You currently have a job- are pretty sure you'd stay in the general vicinity, but there are similar jobs available elsewhere.
Would you apply for other jobs (with the knowledge that you wouldn't probably take them), for purposes of leverage at your current place? Backfire?

In some industries/companies, especially larger ones with lots of red tape between your manager and the one who really controls the purse strings, thats the only way they'll take your demand for a raise seriously or get it escalated high enough.

Even if it does work, some people think you should never take a counteroffer from your comapny after threatening to leave, because you will always be suspect from then on, and they might grow the attitude of "well we're paying you so much more now, you should now be so much more productive for us" or, especially in a smaller company, be resentful or immediately begin looking for your replacement.

Sorry, no advice here, just perspective.

I always suggest people apply for another position if something 'sounds' like it has potential, as you never know. It may be worth it to quit. I wouldn't do it to play games, but would definitely do it as I never consider myself 'settled' as I have seen what that can do to people.

Are they 100% sure they wouldn't switch to this new job?

... and also, if you are even considering taking the position, even slightly, I would say go ahead and explore your options.

You're applying to the other job just for the salary info? Why don't you look on monster or salary rating sites to see what comparable positions offer and use that as leverage, without taking the time to interview somewhere else?

you should always know what else is out there. andkeep your resume current.

yes. it's pretty common in my field. i'd feel more bad about what i'm doing to the second-in-line candidate for the other job than for my current employer.