Types of Vices in Workshop

Published: 3 Oct 2025

A vice is one of the most essential tools in any workshop. It firmly holds a workpiece so that cutting, shaping, drilling, or assembly can be done safely and with precision. Whether in carpentry, plumbing, metalworking, or tool-making, different vices serve unique purposes. In this article, we’ll explore the types of vices in the workshop, their parts, and their practical uses.

What is Vice

A vice is a mechanical device designed to grip and hold objects securely in place. It generally has two jaws, one fixed and one movable, that are tightened together using a screw mechanism. By holding the workpiece firmly, a vice reduces movement, which makes operations like filing, sawing, and drilling much more accurate and safer.

Bench Vice Parts Name

A bench vice is one of the most common workshop vices. Its parts include:

Base: Provides stability and mounts the vice to the workbench.

Fixed Jaw: The stationary jaw that holds one side of the workpiece.

Movable Jaw: Moves forward and backward to grip materials of various sizes.

Jaw Plates: Hardened steel plates fitted to the jaws for durability and grip strength.

Spindle (Threaded Screw): Controls the movement of the movable jaw.

Handle: Inserted into the spindle, allowing the operator to open or close the jaws easily

What is Bench Vice

A bench vice is a fixed device mounted on a workbench. It is mainly used to hold workpieces firmly for filing, cutting, hammering, and drilling. Bench vices are versatile, strong, and designed to withstand daily wear and tear, making them essential in almost every workshop.

Types of Bench Vices

1. Simple Bench Vice

The simple bench vice is the most basic type, consisting of a fixed base and jaws that open and close with a screw. It is widely used in general tasks such as filing, cutting, and assembling. Its simple construction makes it affordable, durable, and easy to use for everyday projects.

2. Swivel Base Bench Vice

This type of vice can rotate on its base, allowing the operator to adjust the workpiece angle without removing it. The swivel function provides flexibility, especially when working on complex shapes or hard-to-reach areas. It’s ideal for workshops where precision and multi-angle access are required.

3. Quick Release Vice

A quick-release vice is equipped with a lever mechanism that allows the jaws to be opened or closed instantly. This saves time when frequently changing workpieces of different sizes. It is especially useful in woodworking and assembly operations where speed and efficiency are important.

4. Combination Vice

The combination vice is versatile and can hold both flat and round objects. It usually comes with additional features like a pipe grip below the main jaws. This makes it suitable for both mechanical and plumbing tasks, offering multipurpose functionality in one tool.

5. Heavy-Duty Vice

Made from forged steel, the heavy-duty bench vice is built to withstand tough operations. It is commonly used in metalworking, blacksmithing, and other industries where forceful hammering and bending are required. Its strong jaws and robust design ensure reliability for long-term use.

6. Medium Duty Bench Vice

A medium-duty bench vice is lighter than the heavy-duty type but stronger than a light-duty one. It is perfect for general workshop tasks such as filing, cutting, and drilling. This type balances durability with affordability, making it suitable for small industries and home workshops.

What is Machine Vice

A machine vice is specifically designed to be mounted on machines like milling, drilling, and grinding machines. It holds workpieces firmly during machining operations, ensuring accuracy and reducing the risk of errors. Machine vices are essential for precision engineering and high-quality production.

Types of Machine Vices

1. Plane Machine Vice

The plane machine vice is the simplest type, mounted directly on the machine table. It provides a firm grip for straightforward machining tasks such as drilling and milling. Its simple structure makes it reliable for basic precision work.

2. Flange Machine Vice

This vice comes with flanges at its base, allowing it to be securely bolted onto machine tables. It provides extra stability and prevents movement during heavy machining. It is ideal for industries where high-accuracy work is essential.

3. Swivel Machine Vice

A swivel machine vice can rotate on its base, allowing the workpiece to be machined at different angles without repositioning. This flexibility saves time and effort, making it highly useful in machining complex shapes and angled holes.

4. Universal Machine Vice

The universal machine vice is the most versatile type, capable of swiveling and tilting in multiple directions. It allows work on various angles, making it perfect for toolmakers and precision engineering. It is often used for delicate and detailed machining tasks.

5. Vertical Machine Vice

The vertical machine vice is designed to hold workpieces in an upright position. It is especially useful for machining tall, narrow, or thin materials. This ensures stability and accuracy when working on specialized vertical operations.

Other Types of Vices

1. Pipe Vice

A pipe vice is mainly used by plumbers to hold pipes securely while threading, cutting, or welding. Its jaws are designed to grip round surfaces without slipping. Because of its strong grip, it’s an essential tool for plumbing and maintenance work.

2. Woodworking Vice

The woodworking vice is designed for carpenters and furniture makers. Its jaws are usually lined with wood or soft materials to protect the workpiece from damage. It helps with sawing, planing, and carving tasks, making woodworking easier and more precise.

3. Leg Vice

Also called a blacksmith’s vice, the leg vice is used for heavy-duty metalwork. It has a long leg that transfers hammering forces to the ground instead of the workbench. This makes it strong and durable for forging, shaping, and blacksmithing jobs.

4. Hand Vice

A hand vice is a small and portable clamping tool, often used for delicate work. It allows craftsmen to hold small items like wires, screws, or tiny metal parts. It is widely used in jewelry making, electronics repair, and small hobby projects.

5. Pin Vice

A pin vice is designed to hold very small objects such as pins, rods, or fine drill bits. It is lightweight and provides precision when working with tiny components. Watchmakers, model makers, and craft workers often rely on this tool.

6. Drill Vice

A drill vice is mounted on a drill press or machine to keep workpieces steady during drilling. It prevents the workpiece from moving, ensuring accurate holes. This vice is essential for safe drilling in both wood and metal.

7. Yoke Vice

The yoke vice uses a screw-down mechanism to hold pipes firmly in place. Its strong and sturdy frame makes it reliable for heavy-duty plumbing tasks. It is often used in workshops and industries where pipework is common.

8. Chain Vice

Unlike other vices with rigid jaws, a chain vice uses a steel chain to wrap around and grip pipes. This allows it to hold pipes of various diameters securely. It is lightweight and portable, making it useful for fieldwork and outdoor plumbing.

9. Combination Hand Vice

A combination hand vice is a versatile clamping tool that can grip different shapes and sizes. It is often used in light metalwork, assembly, and small repair jobs. Its portability makes it handy for quick and flexible use.

10. Tool Maker’s Vice

The tool maker’s vice is a precision vice used in tool rooms and machine shops. It is small but highly accurate, making it perfect for delicate machining tasks. Toolmakers use it when manufacturing or finishing fine tools and dies.

11. Vacuum Vice

A vacuum vise uses suction to attach itself firmly to smooth work surfaces. This eliminates the need for permanent installation and makes it portable. It is widely used in electronics, crafting, and light assembly work due to its flexibility.

Conclusion

Vices may look like simple tools, but they play a powerful role in every workshop. From holding wood for smooth carpentry to gripping metal pipes for plumbing, each type of vice has its own purpose. By knowing the different kinds of bench vices, machine vices, and other specialized vices, you can pick the right one for your tasks. Choosing wisely not only makes your work easier but also keeps it safer and more accurate. Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, the right vice can turn every project into a job well done.