# Stylus option: The Pin Vise **URL:** \ **Category:** Materials\ **Tags:** stylus, pinvise\ **Created:** [May 21, 2019, 7:43pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stylus-option-the-pin-vise/873 "2019-05-21T19:43:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2019, 7:43pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stylus-option-the-pin-vise/873/1 "2019-05-21T19:43:06Z")
Over the years I have shared a good deal about my use of a metal stylus in my work. (For those that are not aware of this tool and how it is used in my process: [https://www.smartermarx.com/t/painting-video-using-a-stylus-in-early-painting-layers/129](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/painting-video-using-a-stylus-in-early-painting-layers/129) These metal styli, sometimes referred to as needle-point awls, are commonly used with leather or paper based art forms–as well as sculpture. Here are some examples of the types of styli I have used over the years: Needle-point Awl: [https://www.dickblick.com/products/excel-aluminum-hobby-awl/](https://www.dickblick.com/products/excel-aluminum-hobby-awl/) Embossing Stylus: > **[Amazon.com: Soft-Grip Embossing & Stylus Set Complete by Royal &...](https://www.amazon.com/Soft-Grip-Embossing-Stylus-Complete-Langnickel/dp/B00LQYS1GE)** However, the type of stylus that I find myself using most often is actually a pin vise. A pin vise (or pin vice in the UK) is a miniature drill or twist drill that is a useful, fairly inexpensive specialized hand tool often used in miniature woodwork. Pin vises, as the name suggest, hold thin, long cylindrical objects (like a pin or wire) by one end. This means it can also hold very thin, narrow drill bits. This tool would come in handy for anyone who works with small-scale miniatures, models, or or with wire for jewelry or small parts like in wristwatch repair. [![SL1500](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/smartmarx/original/2X/6/64e1e2c834ac83fa3261a96521b32421abaa90ad.jpeg)](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001VY1R2Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1) Shown: _Starrett 162A Pin Vise, 0-0.040" Range_ Pin vises come in many different sizes and thus can be used with any different needle points such as metal compass points/needles: [![yhst-172525783-2_2561_283394590](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/uploads/smartmarx/original/2X/a/a91e9963450175cdd06a0518348b74f644c9e92b.gif)](https://www.draftingsteals.com/20046.html?cmp=googleproducts&kw=20046&gclid=Cj0KCQjww47nBRDlARIsAEJ34bmGUnnKQHMW64uLXt2XWAIthZdCCKFgv18d2jQEOXXj-q4dewELAfUaAmPOEALw_wcB) Hope you detail oriented painters out there find this helpful— Happy painting! ---
**Author:** ![thomas](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/thomas/32/1605_2.png) [@thomas](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/thomas)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2019, 8:16pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stylus-option-the-pin-vise/873/2 "2019-05-21T20:16:41Z")
Thanks for the info. And there was me thinking you didn’t have any vices! I’ve always just used a nail or pin, but I never thought about actually putting it in a holder like this. ---
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2019, 8:48pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stylus-option-the-pin-vise/873/3 "2019-05-21T20:48:55Z")
🤣😂🤣😂 ---
**Author:** ![tracy1400858](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/tracy1400858/32/2457_2.png) [@tracy1400858](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/tracy1400858)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2020, 8:40pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stylus-option-the-pin-vise/873/4 "2020-03-25T20:40:08Z")
Good one, Thomas😂 ---
**Author:** ![deborah845800](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/deborah845800/32/656_2.png) [@deborah845800](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/deborah845800)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2020, 9:11pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stylus-option-the-pin-vise/873/5 "2020-03-28T21:11:57Z")
We use these at work, for making our own hair implanting tools. (Not for living people! Relax!) For our museum figures. ---
**Author:** ![natalie1486071](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/natalie1486071/32/986_2.png) [@natalie1486071](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/natalie1486071)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 2:01am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stylus-option-the-pin-vise/873/6 "2021-04-18T02:01:37Z")
I have a new Starrett pin vise (upgrading from my Slade Wheeler prison chiv ) but I’m not sure what sort of accessories you’d use with it. Is there a particular metal compass point or other pins you would recommend? Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![AWaichulis](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/awaichulis/32/2859_2.png) [@AWaichulis](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/AWaichulis)\ **Post date:** [April 18, 2021, 7:07pm UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stylus-option-the-pin-vise/873/7 "2021-04-18T19:07:29Z")
I would recommend experimenting with various compass needle points. That is what I have done. I have an assortment that I like for different purposes. Here’s a link to some of them: [https://www.draftingsteals.com/catalog-drafting---drawing-aides-compass---dividers-replacement-parts.html](https://www.draftingsteals.com/catalog-drafting---drawing-aides-compass---dividers-replacement-parts.html) [https://www.tigersupplies.com/Products/25mm-x-2mm-Replacement-Needle-Point-For-CompassDivider-(Qty12)\_\_ALVEE.aspx](https://www.tigersupplies.com/Products/25mm-x-2mm-Replacement-Needle-Point-For-CompassDivider-(Qty12)__ALVEE.aspx) ---
**Author:** ![natalie1486071](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/www.smartermarx.com/natalie1486071/32/986_2.png) [@natalie1486071](https://www.smartermarx.com/u/natalie1486071)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2021, 1:09am UTC](https://www.smartermarx.com/t/stylus-option-the-pin-vise/873/8 "2021-04-19T01:09:30Z")
Thank you so much, Anthony- much appreciated!