Pin Vice

[RickP330]

Hi Guys, I'd like to buy a nice pin vice, but I can only find cheap ones on amazon. I'd really like to buy a nice one. I am hoping you guys can come through and steer me straight.
I already have one for small micro bits, but I would like a courser one which will handle up to 1/8 or 3/16 drill bits. I don't need to go under 1/16" diameter.
Like I said, I would buy a cheap one for now but would rather just buy a nice one...
Much Thanks
Rick

 

[Tuc04]

Starrett

https://www.starrett.com/category/1...isplayMode=grid&itemsPerPage=12&sortBy=wp/asc

 

[tube_guy]

To hold larger pins, drills, and countersinking tools, I like a Shaviv handychuck. Mine is about 15-20 years old, or so, and I still think it's a very high quality tool. Made in Israel.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003B3IR62/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you're looking for a normal pin vise, Moody Tools and Starrett are both excellent. The Moody vises are cheaper and they're made in Rhode Island.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00011UZ80/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[RickP330]

You Guys don't disappoint. Much Thanks!
RP

 

[macgee]

Starrett's seems to be the most common quality ones you would see used the US.
Watchmakers go with the Swiss ones.

EDIT: Eclipse info and recommendation removed, as they're now made asia and no longer in England.

I also have several Starrett sets and as suggested above they are a very good recommendation and easy to source but a little pricey. Be sure to get the size/sizes you need as they don't have much range.

As mentioned above, Moody's can also be a good alternative, made in the USA and can be found on Amazon for $40 delivered. Less than half the price of Starrret's but I've never used them.


***

The very top ones are Bergeon pin vises but those will cost you good money that you may not be ready to pay but they will last a life time and command very good second hand prices so you they can be a good investment. The chuck is hardened steel and ooze quality.

They have several different styles but they do have a clean version that is double ended giving you more range in one vise but still comfortable to hold, so you might be able to get away with just one Pin vise, saving you money?

http://www.ofrei.com/page249.html

***

 

[RickP330]

Also, Maybe look for Eclipse pin vises, they come in a set of four. They're made in England but they are more of a Pin chuck. These and Starrett's seems to be the most common ones you would see used the US. Watchmakers go with the Swiss ones.

Wow!
RP

 

[tube_guy]

The Eclipse pin vises haven't been quality in a long time. Now they're just cheap Chinese tools masquerading under an Eclipse label. Older Eclipse tools, if you can find them, would be high quality.

Those Bergeon pin vises look like absolutely beautiful tools.

 

[macgee]

Thanks for the heads up Tube guy and a bummer about Eclipse, I really like my vintage ones. I removed the info in post above and yes, the Bergeon vise are beautiful and when you hold them you'll love the knurling and finish and can see/feel why they cost so much.

 

[bonneyman]

Those Bergeon sets look superb, Macgee!

I've become familiar with Bergeon tools recently while looking for movement holders to help me hold smaller objects securely. That search led me to watchmakers tools and Bergeon always pops up. They seem to make very nice stuff.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a generic HF or Enco set and a Starrett set. The starrett cost 10X as much and don't work any better; but if you have the $ you'll appreciate the quality.