vise size

[WWShop]

I know this has been asked before but I didn't really get the answer I was looking for. This American Scale no 10 is on my local CL for $60 or best offer and the jaws are 3 3/4". I have a medium duty Columbian with 4" jaws but I would like to have a vise that is a little more heavy duty, but I was looking for a vise with 4.5" jaws. Am I really losing a lot by going with the 3.75" vise? This is gonna be used for home use, metal fab, some mechanical use home repair etc.

 

[Fretters]

You need to really see the vice in the flesh to gauge it. Jaw width isn't the best indicator of vice size. Two different 4" vices can vary wildly in overall size due to intended purpose etc. My everyday vice for the last two decades over is only a 4-1/4" inch, and I've never yearned for owt larger, but that's because it's an overall fairly large, sturdy vice. I have an older version of it which is only 3", and that I would class as adequate for practically anything I might generally do too, so as you can tell, jaw width is a poor gauge. Check the vice out in person if possible, and you'll be able to gauge adequacy far better than surmising from the jaw width.

 

[drivesitfar]

WW: id buy that american scale and sell that columbian that probably weighs 10 pounds less. Then spend a bit more money and find a 4.5 or 5 inch old Reed, rock island, parker or other old vise. Whats your budget for a vise to last you for the rest of your life?

 

[General Geoff]

Jaw width by itself does not mean much. A new 6" jaw-width consumer grade import vise is overall smaller, lighter and not as strong as an industrial grade 4.5" jaw-width machinist vise.

 

[WWShop]

Unfortunately the vise just sold. My budget is $120. I've been looking on ebay too but not sure what to get.

 

[exmaxima1]

Unfortunately the vise just sold. My budget is $120. I've been looking on ebay too but not sure what to get.

Where are you located? Your budget should bring you many options.

 

[WWShop]

In MN but i never see much on CL as of late.

 

[exmaxima1]

In MN but i never see much on CL as of late.

Lots of nice ones near the Twin Cities:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/tls/5310738210.html (THIS IS A GREAT VISE)

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/tls/5299850566.html (offer $65)

http://eauclaire.craigslist.org/tls/5287416267.html

http://rmn.craigslist.org/grd/5236628177.html (I just included this one for grins---INSANELY priced)

 

[zkling]

Replaceable (easily) jaws are pretty much a must for me on my general use shop vise. Just something to consider, especially if the original, cast in jaws are worn smooth or not flat.

 

[bobcatdan]

As many have stated, jaw size isn't the only thing to consider. Many new or just plain cheap vises are kinda in a way squared in that they open about as wide as their jaw with. I like the classic machinist vise. My go to vise is a Columbian 503 1/2. 3/12" jaws and open a little of 6". For most general mechanic work, I find it perfect. I probably use that vise 10 to 1 to my big 279 1/2 Parker. When talking about true American classic vises, for most people a 4" vise is enough.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I use an old Columbian with 3 1/2 jaws and opens to 4 1/2 works good for mid duty work but I wish I had something bigger sometimes.

 

[WWShop]

Lots of nice ones near the Twin Cities:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/tls/5310738210.html (THIS IS A GREAT VISE)

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/tls/5299850566.html (offer $65)

I actually offered $60 on the bottom one because it looked like the locking handle (not sure of the actual part name) is missing.

What kind of vise is the top one that you say is so good?

 

[jrobb316]

Lots of nice ones near the Twin Cities:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/tls/5310738210.html (THIS IS A GREAT VISE)

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/wsh/tls/5299850566.html (offer $65)

I actually offered $60 on the bottom one because it looked like the locking handle (not sure of the actual part name) is missing.

What kind of vise is the top one that you say is so good?

Its a columbian made Craftsman.

 

[dumper]

I have Columbian 4" and 4-1/2" vises of the same style. The 4-1/2" vise is alot beefier than the 1/2" difference in jaw width would make it seem. They are both great vises to use, but for daily use, the 4-1/2" stays on the bench. The vise on the left is a 3" Morgan. Yes, I prefer fixed base vises! Weights, from left to right, 26, 37, and 45lbs.