Rotating Vise

[jsharpphoto]

I'm looking at different bench vises online, and I've noticed a wide range in how much different brands rotate. 120 degrees seems to be the short end, vs some that rotate 360. How much impact should this spec have on my decision? I will use it for basic home mechanic work.

 

[Zeke]

180º ought to be enough.

 

[drivesitfar]

90 degrees is probably enough so you can use it for the front and side of your workbench. honestly i rarely use the swivel and some swivels you can't tighten to not move so a bench mounted one without a swivel should work for about 90% of most of my work.

also if you make a nice stand for it a non-swivel won't be needed and then when the bench isn't in use you can get it out of the way into a corner and not run into the handle.

which vises are you looking at if you are thinking of buying one and what is your price range?

 

[jsharpphoto]

I'm looking at the tekton bench vises. They make a 4 and 6 inch that rotate 120, but they make an 8 inch that goes 360. I don't need (or really have room for an 8), but would make it work if 360 was necessary.

$50-$100 with a lifetime warranty.

 

[rlitman]

90 degrees is probably enough so you can use it for the front and side of your workbench.

Or a little over 90 degrees. Honestly, more than 120 degrees is not adding any value for me.

 

[drivesitfar]

Tekton is a good vise for an import and one of the members here on GJ is either the owner or customer service and he stepped up when a member broke one not in normal use. might not do it again, but i would bet if it broke under normal conditions he would step up and have another vise on it's way to your door soon.

just don't use it as a press, anvil or put a pipe on the handle for more leverage and it might last you many years. also the import 8 inch vises are not the behemoths the old US vise 8 inchers are so plenty light enough to move around if you might need the extra jaw width.

 

[jsharpphoto]

Thanks! That's what I was hoping. Now which one to buy.....

TEKTON 54004 4-Inch Swivel Bench Vise by TEKTON http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJXYKCW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Or

TEKTON 54006 6-Inch Swivel Bench Vise by TEKTON http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FJXYKE0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[balane]

To me those look exactly like the much cheaper Harbor Freight vises, especially when you factor in a 20% coupon. Are the Tektons actually better and, if so, how?

 

[drivesitfar]

Balane: while you know i'm not a huge fan of the import vises the Tekton vises have a lifetime warranty and the members that need a vise and that can't find a good old US made one for less than $100 are liking these.

JS:if you are only deciding between the two Tekton vises you posted links of i would spend the $100 for the 40 pound vise and not just $50 for the 14 pounder. since I've never owned a tekton and just read what other members here think of them they would one of my top choices for a new vise under $100.

now as a side note if you find a old US vise that has a 4 inch jaw it might weight 40 to 75 pounds and do most any job just fine. just make sure if you are buying a used vise to look for any cracks, welded repairs or missing cast or pieces. if you need a vise now buy the Tekton and then you have all the time in the world to look for a good old US bigger vise for the other end of your bench. Some areas have them daily and others don't have hardly any.

 

[jsharpphoto]

Made in Taiwan vs made in china. Lifetime warranty with an excellent service reputation vs harbor freight.

 

[balane]

OK, great points and good to know. Thanks.

 

[jsharpphoto]

Eventually I'll get my dad's 6 inch craftsman vise from the 60's. It weighs like 80 lbs. until then, I trust the reputation of the tektons, based on other GJ user reviews alone.