good bench vise for under $100

[JMToolCo]

can someone make some suggestions for a 4-5" mechanics swivel bench vise, this is just for my home use. thanks

 

[Danglerb]

Old vise from any garage sale, look for made in not China.

 

[98TJ]

I've had a Craftsman that I'm happy with. 6in American made unit. Can't see that I'll ever need to replace it.

Not sure if this is American made or not...

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-6-in...1856000P&pageInd=product&i_cntr=1320738557747

 

[v7guy]

as you'll find if you search, most of us will recommend you search for an old bench vise through craigs list or ebay to get a quality peice

 

[Farmrod]

I bought the craftsman professional 4.5" and it has been great I use it everyday and have had no problems with it so far other than the handle has a slight bend in it and was that way right out of the box I would recommend it to anyone

 

[Jbullfrog]

My 5" Snap-On / Wilton mechanics vise was $40 with a steel bench attached to it.

 

[autopts]

Keep an eye on this one!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/150690613848?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

 

[Stuey]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00951888000P

It's usually between $100 and $120. Best new vise you can get for the money.

 

[Swan]

By a used American made vise on Craigslist, E-bay, or at a garage or estate sale.

 

[Yojinbo]

It look me 16 months of searching for a $60 American made vise used locally. Then when I found one - I found another a few weeks later.

Used is the thing.

 

[Obie]

I second the Craftsman Pro vise. I have two, one on my workbench at home and one on my toolbox at work. Last I checked yesterday, they were on sale for 101 bucks. Pick up in store would be best, they're heavy so shipping is expensive. Unless you have the ShipVantage, in which case it's free.

 

[Davefr]

Wilton Columbians have just gone on sale for 15% off:

http://http://www.wiltontools.com/us/manufacturing/en/wilton/service_support/library/promotions.html

They are plenty of good used vises out there. Prices are usually pretty good unless you want a Wilton machinist vise.

 

[Outlawmws]

Another vote for used. The older iron in the larger sizes was pretty consistently good stuff, however, learn to recognize the Asian imports as there are a number of them out there that look old as hell but are not and are not good quality...

 

[JMToolCo]

thanks guys ive been searching craigslist and ebay for awhile and am growing impatient, so im going to buy new. i really want a wilton im just having a hard time picking one. it might sound dumb but my biggest problem is that its red haha it will stick out like crazy in my garage

 

[ClassicGMJunkie]

it will stick out like crazy in my garage

beats running into it in the dark! i'm going all high-visibility in my garage re-deux

 

[kythri]

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00951888000P

It's usually between $100 and $120. Best new vise you can get for the money.

This has been on sale on Black Friday the last couple years for $90-$100, I think.

 

[JMToolCo]

im looking at a wilton ws-5 (63301) what do you guys think of that one?

 

[spongerich]

im looking at a wilton ws-5 (63301) what do you guys think of that one?

More than likely Chinese and probably not all that great for the $$$$.

I'd post a WTB in the classifieds for a nice older American vise.

 

[v7guy]

the problem is that guys buy the new china vises and promptly break them. I believe there's been a couple threads on here with pictures. just a heads up so you know what you're getting into.

 

[jeepnut24]

Another vote for used American made. It only took me a little bit to find one, but it was worth it as it would cost $500+ to buy a new equivalent.

 

[LCconvert]

Where are you at? If you are anywhere near me I have a few I am looking to get rid of. I went a little crazy and bought too many...

 

[JMToolCo]

I live in iowa

 

[2manytoyz]

I bought a 5" vice on sale (still is) at Northern Tool, for $49. Comes with a year warranty.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_23993_23993

Should be fine for home owners & small shops.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

thanks guys ive been searching craigslist and ebay for awhile and am growing impatient, so im going to buy new. i really want a wilton im just having a hard time picking one. it might sound dumb but my biggest problem is that its red haha it will stick out like crazy in my garage

You came to the right place to ask about a vise. A lot of good tips here. I may add that you won't find a new, USA made, top shelf brand, quality vise, cheap. However, I would recommend a Ridgid F45 vise (pictured below). Has flat/pipe jaws, swivel base, 4 1/2" jaw size, forged, and made in Germany. I used a larger version at the last job I worked before retiring. If I needed a new one, I'd buy that. Priced at $250 (on Amazon). JMO.

Otherwise, be patient. And when you find a used one, don't fall in love with it until you look it over VERY CAREFULLY for breaks, bends, cracks.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Amazon other than being a customer.

 

[zkling]

Mark, 4 year old post. I think the bumper is a spammer.

 

[Flivver250]

Like others said, good old Wilton, US made. They are out there.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Mark, 4 year old post. I think the bumper is a spammer.

Interesting...Thanks.

 

[Frank Dukes]

lol, still though..good topic. i'd be giving the wilton vise/bash hammer combo a try if i were looking for a approx. $100 vise.

https://www.pricefalls.com/product/bash-spec-edition-visesledge/58831378

 

[FigureItOut]

lol, still though..good topic. i'd be giving the wilton vise/bash hammer combo a try if i were looking for a approx. $100 vise.

https://www.pricefalls.com/product/bash-spec-edition-visesledge/58831378

I'd love to hear some opinions on this combo. I'm currently looking for a vise ANDa sledge. I wanted a 6 lb. medium length handle, but I found a USA made 8 lb. with a 36" handle on CL for $10, but I still want a smaller one.
That looks like a sweet deal, and isn't Wilton considered among the best? Is this from a lesser line that's comparable to a big box or HF vise?

 

[FigureItOut]

Holy schnit, just found this! Should I be buying this combo from the link above at $130 like right freaking now?

 

[1982fxr]

I'd love to hear some opinions on this combo. I'm currently looking for a vise ANDa sledge. I wanted a 6 lb. medium length handle, but I found a USA made 8 lb. with a 36" handle on CL for $10, but I still want a smaller one.
That looks like a sweet deal, and isn't Wilton considered among the best? Is this from a lesser line that's comparable to a big box or HF vise?

try harryepstein for good prices on USA sledges.

that "wilton" is the modern chicom version of the old USA Columbian utility vises. Guessing it will shock you with how small it is for a 6.5" vise. Shrink the body, make the jaws wider and play the marketing game. They all do it now.

edit: proportions look waaay off on that stock photo like they shrunk the hammer to make the vise look huge. Also some places on the net show wrong photos for wiltons and columbians---be careful, read the print.

 

[FigureItOut]

Yes, it's not the deal I had thought. It is Chinese, and Amazon's price on the combo is way off. They sell the vise individually without the green paint for $130.
I just always hear Wilton spoken of so highly, I got excited. I think the combo might still be a reasonable choice for my needs, but I'll keep looking also.