Use of bench vise

Types and uses of bench vises

With the growing use of bench vises in workshops, they are becoming an indispensable tool for handymen. Below are some common uses of bench vise and its various types.

• Machinist vise: An essential tool for metalworking. It is made of iron cast for extreme sturdiness. An ideal tool for jewelers, machinists, and metalworking hobbyists because it stays still during rough process.
• Pipe vise: Designed to perform a wide variety of clamping tasks, especially round objects like pipes. The jaws have unique shapes for clamping odd-shaped items. It can be portable or bench-mounted.
• Electrician's vise: Similar to the machinist's vise but with modified jaws and wider opening to accommodate electrical parts. The jaws have plastic inserts to prevent damage and electrical parts.
• Woodworking vise: Used by carpenters and woodworking hobbyists to hold wood pieces in place. It has soft and wide jaws to accommodate workpieces. It comes in two types: the quick-release and the twin screw, which are used for different purposes.

The bench vise is versatile and easy to use. Apart from the above types, there are many bench vises for different applications. Here are some common uses:

• Repairing bike: Some people use pipe bench vises because they have wider jaw openings than other bench vises. Also, the jaws have unique shapes to accommodate odd-shaped objects. This feature makes them suitable for working on bike frames.
• Jewelry making: Jewelry makers use machinist vises or toolmaker vises with a high level of accuracy. They have a fine screw mechanism for delicate clamping tasks. Their soft jaws don't leave marks on the delicate jewelry parts.
• Electrical work: The electrician's vise makes it easy to hold wiring boxes, conduits, and other electrical parts. Its operation is easy and quick, allowing electricians to work on different electrical tasks efficiently.
• Metalworking and machining: This is the most common use of bench vises. The machinist's vise and toolmaker's vise are designed to hold metal workpieces. When doing welding, cutting, or drilling tasks, the workpieces stay still and securely.

Specifications and Maintenance

Specifications

• Materials: The bench vise body and jaw are usually made of cast iron or steel to provide stability and strength. The moving parts may use material combinations like brass, zinc alloy, and carbon alloy to ensure smooth operation and good wear resistance.
• Sizes: The width of the jaw ranges from 2" to 8", while the opening of the jaw ranges from 2" to 10". Larger vises are often referred to as machinist vises.
• Weight: Depending on the size and stature of the bench vise, small bench vises might weigh 2 to 5 kg, while bigger ones could range from 15 kg to 30 kg.
• Mounting: A bench mounting vise has a square base with four holes on each of the corners, while a calliper mounting vise has clamps that can be adjusted to clamp onto a surface.

Maintenance

• Lubrication: Lubrication is key for bench vises, especially on screws and threaded holes, to keep them sliding and moving well. Regular application of grease or machine oil to bench vise's screw can support its smooth opening and closing.
• Cleaning: Constantly cleaning any dirt or debris on the bench vise with a dry cloth can keep it hygienic and prevent damage to its finish. For further maintenance, apply rust-proof coating products to metal parts of the bench vise to avoid corrosion.
• Storage: For those bench vises that cannot be stored permanently, such as those that are clamped on, make sure to at least cover the jaw area with a towel or bench vise cover to protect it from dust.
• Avoid clamping excessive force: Users should retain the clamp force within their limits when using the bench vise to prevent damaging the jaws and internal parts, thus prolonging its service life.

Scenarios

The multifunctional bench vise is a tool with multiple uses and various applications. It is a common tool in workshops and other areas where work requires holding, clamping, securing, or gripping objects. Here are some uses of the bench vise in different industries and applications.

• Woodworking: A woodworking bench vise is a standard tool with multiple uses in woodworking. It can securely hold wood pieces of different shapes and sizes when cutting, drilling, routing, joining, or doing other woodworking tasks and projects.
• Machining: Machinists and metalworking professionals often use a heavy-duty bench vise with jaws lined with rubber or leather to grip objects gently but securely when cutting, filing, bending, or performing other metalworking machining tasks. A metal bench vise is an essential tool when handling metal pipes and various objects.
• PLUMBING: Plumbing professionals use bench vises to hold and secure plumbing pipes when cutting or reassembling them. Another plumbing solution is the pipe bench vise, designed for plumbing jobs.
• BLACKSMITHING AND WELDING: Professionals in welding and blacksmithing use heavy-duty bench welding vises to hold metal workpieces when cutting, welding, or grinding.
• DIY PROJECTS AND REPAIRS: A bench vise is a tool commonly used by DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists. It is used in various applications from home improvement, auto repair, and craft projects to repairing and making. It can securely hold objects when gluing, assembling, or carrying out other tasks.
• EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS: In educational settings, bench tools are used to train and teach students various skills such as welding, plumbing, carpentry, welding, and metalworking, among other skills.

According to industry experts, the tool holding market is expected to reach $3.94 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 3.4%. This shows that the bench vise among tools is commonly used in various applications and industries.

How to Choose

When choosing bench vises for resale, buyers should consider the features of the bench vise that business customers will need. They can start by surveying their intended market and understanding the unique needs of their customers. Some of the key bench vise features to consider include the type, material, size and jaw width, holding power, special features, and overall build quality and design.

Since many people use the bench vise for various applications, bench vise with various jaw widths and sizes will be preferred by many business customers. Most of them will want to accommodate different workpieces. Additionally, customers will want bench vises with different holding powers to accommodate various tasks. So, customers will choose those that can achieve greater clamping force to work with larger and tougher workpieces.

Many customers want to work with heavier tasks and seek greater versatility; thus, they will prefer an industrial bench vise. However, some will prefer the simplicity of an iron bench vise. They will also prefer a standard bench vise with no additional features, such as a quick-release mechanism or pipe jaws. Resellers should stock both to satisfy a variety of customers.

When choosing the bench vise to sell, buyers should go for sturdy models with smooth jaw operations and substantial clamping forces. A sturdy bench vise will have a cast iron body. Some configurations may come with a steel body. A good build assures customers of longevity. Additionally, buyers should look for bench vises with substantial clamping forces. They will be used for heavy-duty work. So, many heavy-duty customers will want those with higher clamping forces to work with larger workpieces.

FAQ

Q1: How should people place the bench vise while working?

A1: Users should always place the bench vise so the workpiece does not swing toward them. Consider the workpiece weight, dimensions, and clamping position. Typically, a light workpiece can clamp to expose the non-swing side better. Also, avoid pointing any tools toward the body.

Q2: Which materials provide a sturdy bench vise?

A2: Look for a benchtop vise made of cast iron with a heavy-duty steel bar or shaft for the moving part. The combination ensures a sturdy clamp that can hold objects tightly and withstand wear for many years.

Q3: What is the difference between a bench vise and an assembly?

A3: An assembly vise has a movable jaw that slides on a parallel guide fixed to the assembly frame. On the other hand, the sliding jaw of a bench vise is fixed to the frame. Moreover, the guide of a bench assembly is usually circular or square.

Q4: Can one use power tools with bench vises?

A4: Yes, but first, check the manufacturer's instructions. Some bench vises are designed for use with power tools, while others are not. A power tool bench vise has large jaws to clamp larger objects, with heavy-duty construction to handle the demanding tasks of power tools.