What is it that makes a vise good?

[darkostoj]

Been using vises my whole life, and never really got into them. Always had old beat up ones I found, used them until they broke, and that was that. I need to buy one now, and it seems like I can find old ones on marketplace all over the place for not very much $$$. Some are also very expensive.

Other than, the size configuration & swiveling that I see as user preference. Some people seem to be really into these and very particular. What are things to look for?

 

[Ricksfix]

I grew up around garages and dad and myself have 3 sizes each. The swivel one can be handy at times ,and one with the anvil built in on the back over the inner column for beating small things on and a couple different sizes are options to keep in mind. You want one with replaceable jaws so you can bolt in some soft jaws for more delicate work ect. You should get one the size that will cover most of your needs I guess. The prices do vary but you won't have to worry about you or your kids after you ever breaking one if you invest in some quality .

 

[General Geoff]

A vise is only as good as its support. The sturdier and more immobile its bench or pedestal, the better the vise can perform.

Once that is assured, then the durability of the vise itself can come into question. Especially if you do a lot of hard percussive work that subjects it to lots of shock loading.

Things to look for: Replaceable jaw inserts, fully enclosed main screw, rated clamping force, throat depth, jaw capacity, jaw width, vise body construction type and material (cast vs forged vs welded, different types of iron or steel).

 

[Recoveryman]

Been using vises my whole life, and never really got into them. Always had old beat up ones I found, used them until they broke, and that was that. I need to buy one now, and it seems like I can find old ones on marketplace all over the place for not very much $$$. Some are also very expensive.

Other than, the size configuration & swiveling that I see as user preference. Some people seem to be really into these and very particular. What are things to look for?

Know that vises made of 30,000 tensile strength are basiclly cast iron. Vises listed being made of 60,000 tensile strength are cast steel. Learn to keep it lubed, don't use it for an anvil. A good vise is a good investment.
Recoveryman

 

[Stuart in MN]

A lot of the offshore made vises may look good, but there's actually a thick coating of bondo to smooth out and cover up the rough casting underneath. I have one I bought at Sears 40 years ago, and after all those years of wear and tear it has scrapes and gouges that show the filler is 3/16" thick or more in places.

That's not to say they can't provide good service but their quality is inferior to a vintage Wilton or Columbian or other name brand vise that may cost more. You sometimes get what you pay for.

It seems like the good ones are too often priced high, but once in a while you'll be able to get a bargain - try estate sales, the people running them may be experts on pricing household goods but may not know much about what lurks in the garage or basement workshop.

 

[Tactile]

Drop-forged German steel makes them pretty good.

 

[racecougar]

What is the intended use(s)? That will dictate what you're after.

If you're going to beat on it, get a post/blacksmith vise for that work. Do not beat on a machinist's vise. Do not use a cheater pipe on the handle. If you need to press something with that much force, use a press instead.

Features that typically add value: age, brand, jaw size, physical mass, swivel, and neat tricks like quick jaws.

 

[c39er]

High quality vises have easy to obtain very high clamping force...IMO very important.
I do a lot of steel fab work.
Modern Chinese vises....scrap metal.

 

[BurtEggley]

try to avoid poorly cast ones.