New Vise: Out with the old Chinese and in with the new Chinese ...

Cobra4B · Dec 29, 2012

My little Harbor Freight vise finally broke a couple of days ago. I was trying to see if a metal sleeve I was using for a project was bending so I clamped it in the vise and tightened it as much as I could. Dumb idea... bent the threaded rod and ruined the vise (can that part be had separately to repair the thing?).

Being that I'm in the middle of a big car project I need a vise for about everything. I've been shopping older domestic vises to add to the garage, but time was of the essence. Went to a local machine shop liquidation this morning but all the good stuff was gone. Ended up at Sears for something else and looked over their latest stuff.

It's made in China, but seems good enough for my uses. If my little China-Freight one made it nearly 10 years I'm sure this one will be fine. Plus, it has a one year warranty; not a bad deal for $70. It's way bigger than my old one which is good all around (jaws, throat, and travel).

I almost bought the C-man pro one which was fully sealed until I realized the "fully sealed" part meant the jaws only opened 4" max.

http://sphotos-a.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/393169_4694310646970_750820277_n.jpg

:rocker:

uniballer · Dec 29, 2012

Sinner!

BJ42LX · Dec 29, 2012

I had the 4.5" version of that vise for a long time. Though mine was USA.

Those two little notches in the jaws on the left are very handy for grabbing small, oddly shaped items. I've considered adding them to my Wilton.

fourjeepin · Dec 29, 2012

I got the Wilton from Home Depot. About the same money as you spent. Same COO, too.

. Mine rotates which some may think is a bad thing, but i like that feature and have been happy with it. I've had it about four years now.

kythri · Dec 29, 2012

Cobra4B said:
I almost bought the C-man pro one which was fully sealed until I realized the "fully sealed" part meant the jaws only opened 4" max.

This one:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-00951888000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

??

If so, I can assure you, it opens more than 4".

In this case, "fully sealed" means that the screw isn't exposed, so it doesn't get gunked up.

Cobra4B · Dec 29, 2012

Yeah that one. Specs say max opening 4"... Surprised me, but it was enough to push me toward saving a few bucks.

pipsters · Dec 29, 2012

I spent $120 on an old refurbished Columbia 604 on ebay. Basically retail cost, but I was tired of waiting, and couldn't see spending $70+ on a Chinese one.

I also sold a refurbished American Scale vise for $70 on CL I picked up for $25, opened something like 7" weighed 50#, was a 4" jaw.

I am sort of in your area (central NC) so know what you are going thru, vises are hard to come by on CL. Like I said I just bit the bullet and bought off ebay.

loosewingnut · Dec 29, 2012

kythri said:
This one:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-00951888000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

??

If so, I can assure you, it opens more than 4".

In this case, "fully sealed" means that the screw isn't exposed, so it doesn't get gunked up.

lol, the link you posted says 4" opening too.

kythri · Dec 30, 2012

I'll measure mine tomorrow.

retDAC · Dec 30, 2012

Cobra4B said:
... bent the threaded rod and ruined the vise (can that part be had separately to repair the thing?). ...

You can try 1-800-444-3353. They will need the model #.

Click to expand...

Cobra4B · Dec 30, 2012

Thank you...

dodge610 · Dec 30, 2012

Isnt the c man pro made overseas too. Did not see anywhere in the pic where the USA stamp was. I have had a HF vise in my garage For 10 plus years. Mine is about the size of your new one mine has held up well to the abuse.

carterbeauford · Dec 30, 2012

I haven't read anything good about that vise, however I have a 4" version and it's held up in my shop for years.

pipsters · Dec 30, 2012

dodge610 said:
Isnt the c man pro made overseas too. Did not see anywhere in the pic where the USA stamp was. I have had a HF vise in my garage For 10 plus years. Mine is about the size of your new one mine has held up well to the abuse.

The Craftsman Pro looks to be a Wilton Tradesman copy. I had a Wilton 1755 briefly and it looked very similar in design to the Craftsman Pro. The Cman Pro is also 60k psi steel like the Wilton vs the lower end steel castings of the regular Craftsman vises.

I've also played with the Craftsman in store, looks like a good vise especially when bought on sale w/ coupons for $90 or so.

SMKS · Dec 30, 2012

I completely destroyed a HF vise with only DIY garage use, but it was one of the red ones that are made in India. I haven't bought a Chinese one, but they at least look better in the store.

I now have an older USA made Sears vise that's holding up pretty well.

Gary S · Dec 30, 2012

I'm using my Chinese Wilton and am happy with it.

kythri · Dec 31, 2012

Opens 5"

New Vise: Out with the old Chinese and in with the new Chinese ...

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New Vise: Out with the old Chinese and in with the new Chinese ...