What's this tool?

[alchemysa]

Cleaning out my late father-in-law's shed I came across this gadget. I've never seen anything like it before. Its about 6 inches long. The handle screws in and causes the jaws to tighten. Someone suggested it was some kind of metalworkers nut cracker, but the jaws only open to little more than a quarter of an inch, so it would have to be a pretty small nut. The jaws have small 'criss cross' teeth and a groove in the middle like its designed to hold a wire.

And I just noticed the central threaded bolt and the handle are both hollow as if something like a wire is meant to run right through it. Could it be a handle to hold small files? If not it soon will be.

Or is it a clamp of some kind?

Anyone know what it is? (Sorry about the phone camera pic.)

[crash325]

It's called a "Hand Vice". Handy little tool, I have several different types of them. Great for holding small objects while drilling, sanding, filing Etc.

[alchemysa]

It's called a "Hand Vice". Handy little tool, I have several different types of them. Great for holding small objects while drilling, sanding, filing Etc.

Of course! Kinda obvious... now that you've told me!