Bench Vise
A fixed jaw clamp bolted to a workbench that holds work firmly for sawing, filing, and drilling.
What is it?
The bench vise is a heavy-duty clamp fixed to a workbench with parallel jaws and a screw handle. It holds stock securely for two-hand work like sawing, filing, and drilling.
What is it used for?
- Holding work for cutting and filing
- Supporting stock for drilling
- Clamping during assembly
How to choose
Choose jaw width to the work; 4-6 inch is general. Soft jaw pads protect finished material.
Anatomy
Understanding the parts of a bench vise helps you use, maintain, and buy it with confidence.
- Body: the main working portion of the tool
- Working end: the part that contacts the material
- Handle: the part you grip for control and leverage
Materials & construction
Quality bench vises are made from hardened, heat-treated steel (often chrome-vanadium or high-carbon) chosen for strength, edge retention, and resistance to wear and corrosion.
Safety & maintenance
- Inspect the tool before use and replace any that are worn or damaged
- Use the right tool for the job and apply controlled force
- Store tools clean and dry to prevent corrosion
- Wear appropriate eye protection for the work
Also known as
workbench vise, engineer vise