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10 Best Bench Vises 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise, 10" Jaw Width, 12" Jaw Opening, 5-1/4" Throat (Model 8100M)

The Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise is a solid choice if you need a heavy-duty, reliable vise for workshop or industrial use. It features a 10-inch jaw width and a 12-inch jaw opening, which provide plenty of space to hold various materials securely. With a 5-1/4 inch throat depth, it can grip objects at a decent distance from the mounting point, making it versatile for different projects. The vise’s body is made from ductile iron and alloy steel, balancing durability with a lighter weight compared to traditional cast iron, although it still weighs over 115 pounds, so it's best suited for a fixed workbench.

A standout feature is the 360-degree swivel base, allowing you to rotate your workpiece easily without repositioning the vise itself. This swivel base also has dual lockdowns, ensuring stability when locked in place. The vise includes a precision-machined slide bar for steady jaw movement, and the enclosed spindle keeps lubrication in while blocking dirt for smoother operation. The needle roller thrust bearing helps you apply strong clamping force without requiring excessive effort. Additionally, there’s a built-in anvil surface for light hammering tasks. Backed by Wilton’s lifetime warranty, this vise is built to last.

Its hefty weight means it’s not portable, and the large size may require a spacious workbench. If you’re after a durable, professional-grade bench vise with smooth operation and good adjustability, this Wilton model is a dependable option.

#2

Wilton Utility HD Bench Vise, 8" Jaw Width, 8-1/2" Jaw Opening, 4-1/2" Throat (Model 648UHD)

Rating
8.8
Swivel Base
Jaw Width
Jaw Opening

Most important from
640 reviews

Swivel Base
The 360-degree swivel rotation is highly useful for positioning workpieces comfortably.
Jaw Width
Jaw width and opening are just right for most common workshop needs.
Jaw Opening
Jaw width and opening are just right for most common workshop needs.

The Wilton Utility HD Bench Vise with an 8-inch jaw width and 8-1/2 inch jaw opening offers a solid grip for most common clamping jobs, making it suitable for both amateur and professional users. Its 4-1/2 inch throat depth provides enough reach for many standard workpieces. The vise features a 360-degree swivel base with dual lockdowns, giving you flexibility to position and secure your work comfortably. Made from durable cast and ductile iron, it promises long-lasting strength and stability under heavy use. The replaceable hardened steel jaws have a serrated pattern that enhances grip and durability, and built-in pipe jaws add versatility for pipe-related tasks. Plus, the large anvil surface lets you shape and form materials with ease. The powder-coated finish helps resist scratches, maintaining the vise's appearance over time.

One possible drawback is its weight of about 79 pounds, which could make it less portable if you need to move it frequently. Also, while the jaw opening is good for general use, it may be limiting for very large materials. Supported by Wilton’s lifetime warranty and positive customer feedback, this bench vise serves as a reliable and versatile tool for most workshop needs.

Rating
8.8
Swivel Base
Jaw Width
Jaw Opening

Most important from
640 reviews

Swivel Base
The 360-degree swivel rotation is highly useful for positioning workpieces comfortably.
Jaw Width
Jaw width and opening are just right for most common workshop needs.
Jaw Opening
Jaw width and opening are just right for most common workshop needs.
#3

Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise, 6-1/2" Jaw Width, 6" Jaw Opening, 4-3/8" Throat (Model 865M)

Rating
8.2
Jaw Width
Swivel Base
Material

Most important from
288 reviews

Jaw Width
Its jaws feature a finely etched diamond pattern for excellent grip, though the edges are sharp and might need light filing for safety.
Swivel Base
Installation is straightforward, and the 360-degree swivel base with double lockdowns offers great flexibility in positioning workpieces.
Material
Built from high-strength materials, the vise strikes a balance of rugged durability without the excessive weight of traditional cast iron models.

The Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise is a solid choice for anyone needing a durable and versatile vise for workshop or industrial use. Its 6.5-inch jaw width and 6-inch jaw opening offer a good balance, allowing it to securely hold medium-sized workpieces without being too bulky. The 4.3-inch throat depth lets you reach further into your workpiece for better grip. Made from high-strength ductile iron and alloy steel, it offers excellent durability while staying lighter than traditional cast iron models.

One great feature is the swivel base that rotates a full 360 degrees with double lockdowns, giving you flexibility to position your work at any angle. The built-in anvil area is useful for light hammering tasks, adding to its versatility. The precision-machined slide bar and enclosed spindle ensure smooth, stable clamping and protect the mechanism from dust and debris. Plus, the needle roller thrust bearing helps deliver strong clamping force with less effort.

Weighing 55.6 pounds, it’s heavy enough to stay steady during use but may require a sturdy bench for mounting. While it’s not the largest vise available, its size and features make it ideal for mechanics, metalworkers, and hobbyists who need reliable medium-duty clamping. The lifetime warranty provides added peace of mind. For very large or heavy-duty tasks, a bigger model might be necessary, but this Wilton vise performs excellently for most general workshop needs.

Rating
8.2
Jaw Width
Swivel Base
Material

Most important from
288 reviews

Jaw Width
Its jaws feature a finely etched diamond pattern for excellent grip, though the edges are sharp and might need light filing for safety.
Swivel Base
Installation is straightforward, and the 360-degree swivel base with double lockdowns offers great flexibility in positioning workpieces.
Material
Built from high-strength materials, the vise strikes a balance of rugged durability without the excessive weight of traditional cast iron models.

Buying Guide for the Best Bench Vises

When choosing a bench vise, it's important to consider the specific tasks you'll be using it for. A bench vise is a versatile tool that can hold materials in place while you work on them, making it essential for woodworking, metalworking, and other DIY projects. To find the best fit for your needs, you'll need to understand the key specifications and how they impact the vise's performance and suitability for your tasks.
Jaw WidthJaw width refers to the size of the vise's jaws, which are the parts that clamp down on the material. This spec is important because it determines the maximum size of the material you can hold. Jaw widths typically range from 4 to 8 inches. For light-duty tasks and smaller projects, a jaw width of 4 to 5 inches may be sufficient. For more heavy-duty tasks or larger materials, consider a jaw width of 6 to 8 inches. Choose a jaw width that matches the size of the materials you'll be working with most often.
Jaw OpeningJaw opening is the maximum distance the jaws can open, which dictates the largest piece of material the vise can hold. This is crucial for ensuring that the vise can accommodate the materials you plan to work with. Jaw openings can range from 4 to 10 inches or more. For general use, a jaw opening of 6 to 8 inches is usually adequate. If you frequently work with larger materials, opt for a vise with a wider jaw opening. Consider the typical size of the materials you'll be clamping to determine the appropriate jaw opening.
Throat DepthThroat depth is the distance from the top of the jaws to the base of the vise. This spec is important because it affects how deep the vise can hold a piece of material. Throat depths usually range from 2 to 4 inches. A deeper throat depth allows you to hold larger or more irregularly shaped materials more securely. For most general tasks, a throat depth of around 3 inches is sufficient. If you need to hold larger or more complex pieces, look for a vise with a deeper throat depth.
Swivel BaseA swivel base allows the vise to rotate, providing greater flexibility and ease of use. This feature is important if you need to adjust the angle of the material you're working on without repositioning it in the vise. Swivel bases can typically rotate 180 to 360 degrees. For most users, a swivel base that rotates 180 degrees is sufficient. If you need maximum flexibility, look for a vise with a 360-degree swivel base. Consider how often you'll need to adjust the angle of your workpiece when deciding if a swivel base is necessary.
AnvilAn anvil is a flat, hardened surface on the back of the vise that can be used for hammering and shaping materials. This feature is important for tasks that require additional force or shaping, such as metalworking. Not all vises have an anvil, so if you need this functionality, make sure to choose a vise that includes it. The size and hardness of the anvil can vary, so consider the types of tasks you'll be performing to determine the appropriate anvil size and strength.
MaterialThe material of the vise affects its durability and strength. Common materials include cast iron, ductile iron, and steel. Cast iron is strong and durable, making it suitable for most general tasks. Ductile iron is even stronger and more resistant to impact, making it ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Steel is the strongest and most durable option, suitable for the most demanding applications. Consider the types of tasks you'll be performing and choose a material that offers the necessary strength and durability for your needs.

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