danstead
Well-known member
Recently broke an older 3.5" vise and looking to replace with a 5" vise. Recommendations for a good general purpose vise in the $200.00 range. Looking at a Yost 750 DI
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need new vise
- Thread starter danstead
- Start date
Askme42
Well-known member
You'll get a much better vise for your money buying used.
tool_scrounge
Well-known member
You might want to put down where you are located as it may make a difference on what gets recommended.
alan camby
Well-known member
I agree.
For new I really like my Wilton 1755 but it will run about $450.
The Trademan series Wiltons are extremely good vises for the homeowner and much cheaper than the industrial C series and Machinist series. Trademans are the cheapest USA bullet vise that Wilton makes.
If I were in the market for new in your price range, I would take a closer look at the Yost 865DI. It is made in the USA with 65000 psi castings and can be had for about $250. It is about the cheapest full featured USA vise I have seen. It even has pipe jaws.
Here is the manufacture link
http://www.yostvises.com/6-1-2-multi-purpose-reversible-combination-vise-swivel-base.html
IMO, with a Vise, don't cheap out and get a Chinese casting. The casting is the backbone of the entire vise. The vise you listed is made in China.
oldldh
Well-known member
Buy a used American made 5" er...
Like a Starrett 925, a Reed 105, etc...
Much better choice...
www.benchvisejaws.com/bench-vises-for-sale/
Several in your price range, and they're already restored...
Like a Starrett 925, a Reed 105, etc...
Much better choice...
www.benchvisejaws.com/bench-vises-for-sale/
Several in your price range, and they're already restored...
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wild cowboy
Banned
As far as new USA vises, Morgan Milwaukee is easily the best still being made, followed by Yost, and then Wilton far behind.
Wilton's glory years were back in the day, and specifically the old bullet vises which look cool and were very well engineered with top notch fit and finish. Unfortunately, the last couple of decades have not been so good, lots of cheap imported vises with the Wilton name slapped on, and quality control issues and very sloppy assembly and finishing have plagued the USA made Wilton vises of late. There have been several threads about this here on GJ.
Not to mention the fact that a new Wilton can be twice the price of other similar vises, or even more, this was OK on the older bullets if you wanted to pay for the cool machine-age art deco look, at least you were getting an extremely well made vise, but nowadays, you are just spending crazy money for a sloppy product.
PS - $200 on Craigslist and some patience can land you a vise that was $1500-$2500 new! (in today's prices)
Wilton's glory years were back in the day, and specifically the old bullet vises which look cool and were very well engineered with top notch fit and finish. Unfortunately, the last couple of decades have not been so good, lots of cheap imported vises with the Wilton name slapped on, and quality control issues and very sloppy assembly and finishing have plagued the USA made Wilton vises of late. There have been several threads about this here on GJ.
Not to mention the fact that a new Wilton can be twice the price of other similar vises, or even more, this was OK on the older bullets if you wanted to pay for the cool machine-age art deco look, at least you were getting an extremely well made vise, but nowadays, you are just spending crazy money for a sloppy product.
PS - $200 on Craigslist and some patience can land you a vise that was $1500-$2500 new! (in today's prices)
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Morgan Milwaukee is not better than the good USA Wiltons OR Yosts.
And just because Wilton entered the import market to hit certain price ranges does not mean the USA bullets have gone down in quality...at all.
yes, there have been a few threads on here about quality...think if all the satisfied bullet customers came on here and posted. But they don't. So some people jump to nonsensical conclusions.
I've had about 10 new Wiltons in the last 2 years, US and import, and all have been just fine.
The main thing I'm worried about is if someone integrates ball bearings into vises and they explode
alan camby
Well-known member
Morgan Milwaukee is not better than the good USA Wiltons OR Yosts.
And just because Wilton entered the import market to hit certain price ranges does not mean the USA bullets have gone down in quality...at all.
yes, there have been a few threads on here about quality...think if all the satisfied bullet customers came on here and posted. But they don't. So some people jump to nonsensical conclusions.
I've had about 10 new Wiltons in the last 2 years, US and import, and all have been just fine.
The main thing I'm worried about is if someone integrates ball bearings into vises and they explode
I agree that Wilton is not low quality now. I have seen several new USA Wiltons and think they were fine. Very few Vises are absolutely perfect. I have a 1980 Wilton 500. When I bought it, Used, I blasted it and found some spots where they used some kind of body filler to fix a few casting flaws.
As far as the Milwaukee Morgan. I have never seen one in person. I think some of the Vises on Mcmaster-Carr are Morgan, I know they have Morgan vise parts on their site. If you Google "Milwaukee Morgan vise", "Morgan Vise", I get zero hits on a place to buy them. Ebay, Amazon, ...nothing. Wilton, Yost are easy to find.
The Morgan Site is terrible IMO, no pictures at all.
Where are people buying them?
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zeet
Well-known member
I just took a look at the site mentioned above and it sure looks like this guy is doing some impeccable work!
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Allan: i need to confirm that this is still true, but i think Morgan only sells their vises to government or huge companies so they don't need retail for the vises. they still sell parts for their used vises as far as i know.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Dan: are you looking for a new vise or would you like an old vise in good shape? can you tell us where you live so we can maybe have a member see if they have an extra vise to sell you?
there are plenty good vises and obviously some "ARE" better than others. most will work fine especially if you don't use them as a vise or a press.
there are plenty good vises and obviously some "ARE" better than others. most will work fine especially if you don't use them as a vise or a press.
I think someone said on here recently that morgan will sell to anyone you just have to call them.
The ones I've had I got used off craigs (Milwaukee Morgan, that is) and then I was at a big bike shop sale (Roger Bourget) full manufacturing facility and they had a bunch of vises that said something like Milwaukee Machine or Milwaukee Tool and they were not impressive. I'm not sure if those were Morgans or not though.
The Morgan machinist vises are a real good vise, just about what you would expect from a domestic industrial supplier. Except the lock-downs--pretty chincy.
The ones I've had I got used off craigs (Milwaukee Morgan, that is) and then I was at a big bike shop sale (Roger Bourget) full manufacturing facility and they had a bunch of vises that said something like Milwaukee Machine or Milwaukee Tool and they were not impressive. I'm not sure if those were Morgans or not though.
The Morgan machinist vises are a real good vise, just about what you would expect from a domestic industrial supplier. Except the lock-downs--pretty chincy.
Thanks to all for your input, I didn't realize how much there is to learn about vise's
Live in western Pa, broke previous vise trying to remove ball on boat hitch. Willing to by used vise -- been watching Craig's list for a few weeks. Are most of the older vise made from ductile iron?
Live in western Pa, broke previous vise trying to remove ball on boat hitch. Willing to by used vise -- been watching Craig's list for a few weeks. Are most of the older vise made from ductile iron?
David Paul
Well-known member
This, while I like to buy made in USA, this is a good vise and at the price point I don't cringe when I pound on it. Granted while a used, USA made vise would be ideal, "I" couldn't bring myself to beat on it. But that's just me.
wild cowboy
Banned
the main takeaway from this thread is to understand that all new USA made vises are either crappy quality or else severely overpriced compared to the old ones, and that your money is far better spent on being patient and finding a classic vintage USA made vise on craigslist or ebay or a local garage sale or auction, the kind that would cost over $1000 today, but found on craigslist for $100-$250
$200 spent on a new vise gets pretty chintzy quality and likely from China
the guy here that recently bought an old Wilton C2 bullet on CL for $260 is a good example - he was smart.
some names for OP to look for in old USA vises: Prentiss, Reed, Charles Parker, Yost, Morgan, Wilton bullet, Rock Island, Columbian, Athol (Starrett), Record (British made), Ridgid, Monarch (Prentiss), Littlestown, Hollands, American Scale, Bulldog (Prentiss), some of the old Craftsman vises, especially those built by Columbian.
$200 spent on a new vise gets pretty chintzy quality and likely from China
the guy here that recently bought an old Wilton C2 bullet on CL for $260 is a good example - he was smart.
some names for OP to look for in old USA vises: Prentiss, Reed, Charles Parker, Yost, Morgan, Wilton bullet, Rock Island, Columbian, Athol (Starrett), Record (British made), Ridgid, Monarch (Prentiss), Littlestown, Hollands, American Scale, Bulldog (Prentiss), some of the old Craftsman vises, especially those built by Columbian.
yes, in fact I can't think of many in my list above that aren't!
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alan camby
Well-known member
Wild Cowboy said I was smart 
I won't let it go to my head.
I won't let it go to my head.
I do NOT agree with this at all.
There are several companies who still manufacture quality ductile iron vises. And, yes, they are not as inexpensive as a Chinese vise from Lowes.
Looked for several years to find a used, serviceable US vise and people wanted insane money for worn out junk. To make it worse, many of them thought they had "restored" their old vise by applying Bondo to hide cracks, corrosion, misuse and years of neglect. And then, they applied shiny new paint to further cover up any damage.
wild cowboy
Banned
not saying every used USA vise out there is a bargain or a keeper, you certainly have to do your due diligence and inspect for cracks, repairs, welds and pass on any vise that has them, but there are great vises still to be found for $1-$2.50/lb. and an equally built modern vise is likely to be 8 to 10 times the price, or even more!
the OP wants to spend around $200 - what new USA made ductile iron vise could you suggest for him? - I can think of ZERO near that budget that are any sort of reasonable size and built like the classic vises (weight is your first clue).
Mark in Indiana
Well-known member
Over the past 5 years, I've bought dozens of used, quality, American vises. Most have been restored & resold. I will only do a quality restoration to keep a good reputation in my area. Generally speaking, I get around 200$ for a restored 3" - 5" Reed, Charles Parker, Wilton Mechanics, etc. When I buy them, I am very careful make sure that there are no cracks, breaks, etc. Otherwise, I would loose my a-- with machining & welding time.
From my experience, you just can't get the quality of old American (or European) iron in a new vise, unless you want to morgage your house.
I will agree that there are some bad players that will put lipstick on a pig when it comes to vises. However you just have to look over what you're buying. Same with used cars, houses, or anything else.
You may want to check out the GJ Vise Repair 101 forum to get some tips on repairs and buying. I posted some advise on how to look at a vise before buying. I don't remember what page it was on, but it just stated how I look at a vise before buying. Most of all, patience will pay off.
Happy Trails!
Edit: My post in "Vise Repair 101 on buying vises is on page 6, post #106
From my experience, you just can't get the quality of old American (or European) iron in a new vise, unless you want to morgage your house.
I will agree that there are some bad players that will put lipstick on a pig when it comes to vises. However you just have to look over what you're buying. Same with used cars, houses, or anything else.
You may want to check out the GJ Vise Repair 101 forum to get some tips on repairs and buying. I posted some advise on how to look at a vise before buying. I don't remember what page it was on, but it just stated how I look at a vise before buying. Most of all, patience will pay off.
Happy Trails!
Edit: My post in "Vise Repair 101 on buying vises is on page 6, post #106
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scooternut
Well-known member
If you happen to be in south west PA )you just said west), I would pick this one up to get you back in the game, and then keep watching craigslist of the other older USA iron as described herein. Ive been able to get some nice Prentiss, Reed, and older USA Craftsman Columbian and reed off CL in this area. Ive parted with a few to friends and don't have any for you at the moment (sorry, being greedy with my good stuff for now).
He's at 40 down from 60 a few weeks ago.
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/4828337977.html
He's at 40 down from 60 a few weeks ago.
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/4828337977.html
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Trey T
Well-known member
Craftsman Pro vise
If OP just "has to have new" vise . . . . then here's one that he won't be breaking:
Ridgid F-45 for $211 on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VY07LQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Ridgid F-45 for $211 on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001VY07LQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
alan camby
Well-known member
I don't know what is wrong with the modern Wilton USA bullet.
I visit many different factories for my job and always check out their vises.
I see many 400, 450, 500, 1755, 1765, C0, and C2 vises. These vises are abused and beat on daily and seem to hold up just fine. I realize these are out of the OP's price range. Just don't be afraid of a good deal on a used modern USA Wilton
I was in a plant today and snapped a few pictures of the abused anvil area of a 1765. This particular vise was installed new around 2005. Some of the vises I see are ones that I have installed myself. so, I know they are not that old.
I have personally put 36" adjustable wrenches with cheater bars on a fastener that was held in a 450. After all the heating and hammering the fastener finally came off. This kind of abuse is done day after day and the vises are holding up fine.
I do realize that they can break if try to. For example, the vise does not like being hit with a 10lb sledge.
Here is the abused anvil of a 1765. Vise still functions just fine. IMO, a Chinese vise would have crack with this abuse. I have broken several Chinese vises. I am aware they have limitations but I have not broken a USA bullet.
https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10926442_623352077796721_1923213772815468187_n.jpg?oh=91e67f85bafc08a4b06cdf8ac8db68c1&oe=556C51E5
https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10393940_623352107796718_7567726842732386076_n.jpg?oh=21964fa6986006dd03b4cbdbcf6f29ab&oe=552F844B
I visit many different factories for my job and always check out their vises.
I see many 400, 450, 500, 1755, 1765, C0, and C2 vises. These vises are abused and beat on daily and seem to hold up just fine. I realize these are out of the OP's price range. Just don't be afraid of a good deal on a used modern USA Wilton
I was in a plant today and snapped a few pictures of the abused anvil area of a 1765. This particular vise was installed new around 2005. Some of the vises I see are ones that I have installed myself. so, I know they are not that old.
I have personally put 36" adjustable wrenches with cheater bars on a fastener that was held in a 450. After all the heating and hammering the fastener finally came off. This kind of abuse is done day after day and the vises are holding up fine.
I do realize that they can break if try to. For example, the vise does not like being hit with a 10lb sledge.
Here is the abused anvil of a 1765. Vise still functions just fine. IMO, a Chinese vise would have crack with this abuse. I have broken several Chinese vises. I am aware they have limitations but I have not broken a USA bullet.
https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10926442_623352077796721_1923213772815468187_n.jpg?oh=91e67f85bafc08a4b06cdf8ac8db68c1&oe=556C51E5
https://scontent-b-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10393940_623352107796718_7567726842732386076_n.jpg?oh=21964fa6986006dd03b4cbdbcf6f29ab&oe=552F844B
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alan camby
Well-known member
I would bet that this is a excellent vise.
I have a hard time trying to picture he physical size of this vise since it weights 26lbs.
A homeowner would probably never wear out the jaws but it is important to note that these jaws are not replaceable.
I am one of the weird ones that likes to use a flat jaw for most of my work. Only option with this vise is a jaw cover such as a magnetic or Wilton style bend on brass cover. I am not a big fan of the covers since they move around. You also loose some jaw opening with them.
Yost makes a forged welded style vise with removable jaws. I believe the COO is China though, If that matters to you.
originally i threw out $ of 200.00 for a new 5" vise, as i look at some of the usa wilton and yosts at up to 270.00 ish it seems they are more of what i want. I still am open to a used vise but I'm very inexp. and don't want to make a poor decision. Is the rigid listed truely made in Germany? Want a vise my son will have someday and don't want to regret not spending 50-70 more bucks . Being patient and learning more each day- thanks guys!
Maybe yost 865-DI
Maybe yost 865-DI
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wild cowboy
Banned
that is a Reed 2C, not a "20" and you better jump on it!
and it is a 4.5" vise, not a 6"
as far as I am concerned, that is a $400 vise just like it sits if there are no cracks, welds, repairs - make sure you inspect it thoroughly! - if there are any cracks, welds, repairs - do not buy it, old USA vises are not something you can weld up and fix as they use a special iron called ductile iron that is not repairable. - A comparable new vise would be closer to $500-$1000
and yes, made in USA long ago and a legendary vise! - don't tell me where it is or I will buy it!
and it is a 4.5" vise, not a 6"
as far as I am concerned, that is a $400 vise just like it sits if there are no cracks, welds, repairs - make sure you inspect it thoroughly! - if there are any cracks, welds, repairs - do not buy it, old USA vises are not something you can weld up and fix as they use a special iron called ductile iron that is not repairable. - A comparable new vise would be closer to $500-$1000
and yes, made in USA long ago and a legendary vise! - don't tell me where it is or I will buy it!
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Farmall450
Well-known member
If you really want to save some cash, last summer I bought two or three imported 5" vises at TSC for...$10 each, might be worth looking into if you have one nearby.
I'm all for US vises and have a ton of them myself from Prentiss to Wilton but I'm just throwing that out there.
I'm all for US vises and have a ton of them myself from Prentiss to Wilton but I'm just throwing that out there.
OP what's the asking price for the Reed? Reeds are awesome but $400 for that as it sits sounds pretty high to me. Unless they are bringing that much on ebay...?
If you pull out a jeweler's loop you might get told to **** off by the guy. probably not but...
that looks pretty clean, give it a good once over with your eyes and you should be set...
If you pull out a jeweler's loop you might get told to **** off by the guy. probably not but...
that looks pretty clean, give it a good once over with your eyes and you should be set...
FMC1959
Well-known member
CNGsaves beat me to it, for a new quality vise at a great price, the Ridgid is probably the best bet. I have a 5 1/2" and I find it great, smooth operation and despite not having the heft of an old USA vise, still packs a good firm bite.
This would be money well spent. If you have the time and patience, hard to beat the quality and great feeling of finding an old US vise in decent condition, especially when you get into 6" and larger.
wild cowboy
Banned
heck, I have been known to bring sandpaper, a loupe, scratching tools, everything short of an infrared scanner to look over an old vise! - and I would like to get an infrared scanner! - lol
and you can certainly remove the base (just make sure you learn how to on that model if you don't know before you go)
also talking to the owner can tell you a lot, find out the history, maybe it's an 80 year guy who owned it since new!
tell him you will buy it on the condition that if there are any cracks or welds that you can bring it back. An honest seller will work with you. Use your judgement about the seller.
and you can certainly remove the base (just make sure you learn how to on that model if you don't know before you go)
also talking to the owner can tell you a lot, find out the history, maybe it's an 80 year guy who owned it since new!
tell him you will buy it on the condition that if there are any cracks or welds that you can bring it back. An honest seller will work with you. Use your judgement about the seller.
wild cowboy
Banned
I would take an old vise over a new one of identical specs, by a mile!
This is a case where new is not better, it's not a car, there have been NO technological improvements in vises in the last 100 years, literally! - only cost cutting and cheapening the cost of manufacture to fatten profits!
Seller is asking $140 but hasn't got back to me. Probably already sold,
OP, that Reed 2C (4.5" jaws) would be a lifetime keeper every bit as good or better than the 4.5" Ridgid listed earlier. The Reed is heavier and simply a massive strong vise.
I'd bulldog that CL seller and see if you can meet him at lunch tomorrow. Check opening & closing of vise to ensure it's smooth. Look for cracks, any welds, or chips. Shouldn't have been abused by hitting with hammer, etc. Make sure jaws come together in straight alignment.
Negotiate that to $100 and you'll have something worthy of passing on to your son when you're gone. Good luck, hope you get it, even if you end up paying $100 to $125 or more.
Here's some comparisons to other Reed vises:
http://scuttle.dayid.org/wiki/index.php/Reed_Vise
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wild cowboy
Banned
well it depends, was it listed today or yesterday or a week or two ago? - not everyone searches for vises daily - one of my best vise buys of all time had been sitting out there for several days with no local inquiry.Seller is asking $140 but hasn't got back to me. Probably already sold,