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Bench Vices: What are they, and what are they used for?

Bench vices are commonly found not only in car garages but also those belonging to carpenters and locksmiths.

Don’t know what they’re used for? Keep reading the article to find out all the functionalities of this useful tool and some precautions you should take when handling it.

 

What is a bench vice?

bench vice, also known as a vice, is a tool made of iron or steel that allows you to hold and compress materials such as wood and metal.

The tool usually has a handle on the front that is rotated, loosening or tightening its grip on the material being worked.

A vice is a working tool that must be fixed to a workbench to ensure secure, stable support.

To learn more about the workbenches available in the KROFtools catalogue and their advantages, check out our article Workbenches: The benefits of using one.

 

What is a bench vice used for?

Among their various uses, here are 5 of the main ones:

  1. Carpentry work;
  2. Locksmith work;
  3. Cutting plastics;
  4. Drilling wood or metal;
  5. Jobs that require the use of sandpaper.

 

Which characteristics should you consider when buying a bench vice?

  • The material it’s made from

Bench vices are generally made of cast iron or steel.

These are two good options if you want your vice to be rigid, strong, and to provide long-term stability.

 

  • Space between jaws

The space between the two jaws is what allows the bench vice to grip the material being worked.

When considering how much space you need between the jaws, think about the size of the materials you work with most often and select the option that best meets your needs.

 

  • Jaw opening

The way in which your vice jaws open is important for any work being done using the tool.

If you frequently work with very thick materials, you should consider a vice with jaws that provide lots of space between them.

 

  • Vice rotation

Bench vices can be rotatable, enabling them to rotate 360º.

If you often have to rotate your materials, a rotary bench vice could be a good option.

 

 

What types of bench vice are there?

  • Manual bench vices

Manual bench vices are the type most commonly found in car garages. They are characterised by their strong jaws and the fact that they are screwed directly to a workbench.

To screw a vice to a workbench, you should use a specific vice screw to improve safety.

 

  • Front vice

Front vices are often found in carpentry shops and are screwed along a workbench.

Front vices are used in the same way as manual bench vices, with the only differences being their positioning and a quick release function.

 

Which bench vices are available in the KROFtools catalogue?

Fixed base Bench vices of different sizes are available in the KROFtools catalogue:

  • 100mm bench vice;
  • 150mm bench vice;
  • 200mm bench vice.

Click on the image below to learn more about the bench vices available in our catalogue.

 

How much does a bench vice cost?

Prices of bench vices can start at around 18 euros and go all the way up to 120 euros, depending on their specifications.

 

How do you install a bench vice?

To attach a vice to a workbench, you’ll need to use screws specifically for use on your workbench and screw them to the specifications recommended by the manufacturer.

 

What care should you take with a bench vice?

  • Ensure you carry out regular vice maintenance;
  • Wear work gloves;
  • Ensure that the vice is properly secured to your workbench over one of the workbench legs for increased stability;
  • Do not separate your bench vice jaws to a distance further than that recommended;
  • Apply the correct pressure to each material you work with;
  • Do not use if you notice any cracks in the vice;
  • Do not try to repair your vice yourself, such as welding it or attempting to fix it using conventional screws.

 

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