Hand tools play an essential role in the day-to-day lives of craftsmen, mechanics, and DIY enthusiasts for their effectiveness. They are extremely useful in metalworking, woodworking, sanding, etc by clamping metals, holding the workpiece securely while drilling holes in the pieces, filling, sawing, and sanding. While these mechanical hand tools do their job perfectly, it is required for their owners to maintain them regularly. Only then, these vital apparatus can be efficient and effective for a long time. 

What are Clamps and Vises

Clamps are hand tools that are primarily used for holding the workpieces be it metal, wood, pipes, or other objects together. It is used for securing the fastening temporarily in objects, and to prevent their movements while applying inward pressure.

Vises are mechanical tools used for holding a workpiece together and facilitating any kind of operation on it. It has two parts, one fixed jaw and one moveable jaw which holds the workpiece together and operates by tightening the screw and lever. 

Clamps and Vises particularly bench vices are commonly used in metalworking, woodworking, and construction activities to hold objects or workpieces steadily while operations like cutting the workpieces, drilling them, putting glue across two surfaces, bending the metal, or performing carpentry activities can be done smoothly. 

How To Maintain Clamps and Vises

Maintain the Dryness of the Device 

The bench vise clamps are often subjected to water while being used. Whether the device is being stored in the garage or damp basements, the user is working with liquids, or accidentally drops of water get spilled on them, the hand tools get exposed to harmful impacts of moisture and humidity on a constant basis. 

As the majority of clamps and vises are made of steel, water does not go well with them and leads to corrosion and rust. Hence it is essential to wipe down the device and make it dry once the work is over or when the device comes across water. Further, covering the mechanical tools when they are not used protects them in the long run.

Lubricate The Hand Tools

Lubricating clamps and vises helps in lowering the effect of heat, friction, and tear on the hand tools along with preventing corrosion and rust. The moving element of the vises i.e. jaws and slides need lubrication regularly for smooth operation. 

While each bench vise clamp manufacturer has their own set of guidelines for choosing the optimal lubricant, dry lubricants are better compared to wet ones for dirt and grime deposit prevention on the device.

Use Your Device As Per Requirement

Bench vise clamps are versatile and can bear any size of load with the anvil. However, some users employ cheater bars to the screw handles for additional load bearing. While bench clamp vises operate efficiently by this, the process hampers the tool’s lifespan. It is advisable to use the clamps and vises as directed or suggested by the manufacturer to keep their functionality intact.

Damage Inspection of Tools

Clamps and vises usually develop cracks or wear and tear during regular or frequent usage. Therefore, the user needs to check their hand tools before each use. Once any signs of cracks or damage are noticed, the owner needs to repair the mechanical tools as early as possible. 

Maintaining clamps and vises is easy, but it requires constant observation and adherence to guidelines. In return, it gives multiple benefits to those tools, maintaining their functionality, enhancing their efficiency, and amplifying their lifespan. It is essential for bench vise clamp owners to strictly follow the maintenance tips to safeguard their vital hand tools.