Clamping device especially a machine vice

A clamping device with a body having first and second slides movable therein, each slide carrying a respective jaw on an upper side for shifting in opposite directions by means of an axially movable screw spindle, a central jaw for fixing in a central region of the body, an abutment part arranged in a region of an operating end of the body and movable relative thereto, a clamping element associated therewith, a spring arrangement supported on the abutment part and acting in the direction of displacement of the first and second slides, the spring arrangement exerting a force on one of the slides in an opening direction thereof in a clamping state of the clamping element, and a retaining screw which extends through the abutment part, wherein the abutment part is disposed in a lower region of one of the slides and of the body facing away from the corresponding jaw, wherein the abutment part includes a lug which is slidable to a limited extent in an end recess of the body wherein the spring arrangement is supported at one end on the lug and at the other end in a pocket in a base part of the body, wherein the abutment part further comprises a finger which engages in a longitudinal groove provided at an underside of the one slide and carries the clamping element at its free end facing the central jaw, with said clamping element enabling jamming of the finger in the longitudinal groove.