Inklingo

How to Say "vise" in Spanish

English → Spanish

prensa

pren-saˈpɾensa

nounA2general
Use 'prensa' for a general clamping tool, often found in workshops or industrial settings, that applies pressure to hold materials together.
A sturdy, simple mechanical machine press with a large piston descending to squeeze a small object on a platform.

Examples

El mecánico puso la pieza en la prensa para sujetarla.

The mechanic put the piece in the vise to hold it.

Usan una gran prensa para hacer aceite de oliva.

They use a large press to make olive oil.

tornillo

tor-NEE-yohtoɾˈniʝo

nounB2general
Use 'tornillo' specifically for a bench vise, a tool with jaws that screw open and closed, commonly attached to a workbench to hold items steady.
A heavy metal bench vise attached to the edge of a wooden table.

Examples

Pon la madera en el tornillo de banco.

Put the wood in the bench vise.

Sujeta la pieza con el tornillo para poder lijarla.

Hold the piece with the vise so you can sand it.

El tornillo de banco es esencial en cualquier taller.

The bench vise is essential in any workshop.

Compound Nouns

When 'tornillo' refers to a vise, it is almost always called 'tornillo de banco' (screw of the bench).

Confusing 'prensa' and 'tornillo'

Learners often use 'prensa' when they specifically mean a bench vise. Remember that 'tornillo' (often 'tornillo de banco') is the precise term for a vise attached to a workbench with screw-operated jaws.

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