Bench Vice: Construction, Types, Uses, Care and Maintenance

Bench Vice: Construction, Types, Uses, Care and Maintenance

A bench vice is one of the most commonly used holding devices in mechanical workshops such as fitting shops, machine shops, and fabrication units. The main purpose of a bench vice is to hold a workpiece firmly while performing operations like cutting, filing, drilling, tapping, and shaping. Without a proper holding tool, it becomes difficult to perform accurate machining operations. Bench vices are usually mounted on workbenches and are designed to provide strong gripping force.

Construction of Bench Vice

A bench vice is generally made from cast iron or forged steel to provide strength and durability. The main parts of a bench vice include the base, body, fixed jaw, movable jaw, spindle or screw, handle, and jaw plates.

• Base: The base is the bottom part of the vice that is bolted to the workbench. Some vices have a swivel base that allows the vice to rotate.
• Body: The body contains the fixed jaw and supports the entire structure of the vice.
• Movable Jaw: The movable jaw slides back and forth to grip the workpiece.
• Spindle or Screw: The screw mechanism moves the movable jaw when the handle is rotated.
• Handle: The handle is used to tighten or loosen the vice.
• Jaw Plates: Hardened steel plates with serrations to hold the workpiece firmly.

Types of Bench Vice

• Fixed Bench Vice: The most common type used in workshops and permanently fixed to the bench.
• Swivel Bench Vice: This type can rotate on its base to hold workpieces at different angles.
• Pipe Vice: Used to hold pipes and cylindrical objects.
• Hand Vice: A small portable vice used for holding small workpieces.
• Machine Vice: Used on drilling machines and milling machines for accurate holding.

Uses of Bench Vice

• Holding metal pieces during filing
• Holding workpieces during hacksaw cutting
• Supporting materials during drilling and tapping
• Holding objects during bending or shaping
• Assisting in assembly and repair work

Care and Maintenance of Bench Vice

• Clean the vice regularly to remove metal chips.
• Lubricate the screw and sliding parts frequently.
• Avoid excessive hammering on the vice body.
• Do not over-tighten the handle.
• Keep jaw plates clean and in good condition.
• Apply rust preventive oil when not in use.

Vice Clamps, Hacksaw Frames and Blades

In mechanical workshops, tools such as vice clamps and hacksaws are widely used for holding and cutting materials. These tools are essential for fitting and fabrication work.

Vice Clamps

Vice clamps are devices used to hold workpieces tightly during operations like welding, drilling, and assembling. They provide temporary holding force and improve safety while working.

Types of Vice Clamps

• C-Clamp (G Clamp): Used to hold materials together during welding or drilling.
• Locking Clamp: Also known as locking pliers; it locks in position and holds objects firmly.
• Bar Clamp: Used for holding long materials.
• Quick Release Clamp: Allows quick tightening and removal.

Hacksaw Frames

A hacksaw is a hand cutting tool used for cutting metal rods, pipes, bars, and sheets. It consists of a frame and a replaceable blade.

Parts of Hacksaw Frame

• Frame
• Handle
• Blade holding pins
• Tension screw or wing nut

Types of Hacksaw Frames

• Fixed Frame Hacksaw: Designed for a specific blade length.
• Adjustable Frame Hacksaw: Can hold blades of different lengths.
• Junior Hacksaw: Small hacksaw used for light work.

Hacksaw Blades

Hacksaw blades are thin strips of hardened steel having teeth on one side. These blades are designed to cut metal and other materials efficiently.

Blade Specifications

• Length of blade
• Width and thickness
• Teeth per inch (TPI)

Common TPI values include 14, 18, 24, and 32 depending on the material being cut.

Types of Hacksaw Blades

• All Hard Blade: Hard throughout and suitable for heavy cutting.
• Flexible Blade: Hard teeth with flexible body.

Method of Using Hacksaw

• Fix the blade with teeth facing forward.
• Tighten the blade properly.
• Hold the frame firmly with both hands.
• Apply pressure during the forward stroke.
• Release pressure during the return stroke.
• Maintain steady strokes for smooth cutting.

Files: Specifications, Materials, Grades, Cuts and Uses

A file is a hand cutting tool used to remove small amounts of material from metal surfaces. Files are commonly used in fitting shops for finishing operations.

Description of a File

A file is made from high carbon steel and contains many small cutting edges called teeth. These teeth remove material from the surface of a workpiece.

Parts of a File

• Point
• Face
• Edge
• Heel
• Tang
• Shoulder

Materials Used for Files

• High Carbon Steel
• Alloy Steel

Specifications of Files

Files are specified based on length, shape, cut type, and grade. Standard file lengths range from 100 mm to 450 mm.

Types of File Cuts

• Single Cut File: Used for finishing work.
• Double Cut File: Used for fast material removal.
• Rasp Cut File: Used for wood and soft materials.
• Curved Cut File: Used for soft metals like aluminum.

File Grades

• Rough
• Bastard
• Second Cut
• Smooth
• Dead Smooth

Types of Files

• Flat File
• Round File
• Half Round File
• Square File
• Triangular File
• Knife Edge File

Care and Maintenance of Files

• Always use a handle with the file.
• Clean the file with a file card.
• Avoid dropping the file.
• Store files separately.
• Do not apply excessive pressure.

Measuring Standards: English Units, Metric Units and Angular Measurement

Accurate measurement is essential in engineering and manufacturing. Measuring standards ensure that components are produced with correct dimensions.

English Measurement System

The English or imperial system uses units such as inch, foot, yard, and mile.

• 1 foot = 12 inches
• 1 yard = 3 feet
• 1 mile = 1760 yards

Metric Measurement System

The metric system is the international system of measurement widely used in engineering.

• 10 mm = 1 cm
• 100 cm = 1 m
• 1000 m = 1 km

Angular Measurement

Angular measurement is used to determine the angle between two surfaces or lines.

• 1 circle = 360 degrees
• 1 degree = 60 minutes
• 1 minute = 60 seconds

Instruments Used for Angular Measurement

• Protractor
• Bevel Protractor
• Combination Set
• Sine Bar
• Angle Gauge

Accurate measurement helps ensure proper fitting of components, quality production, and safety in engineering applications.