What sizes of cross slide vise are available?

The cross slide vise is available in various sizes such as jaw widths and jaw openings. As these parts increase, so does the overall size of the vise to be proportional.The following dimensions apply to all types of drill vices.

The weight

The weight of a cross slide vise can vary from 16 lbs (approximately 7 kg) to 40 lbs (approximately 18 kg), depending on the overall size of the vise.

Jaw width

Jaw width is the width of the jaws from one side to the other, measured as a horizontal distance along the top of the jaw margin.

Smallest available: 75 mm (approx. 3 inches)

Largest available: 150 mm (approx. 6 inches)

Jaw opening

The opening of the vise jaws is how far the mouths of the jaws can open.

Smallest available: 70 mm (approx. 2.75 inches)

Largest available: 150 mm (approx. 6 inches)

Throat depth

Jaw depth is the depth of the vise jaws, measured by the vertical distance from the top edge of the jaws to the base.

Smallest available: 25 mm (approx. 1 inches)

Largest available: 50 mm (approx. 2 inches)

How to choose a cross vise

The size of the vise required depends on the size of the material to be clamped. The user must ensure that the opening of the vise jaws is wide enough to hold the workpiece in the hand.

A vise with a narrower jaw width and opening will be tighter than a larger vise, however they may also be easier to use and maneuver as their smaller design means they will be lighter.

Weight is another aspect to consider when purchasing a machine vice. Although most drill presses and milling machines have a table that is strong enough to support any weight of the vise, it is always important to check this.

To find out how much the table of your machine weighs, please refer to the product specifications.

For more information on different vise sizes, see What are the different vise sizes?