I just bought an Excel brand pin vise. It has 2 reversible collets. What I am finding is that the collets don’t grab the drill bits very tightly. I’m choosing the right collet and cranking it down… Is there a trick to it?
I’ve run into similar issues with my pin vise. The problem was because the tapered end that pinches the jaws of the chuck together does not thread down far enough on the body of the pin vise. My solution was to place a metal spacer underneath the chuck that would enable it to portrude further out from the end, thus the threaded knob could be tightened down further on the chuck. Another solution (beit a more expensive one) is to purchase micro-drills with a standard 1/8" shank. They are available from MSC direct.
You might call Excel and ask them about it. If its a workmanship issue, I’m sure they would repair/replace it. I have an Excel pinvice, not the double one, but I have had no problems with it. Then again, Ruddratt’s advice might be simpler?
eizzle’s post got me thinking, and he is correct in stating that it is in fact a workmanship issue. It turns out that the collets included with this pinvise were for me at least almost useless for holding smaller bits. I replaced the collet with one from a dremel flex-shaft attachment, included the spacer I mentioned earlier, and viola!..and since a picture is worth a thousand words, here is what my mod looks like…
When looking for tools, look for places that supply jewelers or precision machinists. The tools are more expensive, but you get better quality.
I have this same unit and have the same problem.
I wrap tape around the size 80 drill bit and that seems to work…
The Tamiya Pin-Vise will hold down to a #83-#84 drill bit.
It’s all in the quality of the tool. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. I have a drill chuck that closes to true 0 and it can be held in you hand or a drill press for super small holes.
Look into the Tamiya Pin-Vise. It’s an awesome tool and worth the $20 or so.