Draper 40390 Quick Release Drill Press Vice, 70mm Cast Aluminium

Some drill-press tasks call for a vice that can be opened and repositioned quickly, others depend on a particularly secure grip. The Draper 40390 is a cast-aluminium drill press vice with hardened jaws and a quick-action release, aimed at straightforward work where ease of adjustment matters.

Its 70mm designation identifies the listed size, but the product details do not specify a maximum jaw opening or clamping capacity.

Why it’s worth it

The main practical feature is the release mechanism: the rear of the vice allows the jaws to open quickly, which can make repositioning a workpiece less fiddly during a run of drilling tasks. Hardened jaws provide the clamping surfaces, while the body is made from cast aluminium. Together, those details make this a simple choice for jobs such as holding a piece of wood steady while drilling, rather than a vice with a long list of adjustment features.

At 227 grams, it is listed as a light tool, and its stated dimensions are 24.6 x 12.2 x 6.8 centimetres. That may appeal if the vice needs to be moved between jobs or stored away after use. It makes sense if quick access and portability are priorities for DIY or craft work. A more substantial vice may be the better fit for work that demands a particularly firm hold, as buyer feedback on this model’s grip is mixed.

Key points

Draper identifies this as a drill press vice, so its purpose is to hold a workpiece during drilling rather than to serve as a general-purpose bench vice. The quick-action release is intended to open the jaws quickly from the rear, the product information does not give a jaw-opening measurement, so the 70mm listing should not be treated as a stated maximum capacity. Check the size of the work you plan to hold against the vice itself before choosing it.

Buyers commonly describe it as easy to use and appreciate the quick release. Some also mention using it for craft and DIY projects, including drilling holes in wood. Feedback is less consistent on quality and grip: while some find it works well, others describe the hold as weak. Opinions on its weight and value are also mixed, so those points are best judged against the kind of work you expect it to do rather than assumed from its compact dimensions.

For an occasional home project, a quick-release mechanism may be more useful than a heavier, more involved setup. For work where a consistently strong grip is essential, the mixed comments are a reason to consider whether this style of vice is suitable for the task.

Usage tips

Use the vice for workpieces that fit its jaws, and position the material before operating the quick release. For example, when preparing a piece of wood for a hole, the vice can hold it in place while you work at a drill press. The listing does not explain how the vice attaches to a drill-press table, so check that its mounting arrangement suits your setup before relying on it. Keep the intended task in mind: the stated details cover the material, jaws and release action, but do not give a clamping force or capacity figure.

Is it worth it?

The Draper 40390 is a practical option to consider for occasional drilling, hobby projects or craft tasks where a light cast-aluminium vice and quick jaw release are useful. Its stated weight and dimensions also make it easier to move and store than a bulkier tool might be. Better avoided if the job calls for a reliably strong grip or requires a specific jaw capacity, as neither a clamping-force figure nor a maximum opening is provided and customer feedback on grip is divided.