non-woodworking vise choice

[Jim Barstow]

For one cabinet in my new shop, I put a 1/8" steel top on for doing things incompatible with my wood top bench like soldering, brazing, etc. My father had an old heavy iron vise on his workbench and I'd like to get something like that. I found this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32115

but it is unclear what "pipe jaws" are. I assume they must have some groove that makes it easy to hold pipes but is it incompatible with non-pipe use?

[Tom Esh]

For one cabinet in my new shop, I put a 1/8" steel top on for doing things incompatible with my wood top bench like soldering, brazing, etc. My father had an old heavy iron vise on his workbench and I'd like to get something like that. I found this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32115

but it is unclear what "pipe jaws" are. I assume they must have some groove that makes it easy to hold pipes but is it incompatible with non-pipe use?

With a typical bench or machinists vise, the pipe jaws are just a curved serrated area between the regular jaw faces and the beam. Depending on how heavy your use will be, the HF stuff might be okay, but be advised it ain't your father's vise. Lots of soft cast iron and little (if any) forged steel. For example don't expect the anvil to stand up to striking / forming with a steel hammer. (FWIW machinists consider these "vise-like objects", as opposed to the real thing which of course also comes at real price.)

[Randal Stevenson]

In the one you show, the pipe jaws are below the flat jaws that you use for other parts. They look like this when open < >.

Those are used to hold pipe for soldering or for screwing together (black iron or galvanized), as well as things like driveshafts for U joint replacement. These current vises are mostly no match to the old ones, but there are some fair imports. Heuer makes the Ridgid ones and are imported from Germany. Wilton, has a round import line, in the style of their old bullet vises, that they put the Craftsman name on. (best value import IMHO).

But keep your eye on CL, as in this economy of people trying to pay off bills, you will find some good old ones, for around the price or less, of the new junk. My preference is for a machinist vise, over a mechanics vise.

[Scott Myers]

Having worked around the industrial world for year and having used a lot of vices, I'll vote for a Wilton vice. Heavy duty, replaceable parts, jaws, etc. They make the best, IMHO.

[mark page]

I have an old combination vise/pipe jaw vise that I wouldn't trade for anything. I believe it's a 14 incher and weighs in close to 150-160 lbs. I have no idea who made it and too lazy at the time to run out to the shop to look for trademarks. It's a 360 degree swing "two head" vise. One head for regular and the other for pipes. Plus it has an "anvil" area to it. I inherited it so it is no telling how old. I know they don't make them like this anymores.

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Having worked around the industrial world for year and having used a lot of vices, I'll vote for a Wilton vice. Heavy duty, replaceable parts, jaws, etc. They make the best, IMHO.


+1, expensive, but worth every penny.

[Greg Hines, MD]

I have two vises. A regular woodworking vise and a machinists vise with upper metalworking jaws and lower pipe jaws. I rarely need them but it is nice to have them occasionally.

Doc

[Dave Lehnert]

I have this Craftsman vice for years now and it has held up well. Would be a much better vice than the HF.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00951854000P

http://s7.sears.com/is-viewers/dhtml/images/blankimg.gifhttp://s.sears.com/is/image/Sears/00951854000?qlt=90,0&resMode=sharp&op_usm=0.9,0.5,0,0

[Rick Potter]

For what you describe, I agree with Dave. Find a size you like at Sears, and it will probably outlast you. Get the Craftsman, not the Companion. I think it is guaranteed like the Craftsman wrenches.

I have a 40 year old one, still going strong.

Rick Potter

[Tony Baideme]

I'll add one to the list.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=5655

I've had one that I actually bought from Costco some 16 years ago and it has held up real well. I pound on it, grind on it, weld on it, pry on it, use it as a press. Never had any trouble. Keep it lubed and clean. Pretty universal and tough.

Aloha, Tony

[Randal Stevenson]

For what you describe, I agree with Dave. Find a size you like at Sears, and it will probably outlast you. Get the Craftsman, not the Companion. I think it is guaranteed like the Craftsman wrenches.

I have a 40 year old one, still going strong.

Rick Potter


A vise is NOT a hand tool and doesn't carry the lifetime warranty (at least not any more). The Craftsman vises are all imports now, unless you find old stock that says made in the USA.
The Craftsman that is the best built (at least in mechanics/machinists) is the 87018 4 1/2" bench vise.

[Chris Kennedy]

Add another recommendation for the Wilton. I doubt I put it to nearly the abuse that others describe, but it is a workhorse.

Cheers,

Chris

[Craig T. Smith]

Jim, If you go with Craftsman and something goes wrong do not even hint that you use it professionally. Most stores will warrenty vises for personal use . My vise on my service truck is a second hand columbian by Wilton (i Think)6 in. jaws. I swung a Cat 3408 engine into it and broke it off its swivel base , took my time and welded it solid still works like a champ. Happy Woodworking , Craig

[John Eaton]

I own an old heavy iron vise (don't remember the brand but made in the US, probably in the 40's or 50's). I actually end up using my HF radial vise quite a bit - I got it on sale a few years ago for around $35 and like it a lot - it does require a little thought to get used to the action - the jaws will spin around in any direction until locked.

Photo of mine (I think they're now gray instead of blue):
http://www.modusmodern.com/woodworking/MetalShop02.jpg

Link to it here:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5655

It still goes on sale fairly often. While not the same quality as an old vise, I find the multi-positioning of the jaws to be very handy. Another option is an old versa-vise (parrot vice) - I've been looking for a classic one but may buy the knock-off that Grizzly offers:

http://grizzly.amazonwebstore.com/Shop-Fox-H3302-Parrot-Vise/M/B0000DD4ZU.htm

It's not for everybody, but once again if you think you'll ever need to reposition the jaws to an angle other than horizontal it provides additional options. The versa-vise is a favorite amongst music instrument makers and gunsmiths.

-- John