Pin vise?

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Tools
1

I have a good set of pin vises- steel so they have lasted forever. However, the smallest does not close down far enough for the really small drills. It only grabs tight down to about 72. For rigging biplanes and ships I really need to use something smaller (I use monofilament 6 mil thread).

Can anyone recommend a good pin vise that closes down on a # 80 drill?

2

Good Day!!

I have a pin vice in which the collet closes completely. It’s made by Starrett and numbered 165.

I don’t know if this is still available; it was given to me years ago. I hope this helps!![:D]

Paul

3

Don, don’t know if you’d rather purchase a pin vise or not but I can offer an alternative. Usually, if my bit doesn’t fit properly I wrap the end of it in tape, like masking tape or something, to increase the thickness so the vise will clamp tightly around it. Then if you need to, the tape can be easily removed.

4

I tried that first thing, but the really small drill just turned inside the tape :frowning: Guess the circumference is so small there is not enough surface for the tape to grip.

5

Run down to the local welding supplier or hardware store that sells welding accessories. Look for a tip cleaner, which is a pin vise complete with wire gauge bits. Been using mine for years and they are inexpensive. The pic shows a old style pin vise (left) and two different styles of tip cleaners that I picked up.

6

Dang! That info would have been handy yesterday afternoon when I ordered a pin vise set from MicroMark

[bnghead]

7

Thanks- I’ll try that.

8

I got mine at Hobby Lobby with a 40% coupon, about $9.99. It came with 12 - #50 to #80 bits. I think it was an Excel.

9

Don: Try one from gyros mine will go down to 82 size bit they have collets in both ends I use it more than my exacto vice. aceses5[bgr][::DD0]

10

Who or what is gyros?

11

Don, Gyros is a tool company. Their pin vise is pretty good!

12

I’ll second the tip cleaner from the welding place. I’ve had mine for years now and it works flawlessly.

13

Harbour Freight has them. They are in the drill bit section.

14

Didn’t know that the one I have had for years. But I agree. It’s great. Now that I know, I can get a couple more to keep from having to changes bit a dozen times.