Vises: What size of Jaws?

[Beowulf]

I know this is very personal and will depend on application. I’d like to hear from the group on what the best size was for them and why they chose that size.

Of course I am looking at the Wilton 1745, 1755, or 1765. I’m leaning on going with the 1765 only to error on the too big side.

My application will just be normal home maintenance and jeep work. The jeep work does include custom fabrication or welding……usually. And if there is custom fab work, it is very minor.

 

[1982fxr]

it's really nice to have a bigger vise in the 5-6" range, imo. I don't think you can go wrong with the 1765. If you find you need something a little smaller you can usually pick one up for real cheap. It's the big stuff that gets expensive, so once that's out of the way you're pretty much in the clear.

 

[Davefr]

When it comes to vises and anvils bigger is better. I've never heard anyone regret buying too big a vise or anvil.

 

[Mr. Brooks]

I have a 1780 - 8" - prolly overkill, but I like having the extra inches. Who wouldn't....

 

[kiatech]

You are not man if you own a vise under 8 inches

 

[ilovevocs]

I agree with all the above. Wouldn't go less than 5, but 6 would be preferable. 4 is a waste I bench space IMHO.

 

[jakemac]

The first vise I bought was a 5 1/2".
I had worked with my grandfather's 3" vise growing up, and often wished it was bigger. I'd suggest going for the largest vise you can afford and/or fit. It's always better to think in terms of what you might need later, as opposed to what you think you need right now. That way you don't come up short at the wrong time and have to pay more later.

That being said - there is nothing wrong with getting a cheap smaller vise to start with, while you hunt for a good deal on something permanent.

 

[Filson]

Love my 8" Reed!

 

[rusty65]

For a Tradesman series vise I personally think a 6 1/2 would work great and anything bigger then that could get kinda awkward. The reason I say 6 1/2 is because that should have similar specs to a C1 and i love the size of my C1 good weight and opens up just enough and does not waste and use excessive bench space. What ever size you pick don't go too small or you will probably regret it down the road.

 

[scw1991]

Picked up a pristine Wilton 1765 a few years ago for $75 off of CL and it's everything I've ever wanted and more. There is simply no comparison to the cheapy Chiwanese vises offered today at the big box stores. The precision construction and clamping power of a Wilton ductile iron vise is unbelievable.

 

[larry_g]

I going against the opinions of the above. I have a big Wilton and a smaller 3.5" Reed and find that I use the Reed much more than the Wilton. With a big vise it is hard to grab a small part and judge the force your applying to it. Its like having a 3 lb hammer and a 12 oz hammer. Each has their place but for most work the smaller is going to do the job.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[SteveCh]

Mine is a 6", but only because that is what I bought in ignorance way back when. However, now that I've used it for many years, I don't want a smaller-jawed one. I could probably get by with a 5".

 

[bobcatdan]

Go big or go home. You can always buy a second smaller one later. When I say smaller, I'm thinking 6", like a C3.

 

[oldldh]

The 1765 will float your boat, until you find a used 600S for a reasonable price...

Then you will notice your 6 1/2" 1765 shrinking right before your eyes, as you look at the 6" Wilton 600S...