Opinions on 2 starter vises

[svana]

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster. We've finally moved into a house where I can build a small bench in my 1 car garage (while still sharing it with a small car) and have come across 2 starter vises that caught my eye - A Columbian 04M2 and a Craftsman 5 1/2" vise. I've looked through a bunch of the threads on here, both Columbian and Craftsman seem to be held in similar regard - please correct me if I'm wrong. I like the fact that the Craftsman is a little larger and seems more robust, but I was hoping to get some insight from those more experienced in the vise world than myself as to which might be a better way to go.

Columbian 04M2 - $50
Looks to be in good shape overall, just needs a paint touchup if I wanted to.
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/tls/5560464312.html

Craftsman 5 1/2" - $75
Similar condition to the Columbian but has a bend in the handle - is something like this fixable or worth fixing?
https://baltimore.craigslist.org/tls/5514922946.html

 

[Jarhead0408]

The Craftsman is a better vise in this case, but honestly I'd hold out for a vise that's better than that. It's priced mighty high for what it is as well.

Much better and beefier vises will pop up on Craigslist if you're willing to exercise patience.

 

[winlinmac]

What's the take on Clamp Vises?

 

[Gotcha640]

Depending on how much $50 means to you, and whether you have any projects that would benefit from a vise right now, I'd go for either one.

I went 2 years with no vise, passing on all the ones that popped up used, then I had several projects at the same time that a vise would make easier, a home depot gift card in hand, and ended up with a pony that cost more and is worth less than what I could have had.

Still, I now have a vise and it works for what I'm doing.

 

[drivesitfar]

SV: I agree the Crafstman is a much better vise and even with the little bend in the handle that isn't a bad price for a vise of that age, quality and width of jaws. sure you might find some cheaper and bigger if you have time to look and RUN, but that vise spiffed up sells for about $125 I think on Ebay all the time and maybe a bit more. or a little less because I don't shop Ebay or look all that often because I do own a few vises.

ALL: those open screw or clamp on vises are for light duty and really just a third hand. you shouldn't really hit a vise with a hammer even on their little sort of anvil spots either. if you can use a third hand clamp on vises are a great help and if you want to spend a little more money for a third hand buy a VERSA VISE or a WILTON BABY BULLET with a power arm.

good luck and welcome to Garage journal's forum SV

 

[svana]

I appreciate the insight. I'm not in a position where I NEED a vise just yet, there have been a few times where one would have come in handy, but nothing that's forced my hand. However, I've kept my eye open for them over the past couple months but haven't come across a screaming deal like some do here. Mainly a bunch of Columbians similar in size and price.

 

[bennymic]

Mid atlantic craigslist near DC is filled with dreamers. Anything priced appropriately is gone in minutes.

 

[Voi]

Mainly a bunch of Columbians similar in size and price.

You say similar in size and price so I thought I'd mention that if you're seeing 503 to 504 (or 603 to 604) sized vises at a price around $50 you should really take a look at them. They're much better vises than the exposed screw Columbians.

 

[svana]

Mid atlantic craigslist near DC is filled with dreamers. Anything priced appropriately is gone in minutes.

I've had ok success with most of what I'm looking for, a few things (such as a vise) have still eluded me though.

You say similar in size and price so I thought I'd mention that if you're seeing 503 to 504 (or 603 to 604) sized vises at a price around $50 you should really take a look at them. They're much better vises than the exposed screw Columbians.

Thanks for the insight - I'll keep an eye out.