I use my PanaVise Jr for all kinds of small holding tasks, particularly for holding circuit boards while soldering. One complaint I’ve always had is how darn long it takes to crank the vise’s jaws open from a closed position, or vice versa. The tiny knob takes many, many turns to do much work.

One handy maker build his own crank improvement, which we posted here. PanaVise president Gary Richter was paying attention to all of this, and decided they should make an add-on to improve cranking speed and control. Thus was born the Model 239 Speed Control Handle.

The Speed Control Handle fits the 201, 203, and 209 PanaVise Jr cranks. There’s nothing to installing it, just slide it on to the existing crank knob. It fits snugly; no wobble or danger of it slipping off by accident.

Once you’ve attached the Speed Control Handle, there are a couple of ways to use it: turn the outer edge for fine control, or use the finger hole to rapidly change the jaw setting. Both methods are easy to use, and I found the Speed Control Handle to be a huge improvement over the stock product.

We’re very excited to see PanaVise listening to its customers. Their rapid response helped earn them a Makey Award nomination in the “Most Repair Friendly” category.

The Speed Control Handle should be available soon anywhere PanaVise products are sold. In the meantime, the Maker Shed is offering them for free with new orders of the PanaVise Jr. Model 201.