Which vice
- Thread starter Macduf
- Start date
Mark in Indiana
Well-known member
Macduf:
Littlestown Vises are good. What brings up the value is that the removable pipe jaws are there. However, I would choose the Craftsman because it has a covered spindle, in better shape and it looks a little larger.
Littlestown Vises are good. What brings up the value is that the removable pipe jaws are there. However, I would choose the Craftsman because it has a covered spindle, in better shape and it looks a little larger.
Shootinok
Well-known member
This is like asking Blonde or Brunette 
Both are really nice.
I have a craftsman like the one pictured - really great little vise, zero complaints.
The great thing about tools is, you can have both and they don't get mad.
Both are really nice.
I have a craftsman like the one pictured - really great little vise, zero complaints.
The great thing about tools is, you can have both and they don't get mad.
IndyGarage
Well-known member
Neither - Swivel vises **** - 100% of the time.
The best piece of advice I ever got on this forum was to get rid of you swivel vises.
Try to find a fixed Reed or Parker and your life will be better.
The best piece of advice I ever got on this forum was to get rid of you swivel vises.
Try to find a fixed Reed or Parker and your life will be better.
I agree, but until you find a fixed base vise you like ...keep the Craftsman!
tool_scrounge
Well-known member
I have had both. The craftsman is a little better.
Fretters
Well-known member
There is some sanity across the pond then.
Macduf: For what space it will consume, shove the other under a bench or in a cupboard. You will find a use for a second vice at some point.
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MushCreek
Well-known member
...until you need one. Different tool, different applications. For me, I need a swivel base vise. That's like trying to nail brads with a sledge hammer, then saying, "Sledge hammers ****! Throw away your sledge hammer."
IndyGarage
Well-known member
I suppose there is some use for one - I just don't know what that would be. In the few years since I got rid of my swivel base vises, I haven't had a single time where I wished I still had one.
And they do ****. I've never had one that didn't slip. I saved my last one, just in case I needed it - probably time to pass it on.
Fretters
Well-known member
As a nation, we seem to agree on that point, as I can honestly say that I can count on one hand the amount of times I've ever seen a swivel base vice in a business or industrial setting over here. They're practically unheard of, and no-one has been unable to achieve their need with a fixed vice.
Lelandwelds
Well-known member
This is like asking Blonde or Brunette
Both are really nice.
I have a craftsman like the one pictured - really great little vise, zero complaints.
The great thing about tools is, you can have both and they don't get mad.
Only room for one? Are you sure? Mount it on a plate welded to a post and brake drum.
I have that Craftsman vise on a portable post, too. It gets used mostly for soldering and brazing. And oxyacetylene twin hose repair. And heating stuck parts before penetrating oil. And holding my "painting stick" with nails for impaling my victim. Actually, it gets lots of messy jobs and the "hug the vise" jobs and the "I don't want this **** making a mess on my bench" jobs.
And when they happen to offer a swivel base on a UK vice, they clearly do not understand that the stationary rear jaw must be able to clear the table edge for tall work pieces. They just make the bases too damn big!
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seber
Well-known member
My work bench is closed by a wall at one end and a drill press at the other. If my vise didn't swivel it would be almost worthless. BTW it locks very solid. (Wilton Machinist) Everyone has different needs. That's why they make variations.
Fretters
Well-known member
And when they happen to offer a swivel base on a UK vice, they clearly do not understand that the stationary rear jaw must be able to clear the table edge for tall work pieces. They just make the bases too damn big!
As I mentioned, swivel bases aren't our forte.
rlitman
Well-known member
This, coming from the guy who's avatar is a Littlestown vise. Nice. But anyway, yeah, I agree completely.
My Littco vise currently lives on a second bench, with aluminum soft jaws permanently affixed. On soft jaw duty, the small swivel in it doesn't bother me.
Across from it, on the central bench is my Wilton bullet. I have had no issues with the swivel that it came on.
I have a swivel vise (it's a Parker) and haven't had it slip on me. I use the swivel sometimes when I'm doing something that would be awkward to do side-to-side, like draw filing or using a spokeshave. If I had it mounted on a workbench that was in a more open area a fixed base would work great, but I can only get at it from the front.
Parrothead
Well-known member
I happen to like my swivel base vise, then again I am in a two car garage and I've needed it to swivel for a variety of reasons.
Don't know what you're working on where a swivel base would hurt or let go. I've never had that problem.
davethorik
Well-known member
I had quite a lot of use on a 6" Columbian like that Craftsman with the stamped steel slide, they are good vises although sloppy, they will hold what you need them to. Although as IndyGarage mentioned, the swivel base locks are basically worthless if you have to lean in to your work on this type of vise. For light use I'm sure either would be fine, but I'd probably rather have a covered spindle.
Tennessee Cattleman
Well-known member
Swivel vise bases have their place, but just not at my place. I take them off of used vises that I have bought before mounting. A covered spindle is a must have have for me also.
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IndyGarage
Well-known member
Hammering with a big hammer will move every swivel vise I've ever had.
I can't stand the puny little locks they have on them.