Definition

Noun: A machinist's vise is a sturdy, metal workholding tool. It features two parallel, often serrated, iron jaws. One jaw is fixed, and the other moves via a screw mechanism to clamp an object securely between them. Its defining characteristic is a wide opening or gap below the jaws, which allows it to hold large or irregularly shaped workpieces.

Usage

A machinist's vise is permanently mounted to a workbench, typically in a machine shop or metalworking environment. It is used to hold metal parts firmly in place for tasks like filing, drilling, sawing, or shaping.

Examples

• The mechanic secured the engine bracket in the machinist's vise before drilling the holes.
• For precise filing, always ensure your workpiece is tightly clamped in the machinist's vise.
• The wide opening of the machinist's vise accommodated the long piece of steel pipe.

Advanced Usage

• Bench Vise: This is a common synonym and emphasizes its typical mounting location on a workbench.
• Engineer's Vise: Another synonym used, particularly in British English, highlighting its use in engineering and metalwork.

Variants and Related Words

• Vise (US spelling) / Vice (UK spelling): The general term for the tool. A machinist's vise is a specific, heavy-duty type.
• Woodworking Vise: A different type of vise with wider, often wooden jaws, designed to hold wood without marring its surface.
• Pipe Vise: A specialized vise designed specifically to hold pipes.

Synonyms

• Bench vise
• Engineer's vise
• Metalworking vise
• Workshop vise

Noun

1. a vise with two parallel iron jaws and a wide opening below