Drill Press Vices

About Drill Press Vices

Drill press vices are essential workshop accessories designed to securely hold workpieces in place during drilling operations on pillar drills and bench-mounted drilling machines. These precision-engineered tools provide a stable, reliable clamping solution that keeps materials perfectly positioned whilst you drill, ensuring accuracy and safety on every job. Whether you're working with metal, wood, plastic or composite materials, a quality drill press vice transforms your drilling machine into a far more versatile and capable tool.

Available in various configurations including standard jaw models, quick-release designs, cross vices and specialist 3-way drill vices, these workshop essentials cater to different drilling requirements and workpiece sizes. Leading brands such as Sealey, Draper, Record and Faithfull offer robust construction typically featuring cast iron bodies, hardened steel jaws, and precision-machined components that deliver years of reliable service. From compact vices suitable for small bench drills to heavy-duty models for industrial pillar drills, there's a drill press vice to match every workshop setup and budget.

Modern drill press vices incorporate user-friendly features such as quick-action mechanisms for rapid workpiece changes, swivel bases for angled drilling operations, and v-grooved jaws for securely holding cylindrical components. Many models also function effectively as small milling machine vices, making them valuable multi-purpose additions to any well-equipped workshop or engineering facility.

Jargon Buster

• Quick Release Mechanism: A lever-operated system that allows rapid opening and closing of the vice jaws without having to wind the handle multiple times, significantly speeding up workpiece changes and improving workshop productivity.
• 3-Way Vice (Cross Vice): An advanced drill press vice featuring both X and Y axis adjustment via calibrated handwheels, allowing precise positioning of the workpiece relative to the drill bit without physically moving the vice itself – ideal for drilling multiple holes with accurate spacing.
• Jaw Capacity: The maximum width measurement (typically given in millimetres) that can be gripped between the vice jaws when fully opened, determining the largest workpiece size the vice can accommodate.
• V-Grooved Jaws: Special jaw faces featuring a V-shaped channel machined into the gripping surface, designed specifically for holding round bar stock, pipes and cylindrical components securely without slipping during drilling operations.
• Swivel Base: A rotating base plate that allows the entire vice body to turn through various angles (typically 360 degrees), enabling compound angle drilling and improved workpiece orientation without repositioning clamps.
• Anvil Surface: A flat, hardened area on top of the vice body that can function as a small anvil for light metalwork tasks when the vice isn't being used for drilling operations.

Who Uses Drill Press Vices?

Drill press vices are indispensable tools for a wide range of trades and workshop users, including:

• Engineering Machinists – for precision drilling operations in metal fabrication and component manufacture
• Model Engineers – requiring accurate workholding for small-scale precision drilling tasks
• General Fabricators – securing steel and aluminium components during drilling on site or in fabrication shops
• Maintenance Engineers – drilling repair components and fixtures in industrial maintenance workshops
• Automotive Technicians – modifying brackets, drilling mounting holes and fabricating custom parts
• Woodworkers and Joiners – holding timber securely for accurate drilling operations in furniture making and joinery
• Educational Workshops – schools, colleges and training centres teaching metalwork and engineering skills
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts – home workshop users undertaking metalwork projects and precision drilling tasks
• Gunsmiths and Precision Craft Workers – requiring stable, accurate workholding for detailed drilling operations

How to Choose the Right Drill Press Vices

Selecting the appropriate drill press vice depends on several key factors that match the tool to your specific drilling requirements:

Jaw Capacity and Opening Width: Consider the typical size of workpieces you'll be drilling. Jaw capacities range from around 50mm for compact models up to 100mm or more for heavy-duty vices. Measure your most common workpiece dimensions and choose a vice with adequate capacity plus some margin for larger occasional jobs.

Vice Type and Features: Standard drill press vices offer straightforward clamping with manual screw operation, whilst quick-release models significantly speed up workpiece changes – valuable if you're drilling multiple different components. Cross vices or 3-way drill vices provide X-Y positioning adjustment, essential for precision work involving multiple holes with exact spacing. If you regularly drill at angles, consider models with swivel bases.

Construction Quality and Materials: Look for vices constructed from robust cast iron with precision-machined contact surfaces. Hardened steel jaws resist wear and maintain grip, whilst smooth operating threads ensure consistent clamping pressure. Brands like Sealey, Draper, Record and Faithfull are known for quality construction that withstands professional workshop environments.

Mounting Method: Most drill press vices feature slots or holes in the base for bolting directly to your drill press table. Check that mounting holes align with your drill press table slots or be prepared to drill new mounting holes. Some models include quick-mounting clamps for tool-free attachment and removal.

Jaw Configuration: Standard flat jaws suit most applications, but if you frequently drill round bar stock or pipes, v-grooved jaws provide superior grip on cylindrical components. Some vices offer reversible or interchangeable jaws for added versatility.

Compatibility with Your Drilling Machine: Ensure the vice dimensions suit your drill press table size – an oversized vice on a small bench drill becomes unwieldy, whilst an undersized vice on a large industrial pillar drill won't provide adequate stability. Some manufacturers offer vices specifically designed for particular milling machines or drilling equipment.

Popular Accessories

Enhance your drill press vice setup with these complementary workshop accessories:

• Pillar Drills and Bench Drills – the primary machines that drill press vices are designed to work with
• Drill Bits and Sets – HSS, cobalt and carbide drill bits for different materials and applications
• Clamp Kits – supplementary clamping solutions for securing the vice or holding awkward workpieces
• V-Blocks and Parallels – precision engineering accessories that support workpieces at correct heights and angles
• Cutting Fluid and Lubricants – extend drill bit life and improve finish when drilling metal components
• Soft Jaws and Jaw Protectors – prevent marking delicate workpieces or finished surfaces
• Angle Plates – hold workpieces vertically or at specific angles for drilling perpendicular holes
• Centre Punches and Marking Tools – accurately mark hole positions before drilling
• Digital Callipers and Measuring Equipment – verify dimensions and hole spacing on precision work

Safety Information

Using drill press vices safely is essential to prevent workplace injuries and ensure successful drilling operations:

Secure Workpiece Clamping: Always ensure workpieces are firmly clamped in the vice before starting the drill press. Loose components can spin violently if grabbed by the rotating drill bit, causing serious injury. Check clamping pressure is adequate for the material and drilling operation being performed.

Vice Mounting: Securely bolt or clamp the drill press vice to the machine table – never attempt to hold a vice by hand during drilling operations. An unsecured vice can spin with the workpiece, presenting a significant hazard. Regularly check mounting bolts remain tight, particularly after heavy use.

Remove Handles and Keys: Always remove vice handles, chuck keys and adjustment tools before starting the drill press. Rotating handles can cause severe injuries if the workpiece or vice rotates unexpectedly.

Eye Protection: Wear appropriate safety glasses or face shields when operating drilling machinery. Metal swarf and chips can be ejected at high speed during drilling operations.

Appropriate Speeds: Use correct drill press speeds for the material being drilled and bit size being used. Excessive speed can cause bits to grab, potentially spinning the workpiece even when properly clamped. Consult HSE guidelines for safe operation of drilling machinery in workshop environments.

Workpiece Support: Ensure workpieces extend through the vice adequately and don't protrude excessively – long overhangs can bend or deflect during drilling, affecting accuracy and potentially causing the work to break free from the vice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a drill press vice and a standard bench vice?

Drill press vices are specifically designed for use on drilling machines, featuring flat bases with mounting slots for secure attachment to drill press tables, lower profiles that don't obstruct drill bit access, and often include features like swivel bases or v-grooved jaws for holding round stock. Bench vices are much larger, mount to workbench edges, and are designed for general-purpose workholding including filing, sawing and assembly tasks. You shouldn't use a bench vice on a drill press as it's too tall, unstable and not designed for the rotational forces involved in drilling.

Do I need a quick-release drill press vice or is a standard model sufficient?

If you're drilling multiple different workpieces or frequently changing components, a quick-release mechanism significantly improves productivity by allowing rapid jaw opening without winding the handle through many rotations. For jobs involving repetitive drilling of similar components or occasional use, a standard screw-operated vice is perfectly adequate and typically costs less. Professional workshops handling varied work generally prefer quick-release models for time savings, whilst home workshop users often find standard models perfectly suitable.

Can I use a drill press vice on a milling machine?

Many drill press vices, particularly cross vices and 3-way models with X-Y axis adjustment, work excellently on small milling machines and are sometimes specifically marketed for both applications. However, check the vice construction is robust enough for milling forces, which are generally greater than drilling forces. Some manufacturers like Draper and Sealey offer vices specifically designed for their mini milling machines. For heavy milling work, a dedicated milling machine vice with greater rigidity and clamping force is preferable.

What jaw capacity drill press vice do I need for general workshop use?

For most general engineering and fabrication work, a vice with 75-100mm jaw capacity handles the majority of typical workpieces including flat plate, angle iron, small box section and round bar stock. If you primarily work with smaller components or model engineering, a 50-70mm capacity vice may suffice. Consider the largest items you're likely to drill and choose a vice with capacity to accommodate them comfortably – it's better to have excess capacity you don't always use than find yourself unable to clamp essential workpieces.

How do I prevent my workpiece from spinning in the drill press vice?

Ensure adequate clamping pressure is applied – the vice should be tight enough that you cannot move the workpiece by hand. Use the correct drill speed for your material (slower speeds for larger bits and harder materials reduce grabbing). Ensure drill bits are sharp – blunt bits grab rather than cut cleanly. For thin sheet materials, sandwich the workpiece between wooden backing boards which provide additional support. V-grooved jaws significantly improve grip on round stock. For particularly difficult materials, consider using clamps in addition to the vice, or drill a pilot hole first to guide larger bits.