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10 Best Fly Tying Vices
From leading brands and best sellers available on the web.
Buying Guide for the Best Fly Tying Vices
Choosing the right fly-tying vice is an important step for anyone interested in making their own fishing flies. The vice is the main tool that holds your hook securely while you work, so it needs to be reliable, stable, and suited to your tying style. When picking a vice, focus on how it matches your needs in terms of stability, versatility, and ease of use. Understanding the key features will help you select a vice that makes your tying experience enjoyable and productive.Jaw TypeThe jaw type refers to the part of the vice that physically grips the hook. This is important because a strong, precise grip keeps your hook steady while you tie. There are generally two main types of jaws: collet (lever) jaws and cam jaws. Collet jaws use a screw or lever to tighten, offering fine control, while cam jaws use a quick clamp mechanism for speed. For most beginners and casual tiers, a cam jaw is convenient for frequent hook changes, while collet jaws can provide a more customizable grip for those working with a wide range of hook sizes. Pick the jaw type that matches your tying style and the variety of fly sizes you intend to make.
Rotary FunctionA rotary vice can rotate the hook about its axis while still holding it steady. This is valuable because it allows you to inspect your work from all angles and apply materials evenly. There are basic vices that do not rotate, and then there are 'true rotary' vices which rotate the hook in perfect alignment with the shank. If you want to do more advanced patterns or want to streamline your tying process, a rotary vice is a good pick. For simple patterns or occasional tying, a non-rotary vice will be sufficient.
Base vs. Clamp MountHow your vice attaches to your workspace matters for stability and convenience. Clamp mount vices are secured directly to the edge of a table, making them portable and compact, perfect if you have limited space or tie at different locations. A pedestal (base) vice sits on a weighted platform, offering flexibility in placement and usually greater stability, especially for larger flies or if you use more force. Think about where you'll tie most often and how much portability you need when choosing between clamp and base.
Hook Size RangeFly-tying vices are designed to hold hooks within a certain size range. This spec tells you the minimum and maximum hook sizes a vice can securely grip, which is crucial for avoiding frustration or slippage while tying. If you mostly tie for trout or panfish, a vice that covers small to medium hooks is fine. For saltwater or larger flies, make sure your vice can accommodate bigger hooks. Always check that a vice's hook capacity matches the types of flies you want to make.
Adjustment and Fine-TuningGood vices allow for the adjustment of tension, jaw width, and other features to tailor the fit for each hook. This is important for holding your hook steady and making your tying experience smoother. Some vices offer more knobs and levers for micro-adjustments, which can be handy if you need precise control or plan to tie a variety of patterns. If you value a quick, simple setup, go for a vice with fewer adjustments; if you want versatility and precision, choose one with more fine-tuning options.
Build Quality and MaterialsThe quality of materials and construction impacts the vice's lifespan and how well it holds hooks over time. Vices are usually made from different metals, with some components sometimes plastic. A well-built, mostly metal vice will last longer and provide a more stable tying experience. If you're planning to tie frequently or want your vice to last many years, look for robust construction and a solid feel. However, for occasional use, lighter materials can be adequate.