A vice tool, often referred to broadly as a clamp or vise, is a mechanical apparatus used to firmly secure an object to a surface. This securing action allows work, such as cutting, shaping, drilling, or assembling, to be done on the object without it moving. The term “vice tool” most commonly refers to the category of hand tools known as locking pliers, which function similarly but are portable and designed for gripping, rather than fixed mounting to a workbench.
Grasping the Concept of a Vice Tool
The fundamental idea behind any vice tool is leverage and pressure. Whether it is a large bench vise bolted to a table or a small pair of vice grip uses in your hand, the goal is the same: hold something tight.
The Distinction Between Vise and Locking Pliers
While many people use the terms interchangeably, especially when referring to portable gripping tools, there is a technical difference:
- Vise (Bench Vise): A heavy, fixed tool, usually mounted on a workbench. It uses a screw mechanism to apply immense, consistent pressure.
- Locking Pliers (Vice Grips): A hand tool where the jaws lock onto an object using a toggle mechanism, often adjustable for different sizes. This is what most people mean when they ask about vice grip uses or the mole wrench uses.
For the purpose of this detailed guide, we will focus heavily on the popular, portable locking tool—the locking pliers—while still touching upon the stationary vice.
Deciphering Locking Pliers Mechanics
Locking pliers operate on a clever mechanical principle that multiplies the force applied by the user. This is key to their function.
The Toggle Action Principle
The core of how these tools work lies in the compound action of their levers. This is the same concept behind many powerful clamping tools.
Components of Locking Pliers
Locking pliers are made of several vital parts that work together:
- Jaws: The gripping surfaces. They come in various shapes (straight, curved, needle nose).
- Pivot Point: Where the two handles connect.
- Adjustment Screw: Located near the pivot, this allows you to set the initial jaw gap before locking.
- Locking Lever/Mechanism: This is the key feature. Once you squeeze the handles together, a spring-loaded toggle snaps into place, holding the jaws shut with great force, even if you let go of the handles.
- Release Lever: A small lever that, when pressed, disengages the locking mechanism, allowing the jaws to open.
Interpreting the Adjustability
A crucial element of Vise-Grip features is their adjustability. Unlike simple pliers, locking pliers can be set to grip objects of different sizes and maintain that grip indefinitely.
- The adjustment screw lets you fine-tune the opening of the jaws. You turn this screw until the jaws just fit the object you want to grip.
- Once the jaws are positioned, you squeeze the handles. The mechanical linkage ensures that the clamping force exerted by the jaws is far greater than the force you applied with your hand. This is simple mechanical advantage at work.
A Survey of Vice Tool Types
The term “vice tool” covers a wide array of clamping devices. Knowing the types of locking pliers available helps you choose the right tool for the job.
Common Categories of Locking Pliers
Locking pliers are specialized based on jaw shape and purpose.
| Type of Locking Plier | Jaw Style | Primary Function |
|---|---|---|
| Curved Jaw | Curved, often serrated | General gripping, turning nuts, gripping rounded objects. Most common. |
| Straight Jaw | Flat and straight | Excellent for gripping flat surfaces, angle iron, or thin sheets. |
| Needle Nose (Long Nose) | Long, narrow jaws | Precision work, reaching into tight spaces, bending wire. |
| Welding Clamp | Heavy-duty, often C-clamp style | Holding metal pieces precisely during welding. |
| Tongue and Groove Pliers (Often confused, but related) | Adjustable pivot, parallel jaws | Gripping pipes and large fasteners securely. (Though not strictly “locking” pliers). |
| Retaining Ring Pliers | Specialized tips | Installing or removing internal or external retaining rings. |
Bench Vises: The Stationary Vice
Bench vises are essential for workshops. They provide a stable platform for heavy work.
Subtypes of Bench Vises
- Machinist’s Vise: Known for precision. Features hardened steel jaws and often a wide, flat anvil area.
- Pipe Vise: Designed with V-shaped jaws specifically to hold cylindrical pipes securely for cutting or threading.
- Woodworking Vise (End Vise or Face Vise): Used to hold wood steady. These often have wooden faces to prevent marring the workpiece.
For demanding, high-force applications, users often seek heavy-duty locking pliers designed with thicker steel and stronger pivots to resist bending or slipping under extreme load.
Applications Defined: Where to Use Vice Grips
The versatility of locking pliers means they are found in nearly every toolbox. Knowing the locking pliers applications makes them indispensable.
Everyday Vice Grip Uses
For the average homeowner or DIY enthusiast, locking pliers solve many common problems:
- Stripped Fastener Removal: If a bolt head rounds off, you can clamp the jaws tightly onto the remaining metal and turn it out. This is one of the most popular vice grip uses.
- Holding Materials Together: Temporarily clamping wood, metal, or plastic pieces while glue dries or before drilling.
- Impromptu Wrenches: If you lose the right-sized wrench, adjustable locking pliers can often grip a nut or bolt head tightly enough to turn it.
- Temporary Repairs: Clamping a broken hose or temporarily securing a loose part on machinery until a proper repair can be made.
Advanced and Professional Locking Pliers Applications
In trades like automotive repair, welding, and plumbing, these tools see more rigorous use.
Automotive Repair
Mechanics rely on these tools heavily. Mole wrench uses in the garage include:
- Holding brake lines or vacuum hoses closed while replacing components, preventing fluid loss.
- Gripping stubborn cotter pins or cotter pins that need to be bent back into shape.
- Serving as a temporary puller for small bushings or bearings.
Welding and Fabrication
Welders use locking pliers extensively because they need to hold metal pieces perfectly still at odd angles.
- Tacking Fixtures: Using heavy-duty clamps to hold two pieces of metal flush while the first spot welds are placed.
- Holding Components: Keeping guards, brackets, or hinges aligned during the welding process.
Plumbing
While specialized pipe wrenches are preferred, locking pliers are often substitutes. They are excellent for gripping the smooth, rounded shafts of pipes or fittings where a standard wrench slips.
Selecting the Best Locking Pliers
Not all locking pliers are created equal. Choosing the best locking pliers brands depends on the required durability and precision.
Factors Determining Quality
When shopping, consider these factors to ensure longevity and reliable performance:
- Material Strength: High-grade alloy steel resists bending and breaking under high torque.
- Jaw Hardness: Harder jaws retain their serrations longer, ensuring a better grip over time.
- Adjustment Mechanism: The screw threads should be smooth and deep to prevent stripping.
- Comfort: While secondary, comfortable grips reduce fatigue during prolonged use.
Comparing Brands
While many companies produce quality tools, a few names are consistently recognized for producing reliable heavy-duty locking pliers:
- Vise-Grip (Irwin): The original manufacturer, still widely considered the benchmark for quality and durability.
- Channellock: Known for excellent cutting and gripping tools, their locking pliers are very popular.
- Craftsman/Other Store Brands: Can offer good value for occasional use, but may not withstand daily professional abuse.
Operating Locking Pliers Safely and Effectively
Even simple tools require correct technique. Knowing how to use mole grips (locking pliers) properly maximizes their effectiveness and prevents injury or tool damage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Locking Pliers Use
Follow these steps for a secure grip:
- Set the Gap: Use the adjustment screw to roughly set the distance between the jaws to match the object you are gripping. Do this before you attempt to clamp down.
- Position the Jaws: Place the jaws onto the object. For round objects, try to seat the object deep in the curve of the jaw. For flat objects, ensure the maximum surface area of both jaws makes contact.
- Squeeze to Lock: Squeeze the handles together firmly. You will feel a distinct “click” or snap as the toggle mechanism engages and locks the jaws shut.
- Test the Grip: Gently pull or twist the tool to ensure it is locked securely. If it slips, you must adjust the screw wider and try again, ensuring the jaws are applying pressure correctly.
- Apply Force: Once locked, use the handles as levers to turn, pull, or hold the object. Remember, the gripping force is multiplied here.
- Release: Press the small release lever firmly. This breaks the toggle lock, allowing the handles to spring open and release the workpiece.
Common Usage Errors to Avoid
Improper use is the fastest way to ruin your tool or damage your workpiece.
- Using the Adjustment Screw as the Primary Clamp: The adjustment screw is for setting the size, not for clamping. You must squeeze the handles to engage the locking action. If you rely only on the screw, the grip will be weak.
- Gripping Too Far Out on the Jaws: Always try to grip as close to the pivot point as possible. Gripping near the tips reduces the clamping force significantly.
- Using Them as a Hammer: Never strike the handles of locking pliers with a hammer to try and seat them tighter. This can break the locking mechanism or bend the handles.
- Using Them on Soft Metals: On soft materials like brass or aluminum, the serrated jaws can chew up the surface badly. Use smoother jaw alternatives or wrap the workpiece in heavy tape first.
Fathoming the Power of Adjustable Locking Pliers
The ability to adjust the opening without losing the set tension is what separates these tools from standard pliers. Adjustable locking pliers offer adaptability across numerous tasks.
Maximizing Torque with Leverage
When you need serious turning power, the length of the handles matters. Longer handles mean greater leverage.
When using these tools as a substitute for a wrench or crowbar, always ensure:
- The jaws are locked extremely tightly.
- The force applied is pulling toward the user, not pushing away, whenever possible. Pulling force utilizes the tool’s design more effectively than pushing force.
Maintenance for Longevity
Even the best tools need care. Proper maintenance ensures your locking pliers remain functional for years.
Simple Care Routine
- Cleaning: Wipe off grime, oil, and metal shavings after each use. Dirt interferes with the smooth operation of the locking mechanism.
- Lubrication: Apply a drop of light machine oil (like WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil) to the pivot point and the adjustment screw threads occasionally. This keeps the action smooth.
- Jaw Inspection: Regularly check the serrations on the jaws. If they become too rounded or damaged, the tool loses its grip reliability. Heavily damaged jaws mean it’s time to replace the tool, especially if you are using heavy-duty locking pliers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Vice Tools
Are Vise-Grips the same as Mole Grips?
Yes, in common parlance, they are generally the same thing: locking pliers. Vise-Grip is a trade name originally owned by the American company Irwin Industrial Tool Company, but the term is used globally to describe any brand of locking pliers. Mole grips is a popular term, especially in the UK and Australia, for the same tool.
Can I use locking pliers as a hammer?
No. You should never strike the handles of locking pliers with a hammer to try and tighten the grip. This can damage the internal toggle mechanism, leading to failure or breakage when you need the tool the most.
What is the best way to use locking pliers on a round pipe?
For round pipes, position the curved jaws so that the pipe sits deep in the curve. Set the adjustment screw so that when you squeeze the handles, the jaws bite down securely on opposite sides of the pipe, maximizing contact area and bite from the serrations.
Why do my locking pliers keep slipping?
There are a few reasons for slippage:
1. The adjustment screw is not set tight enough before squeezing the handles.
2. The object you are gripping is too slick or greasy (clean it first).
3. The jaws themselves are worn out and need replacement or the tool needs replacement.
4. You are gripping the object too close to the tips of the jaws rather than closer to the pivot point.
What are the key Vise-Grip features I should look for?
Key features include a quick-release lever, a precise adjustment screw, hardened steel construction for durability, and appropriately shaped jaws (curved, straight, or needle nose) for your intended tasks. Heavy-duty locking pliers will also feature thicker materials and often a built-in wire cutter near the pivot.