How To Keep Parallels In Place - Machine Shop Secrets - Shop Tricks and Hacks

Parallels can be frustrating at times. There are many ways to keep them in place, and after 20+ years, I have the best solution to this age old problem.

Enjoy the journey through Parallel keeps. See the options used over time and the cheapest/best method I have found to do the job that other expensive options attempt to do.

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[mech-a-redneck]

That's how we do it in the shop I work in. Great advice.

[donaldscott]

pallet banding is the best solution, different width and length can solve most setups for me, theres also grinders if you need them thinner lol. most reliable method for me hands down. especially for cnc work with all the coolant, rubber bands cant handle that reliably. the banding and bending to the size you need is the best way.

[TomofAllTrades]

That’s the method I use. It works great👍🏼

[robertoswalt]

One of the great things about this forum is sharing tips like this. I have seen Robin Renzetti use the bands and Tom Lipton curl the banding to keep the parallels in place, but bending the straps into a Z is pure genius. I have to admit that I face-palmed myself for not having thought of that myself.

[jamesreed]

I have used the pallet banding just as you demonstrated. I agree with you, it is the best solution available and the least expensive. I even tried using oil to hold the parallel to the jaw. It works, but it is messy. Good shop tip! KOKO!

[mfc]

Smart and economical, simple and does the job. Well done

[devster]

Love this method. This has been my go to method for many many years. Picked this up in the first shop I worked in over forty years ago.

[DonziGT]

I like the rubber band solution and hadn't thought of that, thanks! So easy to store with the parallels or on the mill.

[graealex]

I like the rubber band solution. As a German, our houses are obviously all stuffed with Einmachgummis, so rubber bands are free for us basically.

[makerspace]

I just keep some small magnets stuck on the side of the machine or vise. They do a great job of holding the parallels and are always handy.

[jimpritz]

Brilliant solution JT. A lot of times when you go to a suppliers warehouse they have barrels of used straps destined for scrap and they will gladly give you a lifetime supply.

[timelessengineering]

Thanks Josh thats a great idea I'll be sure to give it a try. I have a box compression springs various diameter and lengths. I simply put one between the parallels works well. I never walk past springs laying around and now pallet strapping.

[ellieprice]

Over the years I’ve collected a lot of compression springs of different diameters and lengths. I keep them near the mill and can usually find one that works to hold the parallels apart.

[Jameson]

It’s called spring steel. I totally agree! I’ll be waiting for your next video. ❤

[Rustinox]

That's a very handy trick. Easy, cheap and effective.

[machinists-shortcuts]

I prefer die springs. Although they are harder to compress they ensure the parallels don't lift & also take any backlash out of the vice leadscrew. This allows instant opening of the vice with minimal handle movement & they don't move when cleaned with compressed air.

To prevent chips sitting in the corner between the parallel & the vice jaw. Place a short parallel between the jaw and the parallel to make a recess, this makes the tops of the parallels much easier to clean.

For a quick fix I use a level on top of the workpiece and no parallels.

[edsmachine]

Great idea Josh.
I would have never though of that.
Pallet Banding!!
Thanks for sharing.
Take care, Ed.

[kentuckytrapper]

That's my favorite to Josh, great info..

[kennethtencza]

Great idea, i seen people use springs as well from big box stores.

[ElmerJFudd-oikj]

You genius! the most simple solution is often the best, and you just went and found it, kudos my friend.