The Best Bench Vises for 2022
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Best Bench Vise
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These versatile tools are a must-have for both construction professionals and DIY enthusiasts. They offer the ability to securely hold almost any object in any position for cutting, sanding, drilling, grinding, polishing, and more. For this post, I have put together a collection of the best bench vises currently available.
UPDATED: March 29, 2022.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the Yost Tools 750-DI because it features a swivel base, 360-degree rotating head, and is equipped with three hardened steel jaws: top, pipe, and V.
Types of Vises
These extremely versatile workshop tools are typically used to hold metal or wood and are mounted to a table or workbench. The standard body of a metalworking vise (also known as an engineer's vise) is made of cast iron with replaceable steel jaws, textured for gripping. A standard woodworking vise is made with metal and uses wood-clad jaws to hold the object in place without damaging the workpiece.
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Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a model of vise:
Materials
Most vises feature a body and base constructed from cast iron with the components such as handles, screws, and jaws made from steel. This type of construction provides a heavy foundation to limit movement to make working with steel and wood more secure.
Some models offer the ability to be used outdoors by using corrosion-resistant materials and protective seals and coatings. This allows you to mount it in a variety of locations including the back of a truck or an outside workshop.
Jaws
The jaws are the most important part of the vise as they are what move together and apart to hold the workpiece. Typically the jaw surfaces that make contact with the objects being clamped are made of serrated steel to prevent slippage. These are also replaceable as with use over time they can become worn or damaged.
In addition to the common flat jaws, there are also jaws specifically designed to hold pipes. These are usually located on the lower portion of the jaws and have a V-shaped profile. They can either be serrated for maximum grip or smooth to reduce marring.
Jaw Opening
As the name implies, the jaw opening is simply the maximum distance the jaws can open. This is limited by the length of the screw and rails of the vise. If you are often working with a specific object or component check to make sure that the jaws will open wide enough to hold it. The opening width can vary significantly between models from around four inches to ten inches and above.
Jaw Width
The jaw width is the measurement of the jaws along the top edge. This translates to how much of the workpiece will be secured at one time. A benefit of wider jaws is that they can securely hold a large object with less pressure per inch so it decreases the likelihood of damage. The larger jaws can make it more difficult to secure oddly shaped items as there is a larger flat area.
Throat Depth
The throat depth is the dimension from the top of the jaws to the top of the screw. This is a useful measurement to be aware of since it is the maximum height of a workpiece that can fit within the throat. Obviously, an object can extend above the jaws, however, a deeper throat depth allows for more options when securing something. The downside is a larger throat depth usually makes for a higher profile vise on the workbench which may not be ideal.
Range of Motion
Most models can swivel 360 degrees about the base and others can also rotate along the shaft to allow for more flexibility when working. Lockdowns use a small handle that screws in to prevent rotation once it is in place. Some also offer specific locking positions to set it to a particular degree.
Quick Release
Some manufacturers feature a "quick-release" mechanism that allows the jaws to be quickly moved apart without turning the handle repeatedly. This is especially helpful if you are often switching between workpieces that are of different sizes.
Anvil
Some models include a flat surface on the top of the body that can be used as an anvil or secondary work area. This is typically a smaller area than a stand-alone anvil but can still be useful. I would recommend using it just for light work as there is a potential to miss when hammering and damage some of the vise components.
Weight
Since a vise is typically permanently secured to a workbench and is not portable, weight is not much of a concern. Most standard home vises weigh around 50 pounds, which most worktops should be able to support, however, check your current setup to be sure.
Maintenance
The good news is that generally, vises don’t require a lot of maintenance. You should periodically check the mounting bolts are secure to avoid the unlikely event it comes loose and has a meeting with your toes. It is also a good idea to lubricate the threads and guide rods to ensure smooth operation.
Now, on to the individual products. I’ve compiled a list of the top models available from well-known manufacturers including Yost, IRWIN Tools, and more. Each unit has been assigned a key feature that makes it particularly noteworthy and has been broken down according to its essential functions to help you make an informed selection.
So here is my list of The Best Bench Vises for 2022.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: Yost Tools 750-DI 5" Bench Vise
The Yost 750-DI multi-jaw vise features a swivel base and the head has top jaws, pipe jaws, and V-jaws to provide clamping action for heavy-duty applications.
Features a head that rotates 360 degrees with 12 locking positions to provide access to the three jaws sets.
Equipped with a 360-degree swivel base that adjusts the direction of the jaws for proper placement and locks in place.
Constructed with an iron body that is durable and strong for extended life.
Equipped with an anvil located on the top of the body.
Features three sets of replaceable hardened steel jaws are affixed to the vise:
Parallel serrated top jaws.
Serrated pipe jaws.
Smooth V-jaws for round and flat stock.
Offers a pipe capacity from 0.125" up to 3.5".
Runner-up: TEKTON 8" Bench Vise
The all-purpose medium duty TEKTON vise is constructed from 30,000 PSI cast iron for long-lasting durability.
Equipped with replaceable steel jaws that are serrated to reduce slippage.
Features an anvil on the back of the body that doubles as a works surface.
Equipped with a 120-degree swivel base.
Features a T-bar handle to open and close the jaws.
Best Value: IRWIN Tools 5" Bench Vise
The IRWIN Tools Multi-Purpose 5-Inch vise features an incorporated anvil that keeps the vise steady while working.
Features rotating pipe jaws to secure round or cylindrical objects.
Equipped with a fused steel handle for easy adjustment.
Includes a swivel base that allows for 360-degree rotation.
Features a five-inch multipurpose jaw width.
Must-have Accessory:
Securely hold and protect objects in your vise with these magnetic nylon pads.
Best for Woodworking: Eclipse Quick Release 9" Bench Vise
The Eclipse 9" vise features a quick-adjust system to open the vise to either release or clamp a workpiece.
Fitted with an adjustable front stop (dog) that gives additional clamping when used with a bench stop, this provides a normal vise and a tail vise in one tool.
Equipped with a fused tommy bar will bend before over-stressing the components as a safety measure.
Features heavy cast iron and steel construction.
Features a 10.24" maximum opening.
Best Premium Option: Capri Tools 10519 6"Bench Vise
The Capri Tools 10519 Bench Vise is suited for all kinds of woodwork, pipework, metalwork, sawing, drilling, and gluing applications.
Features 9,000 lbs. of clamping force.
Equipped with a base and head that rotates 360 degrees for extra customization.
Features a head that can be locked in at 12 setpoints, each within 30 degrees.
Equipped with a base that is easy to place and lock the jaws wherever needed.
Constructed from heavy-duty ductile iron (60,000 psi).
Best for Light Jobs: Yost Tools 445 5.5" Bench Vise
The Yost 455 features a pipe and bench vise with a 180-degree swivel base and mounts to a workbench to provide clamping action for light-duty applications.
Features a hand-tightening lock knob on the base to secure the position.
Equipped with a cast iron body with a steel U-channel bar for durability.
Includes a flat portion that acts as an anvil and additional work surface.
Features hardened steel top jaws can be replaced when worn.
Built-in cast iron pipe jaws are grooved for enhanced grip.
Best for Custom Workbenches: Rockler Quick Release 9" Bench Vise
The Rockler Heavy Duty Vise is designed for custom workbenches.
Features a quick-release mechanism that engages with a 1/4 turn of the handle, letting you make major adjustments quickly.
Includes an extra-wide 9" wide handle-plate that delivers maximum stability to handle any project.
Includes a solid hardwood handle.
Equipped with 3/4" diameter steel guide rods keep jaws parallel, even when clamping narrow objects on one side of the vise.
Handle plate arrives pre-drilled and ready to accept wooden jaws (not included).
Mounts easily with 1/4" lag bolts (not included).
Best Budget Option: Wilton 11104 4" Bench Vise
The Wilton 11104 is made from high-strength steel for long-lasting durability.
Features a double lockdown swivel base
Includes a large anvil work surface.
Equipped with grooved steel jaw inserts.
Features a 180-degree swivel.
Features a four-inch jaw width.
Best Compact Design: Woodstock D4074 5" Bench Vise
The Woodstock D4074 features jaws that rotate 360 degrees for flexible workpiece positioning
Offers the ability to hold flat stock as well as round stock with the built-in pipe jaws.
Including a swiveling base for greater versatility.
Includes an anvil face for multi-purpose use.
Weighs 50 pounds for increased stability.
Best Lightweight Design: Forward DT08125A 5" Bench Vise
The Forward DT08125A features a lightweight design at just 35 pounds that makes it easier to transport or place on a portable base.
Features a 360-degree swivel base with three mounting holes and two lockdowns.
Constructed with an iron body for long-lasting durability.
Equipped with an anvil located on the top of the body.
Features three sets of jaws for a range of project applications: pipe, machinist, and V style.
Equipped with a 2.6-inch throat depth and a 5-inch wide jaw opening.
Offers the ability to be used outdoors for truck mounting or an outside workshop.
I hope this list of the best bench vises was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
