Pin Vise

[Wamsutta]

What is the absolute best? I might be using a drill bit as small as #80.

 

[Maui]

Whatever one that does the job.

 

[Steve_P]

I have both extremes: sets by HF and Starrett; both work fine, but of course the Starrett are much nicer. The HF set I have is ancient and IIRC was made in India.

 

[Jmonnty]

The Starret set I have is used less than my Forney. The Starret set covers a wider range and I use it mainly for finishing timed screws. Also it's hollow and allows for longer pieces

 

[ecotec]

What is the absolute best? I might be using a drill bit as small as #80.

I have a pretty big mix of them from estate sales. It pretty much buy every new looking pin vise. My kid uses them for modeling, so I have given him 3 or 4.

I have mostly vintage Starrett and General.

My kid prefers the ones with storage for drill bits in them.

 

[Davefr]

"Best" would probably be this Bergeon set:

Bergeon 30026A Swiss Made Premium Pin Vise Set Of 5 In WoodDefault Title

Set of five premium quality Swiss Made pin vises in a wood box. Anodized aluminum body with two tempered steel chucks (except the smallest). Ranges from 80-115 mm long. Openings from 0 to 3.5 mm. Made in Switzerland.

www.ottofrei.com

"Good enough":

 

[Wamsutta]

It seems like it would be nice to have a pin vise with a swiveling cap; what do you guys think about that?

 

[joel63]

It seems like it would be nice to have a pin vise with a swiveling cap; what do you guys think about that?

I think I need one of those. I had to use a Jacobs Drill Chuck one time.

 

[readhead]

I have several of both kinds. I like the swivel head if I need to apply some pressure with my finger while drilling brass.

 

[neophyte]

If you plan to use the pin vise to drill holes, why not consider an “Archimedes Drill”?
The drills are used by jewelers to drill small holes, and are basically a pin vise with a rotating function.
They’re also relatively cheap.