Thin Parallels, 3" Long, 4 Pairs (Basics)

Basic set of four pairs of thin parallels in common sizes. These high-grade alloy steel parallels are used to keep work parallel or evenly raised when machining uneven work on a mill, drill or other machining operation work to be held in a vice or clamps.

• Parallels are 5/32" thick and 3" long
• Heights are 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8"
• Tolerance: Parallel to 0.0003" on 2 sides, top and bottom
• Dimensions: Within 0.001" allowance

Parallels feature a black oxide finish on non-working surfaces and two 1/4" holes for mounting.

This is a great starter set. It includes the sizes most often used in small vises.

Vise jaws are often too deep for the work. In general, you want the top of the work piece to extend above the top of the vise jaws. To fill the gap from the bottom of the work piece to the "ways" of the vise, you use parallels.

Parallels are strips of metal that have been carefully ground so that the top and bottom edges are parallel with very tight tolerances. They usually come in matched pairs. Place one parallel adjacent to each jaw in the vise and place the work piece so it rests on the parallels.