Vices

A vice is a robust mechanical workholding device designed to provide rigid, non-slip clamping for a workpiece, enabling various machining, fabrication, assembly, and finishing operations to be performed with stability and precision. These integral tools, common across industrial settings, typically feature two jaws: one fixed and a parallel-moving jaw, which is actuated by a robust screw mechanism.

This design effectively creates significant and uniform clamping pressure, firmly securing the workpiece against operational forces. This robust support allows vices to directly contribute to increased worker safety, reliable high-quality results, and optimised efficiency across metalworking, woodworking, and general engineering fields.

Types of Vices

Understanding the different types of vices available is key to selecting the right tool for specific industrial applications. Each design offers unique benefits tailored to various materials and tasks.

Bench and Hand Vices

Bench and hand vices are essential mechanical tools designed to securely hold workpieces, facilitating accurate and safe operations. Bench vices, typically mounted to a workbench, provide exceptional stability for demanding tasks like drilling, welding, or metal filing. Constructed from robust materials such as cast iron or steel, many bench vices incorporate features like quick-release mechanisms or swivel bases. These additions significantly enhance efficiency, especially in high-volume or fast-paced environments.

Hand vices, conversely, are smaller, portable tools designed for lighter, more intricate work where mobility is required. They are commonly used by professionals like electricians, plumbers, carpenters, car mechanics, engineers, and serious DIY enthusiasts across various workshops.

Pin Vices

Pin vices are small, handheld devices, similar to a screwdriver, specifically designed to hold very small drill bits, files, reamers, or blades with high precision. They have adjustable chuck heads that can accommodate different size collets, allowing for versatility with various miniature tools.

There are numerous uses for a pin vice, particularly in intricate and delicate work. They are commonly employed by computer engineers for tasks like adding/removing chips from motherboards or working in hard-to-reach areas. Beyond electronics, their versatility also makes them useful for:

Sculptors/artists: For precise detailing and carving.
Electricians: For delicate wiring and soldering.
Jewellers & watchmakers: For intricate work on small components.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vice

Selecting the ideal vice for an industrial application requires careful consideration. Choosing the right tool ensures optimal performance, safety, and longevity.

Type of Work: Different tasks demand different vice capabilities. For heavy metalworking or fabrication, you'll need a robust engineer's vice or heavy-duty bench vice. For detailed joinery, a dedicated woodworking vice offers precision and stability for timber. Assess the primary materials and processes you'll be working with.
Size and jaw capacity: Consider the typical dimensions of the workpieces you'll be clamping. The vice's jaw width and opening must be sufficient to securely hold your materials.
Mounting and portability: Decide if you need a permanently mounted bench vice for stability, or a portable solution (like a hand vice or clamp-on type) for versatility.
Material and build quality: The vice's material (e.g., cast iron, ductile iron, forged steel) impacts its durability and strength. High-quality construction ensures it withstands impacts and heavy use.
Jaw type and surface: Vices come with various jaw types. Smooth jaws are ideal for delicate materials, while serrated or grooved jaws offer enhanced grip for rough items. Some have interchangeable jaw pads or pipe jaws, particularly useful for a wood vice or specific metalworking vice tasks.
Budget: Balance your budget with required performance. Investing in a durable, high-quality vice can be more cost-efficient long-term due to fewer replacements and improved productivity.

Applications of Engineer's Vices

Engineer's vices are incredibly versatile and find crucial applications across a wide range of industries in New Zealand, providing stability and precision:

Woodworking: Woodworking vices are fundamental for carpentry and joinery. They hold timber securely for planing, sawing, and chiselling. Workshops bench vices are indeed ideal for woodworking, allowing for comfortable wood crafting, and ensuring a secure grip. Features like quick-release mechanisms or dog holes facilitate efficient clamping of irregular shapes or long boards, making intricate joinery comfortable and precise. A wood vice is an essential tool for repetitive and fast jobs due to such features.
Metalworking: In metal fabrication, engineering workshops, and blacksmithing, robust vices are essential for holding metal components during tasks like cutting, filing, grinding, drilling, welding, and threading. Their strong clamping force ensures the workpiece remains rigid, crucial for accuracy and safety in any metalworking vice application. Workshops bench vices are also ideal for these professional applications, offering the stability needed for demanding tasks.
Automotive and mechanical workshops: Mechanics rely on vices for tasks ranging from disassembling engine components, holding parts for repair, to bending metal. A sturdy bench vice is an indispensable tool here for maintenance and fabrication within the automotive sector.
Electronics and precision engineering: For soldering, wiring, and assembly work, both small tools like pin vices and larger engineer's vices are essential. They securely hold enclosures, circuit boards, and components. Precision is key to avoiding damage.
Plumbing and pipefitting: Vices designed with specialised pipe jaws or attachments are crucial for securely holding pipes for threading, cutting, bending, or joining. This ensures stability during critical pipework.

Find the Perfect Vice for Every Task

The right vice is an indispensable asset for precision, safety, and efficiency in any workshop or industrial setting. Whether you need a heavy-duty bench vice for robust metalworking, a specialised woodworking vice or wood vice for fine timber projects, or a precise engineer's vice for intricate tasks, RS NZ has the solution.

Explore our selection online today to discover the ideal clamping tool that will empower your team to achieve superior results with confidence.

Ordering & Delivery Information for NZ

At RS NZ, we make getting the industrial parts you need straightforward and reliable. As part of the global RS Group, we stock an unparalleled range from top brands like RS PRO, SAM, and Irwin. Our user-friendly website also features a wide variety of tools like zip ties, thumb screws, and clamps, alongside other workshop essentials.

We know timely supply is crucial. That's why RS NZ offers dependable delivery across New Zealand, ensuring your vital components arrive promptly. For more details on ordering and delivery, please visit our delivery page.