench and constraint washer. VX 20 vise mechanism with mounting screws. Vise jaw retention: Steel shaft collar tightened with 5/32” hex key wrench. The internal mechanism is lubricated with grease. Paste wax is recommended to keep work piece from being soiled. Lubrication: The clamp shaft may be lubricated if desired. Minimum vise jaw thickness required: 1- 3/4″. Minimum leg thickness to allow flush retraction of clamp shaft: 3”.Ĭlamp shaft length: 20 – 1/4″ – fully retained in housing.Ĭlamping action: Clockwise rotation with force equal to a 4 TPI (threads per inch) screw. Maximum jaw opening: 11-3/16” when used with a 1-3/4” thick jaw and a 3” thick leg. The housing protrudes 2-1/2” from the mounting surface. The hand wheel or wooden hub is sold separately to allow the consumer to fully customize the vise. The pin system also allows you to select either a wooden hub and handle or a metal hand wheel to customize your vise. The Leg Vise handle is attached to the shaft with a quick release pin which allows the jaw to be removed entirely in seconds. A Delrin bearing is screwed into a counter-bored hole in the front of the bench leg or apron and supports the weight of the vise jaw. The VX 20 is simply installed by drilling holes through the bench leg or apron and mounting with wood screws. The VX 20 Leg Vise is a versatile, economical patented quick action vise mechanism that may be used as a leg vise or can also be made into a quick action face vise or be used just as you would use a conventional vise screw and nut.