Tips
- When selecting a vise, the two most important factors are the size and style of the jaws. The size refers to how wide the jaws can be opened. Flat jaws are designed for work with flat surfaces like sheets of wood. V-jaws can be used with rounded materials. Replaceable jaws are ideal if you use a bench vise frequently and wear out jaws fairly quickly. The jaws will extend the life of your bench vise and ensure that you won’t need to purchase a total replacement.
- A bench vise that offers a quick-release feature is a great investment. This style of bench vise will allow you to instantly release whatever materials are in the jaw without the need to manually twist the spindle.
- Never use a bench vise’s jaws like an anvil. You’ll end up damaging the jaws, and you will need to either replace the jaws or the entire unit. Many bench vises come standard with an anvil. Look for this type of bench vise so that you can prolong its life span.
FAQs
Q: How do I know which size bench vise I need?
A: A bench vise is a versatile piece of equipment, but the version you select is going to depend on your project scope. If you work with very small parts, such as soldering wires, then a mini vise is a smarter option as it can securely hold tiny pieces without marring the surface. For larger items, a larger heavy-duty vise is preferred.
Q: What’s the best way to attach my bench vise to my work station?
A: There are two main ways to attach a bench vise. Many vices come standard with a clamp that allows you to reposition your bench vise or store it when not in use. However, many people feel that this offers the least sturdy solution. Alternatively, you can opt for a permanent placement using nuts and bolts for a more secure installation.
Q: Which type of bench vise is best for my needs?
A: Bench vises come in two styles—woodworking and engineering. Woodworking bench vises are designed for wood-based projects and have wooden jaws. An engineering bench vise is designed for metalwork and features metal jaws. A woodworking bench vise isn’t strong enough to securely hold metal, and conversely, an engineering bench vise is too strong for use with softer materials.
Final Thoughts
If you work on projects of various sizes, then our best overall pick, the Grizzly Multi-Purpose 5-Inch Bench Vise, is a smart option because of its fully rotating jaws that allow you to securely hold a project regardless of which angle you need.
However, if you only tackle occasional small projects, you may not need a heavy-duty or expensive bench vise. In that case, our best value option, the Yost LV-4 Home Vise 4-1/2 is ideal.
Grizzly Multi-Purpose 5-Inch Bench ViseSummarySummaryThis premium bench vise offers a wide jaw that can rotate a full 360 degrees for easier access on difficult projects. You’ll also appreciate the swivel base, which makes it easier to access tight spots on your project.ProsProsThe sturdy construction and three-inch-wide anvil offer ample space for hammering. Best of all, the jaws are solidly made and securely hold whatever is placed inside of them without the risk of items slipping out or the teeth damaging the work surface.ConsConsIn some cases, you may experience operational issues with the swivel base. There have been times when the swivel option only worked when the bench vise wasn’t securely clamped down to a surface.
Yost LV-4 Home Vise 4-1/2"SummarySummaryIf you’re an occasional bench vise user or are just limited by budget, this wallet-friendly yet powerful option is a must have. Yost’s home vise features a swivel base and a jaw width of 4-½ inches—ideal for pipes and tubes.ProsProsThe Yost bench vise is ideal for light home-based projects. It features an anvil that is thick enough to stand up to consistent hammering yet won’t impede access to the bench vise’s jaws.ConsConsWhile the Yost bench vise is ideal for lightweight and small projects, it’s not rated for heavy-duty work. Even though it can be chalked up to user error, if you attempt to use this vise to hold heavier projects it can fall apart.
TEKTON 4-Inch Swivel Bench ViseSummarySummaryYou’ll appreciate this modestly-priced, versatile bench vise. It has a sturdy construction, and you have the ability to choose between a range of jaw sizes from four, six, and eighth-inch widths. It’s also competitively priced.ProsProsYou’ll appreciate the cast iron construction and swivel base, both designed for heavy-duty use. This bench is designed to be mounted and features three mounting holes for the task. Tekton’s model also comes standard with an anvil.ConsConsThere may be issues with the vise’s casting and construction, causing it to be inconsistent between uses — snapping when used with plastic yet working fine with metal-based projects. Also, the bench vise may be shipped damaged or broken, making it inoperable.