Matco vises

[Nosferatu]

Does anyone have any first hand experience with the Matco branded vices? I'm looking at the 5.5" and 6.5" versions they have listed on their site. Are these just rebranded chinese Wiltons? Are they worth looking at? I ask because I get a student discount on Matco and will be needing a good bench vise soon.

 

[bobcatdan]

Yes they are rebrand chicom wilton. I own a 6.5" matco and a 6.5 wilton I bought before I knew better. For general purpose shop work they are fine and have given me no trouble. That said, I have since scored a 800 wilton and close to getting a 289 1/2 parker so those very likely may find themselfs on CL. If I was to buy a brand new vise, I would look at a yost reverseable model. At $300 ish, they are the best price USA made vise new.

 

[Nosferatu]

Thanks, that's what I suspected. $300 is a bit out of my price range right now though. I'm hoping to keep it under $200.

 

[Bret888]

keep an eye out for a good older heavy USA vise for $50-75.00. Look more at the weight than jaw width. Wide jaws on a light vise is todays marketing ploy.