Vice mounting in Exeter
Professional vice mounting services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
From £60
Typical Duration
30-45 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional vice mounting in Exeter. We securely bolt workshop vices to benches using proper through-bolts and techniques. Engineers vices, woodworking vices, and swivel vices installed solid for heavy-duty use.
A poorly mounted vice is frustrating and dangerous - it twists under load, damages the bench, or pulls loose. We mount vices properly using through-bolts, large washers, and techniques that keep them rock solid for years of heavy use.
We work with all vice types - engineers vices (metalwork), woodworking vices (front and end vices), quick-release vices, swivel vices, and specialist vices. We'll position for optimal use and ensure secure mounting.
| Vice Type | Mounting Method | Typical Time |
|---|---|---|
| Engineers vice | Through-bolt with backing washers | 30-45 mins |
| Woodworking front vice | Through-bolt or coach bolts | 45-60 mins |
| End vice | Complex mounting to bench end | 60-90 mins |
| Quick-release vice | Through-bolt with anti-rotation pins | 30-45 mins |
| Swivel vice | Through-bolt at base plate | 30-45 mins |
Proper mounting: Through-bolts pass completely through bench with large washers underneath spreading load. Tightened properly, vices shouldn't budge even under heavy hammering or torque.
Why Choose Us for Vice mounting in Exeter?
Solid mounting for heavy work
Correct positioning and height
Proper bolt-through installation
Engineers and woodworking vices
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment - We check your bench construction, assess if it's suitable for the vice weight and forces, measure and mark the optimal mounting position, and explain the installation.
Step 2: Installation - We drill through-holes sized for bolts, position the vice, insert bolts with large washers underneath, tighten to proper torque, and verify the vice is solid with no movement.
Step 3: Testing - We test the vice under load, check it doesn't twist or lift, verify smooth operation, and ensure the bench doesn't flex. You'll have a workshop-quality installation.
🔧 DIY Tips
Bench thickness: Minimum 40mm solid wood for most vices. Thinner benches need reinforcement underneath. Hollow or weak benches aren't suitable - the vice will pull through under load.
Bolt selection: Use high-tensile bolts (grade 8.8 or better), not cheap hardware store bolts. Use large washers underneath (50mm+ diameter) to spread load. Penny washers are too small and will pull through.
Position planning: Mount vices so the front jaw is flush with bench edge. Too far back reduces clamping capacity. Too far forward risks breaking off the bench edge. Flush is ideal.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Some modern workbenches have hollow tube frames or thin tops unsuitable for proper vice mounting. We'll assess and advise if reinforcement is needed or if a different solution works better.
Heavy engineers vices (20kg+) need very solid benches. If your bench flexes when you lean on it, it won't hold a heavy vice properly. We can advise on bench reinforcement or vice selection.
Woodworking vices often need mortises cut into the bench top for dog holes and mechanisms. If your bench isn't pre-cut, we can mark positions but complex carpentry may need a specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does vice mounting cost?
Vice mounting is covered by our £60 minimum callout. A standard vice installation typically takes 30-45 minutes. Multiple vices or complex bench setups may take longer.
Can you mount a vice on any workbench?
We can mount vices on solid wood benches, MDF benches (if thick enough), and metal frame benches. We'll assess if your bench is suitable or needs reinforcement before mounting.
What size bolts do I need for vice mounting?
Most vices use M10 or M12 bolts. Heavy engineers vices may need M14 or larger. We'll assess your vice and bench, then use appropriate length and grade bolts with large washers underneath.
Where should a vice be positioned on a bench?
Vices mount at the left front corner for right-handed users (right corner for left-handed). Position so long materials can extend to the left/right without hitting walls. We'll advise optimal position.
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