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Are there any decient Chinese Vises?

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chris142

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I'm in the market for a pretty big Vise. One that will open up to 6 inches or so. I'm also on a budget. I've been watching CL and nothing good has shown up in my price range of around $100.


The 2 that I went to look at were junk. One was missing the "teeth" part and the place where the "teeth" go was mangled. The other was bent somehow. This prevented the jaws from closing evenly.

Lowes had a large one for $89, Sears and HF also have them in that price range but I don't want garbage.

I'd prefer a USA made one but no luck so far.

Ideas?
 
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chris142

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I've been waiting on C/L and stopping @ every yard sale for over a year trying to find a good one and nothin has showed up.
 
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Tarheelgarage

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pfctblu said:
not quite 6in but a hell of a vise for the money.

Craftsman Pro
Click to expand...


That's almost the same as a Wilton vise I purchased a Lowes about 3 years ago for the home shop. I believe it was around $50.

I've beat the hell out of it and it has taken it like a man.....:lol_hitti

If you're not making horseshoes with the vise, this vise should do everything you want.:thumbup:
 
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Cobra4B

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http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180551

$74... 6" jaws with reversible inserts, opens nearly 7", and almost 4" throat. I didn't want to buy Chinese, but my little H-F vise broke (after 10 years) and sped up my timetable. The nice C-man pro is made in China too (doesn't say USA) and only opens 4" per the specs.

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

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All the lower line vises at Sears, HD, HF, Lowe's, and TSC have swivels which only friction lock - too much side pressure and it turns. Note: C-man Pro is NOT a lower line.

Also most old US made economy vises (Milwaukee still makes some) have the same problem.

If that doesn't matter to you then Brian's recommendation for C-man 6 inch is probably the best locally.

If I wanted postive locking with 6-1/2 inch opening for about $100 mailorder, I would get this: http://www.opentip.com/product_info.php?products_id=3610920&osCsid=58p5c5et4qki3t2udn8mur3nt0

Have never bought anything from OPENTIP so I have no idea of their service, but you can check specs here: http://www.kentool.com/
Towards lower left corner, click on "download" and scroll to page 22.

Btw, the upper two vise lines sold by MATCO are a couple of Ken-Tool models. http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/search.jsp?search=all&query=bench+vise
 
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chris142

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Went to sears and I think that ones too small for my needs. HD has an irwin with a tiny throat. What's the deal woth the matco One for $144?
 
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signcrafter

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I have this one and love it, http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...rce-5-1-2-doublejaw-vise/p-1655296-c-9135.htm. The jaws are reversable so it opens really big if you need it to. They also sell just a 6" one, http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...terforce-6-workshop-vise/p-1655332-c-9135.htm. The part I really like about these vises is they have "teeth" to help lock them in place and keep from rotating. My other cheap one just had to bolts to "lock" it in place by pressure and it sucked. This one you loosen the bolts and turn the vise to where you want and then tighten the bolts to hold it in the teeth.

I don't think you have a menards but maybe you can find a copy of it somewhere. It's made in china so I'm sure it's made for a couple different brands.
 
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daddy2coull

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signcrafter said:
I have this one and love it, http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...rce-5-1-2-doublejaw-vise/p-1655296-c-9135.htm. The jaws are reversable so it opens really big if you need it to. They also sell just a 6" one, http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...terforce-6-workshop-vise/p-1655332-c-9135.htm. The part I really like about these vises is they have "teeth" to help lock them in place and keep from rotating. My other cheap one just had to bolts to "lock" it in place by pressure and it sucked. This one you loosen the bolts and turn the vise to where you want and then tighten the bolts to hold it in the teeth.

I don't think you have a menards but maybe you can find a copy of it somewhere. It's made in china so I'm sure it's made for a couple different brands.
Click to expand...

that looks like a Stanley MaxSteel in the UK
 
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Mohawk Dave

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retDAC

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chris142 said:
Went to sears and I think that ones too small for my needs. HD has an irwin with a tiny throat. What's the deal woth the matco One for $144?
Click to expand...
Did you check the first two links?

I didn't recommend Matco per se; only mentioned that Ken-Tool is good enough for Matco.
 
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retDAC

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signcrafter said:
I have this one and love it, http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...rce-5-1-2-doublejaw-vise/p-1655296-c-9135.htm. The jaws are reversable so it opens really big if you need it to. They also sell just a 6" one, http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...terforce-6-workshop-vise/p-1655332-c-9135.htm. The part I really like about these vises is they have "teeth" to help lock them in place and keep from rotating. My other cheap one just had to bolts to "lock" it in place by pressure and it sucked. This one you loosen the bolts and turn the vise to where you want and then tighten the bolts to hold it in the teeth.

I don't think you have a menards but maybe you can find a copy of it somewhere. It's made in china so I'm sure it's made for a couple different brands.
Click to expand...
I checked and they're both available by mailorder. The DoubleJaw appears identical to my Wilton 4500. If so and if the same quality, it is a steal at $99 + shpg. Don't know what kind of warranty is on Masterforce though.

Was unaware of Masterforce vises so I added them to this thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177829
 
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bobcatdan

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retDAC said:
All the lower line vises at Sears, HD, HF, Lowe's, and TSC have swivels which only friction lock - too much side pressure and it turns. Note: C-man Pro is NOT a lower line.

Also most old US made economy vises (Milwaukee still makes some) have the same problem.

If that doesn't matter to you then Brian's recommendation for C-man 6 inch is probably the best locally.

If I wanted postive locking with 6-1/2 inch opening for about $100 mailorder, I would get this: http://www.opentip.com/product_info.php?products_id=3610920&osCsid=58p5c5et4qki3t2udn8mur3nt0

Have never bought anything from OPENTIP so I have no idea of their service, but you can check specs here: http://www.kentool.com/
Towards lower left corner, click on "download" and scroll to page 22.

Btw, the upper two vise lines sold by MATCO are a couple of Ken-Tool models. http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/search.jsp?search=all&query=bench+vise
Click to expand...

I have both the craftsman and matco and if they are not the same vise I will eat my hat.
 
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chris142

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Mohawk Dave said:
This is too pricey for me...but I restore my own. you could prob get him from $130 to $100...http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/3500590122.html



The bent handles worry me. IMO it's been abused, if you can abuse a vise. I didn't have anything else to do today so I went everywhere checking Vises out. Kinda ***** that I can't walk into a hardware store and buy a Vise made here.

This one does have a lifetime warranty though.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/cat...=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All

A friend thinks he has one somewhere in his storage. He's going to see if he can find it before I buy a chinese one.

Where is this Yost made?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...talogId=10053&productId=202786363&R=202786363
Click to expand...
 
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pipsters

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chris142 said:
Mohawk Dave said:
This is too pricey for me...but I restore my own. you could prob get him from $130 to $100...http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tls/3500590122.html



The bent handles worry me. IMO it's been abused, if you can abuse a vise. I didn't have anything else to do today so I went everywhere checking Vises out. Kinda ***** that I can't walk into a hardware store and buy a Vise made here.

This one does have a lifetime warranty though.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/cat...=None&Ntpr=1&Ntpc=1&selectedCatgry=Search+All

A friend thinks he has one somewhere in his storage. He's going to see if he can find it before I buy a chinese one.

Where is this Yost made?

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...talogId=10053&productId=202786363&R=202786363
Click to expand...

There are several vises still made here. You just have to be willing to pay the $$. Pretty much anything under $300 new is going to be an import.
Click to expand...
 
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HaroRider

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Your not allowed to use decent and chinese in the same sentence on this site..

haha ..I kid
 
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Strouty

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Some Yost are USA and some are imports. I was going through Northern's vises and I found this one:

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200460098_200460098

It is a Yost 8" swivel and reversible that is made in the USA with two anvils. It is $379 and made of ductile iron. I may end up with one of these while looking for my elusive white whale of a vintage vise. Anyone have any coupon codes to Northern?
 
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5lima30

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I was in the same boat as you and purchased the blue Irwin 6" from Home Depot for $69with my military discount. I has been going strong for 2+ years of hard use (bending/shaping and heating horseshoes) with no problems. BTW, it has a lifetime warranty. I WILL purchase the first decent USA made vise that I can find a good deal on.
 
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decableguy2000

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I have had Harbor freight 5" one for about 7-8 years. It has held up okay. I have beat the handle and loose with a hammer, used as an anvil, the only issue I have had with it is the screws that hold the jaws will loosen up. I would do it it again if I need to. I have some older US vices I use around the shop also but this one is my primary vice.

Jeremy
 
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Man of Many Vices

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chris142 said:
I'm in the market for a pretty big Vise. One that will open up to 6 inches or so. I'm also on a budget. I've been watching CL and nothing good has shown up in my price range of around $100.

I'd prefer a USA made one but no luck so far.

Ideas?
Click to expand...

Chris: I have a 2nd house in Apple Valley, up on Roundup Way. All my vises are in Indio, however. I must have a dozen that meet your needs. There are plenty of good US made vises for sale; many that I picked up in Yucca Valley and other local swap meets. DON'T BUY CHINESE. You can get a good used vise for $100 that would cost $300 to $500 new.
 
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chris142

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Man of Many Vices said:
Chris: I have a 2nd house in Apple Valley, up on Roundup Way. All my vises are in Indio, however. I must have a dozen that meet your needs. There are plenty of good US made vises for sale; many that I picked up in Yucca Valley and other local swap meets. DON'T BUY CHINESE. You can get a good used vise for $100 that would cost $300 to $500 new.
Click to expand...

We have talked/Pm'd before. I'm going to see what my friend brings me. If that falls through I'm up for Indio.:3gears:
 
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GarageDan

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Hello! I'm also looking for a vise, but just getting started. My problem is that I don't know how much is a bargain for a used vice and what name brands to look for. I know that older and USA is probably better, but how about a step back to educate us? I think it goes with this thread. How about it, "Vises for Dummies"?
 
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johnachak

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decableguy2000 said:
I have had Harbor freight 5" one for about 7-8 years. It has held up okay. I have beat the handle and loose with a hammer, used as an anvil, the only issue I have had with it is the screws that hold the jaws will loosen up. I would do it it again if I need to. I have some older US vices I use around the shop also but this one is my primary vice.

Jeremy
Click to expand...

My primary vice is beer.....
:beer:
 
1

123Go

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Older thread but I'll add an update too it.
The reversible jaw from Masterforce sold at Menards is a Yost 855 I do believe?

If you compare specs you can tell.
But also its the only reversible vise that is not made from 30psi / DI.
On Yost website the 855 specs just say "cast iron, steel bar" but the other Yost reversible models each say "ductile iron" under materials in details on Yost website?

I'm thinking companies copy pasted the details off the other reversible vise's in the Yost adds. Some adds say ductile some dont on the 855?

Its specs nor its box on the Masterforce vise state its material nature witch usually means a vise is not made with higher grades. That surely would get down to their price point.

That said, the masterforce is a smooth turning vise and even has a lifetime warranty witch I am assuming through Menards as stated on its box return it to them if it fails? Yost offers 3yr on the 855.
Its a great deal as long as Menards still carries it if someone breaks it. Not sure what happens, if anything, when they no longer do? Its go screw off usually..
For the money its a decent deal and its on sale quite a bit.

A Wilton 4500 will be the one for me though as soon at it really goes on sale. Its more $$ but knowing Wilton's warranty history and its Ductile too so its my first pick. The Masterforce price sure is tempting though..

Take care!
 
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retDAC

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Wilton 4500 is 30k PSI tensile strength: http://www.wiltontools.com/us/en/c/bench-vises-industrial/W140?Series=revmechvise&reset=true

DI is supposed to be 60-65k PSI tensile strength.

Whether Wilton has any better QC than Menards or Yost OR backs the warranty better I don't know.

Several here report using either the Menards or the Wilton version and all seem to be quite happy with whichever. I have the Wilton and it works surprisingly well. Even if it isn't a top tier vise, it's not that far away from same and is certainly good for its price so I'm happy with mine, especially after beating on it and pulling hard on it hard enough to move the whole truck.

Wilton and Ken-Tool also have the 6-1/2" and 8" versions. http://www.kentool.com/index.php/products/vises/professional-reversible-mechanic-s-vises-detail

The Yost 6-1/2" and 8" versions are reportedly US made, 65k PSI tensile strength, and seem a bit different in the spec's. http://www.yostvises.com/mechanics-vises/multi-purpose-reversible-combination-vise.html

FWIW, Ken-Tool also has regular style vises in 5-1/2" and 6-1/2" versions which lock the swivel. http://www.kentool.com/index.php/products/vises/professional-workshop-vises-detail
 
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123Go

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I wrote Yost yesterday asking about the 855 materials and they cleared up some confusion on its scattered adds with 30psi. Here are its specs, I'm sure the Wilton is the same line as they advertise the 30psi on their website and Yost dont?
The 6" regular design green vise menards sells states 30psi but this style dont? Funcused as I am yet?...lol

Jaw Width 5.5"
Jaw Opening 6"
Jaw Opening Reversed 9.75"
Throat Depth 3.75"
Throat Depth Reversed 2.75"

Material: Cast Iron - GC20 which equates to ASTM A48-CL30 =
tensile strength of 30,000 psi

Anvil Size 3.5" x 3.7"
Upper anvil Size 5.2" x 2.5"
Base Hole DIA 0.55"
Handle Dia 0.55"
Handle Length 9.1"
Main Screw Diameter 0.87"
Main Screw Length 14.5"


By the way these specs are inline with the Wilton 4500 too now so yes what I saw yesterday online was copied pasted from other Yost reversible vises with DI stated too..

Grainger advertises the 30psi Wilton 4500 as "Ductile Iron" here.
http://www.grainger.com/product/WILTON-5-1-2-Ductile-Iron-Mechanic-5LK13

*Best of luck searching.
 
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