Best Pin Vise

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Can anyone recomend a brand and model name/# of pin vise for which the jaws of the chuck close all the way to hold #80 drill bits securely?

Thanks!

2

There tons of them, X-acto, Micro-Mark, etc.

3

Ask, and ye shall receive…
http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=21105

4

I’ve got the X-acto one and had to torque it down with 2 pair of pliers to grip a #80. Kind of a crappy way to do things but it works.

5

I have one from Micro-Mark, and I think it would tighten down on a human hair. It is hollow and holds a set of drill bits in a plastic tube. I have used it for years drilling metal and plastic and it has yet to let me down! Jim

6

This is one of those questions that has no correct answer – what’s best is what works best for you that you can afford. I’ve seen pin vices ranging in price from a couple of dollars to nearly $100, depending on the manufacturer and supplier.

I have 3 different ones that were bought over the years – the X-Acto and Micro-Mark ones that have already been mentioned, Each as its advantages and disadvantages. The last one I bought is rather clunky and came from Harbor Freight Tools. It’s a 1/4" drill chuck with a plastic handle marked only “India.” I use it for G-scale models where larger bits are appropriate.

7

I’ve got a couple Micro-Mark pin vises. One will grip a #80 with no problem at all and doesn’t loosen off. The other one is cursed when it comes to tiny bits. It comes loose all the time and I don’t know why.