All About Vise Clamps

In plumbing and carpentry, you cannot do without a vice. This simple tool is a great help for fixing parts. Vices are different. Particular attention should be paid to the vice-clamps. What are the features, types, materials of manufacture, sizes and selection criteria - this will be discussed below.

Vise-clamps - an auxiliary tool that carries out fastening of workpieces during carpentry and locksmith work. The vise design consists of two elements: a frame and a clamping mechanism. The frame provides the rigidity of the tool, and the clamping mechanism securely fixes the part. The body is equipped with locking sponges, between which the workpiece is located. One sponge motionless, the second is undercarriage... The movement of the lead jaw is carried out by rotating the lead screw with a handle.

Models exist vise-clamps for working with metal... They have different clamping forces and jaw widths. To fix larger metal workpieces, a tool with a large grip is used.

Some manufacturers produce anti-slip clamps. Such a tool is used to work with large parts. A special protective layer eliminates the change in the position of the part and its slipping.

All tools have their own characteristics and purpose. It is worth familiarizing yourself with the varieties of clamps-clamps in more detail.

There are the following types of clamps.

• G-shaped... The clamp has a durable, forged steel body. The vice allows you to fix up to several parts at the same time. They have a fine thread pitch. This provides a good hold down, which is necessary when welding. The G-vise is also used for working with wood products. In this case, special sponge pads are used to prevent deformation of the wood.

• End... The end clamp has a design similar to the letter "C". The cast, forged vise is equipped with three screw clamps. The tool is more used for carpentry work. The use of a clamp causes some inconvenience. During work, you will have to simultaneously hold the structure itself and tighten the screws.

• T-shaped. A distinctive feature of the T-shaped devices is the guiding profile in the shape of the letter "T". Its length can be more than 1 meter. Fixing jaws are located on the profile. The fixation of the workpieces is carried out thanks to a screw with a handle, which is connected to the jaw.

• F-shaped... The body of the tool is less reliable and durable, but the vice is quite in demand due to the presence of a range of adjustments. The structure consists of a strip with a sponge on one side. It is fixed motionless. On the other hand, the running jaw has a clamping screw with a washer. The length of the tool can vary. Some models have a deep grip, which allows you to fix several products at once.

• Corner. The tool features a protruding design. When working, an angle of 90 degrees is clearly observed. The angle clamp has one clamping screw for fixing and holes, thanks to which the vice can be fixed to any surface.

• Manual... Manual-type models are similar to an ordinary clothespin. They are also called spring vices.This simple tool is used wherever a lot of downforce is not required.

• Keyless... The simple design has a bar with a fixed jaw. In the opposite part of the tool there is a running jaw with two handles. The mechanism with handles is called a trigger and is more like a trigger. Therefore, a quick-clamping clamp is often called a pistol clamp. The fixation of the product is carried out by means of the handle clamp. The tool is considered universal.

• Pipe. The tool looks like a pipe with a fixed jaw. The second sponge is undercarriage. It is fixed with a special locking mechanism. Clamping is carried out using a screw with a handle. Vices are used when working with dimensional parts.

• Swivel... The tool is used to machine workpieces at different angles. The structure is firmly attached to any surface. The fixed jaw has a movable part that connects to the base through a guide screw. The screw is equipped with a handle. This allows the clamp to be rotated around the axis.

Vise-clamps have a clamping property, the strength of which depends not only on the structure. The reliability of the clamp also depends on the material of manufacture.

Vices are made from the following materials.

1. Cast iron is considered the most common material for a vice. Cast iron products are massive and durable, they can last for more than a dozen years.
2. Steel... Cheaper clamps are made from low carbon steel. In the manufacture of expensive products, high-quality, durable steel is used.
3. Aluminum / duralumin... The materials have low strength, therefore, small vices are made from them, the clamping force of which is not too high. They are used in the repair of electronic devices or for jewelry work.
4. Wood... Wooden clamps are used when working with wood. Wood vise does not deform products. The whole structure is made of wood, except for the clamp screw.

The parameters of the clamps are important. Main parameters - the width of the jaws and their course. Based on these parameters, the depth and width of the workpiece are determined.

Dimensions (edit) clamps are different. Some models have a jaw size from 50 mm. Maximum capture - 250 mm. Clamping force ranges from 15-55 F. Length vice can reach 667 mm, height - 311 mm.

The vice is considered small, if their length is 290 mm, height - 140 mm, jaw stroke - 50 mm. Average vices have dimensions - 370 mm, 180 mm, 126 mm. Options large clamps - 457 mm, 221 mm, 161 mm.

When choosing, you should pay attention to the following nuances.

1. Material... It is best to choose a cast iron tool with steel jaws.
2. Fixing jaw size... Before buying, you need to decide on the purpose of the tool. The choice of the jaw size is based on the dimensions of the workpieces to be processed.
3. Mounting method. For carpentry and locksmith work, choose a vice with a screw clamping mechanism. They are comfortable and do not require maximum effort when working. There are models that allow you to adjust the fixing of the part with one hand. For more serious and frequent work, it is recommended to use stationary models that are attached to the workbench.
4. Versatility... When working with workpieces of different shapes and materials, you should pay attention to the universal clamps. As a rule, these vices are equipped with replaceable jaws.
5. Tool size... Small and lightweight instruments are recommended if the clamp is to be moved.
6. Quality... An important factor when choosing. It is necessary to pay attention to the surface of the vice, to the condition of each detail. The tool must be free of defects, scratches, distortions. A quality product has a regular shape with clear straight lines. Threaded elements must be coated with grease. Movable mechanisms are smooth running.
7. The price depends on the destination. For professional purposes, it is better to purchase a more expensive model. For infrequent use, inexpensive models will do.

Jonnesway's manual deep-grip clamps are presented in the video below.