Posted 6/15/2023 10:40 (#10271834) Subject: Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
Central Indiana
So we finally exploded the 60 year old vise and needing something to replace it. A fixed model for the work bench is what we’re looking for. Jaw size over 5 inches and opening size no less than 6”. Been looking at Wilton mechanics pro online but no idea on them. What’s the NAT thoughts?
Posted 6/15/2023 11:37 (#10271917 - in reply to #10271834) Subject: RE: Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
SE Michigan
Sometimes on Marketplace you can find good vices. In some cases they might come with a bench. Might be worth a look. These will not be new, but might find an oldie that has a lot of good years left in in
Posted 6/15/2023 16:17 (#10272282 - in reply to #10271932) Subject: RE: Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
south west in
I got one of fireball tool small ones blue color and a Wilton light green color one. The fireball tool seems to be good. The new Wilton is very sloppy.
Posted 6/15/2023 18:46 (#10272423 - in reply to #10271932) Subject: RE: Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
Near-north Ontario, French River
I believe Fireball actually sells the plans for their vice… if up you’ve got a well equipped shop you can whip one up yourself. There’s a YouTube video of the build if you want to customize it as well
Posted 6/15/2023 12:32 (#10272004 - in reply to #10271834) Subject: RE: Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
Nw Iowa
Wilton is not what they used to be. Someone mentioned that the the gray ones are imported, not all of the blue ones? Somebody probably has the link but there is a guy that tests tools on YouTube. He did a vice comparison test which was kind of interesting. I would vote for a older one in good shape. We built a new shop, had a old Columbian one that didn’t swivel that had been sitting a shed waiting to be used. Spent some time cleaning it up, but very solid vice.
Posted 6/15/2023 16:13 (#10272277 - in reply to #10272004) Subject: RE: Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
jdironman - 6/15/2023 12:32
Wilton is not what they used to be. Someone mentioned that the the gray ones are imported, not all of the blue ones? Somebody probably has the link but there is a guy that tests tools on YouTube. He did a vice comparison test which was kind of interesting. I would vote for a older one in good shape. We built a new shop, had a old Columbian one that didn’t swivel that had been sitting a shed waiting to be used. Spent some time cleaning it up, but very solid vice.
Few things are what they used to be, but Wilton is still one of the best. Have a new one waiting to be installed.
Posted 6/15/2023 18:03 (#10272376 - in reply to #10271834) Subject: RE: Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
SW OH
Look for an 8" Colombian vise at an auction. We have 3 older Colombian vises and they are tough. We've broken several vises over the years, but non of them were Colombians.
Posted 6/15/2023 18:34 (#10272410 - in reply to #10271834) Subject: RE: Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
Central Ga
Buy a used one, and get a Wilton, Columbian, or Yost. I have a table with Wilton and Yost on opposing corners. Can’t tell you what size, but was told they are $1800- $2000 new. Think I have $500 each invested and bought them from a guy that trades and traffics in government surplus. They are BIG vises. I have another table with a Columbian about half the size of the Wilton and Yost. Very satisfied with all three.
Posted 6/15/2023 21:22 (#10272650 - in reply to #10271834) Subject: RE: Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
Wyoming
I like Wilton vises. There are others which are good, but I happen to like Wilton. I have them in varying sizes, from 3" up to 6". The 3" is for gunsmithing work on my gun bench, and the 5's and 6's are for wrenching on another bench.
One way to find vises and anvils is to look for estate sales. Bring cash, be prepared to get it out of the way ASAP, and you can sometimes get these heavy things cheaply from widows.
Posted 6/15/2023 22:02 (#10272714 - in reply to #10271834) Subject: RE: Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
We have a 8" Wilton "Tradesman" vice in the shop Had it 5-6 years. Weve been very happy with it. I've gone thru several vices in my lifetime, 72 yrs, & this is the best vice I've ever owned by farl
Needing a new shop vise…opinions wanted
