Abstract: A vise with conventional fixed and moveable jaws, a cylindrical support secured to the lower side of the fixed jaw, a mounting for attaching the vise to a bench or the like, a tube accommodating the cylindrical support for sliding and rotational movement, and a clamping arrangement on the mounting for clamping the tube and cylindrical support in place, is also provided with a gas spring within the tube. One end of the gas spring abuts the cylindrical support at its axial center while the other end abuts the sidewall of the tube exerting an upwardly directed force at an inclined angle which counteracts and offsets the tilting moment caused by the cantilevered jaws. The tube is formed with a portion of decreased diameter engaging the cylindrical support in the clamping zone, minimizing contact and friction, and preventing sticking or canting.