Budget Vise Suggestions

[neurotic]

I am looking for a general purpose bench vise and would like recommendations. This is for someone else, so buying used American steel/iron isn't an option. So far, I have found the following options (around $100), and am currently leaning towards the Yost but other's throat depths are superior. Thanks.

Master Force 6" Vise. $70 (w/o tax), 6" jaw, 6.75" opening, 3-11/16" throat, 180 degree swivel, & 30ksi material strength.

Yost 905-AS. $107 (prime), 5" jaw, 5" opening, 2.625" throat, 360 degree swivel & 50ksi material strength.

Craftsman Professional. $120 (w/o tax), 4.5" jaw, 5.25" opening, 3.75" throat, 360 degree swivel, 60ksi material strength, & sealed construction.

Palmgren 29745. $155 (shipped), 5" jaw, 6" opening, 3.5" throat, 360 degree swivel, 60ksi material strength, & sealed construction.

 

[whyNick?]

I have the 6" version of the Palmgren and like it quite a bit, the quality of the castings is excellent and the vise is very sturdy. I haven't seen any of the others in person to compare though.

Edit: I take that back, I've seen the Masterforce in person and remember it being pretty crude. It's half the price of the Palmgren though.

 

[Askme42]

You could get a good used one for around $100. My Wilton is no prize but it was like $30.

 

[IOWNJUNK]

I know you said "not used", but 5 minutes on this forum will show you that you can get 10x the vise used for less than half the $$$. If the person you are buying for doesn't also know this then maybe they don't need a vise.

If you insist on buying new for someone else, I would say just get the cheapest you can find.

 

[neurotic]

I know you said "not used", but 5 minutes on this forum will show you that you can get 10x the vise used for less than half the $$$. If the person you are buying for doesn't also know this then maybe they don't need a vise.

If you insist on buying new for someone else, I would say just get the cheapest you can find.

I realize the value of used, but cannot for this purchase. Also, I actually like the person that's getting this...

 

[SweetD]

I guess that Craftsman Professional would be my choice if I was going your route.

They're all flimsy though. Get what you pay for...



Dave

 

[LB-1911]

1 vote for the Craftsman Pro.

Additional info you may find of use -

The un-official Craftsman pro vise thread (becoming one with your vise)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142872

 

[drivesitfar]

Neurotic: i pick up quality smaller old US made vises all the time in my search for a 300 pounder or rare one. PM me with your email and i'll send you a few pictures of some choices if you want something in your budget. you'll get a bigger vise if you are able to spiff it up yourself and if you've seen a few vises on the vise thread or the vise repair 101 thread in my signature you'll see the older ones spiff up pretty nicely.

if you are in that budget i hear the Tekton vises carry a lifetime warranty that that company honors, but is still an import.

http://www.tektontools.com/All_Tools/Clamps_Vises/Vises?gclid=CKCujqmlxMICFYhbfgodpjsAHA

 

[wild cowboy]

as someone who has received gifts many times in the past, I can tell you from experience, that I would love receiving a used old American built vise!

 

[bobcatdan]

I think the craftsman pro is the best choice. For somebody's home garage, any decent import vise will hold up fine.

 

[Cope]

Craftsman Pro 1st choice and Palmgren 2nd.

 

[pendragon1998]

Craftsman Pro has been an excellent vise for me over the last couple of years. If you wait a couple of weeks and keep checking it, they occasionally drop the price to around $100.

 

[neurotic]

1 vote for the Craftsman Pro.

Additional info you may find of use -

The un-official Craftsman pro vise thread (becoming one with your vise)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142872

Thanks, I linked that thread in the original post (somewhat buried). The post drove me towards the Craftsman, probably due to the work others put into documenting the vise (this place is great).

Neurotic: i pick up quality smaller old US made vises all the time in my search for a 300 pounder or rare one. PM me with your email and i'll send you a few pictures of some choices if you want something in your budget. you'll get a bigger vise if you are able to spiff it up yourself and if you've seen a few vises on the vise thread or the vise repair 101 thread in my signature you'll see the older ones spiff up pretty nicely.

if you are in that budget i hear the Tekton vises carry a lifetime warranty that that company honors, but is still an import.

http://www.tektontools.com/All_Tools/Clamps_Vises/Vises?gclid=CKCujqmlxMICFYhbfgodpjsAHA

Thanks, I looked at Tekton and the Titan Tools/Shop Iron vises, but the lack of information is driving me away. Also, the 6" Tekton seems comparable to the Master Force at the Yost's price point.

I think the craftsman pro is the best choice. For somebody's home garage, any decent import vise will hold up fine.

That's what I was thinking, just trying to discern between the import choices.

Craftsman Pro has been an excellent vise for me over the last couple of years. If you wait a couple of weeks and keep checking it, they occasionally drop the price to around $100.

That's my new preference. It reminds me of a Wilton "bullet" vise with a narrower jaw, but good opening and throat dimensions. In the little time I've been looking the price has dropped $15.

 

[LB-1911]

$107.99
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-1-2-inch-bench-vise/p-00951888000P

Check your coupons

 

[bob15]

Also, I actually like the person that's getting this...

What does this mean? You only buy used for someone you don'y like? Or is this person selfish enough to only want "new" items?

I would prefer a used US-made vise over some "china import" any day of the week. Maybe the person you are buying for is the same.

New isn't always better.

 

[neurotic]

$107.99
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-1-2-inch-bench-vise/p-00951888000P

Check your coupons

Thanks, the price keeps on dropping. As you mentioned, it's now $107.99 w/o coupons and $92.99 with the weekend's 10% off promotion and the $15 off $75 coupon (SAVE15). Looks like this one is the winner. When I first found this it was $149.99, then when I posted the thread it dropped to $134.99, and now it's dropped to $107.99.

What does this mean? You only buy used for someone you don'y like? Or is this person selfish enough to only want "new" items?

I would prefer a used US-made vise over some "china import" any day of the week. Maybe the person you are buying for is the same.

New isn't always better.

Whoa there buddy. I think you took that quote out of context. The response was in reference to the comment to buy the cheapest option; see below. Since an import will likely suffice for most people, I want to buy one that isn't junk and perhaps has some nice features.

If you insist on buying new for someone else, I would say just get the cheapest you can find.

Also, I actually like the person that's getting this...

 

[BDT/NWMN]

check Amazon for Wilton vises.....

 

[TOOLFREEQ]

+1 for the cman pro!

 

[neurotic]

check Amazon for Wilton vises.....

Do you have a specific model? The import Wilton's don't seem to stand out relative to the others. At the ~$100 price point they're mostly 30ksi iron with limited swivel range.

I bought the Craftsman for store pickup at $101 out the door. Per the thread below, I'll help pull it apart to clean out any chips and lubricate everything.

The un-official Craftsman pro vise thread (becoming one with your vise)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=142872

 

[wild cowboy]

what you don't realize, is that $100 on Craigslist can snag a $1000 vise!

 

[Mr. Brooks]

I understand gifts but I appreciate well thought out gifts more than quick gifts. Nothing wrong with the craftsman pro, but most of us like saving old tools and giving them new life.

Ex: best friend needed a grinder, only new crappy grinders under $200, I found a 1969 1/2 HP block grinder for $20, repaint, new wheel/cord, great gift that he can look at and know it's history and its good to last another 40-50 years.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

what you don't realize, is that $100 on Craigslist can snag a $1000 vise!

Agreed, $100 has bought me a 1780 tradesman and a 600s before, but I understand time may not be on your side.

 

[Tellingthem]

Someone has to buy something new from time to time in order for them to end up used in the first place. And I think the Craftsman Pro vises are a very nice vise.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Recently I had started a thread asking about the Menards MasterForce vises. Found out that the $100 normal price one with the reversible jaws that can open to 9" is the very same as the Wilton one, much more expensive. That is a very nice vise. - Paul

 

[bigredmf]

I have been looking at Craigslist for over 3 years multiple times a day covering up to 10,000 square miles

There have been NO $1000 dollar vices sold for $100 in that time frame.

I would pay $800 for a new Wilton before I pay $600 for forty year old version of the same vise.

Kind of think it depends on your location but here in western NY good cheap old vises are hard to come by

Red

 

[neurotic]

what you don't realize, is that $100 on Craigslist can snag a $1000 vise!

Yes, depreciation is great, and terrible all at the same time.

I understand gifts but I appreciate well thought out gifts more than quick gifts. Nothing wrong with the craftsman pro, but most of us like saving old tools and giving them new life.

Ex: best friend needed a grinder, only new crappy grinders under $200, I found a 1969 1/2 HP block grinder for $20, repaint, new wheel/cord, great gift that he can look at and know it's history and its good to last another 40-50 years.

Warranties and return policies are nice for gifts.

Recently I had started a thread asking about the Menards MasterForce vises. Found out that the $100 normal price one with the reversible jaws that can open to 9" is the very same as the Wilton one, much more expensive. That is a very nice vise. - Paul

I saw those threads, but felt the Masterforce/Wilton traded unnecessary capability (reversible) for strength (30ksi) and precision (slop; slide surfaces finished in paint rather than machined). Although, I really wanted to like it since Menards is local and I could wait for another 11% off sale.

 

[neurotic]

I have been looking at Craigslist for over 3 years multiple times a day covering up to 10,000 square miles

There have been NO $1000 dollar vices sold for $100 in that time frame.

I would pay $800 for a new Wilton before I pay $600 for forty year old version of the same vise.

Kind of think it depends on your location but here in western NY good cheap old vises are hard to come by

Red

A brief skim of local CL showed little value. Beat up (USA) vises for close to new import prices with low use ones going for more than new imports.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 for the Craftsman Pro vise in your situation. With price dropping to $108 and then stacking on discount coupons, PLUS pay with your Sears Credit Card to get another 10% off . . . . . winner, winner, chicken dinner.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

I have been looking at Craigslist for over 3 years multiple times a day covering up to 10,000 square miles

There have been NO $1000 dollar vices sold for $100 in that time frame.

Red

If you are honest about your Craigslist searching, then you are doing something wrong. Only thing I can recommend is to contact the people selling off their entire garage of stuff but maybe didn't mention a vise. A lot of people leave them on benches without a second thought. I have picked up a few nice vises that way. Good luck.

 

[bigredmf]

If your honest lol

Merry Christmas

 

[bluebolt]

If your honest lol

Merry Christmas

Sorry for your bad luck about finding a vise, I know how sometimes searching goes on forever. Maybe you will find one for Christmas!

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Out of all the vises you listed I would choose the Craftsman Pro. I used one at the last shop I worked at and it was actually very nice on quality and held up to abuse quite well

 

[jsharpphoto]

best new vise for $100? Get a tekton

 

[pauls_workshop]

Yes, depreciation is great, and terrible all at the same time.



Warranties and return policies are nice for gifts.



I saw those threads, but felt the Masterforce/Wilton traded unnecessary capability (reversible) for strength (30ksi) and precision (slop; slide surfaces finished in paint rather than machined). Although, I really wanted to like it since Menards is local and I could wait for another 11% off sale.

Yes, the Menards/Wilton are the 30 ksi material strength. Anyone been able to directly compare these or the Wilton to the Craftsman Pro recommended here? That would be interesting. - Paul

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Do you have a specific model? The import Wilton's don't seem to stand out relative to the others. At the ~$100 price point they're mostly 30ksi iron with limited swivel range.

I bought the Craftsman for store pickup at $101 out the door. Per the thread below, I'll help pull it apart to clean out any chips and lubricate everything.

The un-official Craftsman pro vise thread (becoming one with your vise)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=142872

Amazon is a supermarket for vises; and a good place to make comparisons.. Those Wilson branded bargain vises don't appeal to me, but the WS series would be worth considering.

The Craftsman is a solid choice for that price..

 

[Mike007]

This Wilton isn't bad for the money.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001022GRM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Ive seen this same vise at the Home Depot badged Irwin for less too.

 

[Davefr]

what you don't realize, is that $100 on Craigslist can snag a $1000 vise!

Yes, but it can take months/years of constant searching and then the time to swoop in quickly when one shows up. Then you'll likely need to spend time in cleaning/restoration to make it useful and decent looking.

Here's a typical example of what the OP will likely find on CL for $100:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/tls/4806113212.html

If the OP doesn't have the time to invest then I'd get the CM Pro. which is probably the best of the low end Chinese vises.

However if he can increase the budget I'd get this one. It's well worth the difference in price between primitive cast iron Chinese vises and quality German made forged steel:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VY07LQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[neurotic]

best new vise for $100? Get a tekton

How do you figure? They seem pretty mediocre for the price. For example the 6" Vise is $106 (prime) with 30ksi material, 120 degree swivel range versus the Yost 905-AS. at $107 (prime) with 50ksi material and 360 degree swivel range.

This Wilton isn't bad for the money.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001022GRM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Ive seen this same vise at the Home Depot badged Irwin for less too.

There's something about a vise review showing it shattered to pieces that's fairly off-putting.

Yes, but it can take months/years of constant searching and then the time to swoop in quickly when one shows up. Then you'll likely need to spend time in cleaning/restoration to make it useful and decent looking.

Here's a typical example of what the OP will likely find on CL for $100:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/tls/4806113212.html

If the OP doesn't have the time to invest then I'd get the CM Pro. which is probably the best of the low end Chinese vises.

However if he can increase the budget I'd get this one. It's well worth the difference in price between primitive cast iron Chinese vises and quality German made forged steel:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VY07LQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That Ridgid looks like the best of the next price step up. The shape is a little foreign to me, but I bet it works fine.

Thanks for the suggestions and affirmation of the Craftsman Profession selection. It would be nice to know how this compares to the Master Force (Wilton) reversible vise.

 

[jsharpphoto]

Technically, my tekton was $135 on Amazon. 60k psi, 360 degree swivel, 8" monster

 

[jsharpphoto]

And made in Taiwan not China.