Vises & Clamps: specifications, types

— Vise. A vise is a device for fixing certain parts for the purpose of processing. The working element of the vise is a pair of parallel jaws; these jaws are compressed using a special mechanism (see "Compression mechanism"), and after compression they remain in this position. Most vises are of a stationary design, and when used, they are fixed to a workbench, bed, or other fixture, with only one of the jaws remaining movable.

— Clamp. An auxiliary device for pressing parts together or for fixing a part on a workbench, tabletop or other plane. It is a kind of portable clamp that can be easily moved from place to place and used regardless of the presence of a desktop nearby. Clamps can vary both in size and in design and purpose (for more details, see "Design")

General purpose of a vice (see "Type"). This parameter determines their design and application features.

— Locksmiths. A traditional vise designed primarily to hold a workpiece over a workbench for subsequent manual processing. The name "locksmith" is rather arbitrary, such tools can also be used for carpentry, plastic processing, etc. However, the main purpose of most of these vices is to work with metal parts. Note that there are locksmith models supplemented with pipe mounts, however, they are placed in a separate category — see below about it.

— Carpentry. Carpenter's vise has a special case: the lead screw is placed under the tabletop, which allows not to clutter up the working space of the table. There is no massive body in the carpentry vice, as in locksmith models, because there is no need to apply great force to press soft workpieces. Such a vise is designed for fixing workpieces made of soft materials (wood, plastic, etc.).

— Machine tools. A vice designed for clamping workpieces on various machines — drilling, milling, etc. The simplest machine vices have a characteristic "flat" layout with a small height and large width, while the movable sponge in them rests directly on the base of the structure and moves along special guides. Another type of machine vice is advanced two- and three-axis models, for m...ore details on them, see "Design".

— For pipes. Vice for fixing pipes and other similar parts. They have the appearance of a characteristic U-shaped frame mounted on a base that plays the role of a fixed sponge; the movable sponge moves up and down between the legs of the letter “P”, and the frame itself is usually made open, which allows you to put on a vice even on long and closed pipes. Note that in extreme cases, ordinary bench vise can also be used for pipes (see the relevant paragraph); however, specialized models are more functional and reliable. Their disadvantage is that the maximum diameter of the clamped pipes is limited by the width of the frame.

— Locksmith / for pipes. A vice that can be used both as a metalwork and for fixing pipes. In fact, they are a kind of bench vise, differ from traditional models by the presence of special protrusions under the main jaws — these protrusions are responsible for fixing the pipes. In some situations, this design provides an advantage over specialized "pipe" vices (see above): in a combination vice, you do not need to open the frame to fix a closed or long pipe. Yes, and the diameter restrictions in them are not so strict — in some models, the maximum pipe diameter is comparable to the width of the clamp. However, this nuance is still worth clarifying separately.

— G-shaped. The simplest type of clamps (see "Type"). It consists of a frame in the form of the letter "C", in which one "horn" plays the role of a fixed sponge, and on the second there is a clamping mechanism (usually screw, see "Compression mechanism") with a movable stop. Such models are simple and at the same time quite reliable and functional. Of their shortcomings, one can only note the limited width of the clamp — it cannot be greater than the width of the frame.

— F-shaped. Design resembling the shape of the letter "F". It is used exclusively in clamps (see "Type"). If you arrange such a clamp similarly to the letter "F", then its device can be described as follows. The upper horizontal crossbar is rigidly fixed on a vertical "stand" (long rail) and plays the role of a fixed sponge. The lower crossbar is made movable and can move along the rail, and the clamping can be done with a screw or with a trigger mechanism (see "Compression mechanism"). Anyway, the design of the F-shaped clamps is such that the tool can be adjusted to the width of the clamp by moving the movable part to the desired distance relative to the fixed one. At the same time, the rails can be quite long, which gives very extensive possibilities for the use of such tools; in some models, the width of the clamp (see the relevant paragraph) exceeds 1 m. Among the disadvantages of this option, it can be noted that the mechanism...for fixing the moving part gradually wears out and may fail. In addition, such models are relatively poorly suited for large loads, both because of the peculiarities of the fixing mechanism and because of the risk of rack deformation at high forces.

— Corner. Clamps (see "Type"), designed to fix two parts or surfaces located at an angle of 90 ° to each other. The specific design of such tools can be different: for example, some models use a fixed part in the form of a corner and two separate clamping mechanisms, others use one common movable stop and two fixed planes. Anyway, such tools are indispensable when working with corner joints.

— Pipe. A specialized type of clamp (see "Type"), designed to work with pipes. The classic pipe clamp consists of two separate halves, each of which has a cylindrical hole for the pipe; while on one of them there is a fixed sponge, on the second — a movable element, a clamping mechanism, usually with a screw. These halves are put on the ends of the pipe and fixed on them, after which, with the help of sponges, the clamp, together with the pipe threaded into it, is fixed on a workbench, desktop or other similar object. Note that such clamps are made for pipes of a certain diameter. Also note that such tools can be used similarly to conventional clamps — to compress certain parts; the pipe in such cases plays the role of a rail on which stops are installed. Due to this design, it is possible to achieve an almost unlimited width of the clamp — the main thing is to find a pipe of the desired length. In addition, pipe clamps are also called F-shaped clamps (see the relevant paragraph), supplemented by concave clamping jaws to cover the pipe from the sides.

— Tape. Clamps (see "Type"), the action of which is based on the use of a strong synthetic tape. There are two main types of these tools. The first variety can be called "annular": they have a working part in the form of a ring divided into several segments, a tape is passed through them, when pulled, the ring is compressed. Segments are usually made 4, each has a recess in the form of a right angle on the inside — thanks to this, the clamp can be put on a rectangular object and squeezed from all sides. However, other options for using such tools are also possible. The second type of tape clamps has the form of two clamping jaws connected by a tape; the length of the tape can be several metres. Such tools are used, in particular, when installing floor coverings — they allow you to effectively press "end to end" flat and relatively thin parts, for example, individual laminate slabs.

— Chain. A variety of clamps (see "Type"), which uses a chain covering the workpiece as a working element; the compression mechanism, respectively, ensures the tightening of the chain loop. Such a tool can be useful for working with rounded objects such as pipes, as well as irregularly shaped parts that are poorly suited to more traditional types of clamps.

— Clamp. A specific type of clamp (see "Type") using a lever and/or screw mechanism (see "Compression mechanism") and used as stationary clamps. Such a clamp is attached to a certain plane, usually with the help of bolts, and the role of the working element in it is played by the stop on the swivel mount, which, when the lever is pressed, lowers to the plane and presses the fixed workpiece to it. In common parlance, such a tool is sometimes referred to as a "woodpecker" — the stroke of the stop resembles the movement of a bird's beak. The stop is usually equipped with a screw mechanism for adjusting to the thickness of the fixed part.

— Parallel. The main feature of this type of clamps are two clamping screws; in this case, the frame is usually absent in the design, and the jaws are interconnected exclusively by screws. Thanks to this arrangement, the clamping surfaces of the clamp constantly remain parallel during movement, which is important for some precise work. On the other hand, when working with such a clamp, you need to rotate both screws at the same time, which is not as convenient as in more traditional devices. Therefore, it makes sense to pay attention to this option in cases where the mentioned parallelism of the edges is crucial.

— Clamp. A kind of clamps (see “Type”), which is a kind of “reverse pliers”: if in pliers you need to press the handles to compress the jaws, then in the clamping clamps the jaws are compressed by themselves, and pressing the handles opens them. In other words, such devices work similarly to conventional clothespins. Their key advantage is the speed of work: the clamp opens and closes almost instantly, there is no need to turn the screw and wait for the jaws to converge / disperse to the desired distance. On the other hand, such tools operate at relatively low clamping forces; it is difficult to achieve a large clamping force in them.

— Spacer. Clamps (see "Type"), the specifics of the device of which is already clear from the name: they are used not as clamps, but as spacers. The design and use of such tools can be different: for example, some models are long and are used in door / window openings and other similar places; others are small and can “wedge” even into a narrow gap, which can be useful, for example, when installing flooring.

— For edges. Clamps (see "Type") used to install (glue) edge trims. Two types of such tools are produced — full-size, which can be used independently, and adapters designed to turn traditional clamps into edge clamps. The full length edge clamp has a C-shaped frame and two sets of clamps. One set is a pair of sponges on the "horns" of the letter "C", with the help of which the device is fixed on a board, tabletop or other plane, the edge of which must be pressed. The second clamp is fixed in the middle of the letter "C", it is a movable stop that moves parallel to the "horns" and, when tightened, presses the edge. The adapter, in turn, is mounted on a G-shaped or F-shaped clamp and plays the role of a second stop, with which you can clamp the edge.

— For plates. Clamps (see "Type"), designed to fasten plates "edge to edge" — for example, laminate parts when installing flooring. An obligatory element of equipment for such tools is a vacuum mechanism (see "Design Features"): with its help, the clamp is attached to the parts to be connected, and due to the movement of the suction cups, these parts are pressed against each other.

— 2-axis. The design used in the vise (see "Type"). The jaws of such a tool can be rotated in a horizontal plane and tilted (left or right or back and forth, depending on the model). This allows you to choose the position of the jaws with the workpiece clamped in them that is most convenient for work. The design often provides for scales for determining the angle of rotation.

— 3-axis. Design variant found in a vise (see "Type"). The jaws of such tools can be rotated around three axes: rotated in a horizontal plane, as well as tilted back and forth and left and right. This gives a very wide range of tool settings, the three-axis design allows you to place the clamped header in positions inaccessible to conventional (non-rotary) vices. In addition, such features are indispensable in cases where the position of the workpiece needs to be periodically changed: instead of opening the jaws and re-clamping the part in them, it is more convenient to turn the vise on the base. For added convenience, scales are often provided in the design to allow you to determine the angle of rotation. Three-axis models are often used as machine tools (see "Purpose of a vice").

— Cross. The design used in some models of machine vise (see "Purpose of the vise"). The working part of such a vise is made movable, it can move in the longitudinal and transverse directions relative to the base; each direction is responsible for its own movement mechanism, usually screw, and the screws are located crosswise, hence the name. Thanks to this design, it is easy to move the jaws with the part clamped in them, selecting the required position of the workpiece relative to the working tool of the machine.

Type of mechanism used to compress a vise or clamp

— Screw. The classic type of mechanism, one of the most common in vices and clamps. In accordance with the name, the basis of such a mechanism is a screw, due to the rotation of which the stop or clamping sponge moves. Screw mechanisms are simple and at the same time quite practical, durable and reliable; Separately, we note that they allow you to change the distance between the jaws in a fairly wide range.

— Lever. A mechanism based on a lever, when pressed, the clamping is carried out. One of the advantages of such mechanisms over screw ones is the high speed of work: clamping and releasing the workpiece occurs almost instantly. On the other hand, when the lever is moved, the stroke of the sponge turns out to be very small, and the lever mechanism itself does not allow you to adjust the vise / clamp for different sizes of workpieces — for this you need to provide additional devices (movable jaws with a lock) or use a combined lever-screw mechanism ( see the relevant paragraph).

— Lever-screw. Combination of lever and screw mechanism in one device. Found in clamps (see "Type"). The specific meaning of this combination may be different. So, in clamping and clamping models (see "Design"), the screw serves to adjust the clamp stops to the dimensions of the workpiece, and with t...he help of the lever, clamping is carried out directly. And in tape models used for laying floor coverings (see ibid.), the screw is used on an additional stop that rests against the wall; clamp jaws are compressed exclusively with a lever.

— Trigger. A variation of the mechanism used exclusively in F-shaped clamps (see "Design"). In such tools, the movable sponge is equipped with a handle with a trigger guard (trigger), when you press this bracket, the sponge moves a few millimetres in the direction of compression. Thus, to secure the clamp, you need to press the trigger several times; a special lever is provided to open the clamp. Trigger F-clamps are somewhat more expensive and more bulky than screw clamps, and it is also difficult to adjust the clamping force in them; but they work much faster.

— Lever-trigger. Slightly extended version of the trigger mechanism (see the relevant paragraph): the jaws of the clamp are reduced to the desired distance using the trigger, and the final fixation is carried out by the lever. This somewhat increases the reliability of fastening and clamping force, but complicates the design, and therefore this version of the mechanism is quite rare.

— Trigger-screw. A modified version of the trigger mechanism (see the relevant paragraph): an additional clamping screw mechanism is installed on the movable jaw, which moves along the rail by pressing the trigger. Due to this, the tool combines high speed (due to the trigger mechanism) and the ability to fine-tune the width of the jaws and the clamping force (using the screw).

— Drum-screw. A rather specific type of mechanism found in some band clamps (see "Design"). The tape in such tools is wound on a drum with a handle, with the help of this handle, preliminary tightening is carried out, and finally the clamp is “pressed” using a screw mechanism — this is more convenient in terms of ergonomics than using only the drum.

— Spring. Type of mechanism used exclusively in clamping clamps (see "Design"). In such tools, the sponges are pressed against each other due to the action of the spring, and in order to open them, you need to press the handles, overcoming the force of the spring. Such a mechanism provides a stable clamping force; on the other hand, this force is relatively small and cannot be regulated.

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.

The depth of clamping provided by a vise or clamp (see "Type").

This parameter specifies how deep the clamped part can go between the jaws or stops until its edge rests against the tool. When choosing according to the depth of the clamp, note that a large depth accordingly affects the dimensions, weight and price of the tool.

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.

Tool jaw height. It is indicated mainly for machine vices (see "Purpose of a vice") — among the clamps there are not so many models equipped with jaws, and for other types of vices this parameter is not so critical. In the case of a machine tool, the height of the jaws actually corresponds to the clamping depth (see above)

Clamping force provided by a vise or clamp (see "Type").

This parameter describes the force with which the fixture is able to compress the fixed parts. It is measured in kilonewtons; Recall that 10 newtons approximately correspond to a force of 1 kg, so, for example, 1.5 kN is about 150 kg.

On the one hand, the greater the clamping force, the more powerful and advanced the tool is, the wider the potential scope of its application. On the other hand, high efforts are not always required, on the contrary: when working with soft or delicate materials, it is necessary to limit the pressure force, and not all tools have such an opportunity. Therefore, when choosing, you should proceed from what materials you plan to work with and what tasks to solve. Note that for general use, in most cases, a force of 1.5 – 2 kN is sufficient; more detailed recommendations for specific tasks can be found in special sources.

The length of the tape used in the band clamp (see "Design").

The meaning of this parameter depends on the specific type of band clamp. If we are talking about a "ring" device, then the length of the tape directly depends on what perimeter it can cover. For clamps with a "straight" design, the length of the tape approximately corresponds to the width of the clamp (see above) — that is, the maximum distance that the jaws can be spread. However, in both cases, this parameter has common features: on the one hand, a longer tape length gives more opportunities and allows you to work with larger parts, on the other hand, it makes the tool more bulky and expensive.

The diameter of the pipes for which the vice or clamp of the corresponding purpose is designed (see "Purpose of the vice", "Design").

The meaning of this parameter depends on the type and design features of the tool. So, classic pipe clamps, which have a detachable design and are put on the pipe from different ends, are made for specific pipe diameters and in most cases cannot be used with parts of other sizes. And in the case of a vice, this paragraph indicates the maximum diameter of the pipe that can be clamped with a tool; a larger part simply does not fit in the frame.

— 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.

Method of mounting the vice to the tabletop:

— Clamp. Fixation with a clamp attached to the edge of the table. Clamps are more limited in the choice of installation location than bolts - such a fastener cannot be installed in the middle of a tabletop. At the same time, such installation is much simpler both during the initial installation and when moving the structure from place to place: there is no need to drill the table to prepare a place for the bolts.

— Through (bolted). Installation using bolts inserted into through holes in the tabletop. The main advantages of this option are reliability, as well as the ability to choose the installation point almost anywhere on the countertop. On the other hand, the installation procedure itself is quite complicated and requires permanent placement in one place, without moving - after all, it is necessary to drill holes for the bolts.

— Vacuum (suction cup). A mechanism that operates on the principle of a conventional suction cup and allows the tool to reliably “stick” to flat surfaces. The design and application of such a mechanism depend on the type and design of the tool. Thus, among clamps (see “Type”), models for plates are equipped with this function (see “Design”) - such devices provide a pair of suction cups, thanks to which the clamp is attached to the plates being connected. But in a vice, a...vacuum mechanism is used to fix the tool itself on a workbench, work table or other base. This design is found among relatively small models - the vacuum mechanism is poorly suited for large and heavy vices.

The main material used in the construction of the tool.

— Steel. In most cases, we are talking about classic tool steel — high-carbon or alloyed; both varieties have increased hardness and abrasion resistance. At a relatively low cost, this material is reliable, durable, practical and suitable for even the most powerful tools operating under high loads. But the resistance to corrosion of tool steel can be different: in particular, its carbon varieties do not tolerate contact with moisture, it is advisable to protect products from such materials from moisture and lubricate for storage. Anyway, detailed recommendations for the maintenance of the tool can be found in the instructions for it.

— Cast iron. Cast iron is the "closest relative" of steel and differs from it primarily in its higher carbon content. This material is somewhat cheaper, but more fragile and less reliable, which is why it is poorly suited for high loads and is less resistant to shock.

— Aluminium. The main advantage of aluminium alloys can be called a small weight; in addition, they are excellently resistant to corrosion. At the same time, such materials are poorly suited for high loads, and therefore are mainly used in relatively compact tools that are not designed for high working forces.

— Plastic. Plastic is inexpensive and weighs a litt...le, but it is noticeably inferior in strength even to aluminium and cast iron, not to mention steel. Therefore, it is used not so much as the main body material, but as a material for stops and linings; many "plastic" models are actually steel or aluminium tools, complete with plastic parts. The meaning of this design is that the plastic stops are very gentle on the compressible parts, making them suitable even for delicate materials; and thanks to the metal base, the clamping force in such tools can be quite high.

— Tree. The tree has a relatively low strength, therefore it is used only in certain models of clamps, and only sponges or stops are made from it — the rest of the structure is made of metal. Such tools cannot provide high clamping force, but this is not required, wooden clamps have a different specialization: they are designed for relatively soft and delicate materials that can be damaged by hard metal jaws or excessive clamping force.

— Magnesium. Magnesium alloys combine light weight, high strength and excellent corrosion resistance. On the other hand, their price is also quite high, which is why such materials are rare — mainly in clamps (see "Type"), which use relatively little metal.

— Zinc. Zinc alloys are quite durable and resist corrosion well. However, in terms of reliability and working properties, they are generally inferior to steel, and therefore are relatively rare.