You have to work precisely , but you don’t have a free hand to hold the workpiece? A vice is the remedy and fixes workpieces of any kind. So nothing shakes or slips anymore and nothing stands in your way of fast and precise work.
You can find out what type of vice you should choose and what size you need in our checklist. A practical selection of vises can be found in our product recommendations.
- There are many different types of vices. These include the precision mechanic’s vise, the machine vise, the bench vise, the pipe vise, the blacksmith’s vise and the carpenter’s vise
- However, the most commonly used model is the parallel vise. Also known as the anvil vise, this variant is attached to the workbench with screws or table clamps and has both a movable jaw and a fixed jaw.
- Vises are very often made of cast iron or cast steel. They are sturdy, but the rather brittle material makes them much less durable than a forged steel vise.
- Forged steel vices are somewhat more expensive to purchase, but can withstand even the highest pressure and are very durable.
- The respective clamping range indicates how wide the workpiece you want to machine may be. The possibilities here can vary greatly. The clamping width can be in a range from approx. 100 mm up to 225 mm.
- Here, too, it depends on the size. The wider the jaws are, the higher the force you can exert on the workpiece. In addition, the large-area and even distribution of the contact pressure also has many advantages.
- The jaw width can be between 100 mm and 200 mm.
- For do-it-yourselfers, a jaw width of 100 to 140 mm is usually sufficient.
- For professional use , you should go for a vise with a jaw width of at least 150 mm , so that you can also clamp larger workpieces without any problems.
- Replaceable jaw s are also practical, as you can simply unscrew them and replace them as needed.
- The higher the dead weight of the vise, the lower the risk of it slipping or wobbling.
- Depending on the model, a clamping force of up to 4 tons can be achieved. The weight of the vices can be just 4 kg, but also much more than 30 kg .
Table of contents
Recommended Vises
We have compiled the best and most interesting vises. You can find the list with our product recommendations here.
![[Upgraded] Bench Vise 6” - Table Vice For Workbench, Utility Vise with Heavy Duty Cast Iron, Multi-Jaw, 270 Degree Swivel Base, Larger Anvil, Easy Adjustment for Woodworking, Workshop DIY Uses](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/514Wxdk0TOL.jpg)
Tip: You can find practical side cutters in our guide to side cutters.
The Best Sellers Of Vises
In a list of bestsellers we have compiled the most popular vises for you.
Tip: A healthy back is important for your well-being. Check out our guide to back stretchers.
Current Offers Of Vises
You can find the best current offers on vises in this list.
FAQ About Vises
A vice is a tool for fixing workpieces. It consists of two jaws that can be tightened or widened by thread.
The choice of brand is up to you. You can find a wide selection in our product recommendations.
The size of the vise depends on the size of the workpiece you want to fix. Basically, a width of 150 mm is sufficient for the home workshop, for professional use a larger width should be chosen.
Vices are available from about 100 €. Large vises quickly cost over € 1000.
A vise can be fixed by screw clamps where it is needed. A heavy vise is harder to move and therefore wobbles less, but this makes it less easy to move.
The jaw width should be matched to the width of the workpieces
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