Here's a good bench vise for pistols - next up, I need a hand vise

[Alan O]

Hi guys. For some months now I have been building a MBS Ketland pistol and have been using a Dremel multi-vise and it's worked out great. Soft jaws and holds the work through any and all shaping, inletting, etc. I highly recommend it. What I need now is a reliable hand vise - does anyone have a recommendation? I looked around and see several in the under $50 range n Amazon etc. Thanks.

 

[Whitworth]

Check eBay, some good old (American made) ones pop up.

 

[Alan O]

thanks - will take a look

 

[Pirate's Son]

I've been using the 4" Harbor Freight vise. Adjustable eight ways from Sunday. Rotating head with two jaw styles. I think it was less than $30

 

[Alan O]

I've been using the 4" Harbor Freight vise. Adjustable eight ways from Sunday. Rotating head with two jaw styles. I think it was less than $30

Thanks!

 

[Oldbear63]

You don't explain exactly how you will use this.
A useful hand tool is a wood hand screw clamp (https://www.amazon.com/Bessey-LHS-10-10-Inch-Handscrew-Clamp). The jaws are not damaging to metal and you can hold small objects while hand filing or clamp it into a larger metal vise. I use a small one for working tiny wood or metal parts.
Another useful tool is a wood jewlers clamp (https://www.amazon.com/SE-6-Wooden-Ring-Clamp).

 

[Alan O]

Ah thanks - those look very useful. The other day I was smoothing the ends of some retaining pins and a hand-held vise (NOS from the Squadron Shop, I think) came in handy

 

[bajabuc]

I've been using the 4" Harbor Freight vise. Adjustable eight ways from Sunday. Rotating head with two jaw styles. I think it was less than $30

sjnapped my harbour freight 4 inch is half...cranked it too hard.