PANAVISE 381 Vacuum Base Mount - Perfect for Hands-Free Positioning of Electronics & Components

James S: I would highly recommend this vise. I was a little worried that the suction wouldn't be that strong, but it is very strong. Just make sure the surface and suction pad are clean. The swivel, pivot functionality is awesome, and it's great that all the rotating axis can be locked down with a single knob.

United States on May 10, 2022

JustYourAverageJoe: I've been a fan of Panavise for over 30 years, back when I owned an electronic repair business. When we closed the business we liquidated a lot of tools, among them was a Panavise. I've been presented with an opportunity to get back into the electronic repair and am slowly putting my shop back together. One of the differences is that the old Panavise had two arms that would support the board by the edge. That's great for adding stability to your workpiece, but it limited us to boards less that 11" in width. This vise, while isn't as stable, still works well enough to support the work and doesn't limit your board size. Plus, I'm able to hold other items besides printed circuit boards. The suction cup is very strong (as long as your workbench top is smooth) and doesn't budge an inch. Yes, there are cheaper versions but I don't think you'll find the quality in those that you'll find with Panavise. You get what you pay for.

United States on Dec 08, 2021

James Anderson: The vise came in a timely fashion. Goes together nicely and takes down for storage. Works better than expected and can be upgraded or modified with accessories to suit your needs.
Good Product, I'd recommend it to anyone needing a vise of this nature.

Canada on Jan 20, 2019

Darcy: The vice arrived today. I have used panavice at work in the past and now I am happy to own one myself.

Canada on Nov 03, 2018

Amazon Customer: Product as describe, but disappointed because, vaccum is not good on my working table

Canada on Nov 02, 2018

CaliCanuck: Solid table top vice. No complaints. Wipe the table surface and rubber pad on the vice, there will be no slipping on kitchen granite.

Canada on Sep 28, 2017

Morríghan: The vacuum base, doesn't maintain suction, no matter how clean, flat, and smooth, the surface is. But otherwise, everything else works fine.

Canada on May 14, 2017

Baruse: I consider the Panavise hype way over blown. For $20 you could buy the Wilton #63500 3VB at OSH. Amazon sells it for over $40+, search it.
Comparing both mini vacuum base vises, Wilton 3VB #63500 and the Panavise #381 are exactly the same????
The Wilton is a bit larger but has more articulation than the Panavise 381. The Pana is height adjustable..... Most notably, having both, the 381 has a terrible vacuum base rubber odor vs the Wilton none, at one third the price. I returned the 381 and the replacement still stinks of tire smell......imagine the aroma you'll encounter at your local Costco Tire center.
I phoned Panavise, Reno, NV and they claim the rubber smell is uncommon. I have 30 days before I return the Panavise 381, for the third time.
I'm leaning towards the Wilton 3VB @ $20, OSH purchase.
Realize Jeff Bebos sells his mdse which earns maximum $$$. He wouldn't have become a multi-billionaire otherwise.
If you know your prices, his company does have great bargains. I suggest you peruse through all available items you wish to buy. IMO, the items listed first, have the largest profit margin.
Amazon doesn't have the best prices. Caveat emptor, you can find...

United States on Apr 26, 2015

nerdmarshall: I don't think I could say enough positive things about this vise. I admit, I expected it to work perfectly when I ordered it, imagining myself sticking it to my office desk for soldering projects and other hobby work.

Sure enough, it works *exactly* as I expected. I was not disappointed! I absolutely love that I can secure this vise to my work table whenever I need it, and then easily move it out of the way when I'm done. That's something you just don't get with a traditional, permanent installation vise. This probably isn't going to work at all on any surface that isn't smooth (like a wooden workshop work bench), but for hobby use in a kitchen or office, it's absolutely fantastic. Now, I haven't done any heavy duty work with this thing, I use it primarily for soldering and other work that doesn't require a lot of force to be applied to the vise, so I don't know how well it will hold up to that sort of work.

Pros:

* Installs in seconds to any smooth surface
* Can be removed in about 2 seconds
* Holds *very* tight to the surface where it has been suction-installed
* The swivel and re-positioning function of the vise is very, very easy to use, and makes...

United States on Dec 01, 2014

jayMac: I ordered this vise for our test bench at work. I loved it so much I bought another one for my home.

It's just the perfect tool for what it is. It's solidly built, finely adjustable, tough yet delicate.

The vacuum base works great on Formica/laminate surfaces. If you don't have a smooth surface to cup this to, get one of the other variants with a different base. If it isn't suctioned down its a tad wobbly as it becomes top heavy with work clamped into it.

The nylon padded jaws work great. Hard enough to get a good grip, soft enough not to mar most things.

Not too big, not too small. Don't waste your time trying to save a penny. There is a reason why this company has been making this thing, unchanged, for decades. IT IS THE BEST. I use mine nearly everyday and it works as good now as the day I bought it. If something happened to mine, I would order the exact same thing the same day to replace it.

I've used mine for small repairs, electronics, soldering, woodworking, RC Cars/Planes/Boats, static display models, rotating paint stand for airbrushing stuff. ENDLESS USES!

You won't regret purchasing it.

I also have the self centering wide...

United States on Mar 30, 2012