Tooltos 3-Inch Ball Vise | 360-Degree Swivel Jewelry Engraving Stone Setting
- 1000 in stock
Description
Key Selling Points
- 360-Degree Swivel with Adjustable Resistance — Internal swivel brake adjusts from free-spinning to fully locked for precise workpiece positioning at any angle
- Double Ball Bearing System — Smooth, consistent rotation with no internal loosening or wear, maintaining precision under daily use
- Self-Centering Jaw System — Automatically centers the workpiece for accurate stone setting and engraving without manual adjustment
- Compact 3-Inch (78mm) Ball Diameter — Smaller footprint than the 5-inch model, suited for tighter bench setups and microscope work at close working distances
- 2.6kg Solid Galvanized Steel Construction — Lighter than the 5-inch model while still providing a stable, vibration-resistant base for precision work
- 38mm Jaw Width, 47mm Max Opening — Sized for rings, small pendants, and other compact jewelry-scale workpieces
About This Ball Vise
The Tooltos 3-Inch Ball Vise is a compact professional workholding tool for jewelers, engravers, and stone setters who need stable, rotatable control over small jewelry pieces during precision work. The 360-degree swivel with adjustable internal brake lets you position the piece at any angle and lock it in place instantly. The double ball bearing system ensures smooth rotation that stays consistent over years of daily use, and the self-centering jaw system holds rings, small pendants, and other compact pieces accurately without manual centering.
At 2.6kg and 78mm ball diameter, this model is significantly more compact than the 5-inch version. It takes up less bench space, positions closer to the microscope objective, and is easier to reposition during a work session. If you work primarily with smaller pieces and need a vise that fits a tighter workspace, this 3-inch model is the right choice. For larger workpieces up to 98mm jaw opening, or if you need the additional stability of a 10.2kg base, see the Tooltos 5-Inch Ball Vise.
Choosing Between the Two Ball Vise Models
| Feature | 3-Inch Model — This Model | 5-Inch Model |
|---|---|---|
| Ball diameter | 3 in / 78mm | 5 in / 130mm |
| Max jaw opening | 47mm (1.9 in) | 98mm (3.9 in) |
| Weight | 2.6kg (5.7 lb) | 10.2kg (22.5 lb) |
| Best for | Compact bench setups, smaller pieces, close microscope work | Larger pieces, maximum stability, wider jaw range |
| Price | $149.99 | $199.99 |
Best For / Not For
| Best For | Not For |
|---|---|
| Stone setting (bezel, pave, channel) on rings and small pendants | Workpieces exceeding 47mm jaw opening — use the 5-inch model for larger pieces |
| Jewelry engraving on compact pieces where bench space is limited | Heavy industrial metalworking or machining requiring a fixed bench vise |
| Microscope-assisted engraving and setting at close working distances | Work requiring the additional base stability of the 10.2kg 5-inch model |
| Jewelers and engravers who need a lighter, more portable workholding solution | Non-jewelry precision work outside the jewelry bench context |
Technical Specifications
| Material | Solid galvanized steel |
| Ball Diameter | 3 in / 78mm |
| Jaw Width | 38mm (1.5 in) |
| Max Jaw Opening | 47mm (1.9 in) |
| Rotation | 360 degrees with adjustable resistance brake |
| Bearing System | Double ball bearing |
| Weight | 2.6kg (5.7 lb) |
Pro Tips
- Set the swivel resistance to medium tension when engraving — this allows small repositioning adjustments without the vise spinning freely under tool pressure.
- Use the included jaw plates to protect delicate workpiece surfaces from jaw marks during clamping.
- For microscope work, the compact 78mm ball diameter allows closer positioning to the objective lens than the 5-inch model — position the vise so the ball center aligns with your focal point to minimize refocusing when rotating.
- Apply a small amount of machine oil to the ball bearing mechanism periodically to maintain smooth rotation over time.
- When setting pave stones, lock the swivel fully between each stone to prevent the piece from shifting under hammer or graver pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the rotational resistance be fully locked?
Yes. The internal swivel brake adjusts from completely free-spinning to fully locked, giving you complete control over workpiece positioning at any angle.
What is the maximum jaw opening?
47mm (1.9 in). This model is sized for rings, small pendants, and compact jewelry pieces. For workpieces up to 98mm, use the Tooltos 5-Inch Ball Vise.
Is this suitable for microscope engraving work?
Yes. The compact 78mm ball diameter and low-profile design make it well suited for microscope-assisted engraving and stone setting, particularly where a smaller vise fits better under the objective lens.
What is the difference between this and the 5-inch model?
The 3-inch model has a 78mm ball diameter, 47mm max jaw opening, and weighs 2.6kg — more compact and lighter, suited for smaller pieces and tighter bench setups. The 5-inch model has a 130mm ball diameter, 98mm max jaw opening, and weighs 10.2kg — more stable and suited for larger workpieces.
Does the self-centering jaw work for odd-shaped pieces?
The self-centering system works best for symmetrical pieces such as rings and round pendants. For irregular shapes, use the fixture attachments to secure the piece manually.
What if I have questions after receiving the vise?
Contact the Tooltos team at sales@tooltos.com. We respond within 24 hours on business days and can assist with jaw compatibility, fixture attachments, and setup questions.
What's Included
- 1 x Tooltos 3-inch ball vise (main unit)
- 1 x Plastic accessory box
- 3 x Black ring accessories
- 2 x Hexagonal wrenches
- 2 x Upper jaw plates
- 6 x Screws
- 1 x Service manual
Support
Questions about jaw compatibility, fixture attachments, or order status? Contact the Tooltos team at sales@tooltos.com. We respond within 24 hours on business days.
