Screw-controlled movement
A threaded screw runs through the base toward the moving jaw.
The thread and jaw connection must allow rotation and controlled travel without binding.
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03 / Mechanical design
Bench Vice
Turn the handle. Move the jaw. A mechanical study of screw-driven clamping and guided travel.
Tested project · mechanical design
Why I started
A steadier setup for snowboard maintenance.
I came up with this idea in January 2026 while thinking about maintaining my snowboard. I wanted a more stable way to hold the work while keeping my hands free for the task. That need led me to explore a screw-driven vice in CAD.
The model includes a base, jaw, grip, screw, T-slot parts and fasteners. The assembled illustration also places the handle components at the screw head so the relationship between the input and the moving jaw is visible.
How it works
Follow the movement.
Screw & guide / side viewJaw position: 100%
Motion schematic · not to scale. The slider shows movement, not measured jaw travel. Testing & project record →
- 01
Turn
The crossbar provides the input for rotating the screw.
- 02
Translate
The screw-and-thread relationship changes the jaw position along the base.
- 03
Guide
The moving jaw follows the guide, bringing its gripping face toward the fixed jaw.
Design record
Read the design through its parts.
A vice holds a workpiece between a fixed jaw and a moving jaw. This design explores how a screw can control the opening while the base and guide keep the moving assembly aligned. The features below describe the current CAD; a comparison of earlier alternatives and revisions is not yet part of the record.
Guided jaw
The model includes T-slot parts beneath the moving assembly.
The sliding fit needs clearance for movement while limiting unwanted tilt.
Separate grip and handle parts
The grip, bar and ball ends are separate meshes.
Separate parts make assembly access, retention and fit important to the overall mechanism.
Geometry reference
Read the scale of the parts.
| Feature | CAD value (model units) | What it describes |
|---|---|---|
| Base envelope | 150 × 64 × 55 | Overall length × width × height |
| Jaw grip | 10 × 64 × 20 | Thickness × width × height |
| Handle bar length | 120 | End-to-end extent of bar.stl |
Values are read from the STL coordinate bounds. STL files do not encode units; confirm the intended unit scale before fabrication. These values do not establish the usable jaw opening or clamping capacity.
Compare with the original STL layout
The assembled hero adds context for the handle and opposing grip. Downloads below retain the original geometry and positions.
Individual parts
Explore the geometry.
Testing & project record
Designed and tested.
Current record
Testing completed by Eason Yang.
Eason has tested this project. The page brings together its design files, CAD dimensions and an illustrative mechanism walkthrough.
- Test record
- Testing is complete. Detailed methods, measurements, observations and supporting media can be added to this record.
- Design / fabrication dates
- The idea dates to January 2026. CAD completion and fabrication dates have not yet been recorded.
- Author’s process
- Alternatives, revisions and the boundary between references and Eason’s own design remain to be documented.
- Tools & references
- The original design software and any tutorials or source designs have not been identified in this record.
- Intended use
- Snowboard maintenance motivated this project. A fuller use record can describe the workpiece tested, the support arrangement and any protection used.
Document the completed testing
Add the setup, method and observations from the testing already completed.
Test setup
Add the assembly configuration and workpiece used for testing, with a photograph where available.
Operation
Add observations from opening and closing the vice, including jaw movement and handle operation.
Observations and revisions
Describe the holding test and its observations. Include any fit changes made during development.
Project files
Take a closer look.
Ten STL files are available: Base, Jaw, Jaw Grip, Screw, T slot, T slot bolt, lock screw, Bolt, Bar and Ball. The individual files and ZIP retain their original model geometry.
Complete model set
10 STL · 3.31 MB · original filenames inside the ZIP
| Part / file | Format | Size | Download |
|---|---|---|---|
| BaseBase.stl | STL | 2.05 MB | Download ↓ Base |
| JawJaw.stl | STL | 838.2 KB | Download ↓ Jaw |
| Jaw GripJaw Grip.stl | STL | 533.4 KB | Download ↓ Jaw Grip |
| ScrewScrew.stl | STL | 2.67 MB | Download ↓ Screw |
| T slotT slot.stl | STL | 21.2 KB | Download ↓ T slot |
| T slot boltT slot bolt.stl | STL | 464.1 KB | Download ↓ T slot bolt |
| lock screwlock screw.stl | STL | 176.2 KB | Download ↓ lock screw |
| BoltBolt.stl | STL | 372.2 KB | Download ↓ Bolt |
| BarBar.stl | STL | 342.5 KB | Download ↓ Bar |
| BallBall.stl | STL | 507.8 KB | Download ↓ Ball |
Individual downloads retain the original model bytes. File inventory & checksums ↓