There are many more types of pin vises than shown below and not all for drilling..
From left to right.
- Small single collet swivel head.
- Internally stored, 2 reversible collet (4 sizes) 0-1/8" swivel head.
- Medium single collet flattened, wooden, fixed head.
- Internally stored, 2 reversible collet (4 sizes) 0-1/8" swivel head.
- Externally stored, 3 collet 0-1/8" swivel head.
- Swivel head push drill driven by pushing nut in middle of spiral.
- Fixed head push drill with loose ferrule near collet driven by pushing handle.
- Large 1/4" "pin vise" useful for large careful hand drilling, reaming, chamfering and deburring.
The following hand positions work comfortably for me and are shown as starting points. Depending on hand size, structure and feel, variations may be more suitable. As rests drawers are very convenient, since they can be adjusted to suit. Swivels are far more comfortable in most applications, precluding double enders.
DRILLING SMALLER HOLES WITH ONE HAND.
The index finger is used to stabilize and apply pressure at the swivel. The thumb and middle finger twist the shank, while the other fingers or heel of the palm stabilize the hand and possibly hold down the work. Unfortunately X-acto apparently never field tested the pinvise and omitted knurling at the twisting area.
LARGER HOLES ARE FASTER WITH TWO HANDS.
With the index finger and possibly the thumb and middle finger of one hand applied to the swivel to apply more pressure and the remaining fingers, palm heel or wrist as steadies, the index, middle and thumb of the other do the twisting, while resting edge of hand to stabilize.
MEDIUM HOLES ARE FASTER WITH COLLAR PUSH DRILL USING TWO HANDS.
With the index finger and possibly the thumb of one hand applied to the swivel to apply more pressure and the remaining fingers or palm heel as steadies, the index and thumb of the other move the splined collar up and down to provide twisting. Pressure should be released on the up stroke to avoid dulling cutting lips. Although not quite as accurate, acceptable small holes can be drilled with extreme care to avoid breakage. Resting pushing wrist or forearm helps stabilize.
LARGER HOLES ARE FASTER WITH TWO HANDS AND TOP DRIVEN PUSH DRILL.
With the index finger and thumb of one hand applied to the bottom collar as a guide and the remaining fingers or palm heel as steadies, the index, middle and thumb of the other move the casing up and down to provide twisting. Gripping is at the top for heavier and anywhere along the sleeve for lighter drilling, Pressure is released on the up stroke to avoid dulling cutting lips. Although not quite as accurate as the one above, acceptable holes can be drilled with extreme care in maintaining bit angle by resting pushing forearm or elbow on a solid base.
DEBURRING HOLE RIM WITH LARGE BIT AND "PINVISE".
Although far more cumbersome as a drill, this handled chuck performs a wide range of quickly jobs, such as deburring and enlarging holes, avoiding machine setup.
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