Pin vise --- Help!

I love my Testors pin vise w/ 6 bits.

And put a grip:

Just about any of the larger tool suppliers on the web should be able to supply you with an all steel double ended pin vise(large end will take up to a 3/32 drill bit while the small end will take a bit smaller than a #80 drill bit).  Since I don't use the large end that much, I insert a thumb tack in the large end to give myself a pressure point that won't chew my finger up while I'm drilling.

I agree 100% and there measuring tools are top notch

I've been using a Testors one for the last couple of years.  No complaints...Excel brand micro bits...those are great!

I've been using a $10 pin vise I bought at hobby lobby a long time ago. They have a decent set of drill bits there too, with around 25 bits in it.

As an ex-machinist, never considered a Starrett pin vise. Thanks for that tip!

I have several fairly worthless pin vises bought over the years at LHS's. I recently bought a Tamiya which is so far the best yet. By leaps and bounds.

Al's Hobby in Elmhurst Illinois has a Zoro Tool model just like that for around $9.00. Check it out online

My pin vise has both a nice spherical wood knob as well as a well made body with a knurled chuck and a knurled grip just above the chuck. I can't find a brand on it anywhere, but I'm pretty sure I bought it at Caboose Hobbies in Denver. I know that doesn't help much, but at least you know they're out there.

Just ordered several  Starrett pin vises online from Zoro Tools-good prices and reasonable shipping costs($5.00).Search for Starrett pin vise

You absolutely cannot go wrong with Starret.  They are a bit more money, but they are built by toolmakers for professional machinists.  One of their pin vises will last you a lifetime.  Try McMaster-Carr for online

The toy looking Tamiya handy drill has pretty much eliminated my pin vise. You do need to buy the additional chuck for the really small bits.

I wish I could find a  really good pin vise.  Most do not have good materials on the threads of the collar and main shaft.  Some are aluminum on aluminum, a no-no.  Others just seem to have poorly cut threads. In either case, the threads end up hard to work after a few dozen rechucks.

On the other hand, I bought a set of four that covers a good range of sizes, and the threads work great.  But, the bodies are tubes, and if you rest or push your palm into them when turning a drill bit, it messes up your palm.  No knob.

I wish I could find a vise or set with a decent knob AND smooth threads!

i bought some cheap ones off evilbay and they were junk. i then got a Starret one and its perfect!

i have not found any good quality HSS micro drills though, the ones i have are mostly rubbish. i find i have more success   with carbide microdrills. they are VERY fragile though, so great care needed.

Hello!

I'd say look up a jewellery supplies shop. You will know the good pin vise by the price tag . You can also buy the bits there. The kind of pin vise mitsdude mentioned is sometimes handy, but not for all applications. I like the one with a ball on one end - you put the palm of your hand over the ball and use your fingers to rotate the bit, gives a very steady operation. It's a good idea to buy more than one pin vise - then you don't have to switch the bits all of the time. I'd recommend that you buy bits like 0.6mm (sometimes you go even lower, but rarely), 0.8, 1mm, 1,5mm, 2mm, 2,5mm if your tool can hold a bit this big. If you need a bigger hole, you can usually use a needle file to enlarge a 2mm or 2,5mm hole.

Hope it helps, have a nice day

Paweł

All the ones I've seen come with a set of bits.

I do like the ones with the little mechanism on top that lets you "spin" the drill back and forth.

HF has a package of small drill bits for a few dollars.

The drill small ones are very easy to snap. Even the slightest angle will break them off.