How to use an engineer’s vice?

3rd March 2020


How to use an engineer’s vice


	Shop for Engineer’s Vices


		Before you begin
		Step 1 – Mount vice Before using your vice, make sure it is securely mounted onto a stable surface, such as a workbench. For more information on mounting, visit the page titled: ‘How to mount a metalworking vice’.

		Using your vice
		Step 2 – Open vice jaws To open the vice jaws, turn the handle in an anti-clockwise direction.

		Keep turning the handle until the jaws are wide enough to accommodate the workpiece.

		Step 3 – Use jaw pads If there is any risk of damaging or marring the workpiece, make sure to place jaw pads on the jaw surfaces before you clamp your object.

		Step 4 – Place workpiece Place your workpiece within the jaws of the vice, with the back of the workpiece resting on the stationary jaw’s surface.

		Ensure that the area to be worked on is as close to the edge of the jaws as possible. This will prevent any unwanted vibrations when completing tasks, such as sawing, chipping, filing or drilling.

		Step 5 – Close vice jaws Turn the handle in a clockwise direction to move the sliding jaw inwards, thus closing the vice jaws around the workpiece.

		Keep rotating the handle until the jaws have a firm grip on the workpiece

		Step 6 – Support workpiece Support the end of long workpieces with an adjustable stand (or something similar) to avoid putting extra strain on the vice.

		The workpiece is now securely clamped and ready to be worked on!