Hawaiian99
Well-known member
any recommendations?
300$ to spend on a vise
- Thread starter Hawaiian99
- Start date
HMCFab9
Well-known member
Northern tool had a great sale on Wilton vises recently.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have this Dewalt and like it a lot. A whole hell of a lot of vise for $90 and it did really well in a fireball tool test on youtube
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QG3NLRZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QG3NLRZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
BillK
Well-known member
Too vague of a question. What are you going to be doing with it ? Fine jewelry or large pipes ?
Yost ductile iron
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DMDO9AE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DMDO9AE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
kaymccampbell
Well-known member
I've got one similar to this one
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7UNM0G/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Mine came from one of those traveling tool circuses that used to set up in armories and big tents, in the 80's. I abuse mine and it really doesn't care.
Big name vise manufacturers make them, too.
I find it very handy to be able to set the vise all cattywampus to hold odd things that don't behave well in normal or swivel vises.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M7UNM0G/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Mine came from one of those traveling tool circuses that used to set up in armories and big tents, in the 80's. I abuse mine and it really doesn't care.
Big name vise manufacturers make them, too.
I find it very handy to be able to set the vise all cattywampus to hold odd things that don't behave well in normal or swivel vises.
matt_i
Well-known member
I have an older version of this, with soft jaws its been great. Handled me beating and cold-bending & heating stuff red-hot.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004XPVE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Its not a behemoth that's going to make peoples' eyes pop like a Reed 4C or a Starrett 926 but I believe it will get the job done.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004XPVE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Its not a behemoth that's going to make peoples' eyes pop like a Reed 4C or a Starrett 926 but I believe it will get the job done.
_Riddle
Well-known member
I have a Yost 865-D2 that I've been happy with:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792Q71Q5/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The Yost Ductile Iron and similar Capri vises (probably made in the same plant) get good reviews. Ridgid also makes a similar design that is reviewed well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0792Q71Q5/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The Yost Ductile Iron and similar Capri vises (probably made in the same plant) get good reviews. Ridgid also makes a similar design that is reviewed well.
seber
Well-known member
I am super pleased with the Yost ductile iron. Replaced a Wilton mechanics vise with it. Much better gripping power with the Yost and lower profile is nice. I was always hesitant to beat on the Wilton, but more confident with the Yost. I did have to put circlips on the the handle to hold the rubber stoppers on.
Nicks garage
Well-known member
I ended up buying a vintage vice off eBay after a couple on newer ones failed on me
I would tend to agree it's a good design and good value especially if Prime shipping includes Maui HI where the OP lives.
I prefer the oldies but the best new vise I had was a Ridgid (german made). It's forged steel vs. cast iron which is stronger with less bulk. It was an excellent vise but it stepped aside when I got my Wilton C-2.
$319 at Amazon:
$319 at Amazon:
I guess I am the opposite: I sold my C-2 (to Autoprts) and kept my Ridgid F-50. I have it mounted to a removable base on my work bench, and like the 45lbs of the F-50 vs the 100lbs of the C-2
fang123
Well-known member
retDAC
Well-known member
Several members have report good results even in shops with these vises. They are sold under Ken-Tool, Yost, Wilton, and Masterforce (Menard's) brands. There may be some others.
https://www.kentool.com/product/professional-reversible-mechanic-s-vises/
https://www.yostvises.com/products/...ulti-purpose-reversible-combination-vise.html
https://www.wiltontools.com/us/en/view-series/reversible-bench-vises/RevMechVise
https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...-swivel-base/65155/p-1453088413107-c-9135.htm
I have a Wilton 5-1/2" version and it is especially good for bigger odd shaped objects as one of the Ken-Tool pix shows. If I had it to do over, I would probably get the Yost in 6-1/2" or 8", though the 5-1/2" version Wilton has been fine so far.
These vises are NOT made in the same factory as the big box store homeowner grade Chicom vises. While not 'top tier', this one still holds amazingly well for its coarse thread spindle. Story behind that.
Whatever you get, if it has a swivel, be sure it has 'gear teeth' to positively lock. "Two Lockdowns" are not enough by themselves if you ever pull hard sideways on something.
One more caveat: Whatever you chose, make they will take it back/pay return shipping if there's anything wrong. Some years ago a member reported getting two defective US made Wiltons in a row. Third one was good.
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OP
Hawaiian99
Well-known member
Sorry should of mentioned. Pipes , and occasional hydraulic cylinder maybe 3 inch max.
Sweetcorn
Well-known member
New or used?
You'll want a US-made vise, which limits your options if you are buying new. For $300, generally speaking, you wont get anything new that isn't junk. I fyou want a vise with pipe jaws, I would think for $300 you can probably find a vintage Reed 1C , 2C or 3C on FB marketplace or Craigslist. Other combination vises (i.e., vises that have pipe jaws) are the Wilton C series (C1, C2, C3), but I'd take a Reed over a Wilton any day of the week. You can also find combo vises made by Parker (433, 434, 435, 436) for your budget. make sure the pipe jaws are all there and give the vise a VERY close inspection for cracks, big chips and repairs (which would also be hiding under old paint). Good luck.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
YOU may want a USA made vise, but most people don't care, including myself.
You're right. My assumption was the OP wanted a vise that could be used for more than 1 year. It's true you (and they) might only need a vise for a short term project and therefore wouldn't care if it cracks in half a few months down the road. In which case, there are plenty of good, non-US made vises on Amazon that will provide you with 6-12 months of medium-duty service.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You're right. My assumption was the OP wanted a vise that could be used for more than 1 year. It's true you (and they) might only need a vise for a short term project and therefore wouldn't care if it cracks in half a few months down the road. In which case, there are plenty of good, non-US made vises on Amazon that will provide you with 6-12 months of medium-duty service.
Sounds like you have it all figured out. Congrats
Just so I understand, are you advising the OP to spend $300 on a non-US made vise?
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Nope. I provided a $90 Dewalt that is very strong and one that I personally own.
It did extremely well in a destructive test by fireball tool.
But you don't care cuz 'murica
I have the Yost 750Di. Rotates, has replaceable pipe jaws w/ 3.5" capacity, 60K PSI ductile iron, 63lb, 5" jaws
https://www.yostvises.com/multi-jaw-rotating-combination-pipe-and-bench-vise-swivel-base.html
Seems to be under $200 on Amazon, Lowe's, etc. - 4.7 stars on 350+ ratings on Amazon. It is made in China - seems nicely made/finished, and I doubt highly that it's likely to break any time soon.
If you find a MiUSA one in your requirements for your $300 budget I'd certainly consider it strongly, but this is a nice vise IMHO.
No man. The old iron, US made vises are just of a much higher quality than the present day vises that are made overseas. I spend a lot of time with vises and have used all shapes, size and vintages. Was just giving the OP the benefit of my experience. He can get a vise that will last two lifetimes of heavy duty use for his budget. Or he can get something of lower quality that won’t last nearly as long. You’re suggesting a much lower quality vise. Has nothing to do with blind patriotism. I collect, use and restore vises and own over 100 (which is a modest collection compared to others who have hundreds). That’s all I’m basing my opinion on. Whereas your thoughts seem to based on an internet test and your ownership of that one particular vise.
davethorik
Well-known member
To be fair, i dont even know if you can buy a new, usa made vise for anywhere close to $300.
I don't even bother suggesting old usa vises anymore, when ppl ask. There is so much anger directed at vise collectors by a lot of ppl on this forum and i dont know why. And then the fireball tools video is always brought up, airtight proof old usa vises are junk and generic chicom is awesome
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
No man. The old iron, US made vises are just of a much higher quality than the present day vises that are made overseas. I spend a lot of time with vises and have used all shapes, size and vintages. Was just giving the OP the benefit of my experience. He can get a vise that will last two lifetimes of heavy duty use for his budget. Or he can get something of lower quality that won’t last nearly as long. You’re suggesting a much lower quality vise. Has nothing to do with blind patriotism. I collect, use and restore vises and own over 100 (which is a modest collection compared to others who have hundreds). That’s all I’m basing my opinion on. Whereas your thoughts seem to based on an internet test and your ownership of that one particular vise.
Man, there you go again proving you have it all figured out. I am in awe buddy. Really, congrats.
I'm out
Shiftless
Well-known member
One more vote here in favor of old USA vises. The problem is that you can’t just log onto Amazon, click a few buttons, and wait a few days for the free shipping vise to arrive. Plus you have to check Craigslist, FB Marketplace etc. and run around making deals with strangers.
There is a vise enthusiast right there near you. His GJ name is Maui. Send him a PM. He might have an “extra” vise for you.
There is a vise enthusiast right there near you. His GJ name is Maui. Send him a PM. He might have an “extra” vise for you.
No man. The old iron, US made vises are just of a much higher quality than the present day vises that are made overseas. I spend a lot of time with vises and have used all shapes, size and vintages. Was just giving the OP the benefit of my experience. He can get a vise that will last two lifetimes of heavy duty use for his budget. Or he can get something of lower quality that won’t last nearly as long. You’re suggesting a much lower quality vise. Has nothing to do with blind patriotism. I collect, use and restore vises and own over 100 (which is a modest collection compared to others who have hundreds). That’s all I’m basing my opinion on. Whereas your thoughts seem to based on an internet test and your ownership of that one particular vise.
I read your post the same way he did until I looked at your user name and recall what an awesome contributor you are in the Vise thread (which is one of my favorite things on the internet). What made me double-take a little was the "My assumption was the OP wanted a vise that could be used for more than 1 year" bit.
I agree with you that an older USA-made vise it going to be hard to beat by just about anything modern. Personally, I'd be willing to pop my budget by another $50-75 to get one that did what I wanted (swivel, pipe-jaws, etc.). I hunted a fair bit for one online around here and people seem to value them quite highly - and unfortunately I wasn't going to be able to search flea markets/yard-sales/etc. with the current demands on my time (not to mention the lockdown). So I wound up with the Yost. (since then I've gone back and forth on whether I should have grabbed a more conventional vintage vise, but the dang rotation keeps helping me out...)
It's not really true at this point, but let's pretend I'm using it pretty hard - you honestly think it won't last me more than a year?
No worries man. You’ve explained what level of quality you’ll accept and recommend to others.
6-12 months was a bit of an exaggeration when confronted with the guy’s weird, out of left field response. If you don’t abuse the vise (eg, using it as a press, wailing on it with a hammer, etc) it will probably last you many years.
Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
My daily driver is a Wilton C1.
But I had one of those Ridgid Germany Vises.... I should not have traded that off. They are super nice and I'll grab another one one day.
But I had one of those Ridgid Germany Vises.... I should not have traded that off. They are super nice and I'll grab another one one day.
MileHighRover
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2018
- Messages
- 1,120
Plenty of non USA made vises have been in use for decades without issues. Some of you guys act like at any moment one can go online to CL or FB and find a USA vintage vise for a couple hundred dollars. This is not the case for a lot of people. As an example, I've been looking every 1-2 days for over two years for one and have yet to find it. Every old vise in the Denver area is going for such stupid amounts that anyone on this forum would say you got taken if you said what you paid for it. I know there are plenty of people in the same boat. When you need a vise you don't wait years for the USA made vise to show up on the classifieds for a price that is even remotely reasonable.
And to say if you buy a non USA vise you'll only get a year out of it is just ridiculous. The Ridgid vises made in Germany are super high quality vises. I guarantee anyone on this forum you'd get well over a years worth of work out of one.
And all the Wilton lovers are blinded. They are not the best vises out there, not by a long stretch. They are absolutely overpriced whether new or used. The bullet vises do look pretty friggin' sweet, though.
And to say if you buy a non USA vise you'll only get a year out of it is just ridiculous. The Ridgid vises made in Germany are super high quality vises. I guarantee anyone on this forum you'd get well over a years worth of work out of one.
And all the Wilton lovers are blinded. They are not the best vises out there, not by a long stretch. They are absolutely overpriced whether new or used. The bullet vises do look pretty friggin' sweet, though.
Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
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lafester
Well-known member
Best thing about the old usa vise is resale value. I used my last one for a year before a better option came along. Sold the old one for a little more then I paid for it within a day of posting. Same with the vise before that one...
In the $300 range there should be plenty to choose from, especially from the collectors here.
In the $300 range there should be plenty to choose from, especially from the collectors here.
INSP380
Well-known member
I’ve been using an old Wilton 656HD I got from work. I’m not sure if the new ones are the same quality, but this ones not let me down.
Steve
Steve
lafester
Well-known member
I agree this area is tough no doubt, but there have been a few in the last two years for sure. At the $300 range there is usually something available but that is too high for me.
Shiftless
Well-known member
Did any of you northern Colorado guys consider this one I found on Craigslist?
Rock Island vises in the 4 inch size are fantastic tools. I have one in my collection. This model of course lacks pipe jaws so maybe that’s a deal killer for the OP. The price is not a great deal but still under $300. Most everything on C/L is negotiable, especially after the ad has been up for a few days.
Rock Island vises in the 4 inch size are fantastic tools. I have one in my collection. This model of course lacks pipe jaws so maybe that’s a deal killer for the OP. The price is not a great deal but still under $300. Most everything on C/L is negotiable, especially after the ad has been up for a few days.
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