where to get a decent, but inexpensive vise?

I've decided that changing LEDs and drivers might be fun, but I don't have a way of holding onto these dang little things while working on them. Do you guys use a hobby vise? If so, where did you get yours?

Do you also use a Dremel tool to grind down your boards and reflectors, etc. when necessary?

I have a malfunctioning XP-G pill that I want to take apart. It's obvious how to remove the LED board, but the driver is inside the pill. I think I can only get to it by first desoldering the board that the battery spring is attached to, but that board is soldered to the pill in two places. I have a beefy soldering iron to be able to remove that board, but only if something non-human is holding onto the brass pill. :)

So I think I need a vise, but can you guys let me know if you do something different, and/or better?

What about this vise? http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.23769

I like this Panavise for holding stuff while I'm soldering, but it isn't strong enough for holding a light while you take a strap wrench to it to get the glued head off. I've seen these at Fry's for less, so you might look around.

http://www.elexp.com/pro_v201.htm

Heavy-duty it isn't. However, for the sort of forces you are likely to have to apply, it ought to be fine. You should be able to find something comparable for not a lot in Vancouver though. I got my one locally from a notoriously expensive store for the equivalent of $10 and it is made of what appears to be machined cast iron, not aluminium.

One of these things can also be useful though the magnifier is utterly useless. You should be able to find it for around half of that price.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=4017

+1 that is similar to the Helping Hands I have. The base is heavy enough to hold most project parts

Thanks guys for the suggestions. I'm looking for more of a solid grip though than that helping hands device.

Found this: http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/hobbyist-series-heavy-duty-steel-mini-vise-rh001-p-1021

It seems okay by the description. I may take a chance on it. Or I might just get a small cast-iron one from Rona or Home Depot for around $20.

I think that is a good choice at a what seems to be decent price :) for a vise.

I built my bike workstaion out of 1 inch pipe and this vise from Home Depot attached. I need new bumpers on but here it is.

The one you have linked tho, should do the trick

Here's something I used when I was into rc nitro trucks and stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/Excel-Double-Extra-Hands-Magnifier/dp/B0006N73G0

It's almost like Don's link.

Peteybaby,

What I've found works well for removing drivers is forgoing the soldering iron altogether and using an Exact-o knife or similar razor blade. The solder easily cuts away with very little pressure and all that is left is a minuscule layer between driver and pill that easily splits when the driver is removed. This has the added benefit of leaving a tinned spot on the pill for re-soldering the new driver.

The aforementioned vices and clips all seem like they'll help hold things steady.

-Match

Hey thanks for that idea, Match.