Perhaps the most common tool in many workshops is one we overlook entirely: the vise. More specifically, we are referring to the bench vise; that trusted mechanical device used to keep a workpiece from slipping and to allow us to perform tasks while keeping both hands free. While it may not get much attention, it gets a lot of use—and when upgrading your work equipment, you’ll be sure to want to get the best bench vise you can.
Comparison Table
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Bench Vise FAQ
image source: Pixabay
Let’s start by answering some common questions about bench vises.
A bench vise comprises several parts. The pieces that hold the workpiece are called the jaws of the vise. A set of jaws will be parallel to each other, with one stationary or fixed in place and the other movable by means of a screw mechanism. This moves one jaw in toward the other to allow the jaws to fasten tightly on a workpiece to prevent it from slipping while being worked on. Bench vise jaws can be made of metal, wood, or even hard plastic, depending on the type of work being done.
2. What Are Bench Vises Used For?
A bench vise is used to fasten a workpiece to allow it to be hammered, drilled, sanded or otherwise worked on while the individual doing the work has both hands free. Bench vises can also be used to hold two or more workpieces that are being glued or otherwise fastened together, though most commonly clamps are used for this purpose.
3. How Do You Determine the Size of a Bench Vise?
Bench vises can be measured in different ways. Jaw-length refers to the length of each individual jaw from one end to the other, and this measurement provides you with the size of the maximum contact amount your vise can place on a workpiece. Generally, the larger the jaw-length, the more stable a workpiece will be when being worked on. The throat depth of a vise is measured from the top of the jaws to the top of the screw that’s used to move the non-stationary jaw in and out. It is this throat depth that determines the maximum width of a workpiece that can be placed in the bench vise for work.
4. What Kind of Threading Is Used in a Bench Vise?
You may have heard that bench vises use a special kind of threading to keep the jaws from slipping. This type of threading is called a buttress thread, and it allows the vise to be held tightly in one direction while allowing it to be unscrewed with much less force in the opposite direction.
5. What Material Are Bench Vises Made Of?
The answer to that question generally depends on the type of work being done. The best bench vise is generally made from hardened steel, sometimes with plastic protective guards over steel jaws so as to not mar or damage the work piece. Bench vises can also be made entirely from wood, most commonly when used for woodworking. Some specialty vises are even made from mostly plastic parts when a great deal of force is not required to keep a workpiece from moving or slipping while being worked on.
The Best Bench Vise for You: How We Reviewed
We looked at the following products to give you an idea of the range and quality available in order for you to decide which might be the best bench vise for you. We reviewed based on features, pros and cons, price, and durability.
Overall Price Range
Bench vises in general can run anywhere from around the average price on the lower end all the way up to right around the premium rate on the higher end. Although you can easily spend several hundred dollars on a vise, the best bench vise for the job may not be the most expensive.
What We Reviewed
Image Source: Freepik
- TEKTON 6-Inch Swivel Bench Vise
- Yost Vises 750-DI 5″ Heavy-Duty Multi-Jaw Bench Vise with 360-Degree Swivel Base and Head
- IRWIN Heavy-Duty Workshop Vise
- Wilton 63302 6-Inch Shop Vise
- Eclipse Quick Release Woodworking Vise
- Capri Tools 10519 Rotating Base and Head Bench Vise
[amazon link=”B00FJXYKE0″ title=”TEKTON 6-Inch Swivel Bench Vise”]
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Features
This four-inch swivel bench vise is perhaps the best bench vise on the market for small to medium jobs. It’s made of excellent quality tooled steel, has exceptionally smooth action, and will hold a workpiece securely in place.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Firm hold
- Made of case-hardened steel
- Price
PROS
- Size
- Throat depth not suitable for larger work
Where to Buy
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Durability
This vise, though the smallest on our list, is made from highly durable case-hardened steel and is sure to last.
[amazon link=”B00CBL62HQ” title=”Yost Vises 750-DI 5″ Heavy-Duty Multi-Jaw Bench Vise with 360-Degree Swivel Base and Head”]
[amazon box=”B00CBL62HQ”]
Features
This is the best bench vise on the list when it comes to multi-jaw design. The vise comes complete with a set of top jaws, inset pipe jaws, and finally a lower pair of V-jaws to allow for heavy-duty clamping of workpieces.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Swivel base rotates a full 360-degrees
- Twelve locking positions
- Body is made from ductile iron
PROS
- Price
- Throat depth only 3 and 1/8th inch
- Thin base plate
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00CBL62HQ” value=”button”]
Durability
Though the body is made from ductile iron, the base plate is thinner than that of other models reviewed here and may not stand up to heavy-duty lateral movement.
[amazon link=”B0001LQY3U” title=”IRWIN Heavy-Duty Workshop Vise”]
[amazon box=”B0001LQY3U”]
Features
This heavy-duty vise has a throat depth of 3 and 3/8″, with a maximum jaw opening distance of 5 and 1/2″, and an overall length of 14″. It features smooth action and even pressure when clamped on a workpiece.
Pros & Cons
PROS​
- Jaw length of 14″
- Smooth opening and closing action
- Exerts even pressure
PROS
- Made of cast iron
- Swivel base halves may have gaps
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B0001LQY3U” value=”button”]
Durability
Unlike some of the other vises on our list, this vise is made of cast iron, which may not be as strong as some other models featured here.
[amazon link=”B00004XPVO” title=”Wilton 63302 6-Inch Shop Vise”]
[amazon box=”B00004XPVO”]
Features
Made with a heavy-duty ductile iron body, this vise attaches to the bench with four mounting posts for maximum stability and secure hold.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Can handle pipe as well as flat workpieces
- Swivel base includes double lockdowns
- Comes with an attached anvil
PROS
- Pricier than some other models reviewed here
- Swivel base may be uneven
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00004XPVO” value=”button”]
Durability
Though the main body is made of ductile iron, the base is made of less durable cast iron, which may impact the longevity of this vise if used for heavier-duty work.
[amazon link=”B0043YHD4A” title=”Eclipse Quick Release Woodworking Vise”]
[amazon box=”B0043YHD4A”]
Features
This is the best bench vise for woodworking on our list. It features a quick-release lever which rapidly disengages the main jaw screw for rapid opening and closing of the vise.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- Adjustable front stop
- Heavy cast iron jaws
- Solid steel slide rods
PROS
- Only suitable for woodworking
- Quick-release lever may occasionally jam
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B0043YHD4A” value=”button”]
Durability
Though the body is made of cast iron, which may be less durable than some of the models reviewed here, the slide rails are solid steel. As this is a woodworking vise, this should be more than adequate.
[amazon link=”B015NI2CQS” title=”Capri Tools 10519 Rotating Base and Head Bench Vise”]
[amazon box=”B015NI2CQS”]
Features
Made from heavy-duty ductile iron, this may be the best bench vise for heavy-duty work on our list. It is capable of providing 9,000 pounds of clamping force, with a base that can be rotated a full 360-degrees.
Pros & Cons
PROS
- 9,000 pounds of clamping force
- Both head and base can be rotated 360-degrees
- Head can be locked at 12 different set points
PROS
- The most expensive vise on our list
- Mounting bolts could be longer
Where to Buy
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Durability
As one would expect from what may arguably be the best bench vise on our list, this one may also be the most durable and is constructed from high-quality components.
The Verdict
Ultimately, the best bench vise for you depends on the kind of work you intend to do. If you’re woodworking, then the best bench vise would be the Eclipse Quick Release. If you’re only doing light or medium work, the Tekton four-inch vise may be enough for you. But our choice for best bench vise is the Capri Tools 10519.