Shop vise

[crowldawg]

Last night I exploded a 4 in. Duracast vise tightening down on a frozen 5/8 nut and bolt. I need a new vise .I'm looking for recommendations. I looked into American vises and was shocked to see how expensive they are. If that's what I have to pay I will but first I'd like some input. tia
tom

 

[OldCarGuy]

Look for a good used "made in the USA" one.

 

[kwyjibo]

i'm in a similar bind. i was looking at the cman pro (4'') at the local sears and i couldn't tell the difference between it and the wilton (except for the red paint and price). does anyone know if this is the case? or does anybody have experience with one?
thanks

 

[BrianAltenhofel]

What he said.

If it is something I need American and can't afford new, I look around in the classifieds for auctions and estate sales. Just because its 60 years old doesn't mean it ain't good... hell, it might even be better!

 

[Merkava_4]

I looked into American vises and was shocked to see how expensive they are.

I tried one of those Wilton vises at the industrial supply store one day. I was curious as to why the handle was so short. I'm used to using vises with long handles for the needed leverage. Well, I stuck my hand down in between the jaws of the Wilton and proceeded to turn the jaws in with my other hand. Zowy!!! I just barely cranked it in and it got tight quick!!!

There's some kind of a mechanical advantage built into their vises that negate the need for a long handle. And the action is extremely smooth too; you can turn the jaws in with one finger!

 

[64merc]

I used to use my grandfather's ancient Wilton, and that thing was great. It was built like a tank, but it definitely didn't feel like it had a mechanical advantage built into it. That would be kinda cool I think. Hmm..now that I think about it, I have to convince my uncles to let me take that old vise. It hurts me to see it rusting away unused.

 

[bmwpower]

I tried one of those Wilton vises at the industrial supply store one day. I was curious as to why the handle was so short. I'm used to using vises with long handles for the needed leverage. Well, I stuck my hand down in between the jaws of the Wilton and proceeded to turn the jaws in with my other hand. Zowy!!! I just barely cranked it in and it got tight quick!!!

There's some kind of a mechanical advantage built into their vises that negate the need for a long handle. And the action is extremely smooth too; you can turn the jaws in with one finger!

This one takes the cake. Do you normally do this kind of thing to test tools?

I have about 5 vises I need to unload but have been too lazy to get them up for sale.

All older USA made units.

 

[hamburglar]

This one takes the cake. Do you normally do this kind of thing to test tools?
.

At least it was just his hand.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

at the govt job I had - we bought the biggest COLOMBIAN vise they had - 700 bucks with a discount at grainger

 

[crowldawg]

"I have about 5 vises I need to unload but have been too lazy to get them up for sale."


Well you have some one looking for a vise .What cha got?

 

[1320stang]

Yeah, I asked him about them quite a while back as I want one, don't remember what he has now.

 

[64merc]

At least it was just his hand.

Oh no, I hope you're not referring to what I think you're referring to

 

[dxdexter]

I'm not sure if they are still made but if they are, I would recommend a Record vise. The 6" one that I have is made in England and has used and abused and been pounded on and used as an anvil for 25 years and is still going strong.

 

[Kevin54]

I tried one of those Wilton vises at the industrial supply store one day. I was curious as to why the handle was so short. I'm used to using vises with long handles for the needed leverage.

You can't beat a Wilton. Some of the things I have done with the ones at work required using a large hammer to tighten the vise down. Never have done any damage to the vise over the years.

Last night I exploded a 4 in. Duracast vise tightening down on a frozen 5/8 nut and bolt. I need a new vise .I'm looking for recommendations. I looked into American vises and was shocked to see how expensive they are. If that's what I have to pay I will but first I'd like some inp

Shop around. Even garage sales will turn up some. But get the best that you can. A good vise will last a lifetime and be a hand me down to another generation. My dads vise is over 40 years old and just as good as the day it was bought. One thing to look at is how the jaws are fastened on. Some are pinned, some are screwed on. The pinned vise jaws seem to hold up the best and do not loosen. A cheaper vise will have the jaws coming loose constantly. Also when you back out the movable side of the vise, grab it and see if it moves up and down. If it does, avoid it. A good one should have very minimal play to it.

 

[stricht8]

Seems like most Wilton vises are made in China nowadays and the price reflects it. Some Wiltons which I've seen in the Sears catalogue are made in the USA and are very expensive. I have an old wilton that I bought at a flea market for $15. It had a lot of suface rust but it looks nice now that I cleaned it up and painted it.

 

[bmwpower]

I'm not sure if they are still made but if they are, I would recommend a Record vise. The 6" one that I have is made in England and has used and abused and been pounded on and used as an anvil for 25 years and is still going strong.

Record was sold to Irwin. They are no more...

Yeah, I asked him about them quite a while back as I want one, don't remember what he has now.

Don't worry - I still remember. Like I said I have to get off my bum and list them.

"I have about 5 vises I need to unload but have been too lazy to get them up for sale."


Well you have some one looking for a vise .What cha got?

I've got:
3" Wilton Machinist, stationary
4" Athol , stationary
3 - 4-1/2" Reed, stationary


To the original poster, check out this thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7509

 

[Mike83]

Well, I stuck my hand down in between the jaws of the Wilton and proceeded to turn the jaws in with my other hand. Zowy!!! I just barely cranked it in and it got tight quick!!!

Reminds me of touching a stove top to see if it is hot

 

[DavidtheDuke]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=2224&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Holy cow!! It's swivels, okay. It has 12in max opening, okay. 3 grand!?!? It better be made out of quad-heat treated nanosteel.

 

[wilbilt]

Reminds me of touching a stove top to see if it is hot

I first learned how rimfire cartridges worked using my thumb and a vise.

Ouch!

 

[djjsr]

The quality of a vise is usually determined by the quality of the casting. Different companies make different lines, so don't just go by the name.
Example:

Wilton 676
6 1/2" jaws
Body casting 30,000 psi
Costs about $125

Wilton 1765
6 1/2" jaws
Body casting 60,000 psi
Costs over $500

 

[crowldawg]

I looked all over , made phone calls and just could not justify the cost of a new or old WILTON,YOST or,COLUMBIAN, Even my retired father-in -law ,who was a machinist/millwright said I was nut s, So I went for my sentimental favorite ,one that was around before the big boxes .I bought a 6 in Craftsman .At least it will help to keep them in business for a day or two more .Unfortunately sears also buys everything under a grand from china . I just can't win .

 

[russlaferrera]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=2224&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Holy cow!! It's swivels, okay. It has 12in max opening, okay. 3 grand!?!? It better be made out of quad-heat treated nanosteel.

A Wilton Vice site shows this vice (800S), going for $1,700 with free shipping.

 

[dxdexter]

Record was sold to Irwin. They are no more...

That *****. All the top brands are gone the way of the Dodo. I was also amazed to see Irwin bought Marples chisels of England and moved the production to Asia.I'm glad I have a set of the English chisels. Irwin has already started putting nails in the coffin of the once proud Vise-Grip name. Its a darn shame.

 

[hamburglar]

There's such a huge price range on (say) Wilton products, looking at eBay and Amazon, it would be interesting to have one of the local vise experts (not vice, I'm happy to give that lecture) go through a few of the models and explain $150 vs. $2000 besides just size.

 

[Uncle Buck]

i'm in a similar bind. i was looking at the cman pro (4'') at the local sears and i couldn't tell the difference between it and the Wilton (except for the red paint and price). does anyone know if this is the case? or does anybody have experience with one?
thanks

It is not a USA model, but I would not discourage you from one then continuing to look at sales, swap meets, auctions and the like for an old Columbian, Wilton, Reed or like type vise. You will recognize the quality old machinist vise when you find it; it will likely be dark and either rusty or oily, hopefully not have a handle that is bent like a pretzel, and it may or may not still have many of the serrations that were originally on the jaws left on the jaws by the time you find it!

You always have to be prepared to find the jewel in the rough that needs sand blasted, a new handle, and a thorough cleaning before putting it back to work, and bench vises are the kind of tool you may have no choice but to get the best non domestic new today you can afford and continue your quest for a few years or so to find your old timer. If I were in your spot I would get the Cman Pro model that looks like a Wilton (appearance is where the similarity ends) enjoy and use it and continue your quest.

 

[rsanter]

I bought a wilton vise used but in good shape for $25

bob

 

[Uncle Buck]

I bought a wilton vise used but in good shape for $25

bob

And on that day, All was right with the world, yes?

 

[wilbilt]

And on that day, All was right with the world, yes?

I got my Wilton 5 1/2" Tradesman for free. It was a good Tool Karma Day.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I got my Wilton 5 1/2" Tradesman for free. It was a good Tool Karma Day.

Those days are few and far between in my world and just flat out not forgotten!

 

[eschoendorff]

I would love to get my hands on a NOS Record vise. Seen them at a tool shop, but they were $$$$ at the time.

Merkava, you need to keep your body parts away from tools.

 

[garfunkle24]

I'm not sure if they are still made but if they are, I would recommend a Record vise. The 6" one that I have is made in England and has used and abused and been pounded on and used as an anvil for 25 years and is still going strong.

I agree with the vote for Record. I've always had great luck with their vises. They are now owned by Irwin. I thought maybe the quality would have gone down because of this, but i bought a new one a few months and can't tell much difference from my original Record vises.

Also, here is a link: (for Canada anyway)
http://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGI.../globalProductDetailDisplay.do?item_code=RCR6

 

[bmwpower]

I agree with the vote for Record. I've always had great luck with their vises. They are now owned by Irwin. I thought maybe the quality would have gone down because of this, but i bought a new one a few months and can't tell much difference from my original Record vises.

Also, here is a link: (for Canada anyway)
http://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGI.../globalProductDetailDisplay.do?item_code=RCR6

Really? Last time I looked, Irwin wasn't selling any vises. Maybe they were still in transition.

Here's one I bought and then sold reluctantly. It seemed like a nice vise, but I never used it.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9876&highlight=record

 

[dxdexter]

Really? Last time I looked, Irwin wasn't selling any vises. Maybe they were still in transition.

Here's one I bought and then sold reluctantly. It seemed like a nice vise, but I never used it.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9876&highlight=record

$100 was a quite a deal for that vise. Interestingly although it has 6" jaws it appears much smaller than my stationary No.6 Record which opens to 8.5". I guess thats because it swivels or the photos are deceiving my eyes.

 

[eschoendorff]

I agree with the vote for Record. I've always had great luck with their vises. They are now owned by Irwin. I thought maybe the quality would have gone down because of this, but i bought a new one a few months and can't tell much difference from my original Record vises.

Also, here is a link: (for Canada anyway)
http://www.acklandsgrainger.com/AGI.../globalProductDetailDisplay.do?item_code=RCR6

No kidding? Looks like I'll have to find a nice older record if I really want one. Not been super impressed with the latest stuff from Irwin...

 

[64merc]

I found a used 5" vise today that said "Workforce" on the sides. It seemed to be pretty sturdy but they wanted too much for it IMO ($50). I'm almost positive that it was not made in the USA, but I wonder if this is the same Workforce brand that Lowes sells? It seemed to be of decent quality, but who knows. It was similar to this one, except that the whole jaw assembly swivels as well:

http://www.toolsteal.com/index.php?cat_id=861&prod_id=2823

When looking at vises, I've noticed that the main part that passes thru the base part of the vise is sometime cylindrical shaped, and is sometimes square shaped. Is there any advantage to having either style? (sorry for the bad description)

 

[crowldawg]

I think the square ones are the cheaper design .I know it was a square one that started this thread

 

[Uncle Buck]

I found a used 5" vise today that said "Workforce" on the sides. It seemed to be pretty sturdy but they wanted too much for it IMO ($50). I'm almost positive that it was not made in the USA, but I wonder if this is the same Workforce brand that Lowes sells? It seemed to be of decent quality, but who knows. It was similar to this one, except that the whole jaw assembly swivels as well:

http://www.toolsteal.com/index.php?cat_id=861&prod_id=2823

When looking at vises, I've noticed that the main part that passes thru the base part of the vise is sometime cylindrical shaped, and is sometimes square shaped. Is there any advantage to having either style? (sorry for the bad description)

Buy the red Craftsman Pro vise, while it is import, I think it would be head and shoulders better than the one in your link.

 

[PoorOwner]

I had bought cheap import vise with the locking levers just about to strip out right out of the box, but I have also bought a decent import vise (from grizzly) and it has been fine.. I think not everyone need a 60k PSI forged vise to use at home.. most of the time, I am using my lisle rubber jaws hold on to the delicate aluminum parts from the car.. not cranking the hell out of them..

 

[bmwpower]

I had bought cheap import vise with the locking levers just about to strip out right out of the box, but I have also bought a decent import vise (from grizzly) and it has been fine.. I think not everyone need a 60k PSI forged vise to use at home.. most of the time, I am using my lisle rubber jaws hold on to the delicate aluminum parts from the car.. not cranking the hell out of them..

When you've got a big strut assembly locked in the vise and you're cranking on the spanner, you'll be happy you have 60k...

 

[PoorOwner]

When you've got a big strut assembly locked in the vise and you're cranking on the spanner, you'll be happy you have 60k...

I have done that with a 4" HF vise not mounted, just on the floor and stepping on it (yeah I had no work bench then).. struggled but it worked.. I if strut casing was the thing being clamped, it would distort if you clamp it too hard with the vise, 60k forged or not.. Maybe it would go easier to bolt it back on the car after you take it out the spring..