How to use a woodworking vice?

3rd March 2020


How to use a woodworking vice


	Shop for Vices


		While there are many different types of woodworking vice, they are all used in a similar way. Here are a few easy steps explaining how to use your vice.

		Before you begin
		Step 1 – Mount vice Before using your vice, make sure it is securely mounted onto a workbench or sufficient work surface. For more information on mounting, visit How to mount a woodworking vice.

		Using your vice
		Step 2 – Open vice jaws Turn the handle anti-clockwise to open the vice jaws.

		Keep rotating the handle until the jaws are open wide enough to fit your workpiece.

		Step 3 – Place workpiece Place the workpiece in-between the jaws. Make sure the area to be worked on is placed as close to the edge of the jaws as possible. This will avoid any vibrations when sawing, drilling, filing, etc.


		Step 4 – Close vice jaws Close the jaws by rotating the handle in a clockwise direction.

		Keep rotating the handle until the jaws are firmly closed around the workpiece.

		Step 5 – Avoid racking Racking occurs when the pressure applied onto a workpiece is not even because the sliding jaw tilts or twists when the vice is closed. This will result in the workpiece slipping out of place in the vice. If the jaw pressure is uneven, use a wooden toe-in or a spacer block to avoid racking. For more information, visit What is racking? and What is a toe-in feature?

		Once you have completed these steps, the workpiece will now be securely clamped and ready to be worked on!