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Welcome to the Bench Vise series. Today we’re going to talk about the best bench vise for the money!
Here are a few questions to get you riled up.
How many times have you been using the vise and it just slips? How many times have your wrenches slipped because of the oil on it? These are concerns of amateur carpenters. You should invest in a professional bench vise. These amazing tools can handle heavy usage better than any other vise, from woodworking to blacksmithing to fishing. They are designed with durability in mind and will be a keystone for your workshop or garage.
So let’s get this right, you are only using two hands, and that can be an issue in certain situations. Even when you can’t use your hands to hold a workpiece safely, a bench vise is the perfect solution.
The Bench Vise’s design is a versatile, portable vise that offers great gripping power. It’s durable and lightweight, and it adjusts to fit the workbench in your shop. Whether you’re building a small cabinet or the next Mars rover, this is the only tool you need.
You can use a bench vise for many tasks. Clamps and vises are available in various styles including swiveling, universal, and fixed jaw vices. A wide variety of clamping uses is available including pipe, tubing, woodworking, maintenance, hobbyist projects and architectural hardware applications.
A lot of people use a workbench as well as a vise clamp. Nowadays, there are many varieties to choose from. You should base your investment on the type of project you want to work on. The preferred bench vises have the properties that make them long-lasting.
Don’t have time To read? No worries!
Below are our top picks for your convenience
Dweller Power’s Best Pick
Best Bench Vise For The Money
Yost Vises 908-AS 8″
- 8″ Nominal Width
- 360-degree Swivel Base
- Black-painted Cast Steel for Anti-Corrosion
Runner Up
Yost LV-4 Home Vise
- 30, 000 PSI Cast Iron Construction
- Holds 0. 6″ D to 1. 85″ D pipes and tubes
- Economical W/O Compromising Performance
2nd Runner Up
Wilton 11106
- 30,000 PSI Gray Cast Iron Body
- 120-degree Swivel Base
- Built for Performance
Table of Contents
What is a Bench vise?
Designed for the toolbox of serious DIYers, mechanics, and craftsmen, a bench vise is a must-have for any garage workbench. It clamps pieces securely and holds them still while you work.
A vise is an important and necessary tool for welders or any type of mechanic. From fine tuning a piece of equipment to welding a part, every mechanic needs quality tools to get the job done.
When mounted on a workbench, this clamp provides versatility and allows one to obtain a great degree of precision. This bench vise is the only one you need to have a great work.
If you are looking for the best one on the market, keep in mind these 3 main characteristics:
Jaw Width –
A vise’s jaw’s width is measured in inches, with 4″ being the optimal size. The larger the jaw width, the more you can hold inside of it. The best bench vise will come with a large jaw opening because it ensures a better grip for working on bigger objects.
Throat Depth –
A bench vise’s real estate is its throat. The closer the distance between the jaws, the more material a unit can hold.
If you’re looking for an easy way to hold multiple objects, choose a Bench Vise with extra Throat Depth. This feature provides the versatility you need while working on larger projects-from building furniture to automotive repair.
Jaw Capacity –
It shows you how wide the jaws are. Look for a bench vise that can accommodate at least two inches wide on each jaw. If you want to put in larger objects, make sure it’s wider than this.
Kinds Of Bench Vise
There are three main types of bench vises, each suited to a different project. In general, however, you should consider your needs and the project at hand when choosing a bench vise.
Benchtop Vises
A benchtop vise is, as the name suggests, a vise that mounts directly on top of your workbench. What’s interesting is that some models actually clamp to the tabletop surface, while others simply bolt through the tabletop for a more secure placement.
Any job requiring a strong grip and steady clamp should use the benchtop vise. While some are specialized for a particular purpose, the benchtop vise is designed to handle all tasks. Benchtop vises are used to hold objects firmly in place while work is performed on them. This makes them ideal for grinder- and welding tables. Although this tool is useful for mechanics and metalworkers, it has limited use for woodworking.
Front Vises
When you mount a front vise at the front edge of your workbench, it’s easy to do things like cut and plane wood. Woodworkers love front vises because they let you do work without having long pieces of lumber hanging out into the middle of your shop.
Professional front vises are designed for a variety of woodworking applications. Typically, they are easy to install and include a quick-release mechanism that allows you to quickly move the vise from one location to another. This allows you to quickly size a piece of work before locking it in place with a turn of the handle.
End Vises
End vises are mounted at the end of a workbench to provide stability while planing or flattening. These cast steel units are used in woodworking to help turn lumber into planks, and they also come in handy for drilling holes.
The end vise is not the only use for a table saw. It isn’t any longer true that most materials will protrude beyond its capability
Where Can I Use A Bench Vise?
An often under appreciated tool, the bench vise is an incredibly adept at performing its function.. Here are some of the most common uses for this often overlooked essential:
Cutting Conduit
Made of high-quality steel, this bench vise features adjustable jaws, and has a rubber lip for your electrical conduit.
If you’re the type of electrical contractor who wants precision cuts on your conduit in a flash, you need a bench vise.
Drilling
A vise gives your hands added control so you can drill more accurately. With that vise helps you drill strategically.
Gluing
When you need your two pieces to stay together until the glue dries, a good vise is a handy tool to have.
Metalworking
A vise is extremely useful in metalworking, acting as a third hand, so you can bend or twist metal at ease.
Sanding or Planing
To achieve a smooth finish in woodworking, you need to keep your work flat and steady. An excellent way to do this is with a vise.
Sawing
Locking the wood securely into a vise means it will not move while you are cutting it.
Who Are Bench Vises For?
When it comes to bench vises, there are different models for different matters. Woodworkers and mechanics are 3 specific types of bench vises. It’s important to know what kind you need before purchasing.
Woodworker’s Vise –
It holds wood in place as you drill, saw, or manipulate. It acts as a carpenter’s clamp and can be used with soft and hard materials. It is often found in carpentry workshops and is used to hold objects during the process of drilling or sawing.
Engineering Vise –
When it comes to metal objects, this vise has a special design. It is primarily made for holding both delicate and hard materials. The jaws can hold things like wood, plastic, copper or aluminum with ease.
This mechanic vise can’t be attached to the workbench but can be mounted easily with bolts or a clamp as you prefer.
Pipe Vise –
The pipe vise is a durable welding tool that securely holds steel tubes during the welding and brazing process. It is made of cast iron or aluminum.
This tool is designed for plumbers. It can be mounted on a table or used as a hand-held device. It can hold tubes for threading, cutting, or welding with a 0.4 to 2 cm diameter.
Overall, a lot of other kinds of specialized vises can be found in the market, these mostly are the catch-all multi-purpose bench vise best for mechanics and woodworkers. Some as well provide industrial-grade settings for high-scale project demands with self-centering, multi-axis, and extra capacity features.
10 Best Bench Vise
for The Money
The best choice for your workspace and particular budget can be a tough decision. We’ll help you navigate these waters so you can make the best decision.
SAVE TIME – Read the entire article below to get a quick overview of your options, or just use the table above to click to the right one.
Here are our 10 top choices for best bench vise for the money — just scroll through and you can read all their features.
#1 Yost Vises 908-AS 8″ –
Best Bench Vise for the Money
Features:
• The 8″ nominal width of the top jaw makes it easy to hold materials securely. Plus, you can clamp items between 3/4″ and 2-1/4″ in diameter.
• 360-degree swivel base adjusts the direction of the jaws for proper placement and locks in place
• The black-painted cast steel body of this wrench acts as a mild protector from corrosion and provides an extra work surface.
• Built-in pipe jaws and replaceable top jaws are grooved for a tighter grip on product
• The main screw that controls the jaws is encased in a protective device to shield it from damage
• Best Bench Vise For The Money
Yost’s 908-AS Heavy Duty 8″ Bench Vise is built for work, not show. With a massive 8” jaw width and 10” of jaw movement, the 908-AS will tightly clamp and hold anything you throw at it. Its construction is simple and easy to understand – designed to last a lifetime.
Review:
Strong and durable, the Yost Vise is constructed of a single die-cast metal part, ensuring its high level of quality.
It’s a super-precision tool with high build standards. It is made of 60,000 PSI cast steel and has a 3 1/2″ throat depth. It swivels 360 degrees, too. Built like a tank and built to last. The Yost Vise is the perfect addition to your workshop for the do-it-yourselfer or hard core mechanic. Its strong enough to hold an engine steady during repairs.
Built to last, the Yost Vise is built with replaceable jaws and a pivoting mechanism that ensures high durability even after years of heavy-duty use. Yost, the perfect combination of quality and simplicity. Its design features a square bar to protect against common mistakes.
With all it’s durability and features involved, as well as the massive numbers of high reviews, this is definitely the Best Bench Vise for the Money!
#2 Yost LV-4 Home Vise – Runner Up
Features:
• Home Work Shop Vise, woodworking, assembly, general maintenance.
• Jaw width: 4-1/2″ (11.4CM) x Jaw opening: 3″ (7.6CM) x Throat depth: 2.4″ (6.1CM)
• Holds 0. 6″ D to 1. 85″ D pipes and tubes (1. 5CM x 4. 7CM)
• 30, 000 PSI cast iron construction, blue power coat finish
• Anvil: 1. 75” x 2” (4. 4CM x 5. 1CM)
Review:
The Yost LV-4 bench vise is present in this article as it is one of the cheapest options in this article. With a jaw width of 4 ½ inches, the LV-4 is capable of clamping larger projects like bikes or furniture. It has a throat depth of 2.4 inches and a jaw opening of 3 inches that is quite decent for its given price.
Yost LV-4 Home Vise is one of the loudest vise for small-scale tasks. And not to mention that it comes at an affordable price for high-quality products.
Don’t let the price fool you; this is a top-notch bench vise. Its completely immobile forged steel frame will give you years of trusty service. The Yost LV-4 Home Vise is a manual bench vise that’s perfect for beginners. It offers a great price and comes with 1-year of coverage, which is almost unheard-of in this price range.
With its maximum swivel angle of 240 degrees, it is adjustable enough for any type of working environment. The base is something most other stands don’t include or skimp on. With the included fasteners, you can mount this vise to almost any bench or table. It’s one of the best vises people have ever spent their money on.
#3 Wilton 11106 Wilton Bench Vise
– 2nd Runner Up
Features:
• DURABILITY: Have castings with a 30,000 PSI gray cast iron body built for rugged use and extended life.
• 120 DEGREE SWIVEL: Has a double lock down swivel base
• PERFORMANCE: Has grooved steel jaw inserts and large anvil work surface
• LIFETIME WARRANTY: Product is built to last. Wilton warrants every product they sell against manufacturers’ defects.
• IDEAL FOR: General purpose, home shop, weekend projects, and light duty use
Review:
The Wilton 11106 is built to withstand daily heavy use, but it remains versatile enough to handle any project in the shop. A 1/2-inch thick anvil and included guide help increase productivity while the well-braced frame provides superior support for high-torque applications.
Made with an impressive 6-inch jaw opening and 6-inch serrated replaceable jaws, it’s designed to be a sturdy and durable addition to your workshop. The 30,000 PSI hardened steel is ideal for today’s smallest work pieces.
It’s suitable for heavy duty functions and the rugged design grips quickly for non-slip performance. This vise is built to last, with an immense strength that we guarantee you will admire.
Featuring a heavy-duty cast iron base with non-slip rubber feet, the bench vise securely holds wood in place as you work.
This gives you the ability to adjust the angle of the vise to your needs more effectively and ergonomically, each with a flat anvil surface for hammering away at tasks. Innovative features position this vise securely to any bench at any angle.
The Wilton Bench Vise features a high tensile strength steel base and chrome plated die cast handle. It comes equipped with a square sleeve over the handle to prevent binding when it’s in use.
#4 TEKTON 54004 Bench Vise
Features:
• Cast iron construction (30, 000 PSI tensile strength) with replaceable serrated steel jaws holds work with a sure, nonslip grip
• 120-Degree swivel base with dual lock-down nuts positions workpiece where you need it
• Three mounting holes anchor vise securely to workbench
• Polished steel anvil offers a smooth, consistent work surface for shaping metal pieces
• Acme-threaded screw glides smoothly without binding
Review:
For the most efficient use of your shop space, the Tekton 4 Inch Swivel Bench Vise is a good choice. It can be easily fitted and used on a portable or stationary workbench or used for more stability on a table or workstation. Setting it up is simple and it is just as easily moved when your work is complete.
The TEKTON 4-Inch Swivel Bench Vise provides a strong, sturdy 30,000 PSI cast iron design and reliable clamping solution for any job at hand. It features replaceable jaws, with a jaw opening of 4 5/8 inches. It’s made from high-quality materials to create a benchtop vise that will serve you for years to come.
It has one of the strongest clamping force around and can turn up to 120 degrees. It swivels in both directions to make it easier to get the perfect angle on projects, and height-adjustable jaws allow easy access to the work piece with enough room to accommodate large and small projects.
The TEKTON Swivel Bench Vise is a tool that you would want to keep on your workbench.
It is made of high-quality steel with brass and steel thread inserts to ensure durability. You can hammer, twist, swivel, clamp and so much more with this top-rated vise. And even though it does not have a centered base, you can still use it to accomplish great results.
Well-designed with a gorgeous black finish and easy-to-reach hole pattern, the TEKTON 4-Inch Swivel Bench Vise has a great rating, is backed by a 1-year warranty and has earned consistently high praise from most customers.
#5 IRWIN 4935505 Bench Vise
Features:
• Bench vise with rotating pipe jaws and a 5-inch width
• Fused steel handle makes adjusting a cinch
• Swivel base allows for 360-degree rotation
• Incorporated anvil keeps vise steady while you work
• Jaw Width- 5 Inches / 12 cm. Throat Depth- 3 Inches / 7 c
Review:
IRWIN is an American brand specializing in high-end tools. The IRWIN 4935505 bench vise does not disappoint, with premium rust-resistant chrome plating, an adjustable knob, and a smooth wooden handle.
IRWIN is a manufacturer of tool grabs, jacks, and bench vises. IRWIN specializes in industrial-size vises, which are their most in-demand products. Their 4935505 bench vise has an excellent reputation for being powerful and durable.
The Irwin bench vise is constructed from hardened steel and has machined finishing faces. The jaw width of the 4935505 is 5 inches, making it large enough for most workpieces. The throat depth of 3 inches and the jaw opening of 4.9 inches help you work comfortably with many different workpieces, including smaller pieces like golf clubs and small auto parts.
The Irwin 4935505 is an innovative product. It works with 360-degree swivel base, and it is made of cast iron for durability. Its handles pivot easily, and they are designed to give users a better grip. This new vise also has a lifetime warranty, so you are covered if anything happens with the product.
This versatile bench vise features a cast iron body and 360° swivel base. This tool is the best solution to all your clamping needs and its high quality will ensure years of smooth, reliable operation.
#6 Wilton Model WS8 8-Inch Shop Vise
Features:
• VERSATILITY: Great vise for home shops, light duty use, woodworking, and weekend projects.
• LARGE CAPACITY: Jaw width of 8 inches, and throat depth of 4 inches.
• DURABILITY: Features replaceable serrated top jaws, and rubber pinch-point safety guards.
• EASY POSTIONING: Full 360-degree swivel base has quick and easy positioning thanks to a double lockdown.
• PLENTY OF STRENGTH: 30,000 PSI iron castings for strength and durability.
Review:
Are you a craftsman who appreciates fine tools? The Wilton Model WS8 8-Inch Shop Vise is a high quality tool that will last for years. It’s good for metalwork, woodworking, and more. If you’re looking for a reliable shop vise, this is the choice for you.
Performance and durability are housed in the Wilton Model WS8 8-Inch Shop Vise. With 30,000 PSI cast iron featuring replaceable 8-inch jaws for any kind of task, an adjustable throat depth that can extend up to 4 inches, and rubber grip on the handles for comfort and protection during use; this is a tool you’ll treasure for years to come.
The Bench Vise features a double-action screw that is adjustable from zero to two turns. It has a metal base and jaw, as well as a three-inch wide anvil and a heavy-duty swivel base. These features make the Bench Vise perfect for any type of metalworking.
This vise has a 360 degree ability to lock securely into place, while its sturdy T handle helps operation much easier and safer. You’ll never risk pinching your fingers again with the T-handle and rubberized grips. The anvil is centered for repetitive tasks.
#7 Forward DT08125A 5-Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise
Features:
• Dimensions: Jaw width:125mm(5″), Opening: 125mm(5″), Throat Depth: 67mm(2.6″), Clamp force: at least 5500lbs
• Durable: Material updated, stationary body and floating body are all made from high strength ductile iron, PSI 60,000
• Multifunctional: Mounting vise on the workbench, then you could do the work of grinding, cutting, and etc. Tapping work can also be done on the anvil of bench vise
• Great for clamping and fixing workpiece: Higher clamping force; Longer opening; Bigger anvil; Deeper throat depth; Wider jaw; Round workpiece clamping; Microgroove tooth space for better grip; 360 degree swivel base providing unlimited clamping space
• Perfect Dual-Purpose Vises: This 5″ vise is suitable for both industrial and DIY home use. The front jaw can be rotated by 360 degree, more convenient for clamping works
Review
Forward manufactures high-quality products that are designed to do the job right. This bench vise is no exception. It’s designed to be as reliable as one can expect a vise to be and does its job well.
The Forward DT08125A is a heavy duty locking bench vise. It is designed for long term durability, and it shows. Despite being constructed from cast iron with steel fasteners, the Forward DT08125A is surprisingly lightweight.
Built for both professional and novice users, the Forward bench vise is a great choice if you don’t want to spend too much money on a vise.
With a 10-year warranty, you get total confidence that you’re getting a product designed to last.
This vise is among the best on the market and can be mounted in the vice mount opening at the bottom of the bench. It boasts a wide five-inch jaw capacity, so you can use it for heavy-duty projects. It also has a large throat depth so that you can easily clamp large workpieces.
Don’t trade your time for quality. When you use this professional 5 inch bench vise, you’ll have all of the torque needed to hold materials securely so you can work fast and get the best results possible. This vise is just the right size for most projects that need a vise, but doesn’t take up much space. It’s also made better than most of its competitors with a higher-quality heat treat.
Providing a rugged design that’s heavy duty enough to withstand everyday workshop use, this vice also features an integrated anvil that makes it easy to pound, hammer, and tap.
The Forward DT08125A Bench Vise’s ergonomic handle makes it easier to hold and use. Its swivel base allows you to rotate the workpiece for easier access, while its quick-release mechanism ensures safe and easy handling.
#8 Wilton – 78A Woodworkers Vise
Features:
• JAW WIDTH: 4″ x 7″
• JAW OPENING: 10″
• NET WEIGHT: 30 pounds
• ADAPTABILITY Front jaw pivots 10° to allow for clamping irregular shaped parts.
• VERSATILITY: Pivot jaw can be removed for wider clamping requirements.
Review:
The Wilton 78A Pivot Jaw Woodworkers Vise gives you the freedom to work on larger pieces of wood and more intricate projects. It’ll become an invaluable addition to your workshop.
The Wilton 63144 7-inch woodworking vise is an exceptional vise for craftsmen who have a variety of jobs to complete. The jaws are 4 inches wide with a maximum jaw opening of 10 inches and a throat depth of 5.5 inches, providing you with the ability to handle many uses without worrying about capacity.
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Featuring a unique, no-fuss design, this vise stacks the features you need without adding unnecessary bells and whistles. This makes it perfect for the pros who have to get their work done fast and efficiently.
Precise and robust, the Wilton 63144 Woodworkers Vise is an essential work piece that can be used to hold a range of items during woodworking. Designed for precision, the movable jaw of this woodworker’s vise helps ensure even pressure against uneven surfaces.
The jaws open to a large 9/16-inch, and the rosewood handle allows you to lock the vise into place. This affordable vise will make delicate work easy.
#9 Olympia Tool Bench Vise
Features:
• BENCH VISE: This vise features a heavy reinforced 4-lug base, polished anvil & anvil horn for shaping, swivel lock leaver, permanent pipe jaws, replaceable hardened steel jaw faces & a heavy-duty machined spindle & hand.
• CAST IRON CONSTRUCTION: With its 270-degree swivel base & powder coated finish our product is perfect for your heavy hardware woodwork. Attach it to your workbench in the garage & work with ease.Jaw Capacity:4.5
• MADE TO LAST: Our durable and long-lasting tools help you with home, garage & industrial projects. With professional-grade quality, easily repair & fix issues with our tool cabinet essentials.
• THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB: We engineer a range of bolt cutters, clamps, chisels, folding carts, hammers, pliers, saws, screwdrivers, tape measures, utility knives, vises, bolt cutters, saws & wrenches.
• SUPERIOR INSTRUMENTS: Olympia Tools provides quality & innovative hand & specialty tools, tool accessories & outdoor equipment for construction, woodworking, mechanical maintenance & home repair.
Review:
The Olympia Tool Bench Vise is commissioned by leading professionals around the world. It is easy to use and features a heavy-gauge base for added support and stability.
Weighing just 6.8 pounds the Olympia Tool Bench Vise offers a jaw width of 6 inches, not to mention a lightweight design for ease of use. The Olympia Tool Bench Vise has the power to clamp down on many items, from industrial applications to household objects. This tool is built for long term service. The iron cast with heat-treated steel clamps means it’ll last through use after use.
It has 2.75-inch throat depth and a jaw opening of 6 inches that will allow you to work on virtually anything. The all steel construction boasts an adjustable and fast-acting jaw with a 270-degree range of motion.
The Olympia Tool Bench Vise is a must-have for any busy workshop or home garage. It’s a workhorse.
#10 Capri Tools 10516 Bench Vise
Features:
• Contains 6 inches wide jaws, 8 inches jaw opening, and 3.5 inches throat depth
• Made of 90,000 PSI tensile strength drop forged steel
• Exerts 8,800 LBS of clamping force and comes with replaceable machinist and pipe jaws
• Comes with 360 degree swivel base, large anvil, and corrosion resistant black oxide handle
• Includes a lifetime warranty
Review:
If you’re looking for a vise with professional capabilities, look to Capri Tools. This heavy-duty vise offers excellent performance and value.
This Capri Tools 10516 bench vise is a quality option for anyone in need of a large, heavy duty bench vise. Made of 90,000 psi drop-forged steel, it weighs in at twenty pounds and is three times stronger than cast iron. It’s cost-effective and gives 8800 lbs. of clamping force. With the double lockdown swivel base, you’ll have access to every angle possible.
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It has a jaw width of 6 inches and a jaw opening of 8 inches. This means you can fit large objects in the vise with ease. What’s more, it has a throat depth of 3.5 inches, which makes it ideal for working on large metal objects. An inbuilt steel anvil gives you plenty of room to work and gives a smooth finish.
A well-rounded tool, the Capri Tools 10516 Bench Vise is durable and reliable. The manufacturer offers a lifetime warranty on this product along with replaceable machinist and pipe jaws.
Dweller Power’s Buying Guide
At their cores, tools may have similar functions, but when you begin to apply their uses and apply them to different jobs, each tool becomes an entirely different beast.
For example, many vise jaws are round and smooth with parallel edges. But specific applications may need a slightly different shape. Additionally, a bench vise should be a versatile tool that is able to adapt to multiple situations and be utilized in many ways.
Here are things to consider when buying the best bench vise for the money:
Material
When you need a bench vise for home or professional use, or the best bench vise for the money, choose a cast iron model. Cast iron is sturdy and durable for the most stubborn hardware jobs. Because it’s made from such a dense material, you’ll have enough clamp power to press on large pieces of machinery and hardware. It can also serve as a hammering surface for anvils with a lot of weight behind them.
For the expert woodworker, a steel vise is a great choice. For beginners though, it’s important to understand exactly what you need in a vise before purchasing one. These steel vises operate with leverage when clamping, allowing for more strength and force than a cast iron vise. That is why woodworking vises are usually less expensive than steel vices.
Vises grip boards less, so using a woodworking vice doesn’t require excessive force — giving you more control over your projects.
When choosing a bench vise, you’ll want to refer to its PSI, or pounds per square inch. This is a measurement of how much stress the vise is capable of withstanding.
When you’re working on a heavy piece of equipment, an iron vice can withstand the pressure and keep your project intact. Cast iron has a tensile strength of over 60,000 PSI, which allows it to withstand strong blows. For tightening bolts or holding wood and metal together, choose a bench vise with at least 30,000 pounds of tensile strength.
Now there are great manufacturers selling one of the best kinds of bench vises, the one which has replaceable jaws. This is a good feature because any self-respecting woodworker quickly notices how the jaw’s friction surface can get worn down with use. This is typically a problem if the user is working in a high-volume environment or projects areas that have been finished with particularly abrasive materials.
Jaw Width
Consider your workbench and the type of work you do before you decide on a bench vise. If you frequently use the vise or if you have to clamp hard or large objects, then a larger-jaw model, at around 10 inches, will be better. A smaller one is great for light-duty projects and repairs.
Jaw Opening
Jaw opening is an essential consideration when you’re purchasing a vise. It affects how wide of an object you can clamp and work on in the vise. Typically, jaw openings match jaw width. A 6in vise will have a 6in opening. However, this isn’t always true.
Woodworking vises like the front- and end-mounted ones will have jaw openings that are wider than traditional vises. Some are larger than 10 inches.
Throat Depth
When choosing a bench vise or woodworking vise, make sure to measure the throat depth. Throat Depth (from the top of the workbench to the screw mechanism) is important for clamping and holding items. It determines how much of the project you can reach with your hands while clamped.
Just as important as the throat size of a bench vise is its fullness. When you need to clamp wide, heavy boards or metal, then you will need a wide vice with a large working space, so you can hold your work across from its center. This prevents movement and gives you more stability, while allowing you to use more weight or force on the work.
Swivel Rotation
The best vise swivels for superior maneuverability. For example, you can easily position your material to get the optimal striking surface, which is essential for making a mark or bending something.
Swiveling allows you to quickly adjust your work piece at any angle, making it a must-have for any professional vise. This saves you time and energy, and your back will thank you.
Mount Type
A benchtop vise can be helpful when fixing a project on your bench. For professional woodworking, this is highly recommended! When selecting a bench vise, look for one with a mounting plate and tail stock that are constructed from steel or cast iron. These materials create a sturdy product for your workbench that will last for years to come.
The leg of the vise will ensure that your workpiece is stable when you hammer against it. A non-leg vise must be clamped to a bench or table. This will not only ensure your safety but also give you greater accuracy and precision.
Sometimes, you can screw them in with long screws into the edge of your workbench or holes in your work surface. They can also be bolted underneath. Be sure not to penetrate the top surface of your bench or there is a risk your woodworking plane’s blade will chip when flattening a board.
Anvil
One of the most useful features of a vise is that it can act as an anvil. One area on the vise, which is usually flat, can be used to hammer metal stock. It can be used to flatten or shape metal.
If you’re looking for a flat surface to work on, this anvil isn’t it.
However, it can be helpful if you need extra strength to knock a drift pin loose or flatten a bent lawn mower blade. The anvil won’t absorb the shock of the blow, so it will drive the force into the workpiece. This is great if you’re trying to break a piece of metal or if you need something freed up quickly.
Although to keep in mind, woodworking vises don’t have anvils on them, so either they would need to buy a separate anvil or just compromise with a standard bench vise.
Quick Release
Opening and closing vise jaws for different sized pieces can be frustrating. To save time, look for a vise with a quick release or rapid action feature. It’s much faster to slide into position and give it a twist for a tighter grip, rather than wasting time repeatedly opening and closing the jaws.
That’s why having a Quick-release feature will always come in handy with your projects, because you have the ability to push through or pull the jaws into the place you need it to be.
Durability & Build Quality
When buying a bench vise, do not settle for less than an incredibly durable one. While other materials are more aesthetically pleasing, nothing beats cast iron for its sturdiness. It may be expensive, but it’s definitely worth it in the long run.
Some vise models have a patented anvil that makes hammering an easy process. Though sometimes this is hard to get, it’s a noteworthy feature.
Price
When selecting your best bench vise for the money, you should consider the price to value ratio. It is not always the case that expensive devices will be of higher quality. Consider making a list with all the features and compare them to what you want for your bench vise.
Bench Vise Maintenance
A bench vise needs to be used in a proper manner to continue working effectively for the length of time desired. Here are the common steps to keep your bench vise well maintained:
Clean the Tool Before & After Using –
Machines can become hazardous when particles or scraps from the tool build up in the delicate parts of the machine. Many times this buildup leads to damage in the machine, making it unusable. Just wipe off your workplace before and after completing any task with your tools, to avoid damage.
Regular Checkup –
Give your table vise the care it deserves by inspecting each detail carefully. Inspecting every part may take time at first, but you will liberate yourself from the frustration of having a poorly functioning tool in the future.
You should always check to see that things are in working order and that any misalignment is accounted for. Wear protective equipment while sawing or drilling.
Lubrication –
Remember to regularly clean and oil your bench vise. It’ll keep your vise working for longer, and you’ll never have to worry about it breaking down on you.
To do this, first wipe it clean to prevent dirt, dust, and grease from contaminating the work area. This is necessary because most repairs are delicate and precision-based, and any particles that adhere to the work area can produce shock and cause damage. Grease should be applied on all screws, bolts, joints, and pivots of the machine to prevent it from seizing or becoming stiff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does a bench vise work?
How do you install a bench vise?
The ground will absorb much of your force instead of your workbench — so you can drill deeper holes into bigger wood.
What are the different types of replaceable jaw inserts?
Why ductile rod is essential for bench vise?
Why this impact resistance is important?
If you are a professional or large user, please check the impact resistance of your gears.
What are the preferable features of heavy-duty bench vise?
To ensure the best results, it is critical to select the right bench vise for your project by focusing on its flexible swivel base, weight capacity, base width, base length, work table size, and jaw capacity.
Is it essential to have swivel base?
Best Bench Vise for the Money
Final Thoughts
Best Bench Vise for the Money – Doing all of your work by hand can be extremely time consuming. Save yourself hours labor and thousands of dollars in new tools and accessories, by choosing a top-quality best bench vise for the money now before you need it!
Below are our last summary on what the best bench vise for the money is.
The best bench vise for the money in this article is the Yost Vises 908-AS 8″ bench vise. It has a 8-inch jaw width and a 3.75-inch throat depth, along with a 5.5-inch jaw opening. This makes the vise an excellent option for all of your clamping needs. It comes with a 3-year warranty.
The Wilton 11106 Wilton Bench Vise is also an incredibly reliable option for a bench vise to consider. For a brand you can trust, look no further than Wilton. Not only will you get the peace of mind that comes with a Wilton product, but you’ll also be able to get your hands on this bench vise for a very affordable price.
When money is tight, you can still choose the Yost LV-4. Even though it’s the cheapest option mentioned in this article, it still offers a 4 ½ inch jaw width , 2.4 inches of throat depth along with 3 inches of jaw opening. Built to last and backed by a 1-year warranty , this tool is perfect for those looking to get their feet wet with woodworking tools without paying the price!
This ends our Review Series for the Best Bench Vise for the Money.
With all that said, remember that to maximize efficiency in your work-shed and workshop projects, you need the Best Bench Vise for the Money. The Best Bench Vise for the Money will be the key to your next project that requires multiple hands. So you better choose wisely!
We want you to be sure of what you plan to get, please don’t hesitate to ask for advice.
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Charles is a veteran woodworker and wants to help people online to learn more about woodworking. He hopes to encourage more people to build their own furniture and get comfortable with using power tools.
In this blog post, Charles shares a few tips for getting started on your DIY woodworking journey, plus all the resources and websites he recommends for learning the craft. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to start from scratch!