Bench Vice

Quick Answer: The Bench Vice is a workholding tool bolted to a workbench, with a fixed jaw and a moving jaw closed by a screw and handle, used to hold metal, wood or plastic parts firmly while they are filed, sawn, drilled or assembled. A bench vice frees both hands for the tool and keeps the work steady.

Holding the Work So Both Hands Are Free

Most workshop mistakes start when the work moves. Clamping a part in a vice lets the user put both hands on the file, hacksaw or tap wrench and apply controlled force, and it keeps fingers away from the blade or teeth. The jaws are usually faced with replaceable serrated plates that bite into the work, and many engineer’s vices have a small flat anvil area behind the fixed jaw for light straightening. Vices of this kind are commonly cast iron or steel; the body material and jaw width of this model are worth confirming when ordering.

The vice must be bolted through the bench top, ideally over a leg, so filing pressure does not rock the bench, with the jaws standing just proud of the bench edge so long work can hang clear. Height matters for comfort and control: for filing, the top of the jaws should sit at roughly the user’s elbow height.

Serrated jaws mark soft metals, finished surfaces and wood. Soft jaw covers of aluminium, copper, fibre or wood slipped over the jaws protect the work. For hand drilling the vice holds the work, while on a drill press a separate machine vice clamped to the table is the right tool. A drill set and a set of files are its usual companions at the bench.

Applications

• Filing and sawing exercises in fitting shops and ITI trades
• Holding timber for chiselling, planing edges and cutting joints
• Clamping small assemblies while screws are driven or glue sets
• Bending thin strip or rod over the jaw in sheet-metal and STEM projects

Care & Handling

• Tighten by hand on the tommy bar only; never hammer the bar or add a pipe extension, which can crack the body.
• Keep the screw and slide clean and lightly oiled, and brush out filings after use.
• Use the anvil area for light work only; heavy hammering belongs on a proper anvil.
• Leave the jaws slightly open when the vice is not in use.

Specifications

Why Choose LabEquip

Fitting, carpentry and technology workshops need a vice at each workstation, and science labs keep one for apparatus repairs. LabEquip lists this vice in the General Lab Products range; send the number of benches and the jaw width you prefer through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bench vice and a machine vice?

A bench vice is bolted to a workbench for hand work such as filing and sawing. A machine vice is a low, flat vice clamped to the table of a drill press or milling machine to hold work for machining.

How do I stop the jaws marking my work?

Fit soft jaw covers of aluminium, copper, fibre or wood over the serrated jaws, or wrap the work in card. Tighten only enough to hold it securely.

Where should the vice be mounted?

Bolt it through the bench top, preferably above a leg for stiffness, with the fixed jaw just past the bench edge. That lets long pieces hang clear of the bench and keeps the bench steady when filing.

Why should the handle not be hammered?

Hammering or extending the handle applies far more force than the screw and body are made for. Many vice bodies are cast, and castings can crack suddenly under shock, which can injure the user.

How high should the vice be?

For filing, a comfortable height puts the top of the jaws at about the user’s elbow. Too low and the user stoops; too high and control of the file suffers. A low platform helps shorter students at a standard bench.

How do I maintain the screw?

Open the vice fully now and then, brush out filings, wipe the screw and slide, and apply a little light oil or grease. A clean screw turns smoothly and holds its grip without extra force.

Last Updated: September 2026