Abstract: In one embodiment a cam-activated bench vise comprises a fixed jaw having a first gripping surface, a moveable jaw having a second gripping surface, a threaded rod for providing movement of the moveable jaw relative to the fixed jaw, a hinged split nut for selectively engaging the threaded rod, and a lever actuated cam that rotates a beveled plunger against a first end of the split nut, forcing a second end of the split nut to engage a bevel-mouthed receiving block which causes the split nut to close and to engage the threaded rod.

Abstract: A cam activated clamp enables a user with joint pain in hands and wrists to firmly hold an object in place for twisting. The cam activated clamp includes a base frame attached to a counter gripper which is immediately adjacent to a main gripper. The main gripper can travel along a central axis toward the counter gripper unless a locking plate holds the main gripper in a fixed position on the base frame. The user can rotationally activate a cam in order to unlock the main gripper. This allows the user with the joint pain in the hands and wrists to insert the object between the main gripper and the counter gripper and then slide the main gripper proximate the counter gripper and lock the main gripper in place by rotating a cam distant a locking plate which holds the object in place for twisting.