Understandi

ng Hand
Tools: Vices.

Exploring essential tools for

metalworking
Introduction
to Vices
Definition of a Vice
A vice is a mechanical tool designed to hold an
object securely in place while work is performed
on it.

Functionality of Vices
The primary function of a vice is to grip a
workpiece firmly, allowing for precise machining
or assembly tasks.
Brief history of the vice
The history of the clamping vice, or vise,
includes the development of clamps, the
invention of cast iron vices, and the introduction
of quick-release vices.
History of vice Modern day vices have developed
The clamping technique was originally developed considerably since the early days of the
in the middle ages with the introduction of clamps parallel vice, due to improvements within the
with threads. manufacturing [Link] concept is still
In 1750, a breakthrough came with the very similar – vices still have two parallel jaws
development of the wooden parallel vice. This was that adjust to hold workpieces of a variety of
a tool that had sliding jaws which moved shapes and sizes, however, the cast iron and
horizontally on adjustable [Link] first cast iron steel that vices are now made of are much
vice was later produced in England in 1830. These stronger than in the early years.
vices were much more durable than the previous
wooden
However,versions.
during this period, iron vices weren’t
ideal as they were made from liquid iron, which,
when poured, produced cavities and left the
casting structure porous and brittle. This meant
the vices would often crack under pressure.
As a solution to this problem, during the late 19th
century, high grade unbreakable vices were made
from forged steel instead, until the quality of cast
iron was improved.
How does a vice work?
Opening the Vice: Turn the handle counterclockwise
to move the movable jaw away from the fixed jaw. This
creates space to place the object
Positioning the Object: Place the object you want to
work on between the jaws.
Securing the Object: Turn the handle clockwise. This
tightens the screw, moving the movable jaw toward
the fixed jaw and clamping the object securely in place
Releasing the Object: Once your work is done, turn
the handle counterclockwise again to release the
object.
Types of Vices and
Their Applications
BENCH VICES WITH FIXED BASE

A workshop bench vice with a fixed base is the most common of all vices.

Made from hardened steel or cast iron, they feature a fixed base that attaches to the workbench and components including a handle, spindle, an adjustable jaw, and
a static jaw.

BENCH VICES WITH 360°SWIVEL BASE

Swivel based bench vices are almost identical to a fixed base vice, with the exception that their base allows for the vice to rotate from side to side.

This vice type is handy when you don’t have a lot of room around you.

VACUUM VICES

Vacuum vices are fitted with a suction pad that holds materials without the risk of marking them.

They are compatible with any material type, providing the workpiece has at least once flat and smooth surface.

CLAMP-ON PORTABLE TABLE VICES

Portable clamp-on vices are equipped with fold-out legs and a clamping system that enables you to work between locations.
You may find these on job sites or for indoor work at client residences. The adjustable jaw in these devices is controlled with a
foot pedal instead of the usual handle.
DRILL PRESS VICES
Drill press vices are designed for use with pillar drills.
They feature a clamping system that stabilizes the vice to your workbench and expandable jaws that hold your workpieces
securely in place during drilling.
METALWORKING VICES
A metal working vices sometimes referred to as a machinist’s vice or an engineer’s vice.
Designed for metalworking applications, metalworking vices feature replaceable jaws, that can be covered with a soft
material to protect the component during use.
WOODWORKING VICES
A woodworking vice is designed to hold wood.
Contrary to other vice types, woodworking vices feature two in-built guide rods, which ensure that both the static and
adjustable jaws always remain parallel.
PIPE VICES
Used primarily in the plumbing industry, pipe vices are designed to hold circular tubes or rods and are the perfect vice to
choose when you need to cut threads into pipes.
In a pipe vice, the static jaw is shaped into an arch and the base allows it to be clamped to the end of a workbench. Some
bench vices can be used as pipe vices, simply by screwing on a pair of interchangeable pipe gripping jaws.
HAND VICES
Hand vices are designed for smaller workpieces and more intricate applications. Used widely in jewelry assembly, hand vices
– like locking pliers – allow you to grip small components of any shape, keeping your fingers clear while performing tasks such
as polishing and sanding.
Many hand vice types come with head pins that enable you to clamp fiddly components more securely. Others feature a
removable handle cover, giving you the option to insert the vice head into a bench vice.
HEAVY-DUTY VICES
A heavy-duty bench vice is what is known as a forged vice. This means that the vice has been made from a solid chunk of
metal, which has been heated and hammered into shape, as opposed to cast from molten metal poured into a mold.
Heavy-duty vices are generally more solid, durable, and stronger than their casted counterparts. They are the type of vice
 Jaw pads (also called vice pads or soft jaws)
are protective coverings or attachments placed
Portable Vices over the jaws of a vice to prevent damage to the
These are designed to be movable and can be workpiece being clamped. They are especially
attached and detached as needed. useful when working with delicate, soft, or
Permanent Vices finished materials that could be scratched,
These are fixed in place, typically bolted or dented, or otherwise damaged by the bare
mounted to a workbench or surface. metal jaws of a vice.
A quick-release feature in a vice is a
mechanism that allows the user to rapidly
open or close the vice's jaws without
having to manually turn the handle
through the entire range. This feature is
particularly useful for saving time when
working with objects of varying sizes
A quick-release vice has a unique
mechanism which includes a split nut. The
nut holds the threaded screw and is
located within the main body of the vice.
The split nut, by means of a lever or handle,
can be removed, thus unlocking the main
screw and allowing the moveable jaw to be
quickly readjusted. When the jaws are in a
suitable position, the nut is then re-engaged
and locks the screw firmly in place.
This mechanism greatly speeds up the
clamping process and relieves the user
from the time-consuming effort of
tightening and loosening the jaws
manually, which is required with a screw-
What are the different vice dimensions?
Vices are available in a variety of different weights
and sizes. A vice’s dimensions, which include its
jaw width, opening capacity and throat depth, can
determine whether a vice is capable of clamping a
certain object.
Wonkee Donkee's Top Tips For Using A Vice
1. Always clamp the workpiece securely, ensuring that the full clamping surface of the
jaws supports the object
2. Do not weld the base of a vice to any metal.
3. Do not use a light-duty vice to clamp a heavy object. Always use a vice which is
designed to hold the weight of the object you wish to work on.
4. Never hammer any parts of the vice, as this will only damage it.
5. Do not add an extension onto the vice handle.
Chiseling: A
Guide to
Chisels
Parts of a Anatomy of a Chisel
Blade: The metal part that does the
Chisel cutting. It’s typically made from hardened
steel.
Bevel: The angled edge of the blade that is
sharpened to create the cutting edge.
Handle: The part you hold, usually made
from wood or plastic. Handles may be
capped with metal for durability when
struck with a mallet.
Ferrule: A metal ring at the junction of the
blade and handle that prevents splitting of
the handle.
1. Flat chisels
These chisels are frequently used for cutting and shaping bars and rods. They are also
used to cut and smooth the surfaces of some sheet metals.

2. Cross out the chisel

These tools, which have a small blade behind the cutting edge of the chisel, are intended
for shaping and cutting grooves and slots.

3. Round nose chisel

Round nose chisels are specifically intended to operate with semi-circular grooves in
bearings for oil routes.

4. Diamond point chisel

The form of this cold chisel is quite beneficial for removing undesired trash and materials
from corners, nooks, and other challenging spots.

5. Cow Mouth Chisel

It has the shape of a cow's largemouth in these types of chisels. That is why it is referred to
as a cow mouth chisel. It is used to make the edges of projecting pieces of plain metal,
rivet heads, and large circular holes. Its forging angle is slanted.

6. Side Cut Chisel

Side-cut chisels are employed in situations where other types of chisels are difficult to use.
This chisel is used to clean the keyway and cotter way.
Chisel Materials and
What They Are Made Of
High-Carbon Steel Chisels
High-carbon steel chisels are known for their durability and ability
to maintain sharp edges over time.

Alloy Steel Chisels

Alloy steel chisels offer enhanced strength and corrosion
resistance, making them suitable for various cutting tasks.

Durability in Chisels
The materials used in chisels contribute to their durability, allowing
for precise cutting through hard materials.
Uses of Chisels and
How to Use Them
Carving and Shaping
Chisels are essential tools for carving and shaping various
materials, especially wood, stone, and metal.

Material Removal
Chisels effectively remove material to achieve desired shapes and
finishes, crucial in woodworking and stone masonry.

Proper Technique
Using a mallet or hammer to strike the chisel is vital for precision
and control during the carving process.
Reamers:
Precision
Tools for Hole
Finishing
Parts of a Reamer

Reamer Body
The body of a reamer provides structure and support for cutting
operations, ensuring stability during use.

Cutting Edges
Cutting edges are designed to remove material precisely, allowing
for smooth and accurate finishing of holes.

Guide Wings
Some reamers include guide wings that help to stabilize the tool
and ensure accurate alignment during cutting.
Types of Reamers and
Their Applications
Hand Reamers
Hand reamers are manually operated tools used for precision
finishing of holes in metalworking.

Machine Reamers
Machine reamers are designed for use in machines and are ideal
for high-speed operations in drilling and finishing.

Adjustable Reamers
Adjustable reamers can be modified to achieve various hole sizes,
making them versatile for different machining tasks.
Reamer Materials and
What They Are Made Of
High-Speed Steel
High-speed steel is a popular material for reamers due to its
excellent hardness and ability to withstand high temperatures
during machining.

Carbide Materials
Carbide materials are known for their exceptional hardness and
wear resistance, making them ideal for high-performance reamers.

Durability in Operations
Both high-speed steel and carbide reamers offer durability for
repeated use, ensuring longevity in finishing operations.
Using a reamer
The square shank of a hand reamer, fits into a
wrench. In this example, a tapered reamer is being
used. The taper enters the drilled hole, and the
reamer is rotated in a clockwise direction. The spiral
flutes help to feed the reamer into the hole.
It is important to keep the reamer perfectly straight,
at the same time as rotating it, during the cutting
process. If the reamer is not held straight, then the
hole will not be straight when finished. To ensure the
reamer is held straight, place it in the hole and turn it
slightly with the wrench and then stop. Stand back
from the work and view the reamer and wrench in
relation to the work. It should be straight in the hole
and square with the work.
When all checks have been carried out, the reamer is
rotated in a clockwise direction, in a smooth
movement, with a small amount of pressure
downwards. Do not reverse the cut, as happens when
tapping a hole. Oil should be added to ease the
cutting. When cutting is finished, continue to rotate
the reamer in a clockwise direction and at the same
time, withdraw it from the work.
Dividers and Calipers
Description:
•Divider: A tool with two pointed legs used for
marking, measuring, or transferring distances.
•Caliper: A measuring instrument with two legs (or
jaws) used to measure internal, external
dimensions, or depths.
Applications:
•Dividers:
• Scribing arcs and circles.
• Transferring measurements from one surface
to another.
•Calipers:
• Measuring diameters, widths, and depths.
• Common in metalworking, woodworking,
and machining.
Combination Square
Description:
•A multi-functional tool with a ruler and
interchangeable heads (e.g., square head,
protractor head, center finder).
Typical Applications:
•Checking 90° and 45° angles.
•Measuring depth, height, and length.
•Marking straight lines or finding the center of
round objects.
Taps and Tapping
Description:
•Tapping is the process of creating internal threads
in a hole using a tap.
Features:
•Taps are cutting tools with threads that match the
required internal thread size.
•Essential for threading holes in metal, wood, or
plastic.
Taps/Dies Problems with Taps (Causes and Solutions)
Description: [Link] Tap:
•Tap: Used to cut internal threads in holes. 1. Cause: Excessive force or poor alignment.
•Die: Used to cut external threads on rods or pipes. 2. Solution: Use proper lubrication and
Use: ensure alignment.
•Creating screw threads to match bolts and nuts. [Link] Threads:
Types and Classification: 1. Cause: Worn tap or insufficient lubrication.
[Link]: 2. Solution: Replace tap and apply cutting
1. Taper Tap: Easier to start threading. fluid.
2. Plug Tap: For threading through holes. [Link] Not Threaded Fully:
3. Bottoming Tap: For threading blind holes. 1. Cause: Tap not advanced fully.
[Link]: 2. Solution: Use a bottoming tap for blind
1. Solid Dies: One-piece design. holes.
2. Adjustable Dies: Allows slight variation in
thread size.
Tap Wrenches and Die Stocks
Description:
•Tap Wrench: A tool for holding and turning taps.
•Die Stock: A handle for securely holding and
rotating dies.
Uses:
•Provides leverage and control during threading
operations.
•Ensures alignment and consistent thread quality.
Spanners, Socket Sets, Parts, and Torque
Wrench
Description:
•Spanners: Tools for gripping and turning nuts
and bolts.
•Socket Sets: Interchangeable tools for
tightening or loosening fasteners.
•Torque Wrench: Measures and applies specific
torque to a fastener.
Care:
•Clean after use and store in a dry place to
Punches
prevent rust.
Types:
•Avoid over-tightening to prevent damage.
•Hollow Punches: Cut out holes in materials.
•Centre Punch: Marks a starting point for
drilling.
•Pin Punch: Drives pins out of holes.
Care:
•Avoid using on hardened materials.
•Keep tips sharp and clean.
Screw Extractors
Description:
•Removes broken or stripped screws by drilling into
them and turning them out.
Care:
•Use the correct size for the screw.
•Clean threads after use to maintain efficiency.
Screwdrivers
Description:
•Tools for driving or removing screws (flathead,
Phillips, star etc.).
Care:
•Avoid using as a pry bar.
•Store in a toolbox to protect tips.
Shifting Spanners
Description:
•Adjustable spanner for gripping various bolt sizes.
Care:
•Clean and lubricate the adjustment mechanism
regularly.
•Avoid over-tightening to prevent wear
Stilson Wrench
Description:
•A pipe wrench with adjustable jaws for gripping
pipes and round objects.
Care:
•Keep jaws clean and free of oil.
•Avoid overtightening to preserve jaw alignment.
Tinsnips
Description:
•Hand tools for cutting thin metal sheets.
Care:
•Keep blades sharp and free of rust.
•Use only for the materials they are designed for.
Pliers
Types:
[Link] Cutters: Cut wires and small pins.
[Link] Nose: Grip small objects in tight spaces.
[Link] Pump Pliers: Adjustable for gripping
pipes and large objects.
[Link] Grip: Locking pliers for holding objects
firmly.
[Link] Pliers: Install or remove circlips.
Care:
•Clean jaws and pivot points.
•Lubricate moving parts to prevent stiffness.
Pop Rivet Gun
Description:
•Installs pop rivets to join materials together.
Care:
•Keep moving parts clean and lubricated.
•Use correct rivet sizes for the task.
Hammers
Description:
•Tools for driving nails, shaping metal, or breaking
objects.
Care:
•Ensure handles are secure and free of cracks.
•Clean striking surfaces after use.
Anvil
Description:
•Heavy block used for shaping metal.
Care:
•Keep surface clean and free of rust.
•Avoid striking hard materials directly to prevent
dents.
G-Clamps
Description:
•Clamping tools for holding materials together
during work.
Care:
•Lubricate the screw threads.
•Store in a dry place to prevent rust.
Conclusion
Understanding Hand Application of Tools Safety Practices
Tools
Knowledge of how vices, chisels, and Correct application of these hand Following safety practices when
reamers function is crucial for tools improves the quality of work using hand tools is essential to
effective use in various tasks. and reduces the risk of accidents. prevent injuries and ensure a safe
working environment.