Spannfix

"Hey that looks like it might do the job," I thought when I saw the Spannfix model 9-205 vice from Bernstein in the Elektor Store. Admittedly – this vice is not cheap, but it is a branded product and promises unmatched versatility to securely hold items at just the right angle. I couldn't resist and went ahead and put in an order, received  it in the post and unboxed it:
 
Look — it comes with a manual.
There was some paperwork which shows how the vice is constructed but seriously even the most dyed-in-the-wool geek work have trouble finding a spark of interest in a manual describing how to use a… vice.

So I set to work dismantling my old blue vice and fitted the new Spannfix in its place. That was no problem, because the Spannfix can be clamped to worktops up to 80 mm thickness and mine is just 48 mm thick. It clamps very securely to the worktop even without undue pressure on the clamping screw, this first impression is very reassuring and it can easily and quickly be re-sited along the worktop edge as necessary.
 
Better is the enemy of the good... Spannfix usurps my old vice.
As you can see, the body of the vice is made of powder-coated cast aluminum (the ball joint, the screw threads and handles are made of chromed steel and the jaws are faced with black plastic.)

The black paddle is a lever which locks (as shown) and releases (push the paddle to the right) the ball joint. The ball joint remains really firm in the clamped position without the need for excessive pressure on the paddle.  So far so good...