I have an ultra-no-frills pin vise that came in a wooden ship kit I bought 30 years ago and I have completely worn out. It's been my go-to pin-vise for drill bits from 0.2mm down to 0.01mm. I have a Tamiya pin vise that I've never been completely happy with, largely because it doesn't hold really small bits less than 0.2mm. Looking for a recommendation for a pin vise that will handle the really small bits.

I'm 95% sure this is the one I've been using the last 15+ years....
https://www.micromark.com/Swivel-Hd-Pin-Vise-0-1-8

Hi Mark,

For really small bits, like #78 and smaller, I bend a small piece of photo etch sprue (just over 1/8" x 1/8" square) in half, to a 90 degree angle, and insert in the chuck, so that it functions as a shim between the chuck and the bit. To keep it from sliding too far into the chuck, I fold out some little wings on the top side of the shim. When you insert the shim and tighten on the small bit, the chuck will form the shim to match the shape of bit and hold it in place.

Hope this helps -
Nick

Thanks for the input, guys.

The micro-mark precision pin vice actuay looks very similar to the one I need to replace.

This one recommended by Matt, I have had one since the late 70s-early 80s. It still does all I ask of it.


I have other types as well, but this one is the one I keep returning to.

I got six pin vises but I never bought one. People kept giving them to me and they're nice, able to hold tiny bits no problems.

I got two of these:
https://www.walthers.com/revolving-tool-holder
The big handle gives better control and is quite comfortable and easy to hold.

You can also consider the ZONA brand...they are excellent.

https://www.zonatool.net/shop/hand-tools/pin-vises-and-miniature-twist-drills/swivel-head-pin-vise/

Cheers,

I'll second getting the zona

Thanks, guys.

The Zona does look like a nice tool at a decent price. One of the other things I don't like about the Tamiya pin vise is that the so-called swiveling top tends to unscrew itself when I'm using it. Any issues with the Zona in that regard?

I have been using these for years and I cannot remember the
top ever coming off.

Cheers,

Same here. The action on mine is real smooth almost like there is a bearing in there. Mine are older but are still in perfect shape.