A brief history of the vice
A brief history of the vice |
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The clamping technique was originally developed in the middle ages with the introduction of clamps with threads. | |||
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In 1750, a breakthrough came with the development of the wooden parallel vice. This was a tool that had sliding jaws which moved horizontally on adjustable slots.
The first cast iron vice was later produced in England in 1830. These vices were much more durable than the previous wooden versions. |
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However, during this period, iron vices weren’t ideal as they were made from liquid iron, which, when poured, produced cavities and left the casting structure porous and brittle. This meant the vices would often crack under pressure. | |||
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As a solution to this problem, during the late 19th century, high grade unbreakable vices were made from forged steel instead, until the quality of cast iron was improved. | |||
Modern day vices |
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Modern day vices have developed considerably since the early days of the parallel vice, due to improvements within the manufacturing process.
The concept is still very similar – vices still have two parallel jaws that adjust to hold workpieces of a variety of shapes and sizes, however, the cast iron and steel that vices are now made of are much stronger than in the early years. |
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New types of vice have now also been introduced to accommodate specific applications. | |||
