Clamps & Vises

Many tool injuries happen because the work moved: a board shifted under a saw, a pipe spun in someone’s hand. Clamps and vises hold the work so both of your hands stay on the tool.

• Construction
• General Industry

Types

• Bench vise: bolted to a solid bench for metal and pipe work
• Pipe vise and tripod pipe stands: for threading and cutting pipe
• C-clamps, bar clamps, quick-grip clamps: for holding work to sawhorses or tables
• Locking pliers and welding clamps for small parts

Safe use

• Clamp work before cutting, drilling, grinding or chiseling.
• Make sure the vise is bolted down and the bench is solid.
• Use soft jaws or pads to protect finished surfaces.
• Support long stock at the far end so it doesn’t lever out of the vise.
• Keep fingers out of the jaws while tightening.

• Don’t use a cheater bar on a vise handle or hammer on it.
• Don’t use a vise as an anvil, except on the anvil surface if it has one.
• Don’t use a cracked vise or bent clamp.

Last updated: October 1, 2026