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What pin vises do you Dakkadianitetonians use? I'm looking for one that's reasonably priced, accepts a wide range of bits. I've found some that look great, but come with no bits, and are sold along side those $30 bit sets...eeegh. I would also like one with the bit on the end that rotates to help with leverage and all that.

I've got one that does ok, but only accepts tiny bits (granted it's rare I need ones bigger than it can accept, only when magnetizing), and it has no swivel bit, and is of a narrow diameter. Can be very tiring on the hand. I was looking at GW's as it seems to have the features I'm looking for, but I don't know about the range of bits it can accept, or if it's worth its price. The description says it comes with several 1mm bits. Why you'd need that many of one size is beyond me.

I went to my local hobby shop and found one for eight bucks. It comes with four interchangeable sections so that it can take a wide variety of bits (mine can take the smallest bits I've seen, all the way up to full size drill bits). I think that if you hit up Michaels or Hobby Lobby (or your local equivalent) you should be able to find a discount selection that will fit the bill.

The GW tools are usually pretty good, but way too expensive for what you get. For pin vices I would follow Jimsolo's advice and check out the variety at your local hobby/hardware stores. Pin vices are simple enough that you don't really need to go for brand names

check this out: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-21pc-Micro-Drill-Bit-Set-Index-61-80-w-Swivel-Head-Pin-Vise-US-FREE-SHIPPER-/271028826356

Its like 8 bucks on eBay.

I just had a Hobby Lobby open up near me. Haven't been in there yet so, I'll take your advice and have a look. Surely they'll have better options that my other stores.

I use three pin vises. Each one from amazon some seller or another for a few bucks and bought the bits separate. I use one that has the big black ball handle for magnet holes, with dremel bits. Usually I just twist the bit with my fingers if its in plastic. A lot of smaller bits are good to have around for two reasons, they break or dull easily in pewter, and if you drop one it's damn near impossible to find. For small holes I still prefer the old "hex nut" handled one. (But it squeaks) I also occasionally use one that doesn't have a twist handle but if I need to drill a different hole and the other two already have bits I don't want to swap out, I'll grab the third. All together it might equal the price of the gw pin vise set though.

 Debbin wrote:
check this out: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-21pc-Micro-Drill-Bit-Set-Index-61-80-w-Swivel-Head-Pin-Vise-US-FREE-SHIPPER-/271028826356

Its like 8 bucks on eBay.

I just bought that vise from that seller. It comes with 4 different size heads for drill bits. Its not bad but it is a chinese made tool. For 7.25 its good. for anything more than 10 dollars is crappy.

I would recommend it. I use the mostly for drill out boltguns barrals and other small small things. For 1/16 or 1/8 hold i just use a quick-lock drill bit and my hand.

For my pinning drill bit, I just use an old exacto handle.

For my pin vice, I use one of the standard hobby ones (got mine at hobbytown I think).

One note: I had a two sided (or double) one - those just did not work out for me, especially for those rare times I needed to apply pressure (for drilling metal minis, etc.).

I have the GW one, which is a good piece of kit, and an older one with two ends -- that has the disadvantage that it graunches up your hand if you drill a lot.

There isn't much difference between one pin vice and another and they don't cost a lot either, so I wouldn't worry too much if you buy the GW one and "waste" a few £.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swivel-Handle-Pin-Vise-8403SD-/300877383746?pt=Clamps_Vises&hash=item460db08842

pretty sure this is the same as the GW pin vise. same design and different color. Not sure what bits if any, it comes with.

I got mine at Sears. It's pretty simple but it does what I need it to.

steve2112 wrote:For 1/16 or 1/8 hold i just use a quick-lock drill bit and my hand.

That's a good idea. A bit silly I didn't think of it. I've been trying to figure out how I'm going to drill bigger holes for magnets since I'm currently magnetizing a Predator.

steve2112 wrote:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Swivel-Handle-Pin-Vise-8403SD-/300877383746?pt=Clamps_Vises&hash=item460db08842

pretty sure this is the same as the GW pin vise. same design and different color. Not sure what bits if any, it comes with.

Looks the same to me. I'll have to send the seller a message for more info. Found a few other basic swivel heads that would work too while I was looking at that listing. Thanks for the great info guys! Now, if only I could find a chuck/guide for centering the bits when drilling out gun barrels! Drives me crazy.