Best new reasonably priced bench vise

[Frottage]

Hi all, I'm looking to upgrade my old $50 4" big box store vise with something larger and sturdier. I read through a bunch of older threads, and the advice from those in the know was always to buy an older used US made vise. I'm sure that's true, but I don't have the time nor inclination to scour garage sales and craig's list (nor the experience to know whether what I'm looking at is any good). Can someone recommend a new bench vise I can buy now? My budget is $300ish (if I can make a huge jump is quality for a little more $ that's ok). Ideally I'd like something in the 5-6" range with a swivel base. Thanks for any direction you can provide!

 

[Roju1985]

I'd get something old. But I've heard these are not too bad: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VXW490/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ptgarcia]

It's a little more than your budget, but what about the Wilton 63200A Special Edition 1755 Tradesman? You can often find it cheaper on coupon from some of the tool retailers.

 

[Voi]

I believe somebody here on GJ has one of the Yost forged vises.

6" is $304.

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

 

[Mr_B]

You can get the yost under capri brand under your budget for 6"
lifetime warranty and fairly decent forged steel vise

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015NI29BG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[exmaxima1]

I'd get something old. But I've heard these are not too bad: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VXW490/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have that exact model Ridgid (made in Germany) and it is indeed a very good vise. Very smooth and precise, amazing grip.

 

[barev]

I recently picked up a Yost 750-DI and am quite happy with it. The paint ***** and will chip off with light use. A few days ago I clamped a control arm and whacked out a bushing with a 8lb sledge hammer and it took the heavy blows like a champ.

 

[PNWguy]

I have a Yost 750 DI (the DI stands for ductile iron, and is much stronger than the regualr Yost 750, but costs more). Amazon has a sale a few times a year, and the price goes down to about $125.

I'm happy with mine. The old US made stuff goes for stupid money around here. Although some day I'll inherit my dad's Wilton bullet vise.

https://camelcamelcamel.com/Yost-Heavy-Duty-Multi-Jaw-Combination-360-Degree/product/B00CBL62HQ

 

[MayerMR]

I'll sell you this Wilton Tradesman that I restored for $250, shipped. It's got the smooth jaws from Kevin who runs www.wiltonvisejaws.com - you won't find a new vise with better jaws. I've not even used it to clamp anything since I finished it.



PM me if you're interested. If not, no biggie

 

[bobcatdan]

I'd look at a Yost reversible jaw vise. You can pull the dynamic jaw out, spin the base around and put the jaw back in for an added 4" of opening. Last I knew they were USA made and the 6" jaw was around the $400 mark.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I'll sell you this Wilton Tradesman that I restored for $250, shipped. It's got the smooth jaws from Kevin who runs www.wiltonvisejaws.com - you won't find a new vise with better jaws. I've not even used it to clamp anything since I finished it.



PM me if you're interested. If not, no biggie

Hell of a nice offer.

 

[TalonFE]

Bessey BV-MPV5...its a "multi-purpose" 5-inch unit that actually is. Pipe jaws work great also. You can really crank down the set screws and it won't budge when you're beating the workpiece to death. The main screw is chromed, smooth operation but needs extra lube right out of the box. Recommend thick axle grease for this. Best part of this rig is how it will flip upside down to handle odd clamping jobs. About 30lbs, 3-bolt hold down so you can get it close to the edge of the bench for max clearance.