When Chick Workholding launched its One-Lok clamping system (seven years ago) as an alternative to the conventional machine vice, the company made available more-precise workpiece positioning and a time-saving ratchet mechanism to adjust the position of the moveable jaw quickly.

New lightweight versions that offer additional benefits have been introduced and are available in the UK via the manufacturer’s sole agent — Salisbury-based 1st Machine Tool Accessories (www.1mta.com).

The latest One-Lok comes in two sizes (rather than one) — 400 or 500mm long, offering maximum gripping lengths of 180 and 280mm respectively.

Further improvements include a lowering of the clamp profile from 150 to 134mm, which allows longer spindle travel in the Z axis and halves the unit’s weight for easier handling. With this in mind, an ergonomic hand grip has also been added at either end.

Sometimes, machinists turn a vice through 90deg so that it lies transversely across the machine table. This brings the part closer to the operator, but it means there is no clearance for the handle.

With the new One-Lok, work-holding in this orientation has been made easier by the use of a ratchet handle.

The moveable jaw on One-Lok systems can be adjusted quickly and conveniently, as it can now be slid using one hand (rather than two) over the QwikSlide ratchets.

A few turns of the handle move the jaw in the same direction over the last few millimetres to complete the clamping action.

The existing BoltFast interface for the 152mm-wide interchangeable hard steel jaws, stepped steel jaws and aluminium soft jaws has been retained; a quarter turn of the locking screw is all that is required to exchange them, ensuring high levels of productivity when machining small batches of components.