Where to put a vice on a workbench

When it comes to choosing the correct vice placement on a workbench, misplacement can lead to years of discomfort and inefficiency. Fitting a vice to a workbench correctly is of critical importance to the effectiveness of your workspace. Some benches come prefitted with a vice, however, if you already have a workbench and want to know the best place to fit a vice, read on.

Why is fitting a vice to a workbench correctly so important?

The correct placement of a vice on a workbench is not purely a matter of convenience, as it also affects the structural integrity, safety and efficiency of the bench. 

Structural integrity

A vice is often either the primary point of contact between your physical strength and the workpiece, or alternatively the point of contact under the most stress and strain on the bench. Therefore, when considering the correct placement for fitting a vice to a workbench, first assess the strongest points of the workbench itself, with these often being where the supports and legs of the bench are positioned. Placing your vice at one of these points helps to prevent damage to the workbench, your workpiece or the vice itself.

Ease of use and ergonomics

Vice placement on a workbench and ergonomics are intrinsically linked together, as the ergonomic effectiveness of a workbench and vice pivots upon the placement. A vice which is placed too low upon the workbench leads to hunching, resulting in back pain, whilst a vice placed upon the incorrect corner of a bench forces the user to work across their body, restricting range of movement. By thoughtfully fitting a vice to a workbench, you can ensure that the vice allows for a natural stance that ensures the user has full control of their tools. 

A fundamental consideration fitting a vice to a workbench

Before committing to drilling and fitting a vice to your workbench, first consider the relationship between those using the workstation and the station itself. Vice placement on a workbench should be largely influenced by the dominant working hand of those using the workbench. Typically, those who are right-handed will find the front-left corner of a work bench to be the optimum placement, whereas those who are left-handed will prefer the front-right corner. 

Mistakes to avoid with vice placement on a workbench

When fitting a vice to a workbench, there are a few common mistakes which can render vices near-useless.

Mounting a vice too close to a vertical surface

The location of potentially intrusive vertical surfaces, including walls and cabinets, should be a factor in where to put a vice on a workbench. Walls and other surfaces act as a block to the range of movement when a workbench is positioned nearby, inhibiting the ability to use a vice.

Inspect the space underneath the vice

A mistake commonly made when fitting a vice to a workbench, is a lack of inspection of the space underneath the vice. This space is critical, as it can often contain the supports of a slide draw or be the space for a user’s legs. Installing a vice here and allowing it to encroach on this space can therefore impact ergonomics or other features of the workbench.

Need help with fitting a vice to a workbench?

Our team of experts are on-hand to help with all queries surrounding the correct vice placement on workbenches, along with installation advice. Contact us today.

We also have workbenches with fitted vices available to order.

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Where to put a vice on a workbench FAQs

Can I mount a vice to a bench that isn’t bolted to the floor?

Fitting a vice to a workbench that isn’t bolted down is possible, however it is first worth considering the type and nature of work that will be done at the bench. When mounting a heavy vice to a lightweight workbench, consider the forces of the potential work, and if these will be too much for the workstation.

How can I protect the vice on my workbench once installed?

Be sure to keep the vice free from standing moisture, which can lead to rusting and potential damage. Moreover, apply lubricant and protective wax to the vice monthly, as this creates a protective layer against harmful substances, whilst also ensuring that the vice doesn’t get damaged during usage. 

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