Which bench vise should I buy?

[FTG-05]

I need another bench vise, I broke the **** out of my refurb'd chinesium bench vise a couple weeks ago.

I've down selected to two Yost bench vices and I'd like your opinions on them plus any other alternatives.

Yost ADI-8, $372:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G2QXKCQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Pluses: 130Ksi steel, not cast iron, pretty large 8" capacity, 360 degree rotation; weighs 57 lbs.
Negatives: Made in China.


Yost 750-DI Multi-jaw rotating combination vise with swivel base:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CBL62HQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Pluses: 65ksi ductile iron, I like the rotating feature; weighs 63 lbs.. Negatives: Not quite as big. Made in China.

I've looked at all the Wiltons and I'm not all that impressed (mostly cast iron) - until you get up to the US-made versions, which are $$$$$$.


I wish I could afford or could find an old Wilton; but they don't show up often nor do they last very long; plus still $$$.

Comments, suggestions?

Thanks,

 

[redragoon]

I wouldn't buy the rotating one. The red one looks good.

I've seen these Forward ones on Amazon that are a better price for a cast iron model.
https://www.amazon.com/Forward-Ductile-Channel-360-Degree-HY-30505-5In/dp/B081VBSYC7/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=vise%2Biron&qid=1606229804&sr=8-3&th=1

 

[Lucid Moments]

I have a Yost almost identical to the ADI-8 and it has been great to have so far. I am not a heavy user, but it has been pounded on a little with no ill effects so far.

 

[PugetDude]

Steel>Cast Iron

 

[RTM]

On the vise repair thread, someone posted a vise strength test video

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8815788&postcount=8380

 

[M635_Guy]

On the vise repair thread, someone posted a vise strength test video

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8815788&postcount=8380

That video has the ADI, but not the 750 Di (the similar/knockoff Irwin vise shown has very different details cast vs. ductile iron just to start). The ADI performs well in that video if you don't want to watch the whole thing. Close to 9K lb. max clamping (3rd IIRC) and broke well over 16K lb. in a way he deemed fixable. The rotation strap was a weak point. The Irwin knockoff actually did better on the "hit the steel bar" test.

I have the 750Di and really love it for its versatility (rotation, swivel, pipe jaws). It seems extremely well-made and beefy, though I haven't needed to bang on it with a sledge (lol). Would easily recommend it.

 

[sz0k30]

I used to have a non-rotating vise and there were times that it just didn't seem to the best option. Recently I got a swivel/rotating vise very similar to the Yost 750. Everyone on this site knocks them. I like it and depending on what I'm doing, I find it seems to come in handier.

I'm just a guy who likes to play with cars in my garage. I just need it to hold parts, so I don't need 20,000 pound of clamping force - I have a press for that. Whichever one you get, just use it as a vice, and don't beat too hard on the anvil because it isn't one.

 

[TailGunner3000]

I am a big fan of those rotating/swiveling vises. I have two in service and a third on the sidelines. They are one of those things you didn't know you needed until you have one.

The two I'm currently using are both cheap Chinese imports covered in Bondo. But they have held up amazingly well to all manner of use.

 

[1982fxr]

Got a pic of the one you broke so we can see what you're looking to step up from?

 

[DFB]

How about considering the Yost AS series? AS is for structural cast steel (SC37).

I have had the 6" version for years and years. 906AS is the model number. May not be the prettiest heifer in the herd but they are generally well built. And are made in Taiwan not China.

The Yost AS vise fared pretty well in that vise beater video, and didn't break not some like others About the only thing that really happened after a severe hammer beating was the flat stock bar under the locking swivel got bent then came loose.

A huge 10" 910AS can be sourced thru HD for $214 weighs 56 lbs The 8" is less money about a buck and half. There is a HiViz yellow option too.

Different models can often be found on Amazon also.

 

[Steve_P]

I have an ADI 5 and 6. Very nice and almost zero slop in the slide. Sooo much nicer than 50 yr old used that so many here obsess over

 

[M635_Guy]

Everyone on this site knocks them. I like it and depending on what I'm doing, I find it seems to come in handier.

I'm just a guy who likes to play with cars in my garage. I just need it to hold parts, so I don't need 20,000 pound of clamping force

Exactly - same for me, though I'd guess the 750Di would have done pretty well in that test. I also keep finding ways that it's useful that I didn't expect.

 

[shawhite]

My first question would be do you really need an 8in vise. I’m asking from a strictly loss of bench space perspective. Also an 8in vise that weighs 57lbs vs a Wilton machinist that comes in at 238lbs. I would be more inclined to give the 750di as I could see several uses for a vise that rotates. I believe most things in life you get what you pay wiltons are so popular because they have a history of making good vises. I will agree the names is getting somewhat tarnished with all these import vises they are putting out but it’s hard to beat a machinist or combo vise.

 

[Sasquatch912]

Just bought the Chinasian Wilton WS8. Had good reviews. All old vises in my area are way small (3-4") and everything else I've saw in box stores had major slop in it. This Wilton WS8 costed me a little over $200

 

[shawhite]

Just bought the Chinasian Wilton WS8. Had good reviews. All old vises in my area are way small (3-4") and everything else I've saw in box stores had major slop in it. This Wilton WS8 costed me a little over $200

A 4in Wilton 400s is bigger than a Wilton tradesman 1755 except the jaw width.

 

[Sasquatch912]

A 4in Wilton 400s is bigger than a Wilton tradesman 1755 except the jaw width.

This is the one I have
https://m.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200096474_200096474

 

[Paul_The_Builder]

I recently bought one of these rotating Wilton vises. Yes, its made in Asia, so perhaps not a "real" Wilton vise, but I find the build quality 1 notch above the standard Yost/store brand vises. I'm quite happy with mine, and I think the price point is very reasonable for its level of quality.

I, too, watched Fireball's video testing vises, and was pleased to see that the rotating vise he tested was in the same ballpark as the non-rotating vises. That convinced me to buy one. I agree with what other people have said, it has an extra level of versatility that comes in handy when you least expect it.

 

[Renegade1LI]

About ten years ago some crack head comes around selling some stuff, so i see three yost vices, model 5 made in usa, how much? He wanted a hundred each, which they were worth it, i told him I’d give him a hundred for all three, he started to turn away, thought for a second then left the 3 vices on the ground and took the hundred bucks. What a great all purpose vice and i have a couple spares, probably give them to my sons at some point.

 

[FTG-05]

I wouldn't buy the rotating one. The red one looks good.

I've seen these Forward ones on Amazon that are a better price for a cast iron model.
https://www.amazon.com/Forward-Ductile-Channel-360-Degree-HY-30505-5In/dp/B081VBSYC7/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=vise%2Biron&qid=1606229804&sr=8-3&th=1

Why wouldn't you buy the rotating 750DI?

Thanks,

 

[FTG-05]

Got a pic of the one you broke so we can see what you're looking to step up from?

Good question. I'll take one tomorrow; I don't have one AFAIK.

Thanks,

 

[M635_Guy]

Why wouldn't you buy the rotating 750DI?

Thanks,

The generic nature of that response warrants ignoring it. I love mine - it's extremely versatile, ductile iron, beefy and easy to use.

 

[seber]

I have the first one. It is truly impressive. It replaces a Wilton machinist 5" with the same size. Way more clamping force and better accuracy of jaw alignment. (less slop). The only downside is the jaw checkering is very sharp. I'm using jaw inserts more often than not.

 

[shawhite]

I have the first one. It is truly impressive. It replaces a Wilton machinist 5" with the same size. Way more clamping force and better accuracy of jaw alignment. (less slop). The only downside is the jaw checkering is very sharp. I'm using jaw inserts more often than not.

Sure you aren’t confusing the machinist vise with the tradesman?

 

[1cargarage]

If the "made in china" bothers you about the Yost, but you're still ok with ~$372 price tag, look at the 'equivalent' Bessey options (Made in "Europe" - more specifically they're made in Turkey") and the Ridgid F-Series options. Both great options IMHO.

 

[sberry]

You wanna work the rotator is where it's at. I got a 5, only thing that would make it better is being a 6. Pic in morning.

 

[cgv69]

Another option is the Capri Tools forged steel version...

https://capritools.com/shop/forged-steel-bench-vises/

Its made in Taiwan and in my experience, Taiwanese made tools are much better quality then Chinese tools. Better then Turkish made stuff IMO too.

 

[Temaweaver]

I recently purchased a Capri 6” and returned it for a Wilton 746. I’m not saying that the Capri wouldn’t be a good vise, but the Wilton looks beefier.

 

[seber]

Sure you aren’t confusing the machinist vise with the tradesman?

No, it was a five inch machinist vise that I bought because the people on this site were so high on it. Huge disappointment. The base was excellent. It held tight at any angle. But the clamping force was just not enough to hold most work. I've seen and owned enough vises with bent handles to avoid using a cheater so I was stuck with poor holding. The good news is I bought it at auction for $300 and sold it for $500.

 

[cgv69]

If the "made in china" bothers you about the Yost, but you're still ok with ~$372 price tag, look at the 'equivalent' Bessey options (Made in "Europe" - more specifically they're made in Turkey") and the Ridgid F-Series options. Both great options IMHO.

I don't know about the Bessey but Ridgid still claims theirs is made in Germany? They do look like really nice vices for the money but my main hesitation is the non removable/replaceable jaws? Strange that they build them that way and is the one thing I prefer about the Capri version.

 

[redragoon]

Why wouldn't you buy the rotating 750DI?

Thanks,

It's more personal preference. The rotating design is necessary if you need to hold weird shaped objects at specific angles. I dislike that the screw is open in certain angles where it would collect debris and chips.

My dad has the Irwin version for holding various rifle parts for assembly. It does that well, but has some movement in all the joints. I would rather have a fixed one, but I do a lot of cutting, drilling, and tapping in metal parts.

 

[FTG-05]

It's more personal preference. The rotating design is necessary if you need to hold weird shaped objects at specific angles. I dislike that the screw is open in certain angles where it would collect debris and chips.

My dad has the Irwin version for holding various rifle parts for assembly. It does that well, but has some movement in all the joints. I would rather have a fixed one, but I do a lot of cutting, drilling, and tapping in metal parts.

Thanks!

 

[FTG-05]

Pics of my current Chinese vise that I repaired over 20 years ago:

 

[GoBig]

I have an older Yost and it has never let me down!

 

[hoffman912]

I have a masterforce from menards that is similar to your blue rotating one. I really like it, especially for the cost. It's stout, the rotation offers a lot of flexibility and it holds really well. at $80 its hard to beat.


https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...906-c-9135.htm?tid=3850200110623607864&ipos=5

 

[Mike007]

I just bought a Ridgid F-45. Someone mentioned the jaws not being replaceable. It was a concern for me. Then while doing my research, someone posted the fact that the jaws are guaranteed for life. And asked how many vise jaws have you worn out? Pointed out with a cast vise the jaws have to be removable because the cast materials can't be hardened.

So I bought it. Great vise made in Germany! I'm considering the Ridgid F60 now to replace a cheap Wilton mounted to my welding table.

 

[FTG-05]

Another option is the Capri Tools forged steel version...

https://capritools.com/shop/forged-steel-bench-vises/

Its made in Taiwan and in my experience, Taiwanese made tools are much better quality then Chinese tools. Better then Turkish made stuff IMO too.

Very very interesting. Never heard of Capri before. Their 7" 10517 vise is $325 on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015NI2AIS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks!

 

[exmaxima1]

I just bought a Ridgid F-45. Someone mentioned the jaws not being replaceable. It was a concern for me. Then while doing my research, someone posted the fact that the jaws are guaranteed for life. And asked how many vise jaws have you worn out? Pointed out with a cast vise the jaws have to be removable because the cast materials can't be hardened.
.....

The standard jaws on my Ridgid F-50 have very hard and sharp serrated faces. They grip incredibly well, and being steel (as opposed to sintered like on most imports) they should easily outlive me. But since serrated jaws leave marks on most anything I use magnetic soft covers the vast majority of the time and the jaws rarely see anything that could conceivably wear them out.

 

[cgv69]

The standard jaws on my Ridgid F-50 have very hard and sharp serrated faces. They grip incredibly well, and being steel (as opposed to sintered like on most imports) they should easily outlive me. But since serrated jaws leave marks on most anything I use magnetic soft covers the vast majority of the time and the jaws rarely see anything that could conceivably wear them out.

That was more of my concern. I'm looking possible to buy a new vice for my gun room and don't want or need serrated jaws. Sure I can and would use some type of jaw pad but it would be nice of the factory jaws and removable/ reversible pads with a smooth side. Other then that, does seem like a nice vice for the money.

 

[1cargarage]

OP:

The replaceable jaw feature is wonderful in that it keeps the vise from having to be scrapped in the event of the jaws wearing out whilst the remainder of the vise is fine.

The magnetic jaw pads as mentioned by others are a wonderful option to have at the ready. They can be made, bought, stolen, whatever, and come in 31 flavors (aluminum, v-notched, rubber, polyurethane, copper, leather, "fiber", cork, etc.).

I'm a believer that a guy should have a few sets in different styles near the vise all the time, as you'll inevitably need more or less bite than whatever is currently installed.

 

[shawhite]

I just bought a Ridgid F-45. Someone mentioned the jaws not being replaceable. It was a concern for me. Then while doing my research, someone posted the fact that the jaws are guaranteed for life. And asked how many vise jaws have you worn out? Pointed out with a cast vise the jaws have to be removable because the cast materials can't be hardened.

So I bought it. Great vise made in Germany! I'm considering the Ridgid F60 now to replace a cheap Wilton mounted to my welding table.

I guess if you don’t use your vise a lot you won’t wear out the inserts or in your case the jaws. They wouldn’t make and sell jaw inserts if there was not a marker for it so apparently I’m not the only person who has worn out a set of jaws. I personally like my vise nice and stout 27lbs for a 5in vise seems a little light to me