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Review on πŸ”§ Stickvise Standard Vise with Nylon Jaws by Paul Tilden

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Damn good. Recommend.

I work with circuit boards as a hobby. I'm having a hard time holding the board while soldering small parts, wires or whatever. I have a Panavise with a board holder, but I rarely use it because it's sooo bulky. So I reached for StickVise. (I paid for it myself.) I was not disappointed. First, it's not bulky at all. It actually looked pretty anemic at first, but when used it does what it's supposed to. Holds the circuit board so that it can be handled. This provides sufficient ground clearance for uncut cables and larger components. He does that wonderfully. As a HUGE bonus, the top of the circuit board stays at the same height. This is great because I do most of the work under a microscope. Since the board is always at the same height, I don't have to keep refocusing. The mechanism runs smoothly and has just enough spring force to keep everything stable, but not so much that it's difficult to remove or insert the circuit board. For example, the manufacturer has published files for 3D printing your own special jaws. I have already taken advantage of this. So why not 5 stars? 0.5) I rarely give stars. The product must be well above the obligation to receive. 5.1) After unpacking, the devices will not stick to a smooth surface such as a desk. B. an antistatic mat. The vise is easy to move. The manufacturer says you can add rubber feet and it really works. 2) With vise jaws made of nylon and/or rubber feet, the vise is no longer ESD protected. When using sensitive components, a separate grounding system must be used. ESD dissipative clamps and feet would be nice. 3) When working with small circuit boards and using rubber feet, the mass is insufficient to withstand the oscillating action of a long steel bar. I'm not sure if there is any solution other than making the rear block out of a heavier metal or a "clear aluminum" stem to reduce its weight. I simply 3D printed a "washer" to friction fit the open end of the rod and rest on my work surface. It's not to my liking. I found it a bit fiddly to install the circuit board in the grove. But I just printed a new set with the groove I like best. If you want something better than a third hand, knock or other awkward clamps, I wholeheartedly recommend this.

Pros
  • Enjoyable
Cons
  • Legacy Model