Vices

Vices: what you need to know

Vices are tools which are used for mechanical, welding, electrical and other kinds of work which involve fixing work-pieces. Thanks to these devices, it is possible to process spares at a safe distance.

Operating principle

The work-piece is placed between two jaw pads. One of them is stationary and the other moves due to the screw being turned. It presses the functional part which ensures the fixation of the processed spare during work.

What are the types of vices?

By the way of application:

• Hand-held. Compact tools which don’t need to be attached to a table. These items are held in hand and used when working with small spares. The advantages of these models include a robust design and their drawback is a small distance between jaws.
• Machine. Attached to workbenches and drilling machines. One of the main advantages is the absence of backlash. These tools have wide jaw pads and characterised by a high level of clamping force. Suitable for securing heavy and long things. Most of these tools are fitted with a swivel base. In the catalogues, there are devices with a screw or compressed-air drive.

Vices are made of various materials. The body is usually made of steel or cast iron, jaws can be also made of duralumin. The work parts of some models have soft rubber pads.

By design:

• Engineer’s. These are, as a rule, full-metal items which are attached to the table with screws. The width of the jaws in these tools can reach 200 mm and jaw opening is 140 mm.
• Pipe. These are tools with a special slot designed for securing work-pieces with a round cross-section. They usually have replacement jaws: serrated for a more secure grip and smooth for pipes made of materials which are not resistant to mechanical damage.

Tips on using vices

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and observe the safety precautions. Do not exceed the maximum loading capacity. Pay your attention to the fact that engineer’s tools can’t be used for working with hot spares as this might cause their deformation. Besides, as the work-piece becomes cooler, its volume decreases which leads to a loose grip.

After every usage, clean threaded and moving parts with a clean cloth. Oil them occasionally to protect from corrosion. Keep the tools with their jaws opened as wide as possible to avoid the strain in the threaded screw.

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