What is a hand vice for?

[Andy Kev.]

Good Morning All,

on the second hand tool websites hand vices occasionally come up for sale. I've been trying to imagine uses for them but can't come up with any, what with the point of a vice being the idea of delivering rock solid stability and anything held freely in the hand will not provide that. I could imagine something that itself could be clamped in a bench vice, thus raising a small workpiece in the manner of a very miniature Moxon but otherwise these gadgets are baffling to me.

I'm sure that a few on here will know exactly what they are for ...

 

[sunnybob]

Mostly, a hand vice is a set of pliers that can be locked so you dont have to keep pressure on the handles.

 

[Jacob]

https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/vic ... hand-vice/

 

[katellwood]

Can be useful for sharpening spokeshave blades (clamp the blade in the vice then sharpen like a plane blade)

 

[bugbear]

Can be useful for sharpening spokeshave blades (clamp the blade in the vice then sharpen like a plane blade)

http://www.woodworkinfo.site88.net/tour.html#hand_vise

BugBear

 

[t8hants]

I use mine all the time for sheet metal and general fabrication work.
It is true they have been largely replaced by the self locking pliers types, but I have about a dozen of various sizes in regular use that I have had since my apprenticeship, so they are old friends and I like old friends about whilst I'm working.

 

[Jacob]

Can be useful for sharpening spokeshave blades (clamp the blade in the vice then sharpen like a plane blade)

Well yes but it's quicker and easier to have a diy handle - a length of 2x3/4" with a saw kerf to hold the blade. Bevel the edges so it'll reach the stone at low angles.

 

[NazNomad]

A hand-vice is the next tool on my torture list when the thumbscrews haven't worked.

 

[Andy Kev.]

Thanks for the replies. I now understand. The link provided by Jacob was particularly helpful

Obviously I don't need one but I can now imagine picking up a pretty antique one as a "just in case" sort of indulgence.

 

[Keith 66]

Often known as a lancashire pattern vice, essential if drilling sheet metal freehand. Gives the operator something solid to hold & stops the workpiece turning into a bacon slicer if the drill catches!

 

[woodpig]

"What is a hand vice for?"

In my case sitting in a box unused! :lol:

It looks nice though ...

 

[AndyT]

If you've climbed up a telegraph pole and need to hang on to the end of a long bit of wire, I can't see how you would manage without one!

 

[bugbear]

Thanks for the replies. I now understand. The link provided by Jacob was particularly helpful

Obviously I don't need one but I can now imagine picking up a pretty antique one as a "just in case" sort of indulgence.

Some of them are very beautifully made, with extensive chamfering, the same way that some old dividers and hammers are.

Weren't they called "Lancashire Toys" or similar?

EDIT this sort of stuff:

BugBear

 

[Argus]

For those of us who sharpen our blades by hand, a small hand vice allows you to hold small blades - plough blades and other small items - securely at the stone.
This is the one that I use - inexpensive and quite robust: (The 14 quid one.)

http://www.chronos.ltd.uk/cgi-bin/sh000 ... l#aGX79_2e



In valuable........ good luck.

 

[sunnybob]

I think we're into borderline **** now lads, clamps AND straps!!