Pin vise recomendation

I have at least 3 of the swivel head versions, and at least 6 of the double end version, and just one of the larger wooden ball grip ones.  Several are usually in use at the same holding a frequently used size drill bit.

All work fine for me and having several is better than having 1.  You'll use at least 3 at a time eventually, misplace 2, and find the other 3 later.......

Drill bit for Kadee coupler boxes would be for a 2/56 screw - #50 off the chart in my shop - just buy them with the matching tap.  And, that's a larger drill than many use in a pin vise, particularly if drilling hard metal.  Plastics and resins will be ok, but thick harder metal you might consider a small drill press unless you have rather usually steady hands with a small hand drill.  If you're mounting Kadee coupler boxes to a wooden car, you can use #0 x 3/8" wood screws from Perfect or other suppliers that have these blackened.

I'm new to this, bought my first Kadee couplers yesterday. Kadee says what mwb above said about the 2/56 screw size. He offers good advice on the drilling as well.  

Kadee has a #246 kit that includes a 2/56 tap, #50 tap drill bit and a #43 clearance drill bit, got that yesterday also for around $7.00 I think. They have the screws too. Their website has a lot of info on the couplers.

Sorry I don't know about the pin vise, I have one like the Micro-Mark #21105 swivel head, but don't like it to well. I have only used it on plastic, not metal as mwb says. The one you liked looks much nicer. I'm interested in recommendations as well.

I have two or three regular pin vices but since I found a ball head pin vice, it is the only one I will use.  Before I found the Ball head version, I was always breaking the very small bits because the bit would wobble as I tried to rotate the shaft.  Since I have been using the ball head version, I have not broken an single bit.

Also, if you feel you are going to be needing many sizes, I would recommend springing for a set of bits.  Most of the number 60 through 80 bit sets come with a storage device that keeps the sizes in order.  This really helps as these bits are so close in size that it is hard to tell the difference from one size to the next.

Good luck on your decision and happy railroading,

Don

Yes, do just get a set from 80-60 with the storage box/rack.  Might also invest in a micrometer since eventually you'll forget which bit is in which pin vise, and few folks can visually or by feel differentiate between a #75 and #74 drill bit.   

Eventually you'll also learn which sizes you use the most and then just buy those in packs of 10. 

check out CMLsupply.com before you buy anything else....have some great stuff reasonable prices and great service