Vices

Secure your workpieces reliably and stably with high-quality vices from ELMAG. The parallel clamping jaws grip the material with high force, whilst hardened guideways ensure that nothing tilts or shifts, even under lateral machining forces. The result: clean bores, precise milling and repeatable results.

From robust standard vices and machine vices for flexible positioning to CNC hydraulic vices with a hold-down system, you will find products at ELMAG to meet a wide range of requirements.

Types of vices for different applications

Choosing the right vice depends on the size of the workpiece, the required precision and the drilling or milling machine. The following main types each offer specific advantages:

Mechanical machine vices

Function: Trapezoidal threaded spindle moves the jaws towards each other
Body made of high-strength cast iron with a fine grain for durability
Hardened guideways ensure parallel clamping jaws even under high loads
Some models are equipped with a 360° turntable for positioning at any angle
Robust and low-maintenance
Ideal for: Standard applications in metal workshops

Hydraulic machine vices

Operating principle: combination of mechanical pre-tension and hydraulic final clamping
Significantly higher clamping force than purely mechanical models
Even force distribution across the entire jaw width
Available in various jaw widths, with turntable
Ideal for: reproducible clamping force, e.g. for production parts

CNC hydraulic vices

Designed for high speeds and precision machining
Down-holding system: additionally presses the workpiece downwards with 50% of the clamping force
Prevents lifting during drilling and movement during milling
Body made of high-strength spheroidal graphite cast iron (600 N/mm² tensile strength)
Hardened and ground guideways
Ideal for: CNC machining centres, tight tolerances, series production

Quick-action vices

How it works: Lever mechanism replaces time-consuming cranking. Press the clamping jaw against the workpiece, close the lever, done
Precisely ground guide shafts guarantee high repeatability
Includes prismatic jaws for round workpieces
Ideal for: small batches, frequent workpiece changes

Hydraulic or mechanical?

The choice between hydraulic and mechanical clamping determines your working speed and the required precision.

Our recommendation:

If you use your vice daily with changing workpieces or work in multi-shift operations, the hydraulic version quickly pays for itself through time savings and consistent quality.
For occasional drilling and milling work in the workshop, a mechanical vice is perfectly adequate.

The right jaw width for your application

The jaw width determines how large and heavy your workpieces can be. It should cover as much of the workpiece width as possible so that the clamping force is evenly distributed and the workpiece does not tip or slip. As a rule of thumb: the larger the contact area of the jaws on the workpiece, the more stable and precise the clamping result. Here is a quick overview:

100 mm jaw width

for small to medium-sized workpieces
Typical applications: cutting aluminium profiles, drilling small parts, machining brass strips
Ideal for compact bench drills and small milling machines

125 mm jaw width

as an all-rounder for workshops
For most steel profiles, flat materials and tubes up to 180 mm wide
Fits moststandard pillar drills and bench milling machines
Available from ELMAG in both mechanical and hydraulic versions

150 mm jaw width

also suitable for larger workpieces up to 220 mm wide and heavier materials
For steel construction, metalworking shops and manufacturing facilities
Important for this size: The milling or drilling machine must have a machine table of sufficient size.

200 mm jaw width

the heavy-duty version for industrial applications and workpieces up to 300 mm wide
Maximum clamping force 62 kN
Lower clamping system
Usually permanently mounted on milling machines
Used in single-part and series production

At ELMAG, we offer vices with different jaw widths. We would be happy to advise you on the right choice for your requirements.

Enquire now!

Key features of ELMAG vices

ELMAG vices impress with their precise workmanship, robust construction and a well-thought-out range that offers the right solution for every application. The result: reliable clamping solutions you can count on for every machining operation.

Hydraulic machine vices for maximum clamping force: The hydraulic models in the CB series offer mechanical-hydraulic clamping with exceptionally high clamping force. The heavy-duty cast body, the hardened and ground guideways, and the integrated rotary table with an easy-to-read 360° scale make them the ideal choice for demanding milling and drilling operations.
Rotatable versions for maximum flexibility: Several models are equipped with a turntable, allowing for rapid radial adjustment of the workpiece. This means that even complex machining tasks can be tackled efficiently and without time-consuming re-clamping – a clear advantage in daily workshop use.
Hardened and replaceable clamping jaws: All vices are fitted with hardened, ground and easily replaceable clamping jaws. This significantly extends the tool’s service life and enables cost-effective maintenance without having to replace the entire vice.
Wide range of models for every requirement: From compact 100 mm jaws to 300 mm clamping widths, the ELMAG range covers all standard requirements. The range is complemented by suitable accessories such as prism jaws and rotary plates – all precisely tailored to the ELMAG machine range.

With products from ELMAG, you can rely on tested quality with a 15-year spare parts guarantee. To help you find the right vice for your drilling or milling machine, our technicians provide expert advice – from selecting the correct model and suitable accessories to the optimal setup in the workplace.

Frequently asked questions about vices

What types of vices are there?

In metalworking, a distinction is made between the following main types. Which type is the right one depends on the specific application.

Machine vices: for drilling and milling machines, mechanical or hydraulic
Bench vices: permanently mounted on the workbench, for general manual work
Pipe vices: with V-shaped jaws, specifically for pipes and round stock
Swivel vices: tiltable and rotatable for work on sloping surfaces
Cross-type vices: rotatable and tiltable for complex multi-angle positioning
Quick-release vices: with lever mechanism for rapid workpiece change
Precision mechanic’s vices: small precision models for watchmaking and model making

How does a machine vice work?

A machine vice consists of a fixed and a movable jaw. In mechanical models, you turn a clamping key or operating lever – a trapezoidal threaded spindle moves the jaw and clamps the workpiece securely in place. It is mounted directly onto the machine table using T-slots or slotted holes.

How big should a vice be?

The correct size depends on the application. As a general rule, the jaw width should cover the workpiece as completely as possible. In addition to jaw width , clamping force, overall height and compatibility with the machine table (T-slot spacing, footprint) are also crucial.

A rough guide based on jaw width; we recommend seeking advice from a specialist retailer:

100–125 mm – for hobby workshops and lighter work
125–160 mm – for professional metal workshops
160 mm and above – for industrial applications

How much does a good vice cost?

A high-quality vice is a long-term investment – with regular maintenance, a service life of many years is realistic. The cost varies depending on the type and model. Quick-action vices are available from around €150, whilst mechanical PROFI machine vices range from the mid to high three-figure range, depending on size. Hydraulic machine vices typically start in the four-figure range, and CNC hydraulic vices with a hold-down system are the highest-quality and most expensive models. You can findcurrent prices in the ELMAG shop or by contacting our experts directly.

Where is the best place to mount a vice?

On drilling and milling machines, the machine vice is bolted centrally using T-slots or slotted holes, with the fixed jaw parallel to the machine axis. For workbench vices: mount on the right or left outer edge (right-handers on the left, left-handers on the right), directly above a table leg for stability. The rear jaw should be flush with the edge of the table, allowing long workpieces to be clamped vertically.

What material should a vice be made of?

High-quality machine vices are usually made of ductile iron, which is significantly more impact-resistant and tougher than conventional grey cast iron and is therefore particularly suitable for demanding applications. More affordable models use grey cast iron, which is sufficient for light to medium loads. Forged steel vices offer the highest level of robustness, but are correspondingly more expensive. The jaws on high-quality models are hardened and ground, ensuring a secure grip and a long service life. The same applies to the guideways – a hardened design is crucial to prevent premature wear.

What are the pros and cons of a machine vice?

Advantages:

High clamping force secures workpieces precisely without slipping
Parallel clamping jaws distribute the force evenly across the entire contact surface
Reproducible results for production parts thanks to constant clamping force
Rotary tables allow quick angle adjustments for angled machining
A hold-down system prevents the workpiece from lifting during drilling
Long service life with regular maintenance

Disadvantages:

Higher purchase costs compared to simple bench vices, particularly for hydraulic models
Heavy weight makes mobile use difficult
Installation reduces the available work surface on the machine table
Workpiece size is limited by the jaw width and clamping range

Can a machine vice be used on a drill?

Yes, machine vices are very well suited for column and bench drills. They hold workpieces securely in place during drilling and prevent them from slipping or rotating. Mounting is carried out via T-slots or slotted holes in the machine table; the available mounting area should be checked in advance. For most drilling applications, mechanical or quick-action vices are sufficient; hydraulic models are used for particularly high clamping forces or large work volumes.

Chuck jaw width	135 mm
Chuck jaw height	46 mm
Span	0-72 / 70-140 / 135-220 mm
Length	540 mm
Height	118 mm
Weight	32 kg

Chuck jaw width	155 mm
Chuck jaw height	53.5 mm
Span	0-100 / 98-200 / 195-300 mm
Length	615 mm
Height	136 mm
Weight	58 kg

Chuck jaw width	110 mm
Chuck jaw height	36 mm
Span	0-60 / 57-115 / 110-170 mm
Length	430 mm
Height	94 mm
Weight	16 kg

Chuck jaw width	200 mm
Chuck jaw height	62 mm
Span	0-100 / 98-200 / 195-300 mm
Length	700 mm
Height	162 mm
Weight	96 kg