Hi everyone. I would like to know if I should buy a pin vise. If yes, what model would you suggest?
Thanks for your help!
YES!!!
My arsenal.
All of the above will go down to a #80 drill bit.
This is the only source I know of for the micro chuck.
https://www.micromark.com/Precision-Micro-Drill-Chuck-for-Cordless-Screwdriver
I found another source.
If you have a slow RPM drill with a ¼" hex chuck it works great.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I second the YES!
There are a number of different styles, and we have a couple of threads here already on the forum that mention different ‘makes and models’. The better ones are made with very precise arrangements to ‘grip’ the tool or part inserted, and the best ones use what is called a ‘collet’, a concentric arrangement of spring fingers that when compressed clamps the tool precisely along its length. These are generally better than the type with an insert that looks and works like a small three-jaw chuck with an end cap that tightens it, but precise collets sometimes have a very restricted range of ‘usefulness’ and the cost of a full set to handle a range of drill and tap sizes can be astounding.
Either of these types will probably last you a lifetime and give you something to pass to the next generation of modelers. They can be expensive, but it’s worth it to spend the money once and have something that’s right ‘forever’. (Of course it also has to be said that ‘any’ pin vise is likely better than having none…[;)])
Sometimes you’ll find a double-ended vise valuable, for example if drilling and tapping multiple holes at a time. At other times you may value having a good rotating hand or palm rest at the non-business end, to help aligning and rotating the tool at the same time. The ‘best’ answer is probably to have both, with the first type you buy being the most likely to suit the immediate need.
I also advise that you get, or make when you can, a set of tube drilling and tapping guides that can align whatever is in the pin vise with the thing you’re working on. A common frustration is that the very small bits and taps break very easily if twisted or misaligned: if you have a ‘second’ hand keeping them lined up as they turn, the disaster rate goes waaaaaaay down, and the ease of starting a hole or thread goes up in similar measure. There ar
Mel, I have one of those small Micro-Mark chucks, and use it in my Dewalt battery-powered impact driver.
Because the impact driver is heavier than most of the stuff into which I’d be drilling holes, I support the driver in the drawer of my work desk, then “feed” the item to be drilled onto the drillbit. The low speed available from the driver is ideal for drilling into plastic, much as it would be in a pin vise, but with a lot less effort, and no worries about making the hole too big due to melting of the plastic by high speeds.
I also have a number of pin vises which will accommodate drill bits from #80 up to a #6…although I’d guess that the one which can accommodate a #6 drill bit wouldn’t be considered a pin-vise.
Wayne
Yes!!! I have three to suit a variety of bit sizes.
[:)]
Yes, you need a pin vise. Why? Not everything is worthy of an electric drill. I have ruined pieces/parts because an electric drill was too much overkill for the job and the small part. A pin vise allows better control and precise holes. Another thing with electric drills, not all chucks/collets go down to the small micro sizes we need for drilling. A pin vise with a smaller collett will give you the grip you need for those small diameter bits for precise drilling.
I have several sizes, and the best ones I purchased at a train show, $5 each. I’m sure micromark has a selection.
Terry
Yes. You should have one.
The style is a personal choice. You will need to find what is comfortable in your hand for use.
-Kevin
Wayne
I have a slick mini drill that my grandson gave me for Christmas many years ago that works super good on my hobby bench.
It is dual speed, 600RPM hi and 200RPM low. As you can see in the picture the trigger has forward and reverse. Perfect for my hobby.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
Yes, I’d buy one to have for small spaces. For larger ones or need better work, I suggest using a power drill. Both have the places.
I’ve collected several over the years. I use them all, as each has it’s own job. I like those mini drill chucks, I have those, as well, for use in battery operated screw drivers.
Mike.
If I can justify the purchase of a tool, I do it. A pin vise is a tool that you never appreciate until you get one. And, they won’t set you back a fortune, either.
NO
Well…no one else has said so. If you don’t like it cancel me. [}:)]
I have two cheap ones and I have used pliers to try to keep the drill bit from slipping or sliding back into the collet. I have not always been successful.
Do you need one or are you a compulsive tool collector like the rest of us?
If you want to install you own grab irons and railings, you need something. Drilling a #78 hole with a big clunky hand held battery powered drill is easy, only if you have the steadiness of an retinal surgeon.
I own two sizes of Starret pin vises, bought off Ebay and they satisfy all my needs.
In journalism, there’s Betteridge’s Law of Headlines: any headline that ends in a question mark can be answered with the word no.
Now, when it comes to tools, this works the opposite. If you decide to start a thread asking if you need a tool, the answer is yes.
I also have a number of pin vises, including a push-drill type. Like most newbies, I started with a cheap one. As I got more experience, I started buying better pin vises. The best ones I’ve used are made by Starrett (made in USA), but then they are not cheap.
There was a previous discussion on this topic, a few recommended Starett Pin vises. I hunted a 2 piece set down on Ebay, and I was quite pleased with them. I’ve seen them for reasonable prices there, for the quality you’re getting. The set I got allows gripping from 1/16 down to #80
Cheapo pin vises can have a problem gripping the bit. As was mentioned above, even tightening with pliers can still not cut it. Dan
Yes on pin vises. Indeed, in one or another of his Kalmbach books on freight car modeling, Jeff Wilson suggests having a dedicated pin vise, a double ended type, with the 2-56 tap in one end and the 2-56 bit in the other.
Dave Nelson
I agree with those who have voted “yes” on pin vices. They are very helpful tools. MisterBeasley is right: You will appreciate a pin vice after you get one.
DEW
Everyone else has already stated this, but absolutely yes, you need one! I got mine for real cheap off of Amazon. While you can get a cheap one (not saying you should), you definitely either need decent drill bits, or buy a bunch of cheap ones, because drill bits at this size will break.
Yes…and purchase Starrett brand. They are well-worth the cost and hold even tiny drill bits (e.g. #80) firmly. You won’t regret purchasing one.
Tom
Heres one more YES to pin vises. Actually, its a YES to most any small tools if you plan to work on scale models. As an additive plus, small tools are actually handy around the house too. So your doing yourself a favor by investing in something like this.
PMR