Types of Vice

[archway]

I have acquired what to me is an unusual design for a small vice (I'm from UK), see images. It is approx 6" (I'm old and from the UK) long and it's 2 1/2" tall and wide. What I don't understand is why do both jaw faces have fixing points? All the other vices I have only one jaw has a fixing point leaving the other to move so as to clamp the piece you are working on? There's no visible markings for a manufacturer or part number. Any suggestions as to what this is and what it was for? There are two vertical v slots on one jaw and one horizontal v slots on the other jaw.

 

[RoninB4]

I have acquired what to me is an unusual design for a small vice (I'm from UK),

-Don't know what the proper spelling for this object is in the UK but across the pond your spelling would suggest that you've acquired a new hobby or activity (vice) as opposed to a clamping device (vise). I'm old and from Appalachia.

What I don't understand is why do both jaw faces have fixing points?

-I'll take a guess. The two sets of holes allow for mounting options. Perhaps someone would prefer to mount the vise so that the moveable jaws extend/retract over the bench instead of away from the bench. Imagine you have an already crowded shop and there's just a narrow aisle to approach the vise. Would you want to wind the vise to open/close into the narrow aisle you're standing in or would you want the moving jaws to extend away from the already crowded place you're standing in?

Any suggestions as to what this is and what it was for?

-If it's a v-i-s-e you're asking about then it's for whatever you need it to do. If it's a v-i-c-e then it's for whatever you fancy. We don't activity shame consenting adults here.

There are two vertical v slots on one jaw and one horizontal v slots on the other jaw.

-The two vertical and one horizontal "V" slots are to hold small round objects with less damage than just flat jaws would. Flat surfaces (jaws) tend to leave "flats" on round objects due to the increased clamping pressure on just 2 contact points. A "V" needs less pressure to secure, has 3 contact points, and offers a convenient locational alignment (horizontal/vertical) for common tasks.

-Hope I've understood your questions and that this helped. As it's your first posting here I welcome you to the board.

 

[Mintgrun]

-Don't know what the proper spelling for this object is in the UK

Since you (sort of) asked... I stopped harping on people for spelling it wrong when I learned the following.

"In British English, the tool for gripping is spelled "vice," not "vise". This is the standard spelling used in countries outside of the United States, including England. "

Tom

 

[RTM]

Looking at how the vice mounts, I’d guess it’s a drill press or other machine type vise, made to be anchored to a generally flat surface after its holding its prey, and then put in position on the machine .

Here are some more typical drill press vises here in the US.

Show Us Your Drill Press Vises

Thought it might be fun to devote a thread to drill press vises in particular. :cool: Some of these I've had for a long while and others are more recent acquisitions: Craftsman 2.25", acquired with a few witness marks but otherwise very nice condition. Good for the smaller stuff. Reed DP...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[RoninB4]

Since you (sort of) asked... I stopped harping on people for spelling it wrong

-Wasn't harping about the spelling so much as having some fun with it. I sorta liked the idea of someone showing up for the first time and announcing he's acquired a new immoral habit or activity. Hope the OP has a sense of humor even if it's not as twisted as mine.

"In British English, the tool for gripping is spelled "vice," not "vise". This is the standard spelling used in countries outside of the United States, including England. "

-Well besides the alternate spelling of color, carburetor, and aluminum I now have another word that exemplifies that the USA and England are two countries separated by a common language.

Tom

-Thanks Tom.