Needing a Vise on a budget

becker_atc · Jul 18, 2013

I find myself needing a vise a couple times a week sometimes working on projects. I would like an older well built american made vise. But watching CL, garage sales, and auctions and such takes time and doesn't fix my problem of needing one now!

So looking at some budget vises for the short term and wondering if anyone here had or have had one they may recomend. Dont want a junk pile/ancor but dont want to break the bank.

Once i find a better replacement it would likely be mounted to a reciever hitch or something for portable use.

zoomieport · Jul 18, 2013

I have several, I'd be willing to help get you started, were you looking for a stationary or swivel base? Shipping will be a little costly, but I'll see if I can find something that will fit your needs at a very good, low cost... Just willing to help if I can.
Zoom

Ign · Jul 18, 2013

If you can swing around $120 the answer is here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142872

Coach James · Jul 18, 2013

I have this one. I have pounded and pulled on it and it is still going. Not the greatest, but has served me well.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-in-bench-vise/p-00951854000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

Coach

Conductor562 · Jul 18, 2013

I've got a 6" Harbor Freight vise that my dad bought me about 5 years ago. It's actually been a pretty decent vise considering it was under $100. The models they have now seem to be a little nicer as well. I feel like a jackass recommending anything from HF, but it is what it is.

antinym · Jul 18, 2013

I also have the craftsman. It's been great.

Craptain · Jul 18, 2013

If you need it on a budget check out CL and garage sales. You should find a vise for whatever you consider reasonable. Don't be too picky on brand, but stick to your basic needs/wants. Size, COO. etc are something only you can determine.

Be careful though. You see round here what happens when you buy the first vise, and then the second and......... :shocking:

plinker · Jul 18, 2013

Ign said:
If you can swing around $120 the answer is here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142872

+1 from what I've heard you can get these on sale for around 90$. It's a lot of vise for what it is too.

ZRX61 · Jul 18, 2013

yard sales...

Zeke · Jul 18, 2013

I have this HF mostly as a welding vise:

It's great as I can position it to suit the weld. I don't have to worry about splatter. I got it for 10 bucks.

They are new about $70 and you can get 20% off that. When you get ready to step up to a collector vise, you can still beat the **** out of the HF one and not feel bad.

RatchetMan · Jul 18, 2013

I have a 5" Chinese made Craftsman I used for several years just sitting on my shelf. I'd give it to you if you were closer so you'd have something while you search for your ideal option.

I'd just hit up the garage and estate sales. Not all vises are created equal but vises are everywhere.

chris142 · Jul 18, 2013

Keep watching Craigslist. I bought a nib made in usa craftsman 5 incher for $40

Farmall450 · Jul 18, 2013

chris142 said:
Keep watching Craigslist. I bought a nib made in usa craftsman 5 incher for $40

Very nice. :thumbup:

ken w. · Jul 18, 2013

I just put 9 vises on CL the other day. All USA made but 1.

zkling · Jul 18, 2013

Two things I have never understood why they have such a high "value" vises and anvils. :dunno:

Such simple mechanisms, yet very expensive. I too would like to find a nice large vise, but thanks to the internet most sellers ask in the $100's. I do have a little ~4" that is pretty handy though.

Just try looking at garage sales, possibly put an add out on craigslist WTB a vise. Lots of people have vises just sitting in their garage finding these people is the trick. :thumbup:

I am not sure if i would purchase a vise new. If so some of the craftsman ones get pretty decent reviews (as mentioned above). Sears almost always has a sale or coupon of some sort going on.

lilredex · Jul 18, 2013

Found a Canadian made vise for $2 at a garage sale that had been left out in the rain for many years. A few days in the electrolysis "soup" and some paint, it looked like this:

If you were closer, we could make a deal.

Farmall450 · Jul 18, 2013

lilredex said:
Found a Canadian made vise for $2 at a garage sale that had been left out in the rain for many years. A few days in the electrolysis "soup" and some paint, it looked like this:

If you were closer, we could make a deal.

You ****!

Nice score :thumbup:

Not even the usual $1/pound ****! :willy_nil

KerryH · Jul 18, 2013

I'm on the lookout as well and it can be very frustrating.

This is the type of thing I see on my local craigslist:

really...

Ign · Jul 18, 2013

zkling said:
Two things I have never understood why they have such a high "value" vises and anvils. Such simple mechanisms, yet very expensive. I too would like to find a nice large vise, but thanks to the internet most sellers ask in the $100's. I do have a little ~4" that is pretty handy though.

I've also never understood why people think used vises should be so cheap. I'm NOT arguing here, it just seems like BOTH new prices and used prices need to adjust a bit. It's hard for me to see how a new Wilton combination vise can be $800, but even if it's a couple years old and in very good condition people think it should be $75 on the used market.

I just don't always think the $1/pound rule is right.

It'd be like taking a new diesel truck that sold for $50k and expecting it to be $5000 after a couple years and 30k miles. Or, if you want to equate it to tools, a CNC machining center in good condition which was $250k new selling for $10k (yeah I know my proportions are not right).

Some things like new-ish machine tools and tractors (seriously, tractors don't get me started - no point in buying used just to save $1000 on a $20,000 tractor around here), but vises seem to plummet the second they leave the "showroom floor."

Again, I'm not saying anyone is right or wrong, but it seems like the two markets for vises are two EXTREMES.

retrobuilder · Jul 18, 2013

That American Forge vise for $225 has been listed forever and ever and ever at same price. lol.

ADSR · Jul 18, 2013

lilredex said:
Found a Canadian made vise for $2 at a garage sale that had been left out in the rain for many years. A few days in the electrolysis "soup" and some paint, it looked like this:

If you were closer, we could make a deal.

wow you ****!!!

2 ****** bucks! :beer:

lilredex · Jul 19, 2013

LORDDiESEL said:
wow you ****!!!

2 ****** bucks!

It is presently on KIJIJI. Special price for any GTA GJ-ers that need a vise.

retDAC · Jul 20, 2013

Read post #16 here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=180823

Don't let the shipping scare you. Check it.

I really like my Wilton 4500 (Chinese) which appears to be the same as the Menard's Masterforce 5-1/2" Doublejaw.

Two other possibilities:
http://www.opentip.com/product_info.php?products_id=3610920&osCsid=jo83qnabtipiji7sqffp3qh7q5
and
http://www.opentip.com/product_info.php?products_id=3610922&osCsid=jo83qnabtipiji7sqffp3qh7q5

FoMoCoPower · Jul 20, 2013

I have a nice Morgan 135 on ebay right no with no reserve and 1-day left and it`s currently only at $11.99. Swivel base and all.

But I must be one of those ebay sellers that smokes crack that I hear so much about.

Outlawmws · Jul 20, 2013

Of course you are! you smoke it so much you can't remember you even smoked it! :evil:

becker_atc · Jul 20, 2013

Went to about 8 garage sales and couple antique/resale stores yesterday came up with nothing as far as a vice. But did get a metal bolt bin woth 40 compartments

fourtythree · Jul 20, 2013

Another vote for the craftsman pro. Its served me well.

yositoco · Dec 10, 2013

Now that the craftsman professional isn't available. What do you guys recommend?

fourtythree · Dec 10, 2013

They still sell them at every Sears I've been to. IIRC, you can order the same vise from Northern Tools.

yositoco · Dec 11, 2013

I'll stop by my local sears then.

It's this the same one you are referring too?
http://m.northerntool.com/mt/www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200463909_200463909

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yositoco · Dec 20, 2013

Local sears didnt have one.

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Needing a Vise on a budget

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