Jaw opening
Clamping width provided by vise or clamp (see "Type")
In this case, the width of the clamp means the maximum distance that the jaws or stops of the tool can be spread, in other words, the maximum size of an object that can be clamped with this device.
Large clamping width, on the one hand, makes the tool more versatile and expands its capabilities; on the other hand, it affects the dimensions, weight and price, and also makes it difficult to work with small objects (a large tool is poorly suited for this). So, when choosing according to this parameter, you should not chase after the maximum margin, but take into account the size of the parts that you really plan to work with: for example, it hardly makes sense to buy a 500 mm clamp if you need a clamp for gluing plywood planks together.
Jaw width
Tool jaw width. It is indicated mainly for vices (see "Type") — among the clamps there are not so many models equipped with jaws.
Larger jaws provide a more secure hold, especially with large workpiece sizes, but make it difficult to work with small parts, and also affect the dimensions and weight of the entire tool.
Design features
—
Swivel base. This feature is found exclusively in the vise (see "Type"). It means that the tool can be rotated in a horizontal plane relative to the base. This gives additional features for choosing the position of the workpiece, which in some cases turns out to be very useful — for example, if the position of the part needs to be changed during processing, it can be easier to turn the tool on the base than to open the jaws and rearrange the part.
—
Graduation of the limb scale. This feature is found in a vise in which the working part with jaws can somehow move relative to the base — in particular, in three-axis and cross models (see "Design"). The scale of the limb allows you to accurately determine how far it was displaced or at what angle the working part was rotated relative to the base; this is indispensable for jobs that require high precision.
—
Anvil. Anvils are used in a vise (see "Type"). Such a device has the form of a special platform, capable of enduring fairly strong blows without consequences; it can be used for straightening, riveting, simple forging and other similar operations. Of course, when using an anvil, it is worth making sure that the workbench, table or other support on which the vise is mounted must also withstand such blows. However, built-in anvils are usually small and not designed for operations with very high impact force
...s.
— Hinge mechanism. In a vice (see "Type") with this feature, the working part is connected to the base with a hinge. Thanks to this, it can be freely rotated 360 ° in a horizontal plane and tilted in any direction. This can be especially useful when working with non-standard-shaped parts, as well as with workpieces whose position needs to be changed during processing — instead of changing the position of the part in the clamp every time, it is more convenient to turn and tilt the vise itself on the hinge.
— Vacuum mechanism. A mechanism that operates on the principle of a conventional suction cup and allows the tool to reliably “stick” to flat surfaces. The device and application of such a mechanism depend on the type and design of the tool. So, among the clamps (see "Type"), models for plates are equipped with this function (see "Design") — in such devices a pair of suction cups is provided, thanks to which the clamp is attached to the plates to be joined. But in a vice, a vacuum mechanism is used to fix the tool itself on a workbench, desktop or other base. This design is found among relatively small models — for large and heavy vices, the vacuum mechanism is poorly suited.
— Double focus. The presence of a double stop in the design of the clamp (see "Type"). Features of such an emphasis in different models may vary: for example, in F-shaped models (see "Design"), only one side of the emphasis, located on the fixed part of the structure, is usually bifurcated; and in clamping models, U-shaped stops are installed on both sides. Anyway, this feature increases the contact area of the clamp with the workpiece. This has several advantages at once: for the same clamping force, the pressure is lower, which reduces the risk of damaging the surface; the probability of deformation of the workpiece is reduced; a long section can be covered with fewer clamps.
— Replaceable sponges. Possibility to replace vise jaws or clamps (see "Type"). In most tools, it is the jaws that, due to constant contact with the workpieces, wear out the fastest; in addition, they can be made of soft materials that are not particularly resistant to wear. Thus, some models provide the possibility of replacing the jaws — this is more reasonable than changing a completely serviceable tool as a whole.
