Recommend me a good first bench vise

[fordgasm]

Looking for something USA made and not too expensive, under $100 if possible. Size of jaws isnt too important. My dad has a 6 inch Craftsman vise which I feel is probably too big for my needs. Dont care how old it is as Id make it a restoration project. Just looking for some solid advice.

 

[shampoop]

Craigslist

 

[rusty65]

Yeah check out CL flea markets and I would read the thread everything you need to know about bench vises the thread has great info for finding out if a vise is just a ok or really good and how to easily spot imports I def think it's worth a read.

 

[kythri]

Unless you can find something "better" on CL, the Craftsman Professional 4 1/2" is one of the best deals around for a good quality vise.

It's made by Wilton. Yes, it's imported, but that really doesn't detract from it's quality.

It's also on sale at the moment:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00951888000P?vName=Tools&cName=HandTools&sName=Visesmv=rr

Normally $134.99, you can get it shipped free for $114.74 if you buy before 1/22/2013 - or, you can pick it up at the store for free, if your local Sears has one in stock (you probably have to buy online to get that price, though).

The "SEARS2012" coupon code for $5 off a $50-or-greater purchase also is reported to still be working, so that might save you a few more bucks.

These days, I think you're going to be hard pressed to find a better vise for a better price anywhere, with all the ************* on Craigslist thinking their beat-to-**** vises are worth what they're asking.

 

[87Pomona]

Craigslist, yard/estate sales.........maybe Ebay if you want to overpay for a vise.

 

[893cv]

Unless you can find something "better" on CL, the Craftsman Professional 4 1/2" is one of the best deals around for a good quality vise.

It's made by Wilton. Yes, it's imported, but that really doesn't detract from it's quality.

Yes, this is a good quality vise for the money.
Yes, it is imported from China.
No, it is not made by Wilton. It sort of looks like a Wilton, but thats all.

 

[kythri]

Yes, it IS Chinese-production WMH/Wilton.

 

[bobcatdan]

New USA vise under $100 simple do not exist anymore. Yost is about the best price on USA made vise, but you will be looking at least $250 for one. Spend an afternoon reading the show your vise thread and get a feel for what good vises are and start watching CL. They go in streaks by me, two or three at a time, then nothing for month or so.

 

[Outlawmws]

New USA vise under $100 simple do not exist anymore. Yost is about the best price on USA made vise, but you will be looking at least $250 for one. Spend an afternoon reading the show your vise thread and get a feel for what good vises are and start watching CL. They go in streaks by me, two or three at a time, then nothing for month or so.

on THIS ^^^

Not happening new...

 

[893cv]

********! No mention of Wilton on the vise. No mention of Wilton on the packaging. If Sears had these vises made by Wilton then Sears would plaster "Made By Wilton" all over the box and the vise. Again ********.

 

[Davefr]

********! No mention of Wilton on the vise. No mention of Wilton on the packaging. If Sears had these vises made by Wilton then Sears would plaster "Made By Wilton" all over the box and the vise. Again ********.

^^^******** back.

Please give me multiple examples of Sears Craftsman tools with
"made by ____" co-branding stamped on them.

Usually the only way to tell the real OEM is thru the P/N.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

If youare looking for a resto candidate, then a new anything wouldn't make much sense. A few guys on the site restore older US made vises and resell for pretty cheap. I have an older Craftsman in good shape I'd let you have for $20 plus the ride. It's the Art Deco style with 4" jaws, and you could perform the resto you spoke about. Let me know if you want me to send you a pic.

 

[893cv]

^^^******** back.

Please give me multiple examples of Sears Craftsman tools with
"made by ____" co-branding stamped on them.

Usually the only way to tell the real OEM is thru the P/N.

So you are saying that this vise was made by Wilton? If thats true, prove it.

 

[fourtythree]

I've never seen sears post a name other than craftsman on its rebranded tools. Completely defeats the purpose of rebranding.

 

[bobcatdan]

So you are saying that this vise was made by Wilton? If thats true, prove it.

The other vise sold under the craftsman name are the same as the import utilty vise wilton sell which I'm pretty sure is a columbian design. As for the craftsman pro vise, it is a wilton bullet knock off, that is for sure, the same vises are sold by Northern with several sizes available. I would guess all those import vise are made in one factory and slaps whosever name on pays for it. I'm thinking that craftsman vise is no more a wilton vise then an import wilton is.

 

[Jeep Monkey RTR]

OP, ignore the dudes currently stuck in a pi$$ing match over something that does not really matter for this conversation.

If you want a good USA benchvise within a $100 budget, Craigslist is your friend. Find a good one that fits your needs, spend a few dollars refreshing it and you can easily be under budget.

Cheers

 

[Man of Many Vices]

So you are saying that this vise was made by Wilton? If thats true, prove it.

I have seen Wilton labeled vises at Sears in Palm Desert, CA. The display model above the boxed merchandize below. After getting excited, I got a closer look... Chinese. Another letdown.

 

[Davefr]

So you are saying that this vise was made by Wilton? If thats true, prove it.

No, I don't know who made the vise.

What I'm saying is Sears Craftsman would not co-brand the vise with the name of manufacturer.

I've never seem "Sears Craftsman Made by _____" branding.

 

[dirtydogintex]

When the stars, moon and whatever are in harmonious alignment,
there are still a deal or three on decent vises over at ebay
provided shipping decides to cooperate and roll w/the deal.

I've found more vise deals on ebay than CL down here.

Mind you I didn't say they were plentiful but every now and then....

 

[893cv]

No, I don't know who made the vise.

What I'm saying is Sears Craftsman would not co-brand the vise with the name of manufacturer.

I've never seem "Sears Craftsman Made by _____" branding.

I have a "Craftsman" By King-Seeley Corporation bandsaw and tablesaw, so yes Sears has in the past co-branded their tools.

 

[coolreed]

Looking for something USA made and not too expensive, under $100 if possible. Size of jaws isnt too important. My dad has a 6 inch Craftsman vise which I feel is probably too big for my needs. Dont care how old it is as Id make it a restoration project. Just looking for some solid advice.

Thou hast committed Blasphemy!!! Thou seeketh something precious for nothing!!! Thou hast the opportunity to enter the brotherhood of Quality Antique Vises. Good Grief!! What have we come to in the land of forgotten Vises.

A nice Reed, Charlie Parker, Athol, Prentiss, Wilton, etc. is the center of any man's garage. The joy of restoring and old American Vise of yester year should be fundamental in being a member of the Garage Journal.

Yea verily!!! I say unto thee. Thou shouldeth obtaineth no less than a 4" Width Jaw American Antique Vise. Thou should find one in need of restoration and restore it to it's former glory. Amen. Otherwise, thou is not fit to grace this Journal and ask silly questions,.. lest yee be doomed to purchase one from across the big water and throweth the money away.

 

[Davefr]

I have a "Craftsman" By King-Seeley Corporation bandsaw and tablesaw, so yes Sears has in the past co-branded their tools.

Good example!! Not common though.

Maybe we'll see "Sears Craftsman Wrench Set By Harbor Freight Corp."

 

[bluebolt]

Check the for sale ads here, Lump has some good vices at decent prices.

 

[pipsters]

I'm pretty much done buying vises on Craigslist. I haven't had much luck. I always get burned one way or another. I just drove 2:10 each way for a vise that ended up being kinda junky.

The one vise I bought on eBay was a killer vise. Absolutely great condition and restored perfectly. Yes you will pay more. But how much is your time worth? That is where I am at now. I'd rather pay $150-$200 for a nicely restored vise in great condition than $20-$50 a pop and spend hours hunting for and restoring them. Yes it's fun but after a while it gets old.

At minimum I would spring for the classic American vises, the Columbians, Reeds, etc. Wiltons are nice but overpriced. You get more bang for your buck with the other brands.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have a "Craftsman" By King-Seeley Corporation bandsaw and tablesaw, so yes Sears has in the past co-branded their tools.

Unfortunately that was in the last century, by a long shot!

Actually that is the first Craftsman tag with the OEM on it I've ever seen.

 

[Man of Many Vices]

Thou hast committed Blasphemy!!! Thou seeketh something precious for nothing!!! Thou hast the opportunity to enter the brotherhood of Quality Antique Vises. Good Grief!! What have we come to in the land of forgotten Vises.

A nice Reed, Charlie Parker, Athol, Prentiss, Wilton, etc. is the center of any man's garage. The joy of restoring and old American Vise of yester year should be fundamental in being a member of the Garage Journal.

Yea verily!!! I say unto thee. Thou shouldeth obtaineth no less than a 4" Width Jaw American Antique Vise. Thou should find one in need of restoration and restore it to it's former glory. Amen. Otherwise, thou is not fit to grace this Journal and ask silly questions,.. lest yee be doomed to purchase one from across the big water and throweth the money away.

I agree 100 percent with your proclamation. But it took me buying 20 vises of marginal quality before I knew the value of your words.

Conclusion:
US made vise. 4-inch jaws. Swivel is nice but not necessary. Reed, Rock Island, Prentiss, Wilton, C.A. Parker, Athol/Starrett, Columbian, and a few others, plus Record or Paramo from UK, and a few others from Europe. (I have one or more of each of these, in multiple sizes).

Suggested acquisition price:
If restored to good condition: $125 and up.
If not restored, but in serviceable condition: $75-100.
If badly abused or damaged, pass it up. Why waste your time with a crappy $50 vise that will take you $100 to fix up, only to have a crappy fixed up $150 vise?

 

[litljay]

http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNPDFF?PMCTLG=04&PMPAGE=1

Wilton on sale @ MSC Industrial. Page 54 of the metal working sales flyer.

 

[Cato]

The So Cal Old Tool Swap Meet is coming up next month. If you don't mind driving up to Culver City, there are always lots of restored vices for sale.

http://www.socaltoolswap.com/

 

[Ponchoguy]

I have a "Craftsman" By King-Seeley Corporation bandsaw and tablesaw, so yes Sears has in the past co-branded their tools.

I've also seen what appears to be a slip in an owner's manual or two. Typically, it would say:

"For lubrication, use all purpose Sears grease, part #1234, available at any Sears and Roebuck store or through the catalog",

But the one for my Dewalt/B&D made electric impact says from what I remember,'

"For lubrication, use all purpose B&D grease as shown in the parts list".

Normally, Sears always tried to "hide" the source of their tools for exclusivity, but yes in some cases they would reveal it as with your saw. I think in that case, Sears may have actually financially backed KS (who got bought out by Emerson). I know in the case of Whirlpool, Sears helped them financially and there were product lines and the like dedicated to Sears products.