"Aurora Tools" Vises

[JradM]

Any thoughts on these Aurora Tools vises?

Aurora Tools is a Canadian company - but I assume they're just a brand name importer, not a manufacturer. I spotted these vises made of "80,000 PSI Industrial grade ductile iron" - and they seem cheap for that.

These are Canadian prices:

$209 6"

$300 5" multi purpose

I realize the pervading GarageJournal wisdom is to find an old USA-made vise instead. I don't mind rehabbing something beat up, but I've been on the lookout for months without any luck. I'm curious if something like this would be a viable alternative.

 

[General Geoff]

Looks like typical Asian import stuff,$300 seems a bit steep for that rotating style vise IMO, especially without replaceable jaw faces.

Compare:

5 in. Multi-Purpose Vise with Anvil

Amazing deals on this 5In Multi-Purpose Vise W Anvil at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I would look hard at Yost ADI vises if the advertised PSI of the iron is what floats your boat:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DMDO9AE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

• Casting Clamp force: 17, 000 lbs. and Torque rating: 400 Ft-Lb
• Made from high-strength 130, 000 PSI Au tempered Ductile Iron castings, 4x stronger than cast iron vises and 50% stronger than Forged Steel Vise (FSV) Series.
• Jaw Width: 6" x Jaw Opening: 7. 8" x Throat Depth: 3. 7" x Pipe Capacity: 0. 75"D x 3. 5"D
• Large 3. 5" x 3. 7" anvil work surface
• 360-degree interlocking (geared) swivel base with (2) lock downs adjusts the direction of the jaws for proper placement
• Machined Q235 steel main screw 0. 875"D with rolled single acme threads at 4 threads per inch
• Replaceable Hardened Steel Serrated (Top) Jaws and Pipe Jaws, Zinc Plated

• 

edit; For you, the 5" version is $324 CDN on amazon.ca: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00E8ITETS/?tag=atomicindus04-20

 

[justintendo]

The yost 750di is probably the best as far as new rotators go..they go for a little over 200. the aurora rotator looks the same as many that cost 100, including a lesser one made by yost.

 

[1982fxr]

How are those jaw inserts attached on the rotator?

Slightly different versio. Of that than others I've seen. Same basic vise but castings are a little different

 

[exmaxima1]

The handles look very cheap with those acorn nut ends, and the strange anvil on the standard vise looks practically worthless. I'm thinking less than $100 for the standard model vise.

 

[JradM]

Well, I'm convinced. Seems like unanimous disapproval. I thought the ductile iron strength was something important since the brand names are all eager to tout it in their marketing specs. Sounds like I've been misled. Thanks for the input everyone.


There are lots of cheaper options

E.g. this "Maximum" 5 inch swivel vice is $139 regular price - but in the perpetual Canadian Tire sale cycle I bet it will be around $100 any day now.



Lee Valley has a $139 5 inch vise too.



This Westward for ~$220

Is it safe to assume then that all of these vices with similar shapes are in fact, pretty similar?


What about something like this Yost. Obviously a better brand name - is it worth 4x as much as the Maximum?

 

[javyLSU]

I would rate the Yost as a bit better vise - aside from the Ductile Iron composition, the pipe jaws are of a higher resolution, and replaceable. Not sure how much it is in Canada, but Amazon US has the Yost listed for $224 USD, with a "used, like new" example (which is probably just a damaged box) available for $193 USD.

 

[JradM]

I would rate the Yost as a bit better vise - aside from the Ductile Iron composition, the pipe jaws are of a higher resolution, and replaceable. Not sure how much it is in Canada, but Amazon US has the Yost listed for $224 USD, with a "used, like new" example (which is probably just a damaged box) available for $193 USD.

Ah I see. Maybe I just need to shop around more. I'm seeing $396 CDN for the Yost, which makes it a tough sell if I'm comparing it to a $99 Canadian Tire Maximum. Not that I doubt the Yost is better but, you know, that's a heck of a price jump.

 

[javyLSU]

Ah I see. Maybe I just need to shop around more. I'm seeing $396 CDN for the Yost, which makes it a tough sell if I'm comparing it to a $99 Canadian Tire Maximum. Not that I doubt the Yost is better but, you know, that's a heck of a price jump.

No way would I pay $396 CDN for this Chinese-made Yost.

 

[TailGunner3000]

Agreed.

 

[justintendo]

I have and use a 750di yost at home...its seen some service now and its a noticeable step above all the other rotators. much heavier build in person. well worth it at double the price if you are going to use it enough. these are not made for beating on, but for fabrication and gripping roundstock/pipes. i use for motorcycle forks also..
My only gripe with it is a bit of a short handle..made my own from a long 1/2" socket extension

 

[Orestp1]

Any thoughts on these Aurora Tools vises?

Aurora Tools is a Canadian company - but I assume they're just a brand name importer, not a manufacturer. I spotted these vises made of "80,000 PSI Industrial grade ductile iron" - and they seem cheap for that.

These are Canadian prices:

$209 6"

$300 5" multi purpose

I realize the pervading GarageJournal wisdom is to find an old USA-made vise instead. I don't mind rehabbing something beat up, but I've been on the lookout for months without any luck. I'm curious if something like this would be a viable alternative.

I bought one and the jaws are not parallel - if I put a flat bar of steel in it - one end will fall through if you push on it.

 

[1982fxr]

I've had many of that style. The Yost is a cut above and last I saw $200 on Amazon.