What is a portable or stationary device commonly used to hold work firmly in place during a task?

A vice is a common device used to securely hold workpieces in place while performing tasks such as cutting, drilling, or filing. It consists of two parallel jaws, one fixed and the other movable, which can be tightened using a screw mechanism. This allows the user to apply significant force to keep the material stable and prevent any movement during operations, which is crucial for safety and precision in various pipe fitting tasks.

While a clamp and a fastening jig can also hold materials securely, they are typically more versatile and may be used in various applications beyond what a vice is specifically designed for. A tool holder, on the other hand, is primarily meant to hold tools, not workpieces. Therefore, the vice stands out as the device specifically engineered for firmly securing work during manual tasks in pipe fitting and related trades.