You set the workpiece under the jaw and squeeze the handle repeatedly to ratchet the jaw down and hold the piece in place. Woodworkers use bench clamps to hold wood for sanding and shaping.

Finger-length spring clamps hold glue-ups on ... Attach the vise to your workbench with enough clearance to work around. Place your dowel into the vise and tighten it down. Cut, sand or drill.