New vise purchase assistance-brands to consider

[flmng42]

So, I need a better vise than my POS Larin from Tractor Supply, and I have been on the search for a replacement. I would like to solicit recommendations from the community for reputable USA-made (or equivalent) vises that I may be overlooking (including brand and model number, please!). Currently, I think the front runner for me is the Wilton 1780A, 8" Tradesman, but I don't want to overlook other quality vises. I have looked into others, but so far the best combination of size and affordability seems to be the Tradesman.

I am looking for a large vise, at least 6" jaws, but preferably 8", with pipe jaws and a swivel base. I will be mounting the vise outside on a pedestal mount next to my workshed as I don't have a wonderful garage-mahal (yet). I think this may be a bit of an issue for the Wilton, but I will keep it lubed up if I go that route. I am a serious DIY'er, doing almost all of my own automotive and small engine work, as well as welding, fabrication, and other home repair types of work. I'm willing to spend whatever I need in order to get a quality vise, but I would like to stay in the $800-1000 range.

I have been looking into older vintage USA-made vises, even going so far as buying one off of Ebay (paying way too much and driving way too far to pick it up), but the teardown and restoration process is slow and arduous. I just don't have the time or patience to put into bringing one back to life, and these $20 Wiltons and Parkers I read about just aren't in my area (Florida panhandle). Plus, when looking online it is so hard to tell if there are issues that I just don't want to risk the money or time. I would rather fork out the cash and have a new one and be done.

Any recommendations would be super helpful.

 

[VoodooCLD]

Check out Yost.

I'd get the 6" machinist in your price range
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VY1MGA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

however you said you wanted pipe jaws. The pipe jaw vises are usually not as precise.

8" with pipe jaws, and cheaper than the 6" machinist vise

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015Z8MFY0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mark in Indiana]

IMO: On a new vise, the best bang for the buck is the Ridgid F series 6" vise. It has everything that you need, drop forged and made in Germany.

I have personal experience using these vises at the last job I had before retiring. They are top shelf. Also, I currently buy, restore & sell vises. Although I'm partial to the 50+ year old heavy iron vises, I wouldn't think twice about buying this one, if I wanted a new one.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T9J68I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[morrillm06]

I would have to agree Mark, The maintenance department I over see has the same rigid vise and my boys are not gentle on anything and it has held up very well

 

[flmng42]

IMO: On a new vise, the best bang for the buck is the Ridgid F series 6" vise. It has everything that you need, drop forged and made in Germany.

I have personal experience using these vises at the last job I had before retiring. They are top shelf. Also, I currently buy, restore & sell vises. Although I'm partial to the 50+ year old heavy iron vises, I wouldn't think twice about buying this one, if I wanted a new one.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T9J68I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Really? I looked at these on Amazon, but quickly passed by them because they just look sort of chincy. Keep in mind I am doing all of my shopping online, as no one near me has anything other than cheap chinese vises. I will have to find one in person so I can touch it. Thanks for the input.

And not for nothing, anyone who has the time and dedication to restore an old vise has earned my respect. The Rock Island 55 I bought has become a major PITA. It is locked up, and so far four days in electrolysis has not freed it up yet.

 

[flmng42]

Check out Yost.

I'd get the 6" machinist in your price range
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VY1MGA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

however you said you wanted pipe jaws. The pipe jaw vises are usually not as precise.

8" with pipe jaws, and cheaper than the 6" machinist vise

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B015Z8MFY0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

See, this is what I am talking about. I totally missed the 80C. All I found when I searched Yost were the $1500+ vises. Thanks for this!

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Don't feel bad about your Rock Island. 3 years ago, I had a 100 year old Reed that was still locked up, even after spending 2 months in a kerosene tank and weeks with ATF/acetone mix applied to it. I finally got it apart with 5 tons of press.

 

[becker_atc]

If outside keep it oiled will be fine how many are on the bumper of a service truck or welding rig for years and continue to work? Since its stationary maybe have some one build a vinyl cover or even put a bucket over it to keep some the weather off.

Not like it will be eating road grime 24/7


Sent via message in a bottle

 

[VoodooCLD]

IMO: On a new vise, the best bang for the buck is the Ridgid F series 6" vise. It has everything that you need, drop forged and made in Germany.

I have personal experience using these vises at the last job I had before retiring. They are top shelf. Also, I currently buy, restore & sell vises. Although I'm partial to the 50+ year old heavy iron vises, I wouldn't think twice about buying this one, if I wanted a new one.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T9J68I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I like the idea of a steel vise, but the one main drawback of that one is that it doesn't have replaceable jaws.

 

[drivesitfar]

Flmng: if you might want a REEEELY big old vise just PM me because i'm selling a few and send your email and i'll email pictures. if you live in the US i can usually ship one for about $100-150 above the cost of the vise for the 150 pounders on a pallet.

 

[PoorOwner]

The sitting outside part, is it going to be under a eave away from rain? I would throw a cover (for a weber grill or similar) over it.
The Wiltons will be most suitable for outside, they are made to be mounted on service trucks, the screw won't be exposed to direct rain.

For the prices of people want for used wiltons on Ebay and my area's Craigslist, I always was able to buy brand new for more or LESS the same money.

 

[jobo1004]

IMO: On a new vise, the best bang for the buck is the Ridgid F series 6" vise. It has everything that you need, drop forged and made in Germany.

I have personal experience using these vises at the last job I had before retiring. They are top shelf. Also, I currently buy, restore & sell vises. Although I'm partial to the 50+ year old heavy iron vises, I wouldn't think twice about buying this one, if I wanted a new one.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T9J68I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you're not in a hurry you could potentially save some money on this during one of Zoro's 30% off sales.
http://www.zoro.com/ridgid-combination-vise-swivel-6-in-jaw-fs-66997/i/G2613021/?q=66997

 

[shanny19]

If you're really willing to spend the money you say, you won't beat a Yost 33C. I absolutely love mine. Love it, love it, love it.

 

[PBCampbell]

I would second the recommendation for the German made Ridgid vises. I have a small one (about 4" jaws) and think it exceptionally nice.
There is also a member (Jens Putzier) who sells Brockhaus Heuer forged vices. I also have one (about 5.5" jaws) and think it quite nice and worth a bit of time to look over as they have some large sizes (7").
You didn't say your reason for wanting pipe jaws, but I'd suggest you think about a dedicated pipe vice (Ridgid or Reed) if you anticipate a lot of use. I've no experience with chinese made brands, but those may suffice depending upon usage.

Link to one thread about Heuer vices.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=301808&highlight=Brockhaus+heuer

 

[Davefr]

Really? I looked at these on Amazon, but quickly passed by them because they just look sort of chincy. Keep in mind I am doing all of my shopping online, as no one near me has anything other than cheap chinese vises. I will have to find one in person so I can touch it. Thanks for the input.

There is nothing "chincy" about the Ridgid vise. The forged steel is stronger then cast iron but without all the bulk. I had one and was very happy with it.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: i had a big rubbermaid storage box upside down covering a 150 pound parker 956 i had on a stand outside my shop. i've heard that Corrosion X or BLO or a few other chemicals keep rust at bay too if you don't want to put a cover over it. anothter option is an old oil pan to give it that metal look if you like that better.

Sorry i can't say about the new vises, but sounds like some members are happy with the ones mentioned.

 

[flmng42]

Thanks to everyone for providing feedback. This has certainly helped to expand my search, and I think brought up some more economical options that I may not have considered. By all means, please, keep the suggestions coming.

Mark_in_Indiana: Thanks for the encouragement. That Reed really turned great. If I ever get this Rock loosened up, I was thinking about a copper color for it.

becker_atc: I thought about all the service truck vises getting crudded by grime and salt, so that is why I am not too concerned about leaving whichever vise I settle on outside. I come from the world of heavy equipment and truck repair, so I am used to seeing vises thrashed, though that was before I was shelling out my own money, and especially since I don't turn wrenches for a living anymore. I just want to protect it as much as possible, which leads me to...

PoorOwner and drivesitfar: I was planning on making some sort of covering apparatus to protect it as much as possible, possible fabbing up some type of metal enclosure or just going the old 5 gallon bucket or rubbermaid tote route. Hadn't thought about a grill cover, though.

Davefr: Like I said, I am doing all of my shopping online, but I plan on trying to find one of these Ridgid in person to take a look at. I have heard good things about the F-Series, though the non-replaceable jaws do concern me a bit.

PBCampbell:I looked at those Brockhaus Heuer vises and they seem intriguing. I just wish I could touch one. And I will consider the stand-alone pipe vise as well. I remember seeing one in an antique store locally a few weeks ago, but I didn't give it much thought. I will go back and investigate further. I don't really "need" the pipe jaws, I just thought if I were going to be paying nearly $1000 for a vise I would try to get everything in one package.

jobo1004: I am not in a hurry, as I do need to save up a little cash to pull the trigger. As I sit, the Larin hasn't completely failed, I just know it is not long for the world. I will keep an eye on Zoro. How often do these sales come up? I have never bought anything from them. Do you have to sign up to get a special notification or something like that?

 

[flmng42]

For the prices of people want for used wiltons on Ebay and my area's Craigslist, I always was able to buy brand new for more or LESS the same money.

That is what I've found. $300-600 used doesn't seem too good of a deal for me. I would rather buy new and have full warranty and access to current parts. Although I know the older ones are probably built better/tougher, this first (and probably last) vise restoration experience is enough for me to know I want to avoid it. I have enough projects and broken things already, I don't need to drag in potential work to do. Plus, like I said, these things just don't exist in my area. I had been watching craigslist in a 150 mile radius for months before I pulled the trigger on this frozen up vise in Iowa from ebay as a starter project.

 

[amolaver]

IMO: On a new vise, the best bang for the buck is the Ridgid F series 6" vise. It has everything that you need, drop forged and made in Germany.

I have personal experience using these vises at the last job I had before retiring. They are top shelf. Also, I currently buy, restore & sell vises. Although I'm partial to the 50+ year old heavy iron vises, I wouldn't think twice about buying this one, if I wanted a new one.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T9J68I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

+1 - i got impatient and heard positive things about them and it turned out a relative worked for a reseller so i got a killer deal on the 6" F-series. I can't say i've pounded on it too bad (she's only about 6 months old), but it sure seems tough. and while i hesitated because of the non-replaceable jaws, a) it has a lifetime warranty (specifically calling out the jaws) and b) if you REALLY want replaceable jaws, you could mill off some of the jaws and tap a couple of holes. not that i think that's a good idea, but hey, they're your tools.

ahm

 

[jrobb316]

A new American made vise in the 6" range will run you around $1K. You only have a few choices. Morgan, yost, Wilton, and Reed (to my knowledge). That Ridgid is solid, I also have one of those at work. Otherwise PM drives, he has a lot of old iron in good shape.

 

[Davefr]

Davefr: Like I said, I am doing all of my shopping online, but I plan on trying to find one of these Ridgid in person to take a look at. I have heard good things about the F-Series, though the non-replaceable jaws do concern me a bit.

I wouldn't worry about the jaws. If you don't abuse the vise too much they'll last forever. Just don't use any vise in place of an anvil. (or chunck of RR track).

Here you go. The 6" Ridgid can be bought today for $325 and includes free freight:

http://www.zoro.com/ridgid-combination-vise-swivel-6-in-jaw-fs-66997/i/G2613021/

Use coupon code NAILEDIT for the 25% off. (that's way cheaper then Amazon). Only good today 2/9.

 

[flmng42]

Davefr: Thanks for this. I just can't pull the trigger today. Do these flash 25% codes come up often? How do you find them? I just registered for Zoro last night, so will I eventually get them emailed to me? Sorry for the ignorance.

 

[Davefr]

Davefr: Thanks for this. I just can't pull the trigger today. Do these flash 25% codes come up often? How do you find them? I just registered for Zoro last night, so will I eventually get them emailed to me? Sorry for the ignorance.

I'm guessing the 25 and 30% off codes come out about every 60-90 days.

 

[flmng42]

Awesome. 60 days matches my intended purchase timeline, so I'll be on the lookout.

 

[Davefr]

Awesome. 60 days matches my intended purchase timeline, so I'll be on the lookout.

Here are two tips:
1. Sign up for Zoro's email promotions
2. Put something in your shopping cart at Zoro but don't check out.

 

[Steve_P]

Enco is a good source for a new Wilton. I bought a 1765 there that was on sale plus an additional 25% off and free shipping. They do 20-25% off sales and free shipping very often .

I looked at Ridgid but couldn't do the non replaceable jaws

 

[lastgoodusername]

I would choose this, I did.

 

[zkling]

Couple things I would consider...

Forget the pipe jaws and get a tri stand chain vise or the like. Those things are damn handy. If not that then a standard yoke bench mount.

Replaceable jaws are a must.

Possibly forego the swivel base and build a swivel base stand that can be cemented or lagged down outside. Votaw is a good example.

 

[PoorOwner]

Regarding forged vises, similar to Ridgid (I personally didn't like the jaws are not replacable), Yost also makes a similar line.
So I looked at the forged steel vises offering from Yost, I talked to them and they are very helpful, they supplied the specs for max torque before bending the handle of the vises I was interested in.

While the material is stronger for forged steel, the cast ductile iron version just have more material and is a stronger vise with stronger lead screw, handle overall. If space and weight is not a concern, which is not the case here. I would go with a heavier cast vise.

I also like build in pipe jaws, personally I think it offers more throat depth and that's always a good thing. Some people like to skip the pipe jaws, and go for machinist vise.. because, who wouldn't want to be a machinist. I used to think the machinists vises offer better precision and much smoother, but according to Wilton all their USA bullets are machined to 0.03" (if I recall) in the keyway, so there should be no difference in precision. Although the tradesman line does seem to be built a bit more crude overall in reality.

 

[flmng42]

Regarding forged vises, similar to Ridgid (I personally didn't like the jaws are not replacable), Yost also makes a similar line.
So I looked at the forged steel vises offering from Yost, I talked to them and they are very helpful, they supplied the specs for max torque before bending the handle of the vises I was interested in.

While the material is stronger for forged steel, the cast ductile iron version just have more material and is a stronger vise with stronger lead screw, handle overall. If space and weight is not a concern, which is not the case here. I would go with a heavier cast vise.

I also like build in pipe jaws, personally I think it offers more throat depth and that's always a good thing. Some people like to skip the pipe jaws, and go for machinist vise.. because, who wouldn't want to be a machinist. I used to think the machinists vises offer better precision and much smoother, but according to Wilton all their USA bullets are machined to 0.03" (if I recall) in the keyway, so there should be no difference in precision. Although the tradesman line does seem to be built a bit more crude overall in reality.

Thanks for this. I found my way to the Yost forged steel vises also, and I really liked that they had replaceable jaws. But then I found their warranty and they only have a five year warranty, which turned me off.

When it comes to precision, I don't care all that much. I am not a machinist, and honestly most of my work is eyeball-accurate. I just intend on using this vise for general clamping, punching, chiseling, grinding, heating, welding, etc., so it will see it's fair share of use and abuse, though on a semi-irregular basis.

I am currently in the process of compiling a comparison spreadsheet for all the vises that have been mentioned or that I am considering, so I will post those results later this weekend if anyone else is interested and to help folks in the future.

Thanks to everybody!

 

[jensputzier]

I would second the recommendation for the German made Ridgid vises. I have a small one (about 4" jaws) and think it exceptionally nice.
There is also a member (Jens Putzier) who sells Brockhaus Heuer forged vices. I also have one (about 5.5" jaws) and think it quite nice and worth a bit of time to look over as they have some large sizes (7").
You didn't say your reason for wanting pipe jaws, but I'd suggest you think about a dedicated pipe vice (Ridgid or Reed) if you anticipate a lot of use. I've no experience with chinese made brands, but those may suffice depending upon usage.

Link to one thread about Heuer vices.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=301808&highlight=Brockhaus+heuer

Thank you. Brockhaus Heuer vises can be found here: http://www.jensputzier.com/Brockhaus-Heuer

 

[DonPowers]

I saw this the other day, 6" Wilton at Northern Tool for $139


http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_48555_48555

They also have an 8"
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/category_hand-tools+vises-clamps+bench-vises

 

[drivesitfar]

Don: JUST AN FYI. those Wiltons are produced in China and the low end of Wilton's vises. not saying that they wouldn't do a fine job, but just because they are WILTON doesn't mean they are all high quality like their Bullet and C series vises.

ALL: there are less and less old vises still in good shape, but if you can find any i'd buy one over a new one any day. I've been selling a few of mine to members that need them so PM me or check the classifieds here to see if I have one that might work. or check your local sales for one that might need a good home.

 

[flmng42]

So here is an update no one asked for:

I was all set on the Ridgid F60 vise because it seemed (and still does) to be a more sensible, sturdy, rugged, cost-efficient alternative to a 1780A Tradesman or anything else mentioned or considered. I was just waiting for a Zoro coupon to pull the trigger, which has yet to come since I made my decision (I did not hear about the Leap Day code until March 1!). One night I happened to stumble across vise that piqued my interest, and I emailed and called about it, and a week later I am the new owner of a Wilton 800S. It was in my price range, has a date code of 6-89, and a horrible paint job hiding a welded end cap. But it is an 800S for less than the price of a new Tradesman 1780A, so I am pretty stoked.

Here it is as I was taking it apart to unload it from the truck this morning (you can see the swivel base and the spindle assembly in the background/side):

View media item 58923
And here it is with one of the tiny, crappy vises it is replacing, a 4" Craftsman:

View media item 58922

 

[CNGsaves]

^ ^ ^ Pic no worky !!

 

[flmng42]

How about now? I am seeing them on my computer and my phone, not sure what is wrong? Trying to link from an album in my GJ profile using the "Insert Image" link and using the "Picture URL" address from the album. Any tips on the correct way to do this so they will show?

Never mind, I figured it out. I had my album set to "Private". Apparently that will stop you from seeing the pics even when linking them to GJ threads.

 

[PoorOwner]

That's a great purchase.. the 800s is the biggest wilton. Doesn't even look like its been used much

 

[PeterT]

Sears has the Yost vises on sale, you could likely combine a SEARS35OFF300,, and get about $50 SYWR points (this weekend). You won't be disappointed in this 100lb+ vise,,, I guaarantee

80c - $575
http://www.sears.com/yost-80c-8inch-tradesman-pipe-bench-vise/p-00932149000P?prdNo=17&blockNo=17&blockType=G17

 

[drivesitfar]

FLMNG: so you went and bought one of the few that are still on my list of vises to own and as you might know I don't NEED a vise. also I really like that design where the jaws are bolted in from the back.

check out the vise and grinder stand thread for ideas if you don't already have a 500+ pound bench to mount that beast on.

also how much does your 800S weigh with the swivel base attached?

AWESOME FIND

 

[nutsnbolts]

Don't feel bad about your Rock Island. 3 years ago, I had a 100 year old Reed that was still locked up, even after spending 2 months in a kerosene tank and weeks with ATF/acetone mix applied to it. I finally got it apart with 5 tons of press.

That's quite handsome