Solid Bench Vise

[SW CQB 45]

want to treat myself to a good bench vise for Christmas this year...so I am gonna start saving.....

can anyone recommend a quality solid bench vise able to hold a gun slide for tight sight removal with the right vise pads...

and other general work?

thanks in advance

 

[Troystat]

look for an old U.S made Wilton or Colombia. If you can't find one of those or a new one is two spending. The bigger Chinese ones are ok. I tend to think bigger is better with vices. In my limited experiance the bigger ones hold the work better without having to over tighten them.

Good luck

 

[SW CQB 45]

look for an old U.S made Wilton or Colombia. If you can't find one of those or a new one is two spending. The bigger Chinese ones are ok. I tend to think bigger is better with vices. In my limited experiance the bigger ones hold the work better without having to over tighten them.

Good luck

thanks Troy.

check this video out...Dawson is using a Wilton. YouTube - ‪Installing Dovetail Front Sights with Dave Dawson‬‏

do you know what particular style this one would be? it looks very rugged and heavy duty.

I checked out ebay on Wilton....they are still expensive used!!!!

shipping will be a killer. I would need to find an outlet or similiar for used vises.

 

[SP45]

I bought a beautiful Starret 5" vise off of ebay. I took out the vise jaws and surface groun the knurling off for a smooth surface. probably couldnt find a better one. I think I paid 200.00 including shipping. Used the Wiltons in gunsmith school and liked them as well, just not as rugged.

 

[Titegroups]

Craftsmans newer top of the line vise is a good buy for around $100. Not up to Wilton quality standards but sufficient for the average guy.

 

[tjtoolbox]

Bench Vice

Being a tool Dealer, my advice to you would be to check out any local tool auctions. You can get Great deals on Vices.
Just do some research on what you want and you will get a Good deal for the money.

 

[SW CQB 45]

Being a tool Dealer, my advice to you would be to check out any local tool auctions. You can get Great deals on Vices.
Just do some research on what you want and you will get a Good deal for the money.

Tj....thanks for the info, but I am not sure what u are talking about.

Do u mean like tool liquidations like at hotel conference rooms?

I always thought of those as lower quality tools. If I am wrong...please correct.

Tia

 

[-db-]

He's likely referring to machine shops and such going out of business, not uncommon right now in today's economy. Craigslist can also be a good place to look if you're near a major metro area.

 

[cgt4570]

I was in the same dilemma. Unless you want to spend several hundred bucks (north of $400 before shipping), you aren't going to find a new made vise that's American made. Having broke a piece of Chinese **** in two pieces, I wasn't about to spend a dime on another one. I also ended up buying mine off of Ebay. It's a pre-WW2 Craftsman. It works great. Shipping and purchase price were each around $50. (It's VERY heavy). They sure don't make 'em like that anymore. FYI: NONE of the new Craftsman vises are made in USA and they've gotten bad reviews. Same with the lower end Wiltons. Imported junk!
Good luck.

 

[SW CQB 45]

Wow.....I am out of the loop on vises. I had no clue the quality one were so high!!!!

Thanks for all the responses and I will keep my eyes open.

 

[tjtoolbox]

SW CQB 45, I buy and sell Antique and Good User tools. I check out local Antique Tool auctions, for Quality used tools not junk like today. The older tools from the 50's and earlier were quality made.People now don't care about them anymore so they usually sell for cheaper than new.Email me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Buying second hand is usually better quality.
Joe

 

[chief38]

You an pick up a Wilton Vise on-line for under $200 buck that will last three lifetimes! Well worth the investment - I use mine daily!!

Chief38

 

[SW CQB 45]

You an pick up a Wilton Vise on-line for under $200 buck that will last three lifetimes! Well worth the investment - I use mine daily!!

Chief38

where????

ebay????

I dont know enough about vises and will end up buying junk.

is there a way to tell quality....and if buying over the net...are the sellers going to be honest??????

I would prefer used to save a buck(S)

tjtoolbox...I will email you soon. this week...I stretched thin....but may try from work tomorrow.

thanks

 

[chief38]

Wilton WIL746 6 Inch Mechanic S Vise

CLICK LINK ABOVE

I bought my Wilton Model 746 15 years ago and it was Made in the USA, but I see now that this particular model is now imported. Now I realize why I paid $360.00 15 years ago and you can buy that model today for almost half the price. STILL, this model is heavy enough (and carries a lifetime warrantee) that is should still last many lifetimes. If you want the Wilton's made in the USA now days, you will spend more, but unless you own a commercial shop, I do not think you would need more than this.

http://content.wiltontool.com/catalogs/wilton_vise_brochure1.pdf

Chief38