Clamps & Vises

When you're in your workshop engaging in metalworking or woodworking, there are times that large pieces of wood or other materials need to be held steady while you work on the piece. If the material isn't held steady, mistakes can easily occur. There are a diverse variety of clamps and vises available to hold objects of varying sizes and weights firmly in place, so you can easily make repairs and perform tasks without worrying about how to support objects. Whether you want to affix an object to a work bench or other work area or clamp two objects together, clamps and vises are wonderful hand tools for a variety of applications. Consider adding other tools and equipment to your tool shed to stay prepared for anything.

Construction

The first thing to look for when purchasing a clamp or vise is its surface area and jaws. Vises generally have a much larger surface area and are better for heavy-duty jobs that require holding large pieces. Serrated jaws made from hardened steel provide a bit of traction to help establish a secure grip on any object. Clamps and vises made from copper are excellent conduits of electricity, making them ideal for electrical jobs. Choose a vise with built-in pipe jaws to clamp on to tubing and other cylindrical objects, rather than just flat materials.

Operation

The width between jaws can be easily adjusted using a swivel handle or turn screw. Easily increase or decrease the space between jaws with a few simple turns of a rotating bar. Look for clamps and vises with a double-lockdown design to ensure maximum stability.