Pick my vise

[Snapped-off]

Edited to add the C1

Recommend one? I've looked over the vise threads. I've also scoped out my local used market, and I'm not too impressed. So I've decided to just buy a new one and pretty much narrowed it down to the selected choices.

For the Wiltons, the 865M looks mostly like a lighter duty 1765? Both made overseas.

I'm not a big fan of the Yost style, but honestly it's pretty much the only style of vise I've used. Seems popular.

Never seen the Ridgid until I read through another vise thread. If it's apparent, I like the "sealed" vises. Made in Germany, but don't they have pretty loose rules on that? Is it actually made there?

Let's be honest for a second... There's a 99% chance I'm not going to buy a Wilton C2. I'd probably do it a disservice using it in a home shop.

 

[Sweetcorn]

Out of your options listed, I will say I have the 1765 at home and I haven't been disappointed with it once. Not really sure how I could be, either.

 

[justtools]

Wierd the only votes are for the wiltons. I have a c2 and a 1765. both are great vises. On a side note I have a new 1765 in the box usa made I would sell shipped for 750

 

[Snapped-off]

Wierd the only votes are for the wiltons. I have a c2 and a 1765. both are great vises. On a side note I have a new 1765 in the box usa made I would sell shipped for 750

PM some pics! Why do you have one just lying around

 

[GeoBruin]

I have a C2 and voted for the 1765.

 

[davethorik]

Got a harbor freight nearby? Check out their Doyle vises. Wilton knockoffs, seem decent quality looking at in store. And not too pricy.

 

[Snapped-off]

Got a harbor freight nearby? Check out their Doyle vises. Wilton knockoffs, seem decent quality looking at in store. And not too pricy.

Saw it. Thought about it. Decided against it. I just want to stick to the big vise names.

 

[justtools]

PM some pics! Why do you have one just lying around

sent pics

 

[General Geoff]

I would recommend a Wilton C1 (4.5" vs 5" for the C2). Zoro has them for $1561 but with a 20% off coupon code, that drops it down to $1249. Probably all the vise you'll ever need for home workshop. Weighs about 20 lbs less and is a bit smaller so it doesn't take up quite as much bench space.


edit; you can also get a brand-new C2 for $1439 on ebay right now.

 

[Snapped-off]

I would recommend a Wilton C1 (4.5" vs 5" for the C2). Zoro has them for $1561 but with a 20% off coupon code, that drops it down to $1249. Probably all the vise you'll ever need for home workshop. Weighs about 20 lbs less and is a bit smaller so it doesn't take up quite as much bench space.


edit; you can also get a brand-new C2 for $1439 on ebay right now.

So you're saying I don't need a 6" vise at home?

 

[General Geoff]

So you're saying I don't need a 6" vise at home?

a 4.5" jaw width C1 is twice the vise that a 6" jaw width ADI-6 is. Jaw width isn't everything! Also the narrower the jaws, the less torsional stress is put on the vise when clamping near the edges for better access to the work piece.

 

[Snapped-off]

a 4.5" jaw width C1 is twice the vise that a 6" jaw width ADI-6 is. Jaw width isn't everything! Also the narrower the jaws, the less torsional stress is put on the vise when clamping near the edges for better access to the work piece.

I actually thought the C1 was 4" so I just didn't consider it, although I know the C series are monsters. It's not that much more than a 1765 I guess...

 

[genog]

Bigger is NOT always Better

4-1/2 inch jaws are nothing to sniff at
What are you working on where 6" jaws are a necessity?

 

[Snapped-off]

Bigger is NOT always Better

4-1/2 inch jaws are nothing to sniff at
What are you working on where 6" jaws are a necessity?

Let's not break it down to figure out I can actually get by with the 3" Craftsman vise I found in my basement. I'm trying to buy a new tool.

 

[genog]

3" Craftsman?
Who said that?

 

[GeoBruin]

I actually thought the C1 was 4" so I just didn't consider it, although I know the C series are monsters. It's not that much more than a 1765 I guess...

C1 in good shape for $700 on CL in the LA area right now. A shame youre so far...

 

[General Geoff]

C1 in good shape for $700 on CL in the LA area right now. A shame youre so far...

There's also one on ebay for $965, late 90s production. Looks really good and I like the green color, but I feel like it would be more appropriately priced around 900 shipped. Depending on how long it's been listed the seller might accept such an offer

 

[Renegade1LI]

Check out Milwaukee Tool & Equipment, I belive there still USA made.

Milwaukee Tool & Equipment Company

 

[Snapped-off]

Check out Milwaukee Tool & Equipment, I belive there still USA made.

Milwaukee Tool & Equipment Company

I could be totally wrong, but I feel like those are really chinsy. The 765 5" vise is only 35lbs.

 

[decableguy2000]

Check out Milwaukee Tool & Equipment, I belive there still USA made.
Milwaukee Tool & Equipment Company

Good vises, I have 2 and 2 Wilton 1765's

 

[GeoBruin]

There's also one on ebay for $965, late 90s production. Looks really good and I like the green color, but I feel like it would be more appropriately priced around 900 shipped. Depending on how long it's been listed the seller might accept such an offer

Wow, that is pretty. I really like the proportions of the C1. Does anyone know the measurement across the main body of the C1 (the part jusy below the jaws)?

 

[Snapped-off]

...


edit; you can also get a brand-new C2 for $1439 on ebay right now.

It sold. Wonder if someone on here bought it

 

[General Geoff]

It sold. Wonder if someone on here bought it

Not unlikely

 

[Renegade1LI]

Looks like Milwaukee tool still makes Morgan vises in the US

Milwaukee Tool Morgan 40 Machinist Vise 1104000 | Zoro

Order Milwaukee Tool Morgan 40 Machinist Vise, 1104000 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[Shiftless]

If you are insisting on a brand new vise, I’d go with the C1

I have lots of vises but my user that’s there on my biggest workbench is a Wilton C1. I bought it second hand from a nearby refinery. A little time cleaning it up, fresh jaw inserts and new paint and I’d say that it is just as good as new.
If a guy focuses on the task, he can almost always find a solid, vintage, made in USA vise that if not abused, will serve you well for the rest of your years.
If you don’t enjoy the thrill of the hunt, and your time perusing CL and FB marketplace and driving around is worth $50+/hour go ahead and spend $1250+ on a new Wilton C series and spend all of the time you save doing something you love or earning lots of money or both!

 

[GeoBruin]

If you are insisting on a brand new vise, I’d go with the C1

I have lots of vises but my user that’s there on my biggest workbench is a Wilton C1. I bought it second hand from a nearby refinery. A little time cleaning it up, fresh jaw inserts and new paint and I’d say that it is just as good as new.
If a guy focuses on the task, he can almost always find a solid, vintage, made in USA vise that if not abused, will serve you well for the rest of your years.
If you don’t enjoy the thrill of the hunt, and your time perusing CL and FB marketplace and driving around is worth $50+/hour go ahead and spend $1250+ on a new Wilton C series.

Don't forget the extra $40 it will cost you to get a rattle can of Verde Green!

 

[tool_scrounge]

I like Wilton C-1 combination vise as a good versatile vise. This one came with a nicely welded base. The deceased owner was a professional welder. The estate had it posted forsale for two weeks without any buyers. I finally gave up and purchased it for the $250 asking price. So there are deals to be had if you look and have minimal will-power.

 

[F-22]

For that kind of money, I think the Ridgid is not worth it, I'd definitely prefer a Wilton. ~300$ in Germany gets you a 6.3 inch (160mm) Heuer which IMO is a better design than the Ridgid. And I've found a 160mm Ridgid (different brand name, but same vise) for ~250$ online in Germany.

So I don't think you'll get a 400$ vise if you buy it, it's a 300$ vise with expensive import/shipping...

Get the Wilton, you won't regret it and it will raise the workshop on a different level!

 

[ricleh]

Here are some pictures of a Wilton C1 that I restored years ago. There are also pictures of the C1 on my workbench next to my main working vises which are a C3 and a C2. There is also a Ridgid on an adjustable mount that I use sometimes. I also have a Wilton 1765 that used to be my main working vise and there is no comparison between the C1 and the 1765 IMO. The C1 is much more massive and rigid than the 1765 despite having narrower jaws.

 

[Snapped-off]

Here are some pictures of a Wilton C1 that I restored years ago. There are also pictures of the C1 on my workbench next to my main working vises which are a C3 and a C2. There is also a Ridgid on an adjustable mount that I use sometimes. I also have a Wilton 1765 that used to be my main working vise and there is no comparison between the C1 and the 1765 IMO. The C1 is much more massive and rigid than the 1765 despite having narrower jaws.

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

if I'm betting with your money I'd say the C2. There's a Wilton 5" mechanics vise in the amazon warehouse deals right now for $269 that's about $100 off if that model does anything for you? I have the 8" version at work and it's done anything I've ever asked of it.

 

[Terra Nova]

I'll echo the recommendations for the Wilton 1765. Have a newer 1755 at home and, while imported (Taiwan), it has been a great addition to the garage.

If you're willing to spend C2 money and okay with imports have you considered the Fireball Hardtail vise?

 

[Snapped-off]

I'll echo the recommendations for the Wilton 1765. Have a newer 1755 at home and, while imported (Taiwan), it has been a great addition to the garage.

If you're willing to spend C2 money and okay with imports have you considered the Fireball Hardtail vise?

Well without bringing that whole thread on the hardtail over here, I'm not sure I could use a vise that big. Plus if I'm paying that much, it won't be for an import.

 

[Shiftless]

I sense a common factor so far… get the Wilton C1

 

[Snapped-off]

Here are some pictures of a Wilton C1 that I restored years ago. There are also pictures of the C1 on my workbench next to my main working vises which are a C3 and a C2. There is also a Ridgid on an adjustable mount that I use sometimes. I also have a Wilton 1765 that used to be my main working vise and there is no comparison between the C1 and the 1765 IMO. The C1 is much more massive and rigid than the 1765 despite having narrower jaws.

Maybe buy a 1765 and then play the waiting game and find a C series to restore someday? I think a tradesman would be more vise than I've ever used so I highly doubt I'd ever be disappointed with it.

 

[Shiftless]

Maybe buy a 1765 and then play the waiting game and find a C series to restore someday? I think a tradesman would be more vise than I've ever used so I highly doubt I'd ever be disappointed with it.

Good plan.
You could also put an ad in the GJ wanted section asking for a Wilton C series within a couple hours drive from you.

 

[General Geoff]

Well without bringing that whole thread on the hardtail over here, I'm not sure I could use a vise that big. Plus if I'm paying that much, it won't be for an import.

I am getting my pre-ordered Hardtail on Tuesday, and as big a fan as I am of it, I wouldn't want it as an only vise. My C1 recommendation is based off approximate workbench footprint and utility of my own Starrett 324-1/2, which back in the day would have been a direct competitor to the C1, albeit just a bit taller.

 

[General Geoff]

Maybe buy a 1765 and then play the waiting game and find a C series to restore someday? I think a tradesman would be more vise than I've ever used so I highly doubt I'd ever be disappointed with it.

If the hunt isn't a pleasure for you, just skip buying the 1765 and go straight for the C1. Saves money not having to buy an eventually-redundant vise, and time not wasted searching and/or waiting for a ridiculously good score that so many of us have been fortunate enough to stumble upon over the years.

Unless you're a flipper or dedicated collector, I wouldn't waste a whole lot of time chasing bottom dollar.

 

[Snapped-off]

...

Is that C1, C3, C2 on the bench?

 

[ricleh]

Is that C1, C3, C2 on the bench?

Yes, the C1 being restored is on the left. The vise to the right of the C1 is my main working vise - a C3. The vise on the far right is my secondary working vise - a C2. The metal tray on the left contains the pipe jaws, dust cover and other parts that are for the C1. The vise at the far left of the table is a Geman Ridgid with a hydraulic adjustable lift. The vise behind and between the C3 and the C2 is a York 80 that was being restored at the same time as the C1. I have 2 C0, 2 C1, 2 C2 and one C3 at this time. I restored one of the C0, one of the C1 and one of the C2. The others were new when purchased. I also have a Tradesman 1780 and a Snapon Wilton 1765. I also have several Wilton machinist vises - 2 600S, 1 500S, 1 400S, 17 baby bullets, 13 toddler bullets and several Wilton hobby and electronics repair vises.