Vises

What should I know about using a vise?

A vise, sometimes called the third hand, is an indispensable tool in the tool room or workshop. Vises are usually mounted on workbenches or similar firm supports to hold the material in place.

Most vises can be used for a wide variety of work. Select the most suitable vise which is strong enough for the work.

• Wear safety glasses or goggles, or a face shield when using striking tools or power tools on a workpiece held by a vise.
• Attach a vise securely. Place bolts in all the holes in the base of the vise. Use lock washers under the nuts.
• Mount a vise so that the stationary jaw projects slightly beyond the edge of the workbench. This allows long work to be clamped in the vise without interference from the edge of the workbench.
• Ensure that the workbench is firmly secured to its base.

• Check the vise for cracks or other damage before clamping a workpiece in it.
• Use a vise large enough to hold the work without strain.
• Place the workpiece in the vise so that the full clamping surface of the jaw supports the workpiece
• Keep the workpiece in the vise close as possible to the jaws to prevent vibration when sawing, filing, etc.
• Support the end of extra-long work with an adjustable stand, sawhorse, or box rather than putting extra strain on the vise.
• Keep all threaded and moving parts clean, oiled and free of chips and dirt.
• Use jaw liners in a vise where there is any possibility of marking the work.
• Replace a bent handle and worn jaw inserts.

What should I not do?

• Do not weld the base of the vise to any metal.
• Do not repair a vise by welding or brazing.
• Do not try to bend a heavy rod in a light vise.
• Do not cut into the jaws.
• Do not apply heavy pressure at the corner of the vise jaws.
• Do not use a handle extension (e.g., a pipe) for extra clamping pressure.
• Do not hammer on the handle to tighten beyond hand pressure.
• Do not use the jaws of the vise as an anvil.
• Do not use any vise that has the slightest crack.
• Do not unscrew or open the jaws of the vise wider than they were designed to be used.

Refer to OSH Answers General Hand Tool Operation for more tips.