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10 Best Bench Vises 2025 in the United States

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#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

VEVOR Bench Vise, 6-inch Jaw Width 5.9-inch Jaw Opening, 360-Degree Swivel Locking Base Multipurpose Vise w/Anvil, Heavy Duty Ductile Iron Workbench Vise w/Bolts & Nuts, for Drilling, Pipe Cutting

The VEVOR Bench Vise is a solid choice for anyone looking for a sturdy and versatile tool. With a jaw width of 6 inches and a jaw opening of 5.9 inches, it offers ample space for a variety of tasks. The throat depth of 3.5 inches is sufficient for most everyday uses. One of its standout features is the 360-degree swivel base, which allows you to position your workpiece at any angle, providing great flexibility and accuracy without the need to constantly reposition the item you are working on.

The vise is crafted from 60,000 PSI ductile iron, which ensures durability and strength, while the powder coating helps prevent rust. The carbon steel jaw plates are replaceable, offering a strong grip on materials. The anvil area is also quite generous, adding to its functionality for hammering and shaping tasks. Users will appreciate the included accessories like nuts, screws, and magnetic jaw pads, which make installation straightforward and negate the need for additional purchases.

The vise is versatile enough to handle flat materials and pipes with equal ease, making it suitable for a range of projects from drilling to grinding. At 25 pounds, it is on the heavier side, which might be a consideration for those who need to move it frequently. The VEVOR Bench Vise provides robust performance and flexibility for medium to heavy-duty tasks, making it a great fit for professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts.

#3

Wilton Reversible Bench Vise, 8" Jaw Width, 9-1/4" & 14-1/2" Jaw Opening, 4-3/4" Throat (Model 4800R)

The Wilton Reversible Bench Vise (Model 4800R) boasts an 8-inch jaw width, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. It has a versatile jaw opening of 9-1/4 inches in the normal position and extends to an impressive 14-1/2 inches when reversed, allowing it to handle larger objects. The throat depth of 4-3/4 inches provides ample space for deeper clamping needs. The vise features a heavy-duty 360° swivel base with dual lockdowns, ensuring stability and flexibility in positioning your workpiece.

Its built-in pipe jaws accommodate a range of pipe sizes, enhancing its versatility. The vise includes replaceable hardened steel jaws with a serrated pattern, ensuring a strong grip and long-lasting durability. Additionally, it has two large anvil work surfaces ideal for forming and shaping materials, a feature particularly useful for metalworking tasks. The construction from ductile and cast iron ensures robust performance and longevity, supported by Wilton's lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

On the downside, the vise is relatively heavy, weighing in at 74.5 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users. Its size and weight make it more suited for a permanent workstation rather than a portable setup. This vise is ideal for both amateur and professional use, providing reliability and versatility for various clamping and forming tasks.

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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