Need advice on a new Vise

[mlyonsdc]

I have an older 6" Craftsman vise that is long overdue for the scrap pile. It has a ton of slop wont clamp anything tight and is just not a good vise. I was at HF the other day playing with the Doyle 6" vise and thinking how much nicer it is than the ****** Craftsman I have is. It wasnt "cheap" at $200 not exactly Wilton machinist price either.

SO what say GJ vise experts for a new vise that works well and does not cost a fortune?

 

[jonshonda]

Well imho I don't support Asian manufacturers if I don't have to, and depending on your location there maybe plenty of used, made in the USA vises available.

So my vote would be to buy a good old used vise.

 

[Copymutt]

Agree, estate, garage sale. Best bang for the buck.

 

[Maui]

I don’t recommend buying asian made vises. But if you do a little research and pull up photos or videos where folks have purchased these Harbor Freight vises and then broken them apart in just everyday, normal usage you will have the opportunity to see the level of quality you are actually buying. I wouldn’t take one if it was free.

 

[Shiftless]

I can’t recommend any new vise.
At the risk of derailing your thread…
What‘s your price range? You said “not a fortune”
Post your approximate location and one of us might offer up a spare, good quality vintage USA vise. Or guide you toward a fair deal on a good one on your Craigslist.
I live across the bay from San Francisco and I could find one or two that are laying around here.

 

[lardy1]

For $200.00 (apparently the price of the HF) you can find one heck of a nice used domestic vise. Shiftless just gave you excellent advice. The vise guys and gals on this site are very knowledgable and helpful.

 

[Professional Tool User]

At $200, you may as well go look for a used vice at half that price.

 

[Terra Nova]

Price has gone up a bunch on these very recently but this was a heck of a deal (and still a pretty decent deal) for a 5.5" Wilton Tradesmen vise and a BASH hammer.

Made in Taiwan unfortunately now, but still quality vise.

28806A, Wilton Special Edition Black 1755 Tradesman Vise & B.A.S.H® 20416 Sledge Hammer

28806A, Wilton Special Edition Black 1755 Tradesman Vise & B.A.S.H® 20416 Sledge Hammer

bisjettools.com

 

[mlyonsdc]

I actually picked through the very long vise thread and have tried to keep my eyes open for an old vice but they are not that easy to find and honestly I dont have the time to go scrounging for one, or restoring it. Plus if you find one online shipping it is an issue.

I am in Youngstown Ohio and would be very interested in a good used USA made vice. I would like to keep the upper end of my budget around $300. I will keep the tradesman in mind,
Thank you for all the responses.

 

[Shiftless]

I saw this one on your Craigslist. It’s been on for 17 days so the seller might be looking for an offer. If it’s not too far away, I would check it out for wear and possible damage and offer $200 or maybe even less.
Sure, it’s not a super deal, but this Is the kind of thing you should be looking for. Not a pretty restored vise so the price is lower, but solid and very serviceable. Clean it and lube it and put it to work. Later of course you can strip and repaint if that’s what you like to do.

I have quite a few vises that I have stripped and repainted so I’m certainly not criticizing anybody who does that.

Vise - tools - by owner - sale

Columbian No. 604, swivel base. Very good condition, NO cracks or welds. Made in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. Opens to about 8", weighs about 60 lbs. 4" wide jaws. Mike, . NO emails or texts Please....

youngstown.craigslist.org

 

[exmaxima1]

That's a $100 vise in the Chicago area, similar to this Morgan Chicago:

https://offerup.com/item/detail/1376599714?q=vise

 

[jonshonda]

That's a $100 vise in the Chicago area, similar to this Morgan

Yeah but is the OP in the Chicago area...no! So what's the point of your post?

 

[RUSH55]

Keep tabs on Craigslist in your area. More than likely there’s a couple guys selling off some of their hoard. They aren’t extremely liquid, so if you’re wanting the absolute best for your money, be picky and do a little research on what you find intriguing.

 

[RoninB4]

The problem with the imported vises is the materials used. The castings are of an inferior type of material that's rather porous (IMO) and both factors are what cause these types of vises to crack or just flat out break when clamping force exceeds the material designed limitations. This has been the case with large metal working machinery too for the last few decades. A new import machinery casting won't weigh as much an older one made in the U.S. (or Germany, England, Japan, etc.) and are prone to catastrophic failure.

The lead screws are also likely made from a steel that's conducive for ease of machining but lacks strength, easier to deform the threads or just strip out. Same with the nut, it can/will be made from an inferior type of brass/bronze that doesn't hold up well over the years and either wears out, threads deform, or strip. The nut may be an integral part of the casting and not even replaceable.

With the shear number of cheap new imports that break versus the number of old vises still working (I have two over 100 years old in good shape) why would you even risk spending $200-$300 on something known for being a disposable? Both of my old vises weren't that expensive either. I bought my Prentiss #10 about a year ago for $125 and don't have the market availability you have in Ohio. You just have to be willing to look.

 

[PierceA]

Craigslist, FB Marketplace, Ebay, Garage sales, Estate Sales. All will net you plenty of choices to buy a much better vise than a modern import.
Eastern Ohio should be a Mecca for used vises.
Buying an old, USA made vise does NOT mean you have to 'restore' it.. A vise is a tool, that when used often gets chips in the paint, greasy hand and finger prints, paint drips, overspray, grinding dust, oil and grease etc on it..
What use is it to have a pretty paint job on a working vise?
A cleanup and oiling should be all any good Reed, Columbian, Yost, Parker, Athol, Prentiss, Morgan, etc American made vise should need.

Then use it, and enjoy a well made piece of American industrial history. !

PierceA

 

[fang123]

Put your money towards a new vise, like a Yost ADI or similar.

 

[lardy1]

Around here the local auction is a good source for vises. I don't hear that mentioned often so it may not be the case elsewhere. But there are usually multiple on a weekly basis. You might look into that in your area. Most of them these days are online auctions.

 

[m6z]

I was looking at this one awhile back.

Amazon.com

 

[mlyonsdc]

Ok so Whats a 450 Wilton bullet worth
How about a Columbian 2050?

I just dont know enough, BUT I found a dealer an hour from me he has an ad on FB with over 70 antique vises and an anvil in stock. He is in Bolivar Ohio

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[2baditsnotachev]

There's plenty of old vises in the Ohio area, I'd look for a reed 204 or similar. Way better purchase than anything from harbor freight

 

[mlyonsdc]

There's plenty of old vises in the Ohio area, I'd look for a reed 204 or similar. Way better purchase than anything from harbor freight

Lol that is exactly the vise the guy in Bolivar told me to get and he has one. Whats a good price? Here is the pic he sent

 

[Makoto]

craigslist. old made in USA vises are the best imo. if its old as hell and still works you know its been through the ringer so its good.

 

[Terra Nova]

Can't tell you a fair price on those vises but I found the dealer in Bolivar. Holly smokes he's got some nice stuff. Should be able to find something there to your liking.

Antique vise market in my area is absolutely ridiculous. People are asking big money for poorly repaired vises or ones with missing parts.

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[Forgottonia]

Need advice on a new Vise​

Here on GJ I think advice on a vice should be know as: "adVise" , as in: "I need adVise"

Or maybe that's just too silly?

 

[exmaxima1]

Lol that is exactly the vise the guy in Bolivar told me to get and he has one. Whats a good price? Here is the pic he sent

$100-120 max. The jaws look worn and they are not removable/replaceable

 

[RoninB4]

You do NOT have to "restore" an old vise like others have already stated. I did to the Prentiss because it's over 100 years old and I felt the previous coach makers urging me to. The 100 year old Reed 31 I've had for a few years was merely cleaned up and lubed, still wearing the patina/gouges from it's history.

I'd also sooner buy an old vise that doesn't have a new coat of paint on it because paint can hide serious flaws like cracks or broken and brazed together parts. You don't want something that's been broken and brazed/welded back together unless you get it for fire sale prices and still not expected to be used for heavy duty work. Northeast Ohio should have a heck of a lot of vises from the industrial/agricultural base that used to be there.

 

[Shiftless]

$100-120 max. The jaws look worn and they are not removable/replaceable

The hardened jaws cast in place on those old Reeds are really tough. Based on those photos, it seems to me that there is crud stuck in the serrations which would clean up nicely with a wire wheel. That 204 would bring at least $200 where I live.

 

[JradM]

As soon as I saw the thread title I knew the common wisdom would be "buy used!" It seems like this question comes up every couple months or so.

I think it depends on a few factors though. E.g.:

1. How much time and energy are you going to devote to a search?
2. What's the market like in your area?
3. How soon do you need it?
4. What's your budget?
5. Do you need a specific size or set of features?

and so on....

Sometimes it's just easier to pull out a credit card and grab one today.

Personally, I searched for several months and never found anything compelling locally. I'm happy for those who post here about picking up Wilton bullets for $20 at a garage sales, but I've yet to stumble across any screaming deals.

Yost seems to make some good budget vises. Fireball looks pretty nice. Wilton Tradesman is good too - but more money.

I don't know much about the Harbor Freight offerings (since I'm in Canada). Can you get warranty on them? In Canada you can buy some pretty cheap import vises at Canadian Tire in a variety of sizes - but they have lifetime warranties. For something you have a fair chance of busting, that's pretty nice.

I don't think Records are near as terrible as the forums sometimes make out. Depends how much you pay for them though - for whatever reason I've noticed wildly different prices at different stores.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I wish I had the same "craigslist" as all the other guys have. Here in central Illinois all I find are 4"-5" vises with fresh paint jobs. Most are Craftsman.
I don't know if I ever saw an American made 6" complete (with swivel) and unrestored vise listed.

My "cheap" Chinese vise has held up for over 20 years.

 

[drivesitfar]

Buy or make a pair of copper jaw covers for that Reed 204 and you’ve got a lot better vise than the $200 HF new one. If cheaper great but good old iron isn’t super cheap anymore hence old vises not $20 either.

good luck in your search and lots of good info here from guys that know about vises.

 

[RUSH55]

I needed a vise on the quick about a year ago before I really knew anything about vintage USA vises. After comparing everything available off the shelf in my area, I went with an Irwin 4”. It’s a decent enough vise for small home projects. But once I started picking up some older American iron, it’s just a lightweight shrimp in comparison. You’d have to get a 6” or 8” Chicom vise to even come close to the beef of a 4” vise made 70 - 100 years ago.
Here’s a comparison pic.
Irwin on the right.
Desmond Stephens mid-grade 4” at center
Athol 715 (4-1/2” jaws) on left

 

[PoorUB]

If you are looking at new vises, stay away from anything made of gray cast iron. It is a little stronger than Styrofoam.
Look for nodular iron or malleable iron.

 

[Terra Nova]

They may be listed as ductile iron as well (same thing as nodular). Ductile/nodular is arguable better than malleable iron.

 

[PoorUB]

Thanks Terry, I just could not get my head to come up with the term "malleable"!

 

[Davefr]

I have an older 6" Craftsman vise that is long overdue for the scrap pile. It has a ton of slop wont clamp anything tight and is just not a good vise. I was at HF the other day playing with the Doyle 6" vise and thinking how much nicer it is than the ****** Craftsman I have is. It wasnt "cheap" at $200 not exactly Wilton machinist price either.

SO what say GJ vise experts for a new vise that works well and does not cost a fortune?

Not exactly cheap, but the Ridgid forged steel vises are really nice. Forged steel is stronger then cast iron. It's also not as bulky. Some guys don't like the fact that the jaws are not replaceable but I don't think it's a big deal. I had one and it was a really nice vise but I like my Wilton C-2 better. They are made in Germany.

 

[Mgdoug3]

I was looking for a vise a while back and couldn't find anything worth the money used. I ended up getting a Dewalt 5" rotating vise. Not long after I got it I picked up a Wilton 400HD swivel for $50 and later an old vise from my grandfather's that needed some work but was free.

My advise, buy new and then used vises will start popping up everywhere. When you buy a new one then you don't have to worry about settling and can find a good used one without needing a vise.

 

[lardy1]

Not exactly cheap, but the Ridgid forged steel vises are really nice. Forged steel is stronger then cast iron. It's also not as bulky. Some guys don't like the fact that the jaws are not replaceable but I don't think it's a big deal. I had one and it was a really nice vise but I like my Wilton C-2 better. They are made in Germany.

That looks like the same vise Capri is offering. The price doesn't seem exorbitant but I was wondering if anyone here has used one and can share their experience with them.

 

[Davefr]

That looks like the same vise Capri is offering. The price doesn't seem exorbitant but I was wondering if anyone here has used one and can share their experience with them.

Maybe others will chime in but it looks like Capri stole the Ridgid design. I suspect they are Asian. It does look like their jaws are replaceable if that's a concern. I did have the 6" Ridgid and it did everything I needed it to do. Since it had less mass then cast iron it seemed a little more versatile. The only reason I replaced it was because I stumbled onto a Wilton C-2 but I can't really say the Wilton performs tasks any better then the Ridgid. It just looks cool.

If you're intent on buying new, then I'd pick up one of these forged steel vises over Asian cast iron any day.

I'd also recommend picking up a chunk of RR tracks as an anvil for beating. I use my vises for precision work holding and don't beat on them.

 

[exmaxima1]

I've never heard anything bad about the Capri vise and my only reservations would be that Asian vises tend to use Q235 steel for the screw which is fairly soft and rarely heat treated. And the threads tend to be somewhat crude. The Ridgid (Germany) version, like my F-50, employs a very nice rolled Acme thread which has essentially zero play and runs very smooth.

 

[RoninB4]

Asian vises tend to use Q235 steel for the screw which is fairly soft and rarely heat treated. And the threads tend to be somewhat crude.

Q235 can be (by leap of faith in Asian imports....) an A36 or roughly equivalent to a 10xx group. I've seen A36 defined as low carbon and having good strength (relative term) that can be hardened like 1025 but I'd have great reservations about it being heat treated too. More likely it was chosen for lower cost and ease of machining like most Asian imported hardware items are. I don't know if materials are even listed for components like the lead screw but it would be something I'd want to know if I was buying new. It doesn't have to be hardened but a better type of steel would be what I'd want. My experience with A36 is that it's cheap, soft, and an empty space filler in machine design.

If the threads are crude it speaks to the overall quality (or lack of it) in the rest of the components. JMO.