A vise jaw is an adjustable clamp used to hold objects securely, with replaceable plates and pads available for protection and increased traction. Lubrication is important for proper function, and specialized jaws are used in industrial settings for precision manufacturing.
A vise jaw is the adjustable tooth portion of a clamp in which objects are held securely. The surfaces of a vice jaw are commonly scored or covered with plastic pads to grip objects as best as possible. Most vises are bolted or bolted to a workbench to keep the jaws stable during use. The jaws of the vise close and open as an internally treaded cylinder turns as the crank is turned clockwise and counterclockwise. Squeezing an object between the jaws of the vise can deform it if the handle is not turned carefully.
Some jaws are completely replaceable. Over time the thick metal plates on either side of a vise jaw can bend and wear to the point that they no longer meet evenly when the closed vise is empty. Forward-thinking designers made it possible to simply unscrew and remove the plates themselves. Replacement jaw plates can usually be ordered directly from the original manufacturer or custom made from a block of aluminum. The cost of replacing the plates is usually much less than the price of a brand new vise.
Vise Jaw Pads are available in a wide variety of sizes and styles to fit almost any vise. Pads protect the metal surface of the vise and increase traction. Soft rubber pads flex to hold objects in the vise jaw without scratching or denting them. Harder plastic and vinyl jaw pads are often more durable than soft varieties and usually have highly textured surfaces. The pads are usually matched to the jaws of the vise they are intended for so that they can slide quickly in and out of position for intermittent use.
Lubrication is essential for the function of the vise jaws. The moving parts of a vise often operate within very tight tolerances. Small grit and grit particles can make it difficult to turn a crank vise and to close the jaws. Once the jaws of the vise are fully open, a thin film of grease can be applied to the threaded barrel. Opening and closing the jaws a few times distributes the grease throughout the mechanism.
Specialized, angled jaws are used in industrial assembly line vices. An inclined vise holds an array of objects evenly at the desired angle for precision manufacturing. Pressure sensitive jaws transmit force readings to a display. The slide vise jaw is an adjustable style commonly marked with measurement increments.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
