Klemmbacke

Klemmbacke is a term used in mechanical and workshop contexts to describe the jaw or clamping surface of a vise, chuck or other holding device. The word is derived from German elements meaning to clamp (klemmen) and jaw (Backe), and it is commonly used in German-speaking technical literature and among machinists to refer to parts that contact and secure a workpiece.

Klemmbacken are designed to provide a stable, repeatable grip while minimizing damage to the workpiece. They are manufactured in a variety of forms—flat, serrated, V-shaped, rounded or custom-shaped—to suit different materials and geometries. Materials range from hardened steel for heavy-duty gripping to softer materials or replaceable inserts (aluminum, brass, polyurethane) for delicate or finished surfaces.

Typical applications include machining, milling, drilling, assembly and inspection operations where accurate positioning and firm holding are required. Variants include fixed and removable jaws, reversible jaws for mounting in different orientations, and soft jaws that can be machined to a specific profile.

Maintenance and safe use involve regular inspection for wear, proper cleaning of mating surfaces, correct mounting and even tightening to avoid distortion, and the selection of appropriate jaw material and pattern to prevent slippage or damage. Alternatives or complements to Klemmbacken include collets, clamps and magnetic or vacuum holding systems, chosen according to precision, accessibility and workpiece sensitivity.