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10 Best Wilton 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)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,492
Jaw Width
Throat Depth
Clamping Force

Most important from
33 reviews

Jaw Width
Excellent clamping power, jaw width and depth that can hold anything I'd want in a vise, including other vises!
Throat Depth
Excellent clamping power, jaw width and depth that can hold anything I'd want in a vise, including other vises!
Clamping Force
Excellent clamping power, jaw width and depth that can hold anything I'd want in a vise, including other vises!

The Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise (Model 8100M) is designed for heavy-duty use, featuring a 10-inch jaw width, a 12-inch jaw opening, and a 5-1/4-inch throat depth. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from automotive work to general repairs. The vise is constructed from 60,000 psi ductile iron, which offers a good balance between durability and weight.

The precision-machined slide bar ensures that the front jaw remains stable regardless of how wide it is opened, minimizing unwanted movement during use. Additionally, the enclosed spindle design helps keep lubricants in and contaminants out, ensuring smooth operation over time. The needle roller thrust bearing allows for maximum clamping force with minimal effort, which is a useful feature for prolonged use. The swivel base, which rotates 360 degrees, provides flexibility and has double lockdowns for added stability.

One of the standout features is the lifetime warranty offered by Wilton, promising long-term reliability and support against manufacturing defects. However, the vise is quite heavy at 115.3 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users to handle and install. Despite its weight, the vise is highly regarded with a customer rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from 31 reviews. It's ranked #44 in Bench Vises and #82,385 in Tools & Home Improvement. The Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise is best suited for industrial and professional settings where robust performance is crucial, and its high clamping force and large jaw opening make it a versatile choice for demanding tasks.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,492
Jaw Width
Throat Depth
Clamping Force

Most important from
33 reviews

Jaw Width
Excellent clamping power, jaw width and depth that can hold anything I'd want in a vise, including other vises!
Throat Depth
Excellent clamping power, jaw width and depth that can hold anything I'd want in a vise, including other vises!
Clamping Force
Excellent clamping power, jaw width and depth that can hold anything I'd want in a vise, including other vises!
#2

Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise, 8" Jaw Width, 8-1/2" Jaw Opening, 4-1/2" Throat (Model 880M)

Rating
9.8
Material and Construction

Most important from
110 reviews

Material and Construction
This vise is expected to last a lifetime, replacing cheaper alternatives effortlessly.

The Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise is an excellent choice for those in need of a sturdy and reliable tool for various clamping and work tasks. With an 8-inch jaw width and a jaw opening of 8-1/2 inches, it accommodates a wide range of materials, making it suitable for both home workshops and more industrial settings. The 4-1/2 inch throat depth allows for deeper clamping, which is beneficial for thicker workpieces.

One of the standout features of this vise is its construction from 60,000 psi ductile iron, which strikes a balance between durability and weight. This makes it easier to handle without sacrificing strength. The precision-machined slide bar is designed to minimize movement, ensuring that workpieces remain stable even when the jaws are opened significantly. The enclosed spindle design is a thoughtful touch, keeping lubricants contained and preventing dirt from interfering with operation.

The vise also includes a swivel base that rotates a full 360 degrees, providing flexibility in positioning your workpiece. The double lockdowns enhance stability, which is particularly useful when applying significant pressure. Users will appreciate the large anvil work surface, ideal for striking tools. Weighing in at 83.1 pounds, it may be cumbersome for some users, particularly if portability is a concern. Additionally, the clamping force is impressive thanks to the needle roller thrust bearing, though it may require more effort compared to lighter vises, especially for prolonged use.

Rating
9.8
Material and Construction

Most important from
110 reviews

Material and Construction
This vise is expected to last a lifetime, replacing cheaper alternatives effortlessly.

Buying Guide for the Best Wilton Bench Vises

When choosing a Wilton bench vise, it's important to consider the specific tasks you'll be using it for. Bench vises are essential tools for holding workpieces securely in place while you perform various operations such as sawing, drilling, or filing. The right bench vise can make your work easier, safer, and more precise. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a Wilton bench vise.
Jaw WidthJaw width refers to the size of the vise's jaws, which are the flat, clamping surfaces that hold your workpiece. This spec is important because it determines the maximum size of the material you can clamp. Jaw widths typically range from 4 inches to 8 inches. For light-duty tasks and smaller workpieces, a jaw width of 4-5 inches may be sufficient. For more heavy-duty tasks or larger workpieces, consider a jaw width of 6-8 inches. Choose a jaw width that matches the size of the materials you commonly work with.
Throat DepthThroat depth is the distance from the top of the jaws to the top of the slide below the jaws. This spec is important because it determines how deep the vise can hold a workpiece. Throat depths can range from 2 inches to 5 inches or more. A deeper throat allows you to hold larger or more irregularly shaped objects securely. If you often work with larger or thicker materials, opt for a vise with a greater throat depth.
Jaw OpeningJaw opening is the maximum distance the jaws can be opened to accommodate a workpiece. This spec is crucial because it limits the size of the material you can clamp. Jaw openings typically range from 4 inches to 10 inches. For general-purpose use, a jaw opening of 6-8 inches is usually adequate. If you frequently work with larger materials, look for a vise with a wider jaw opening.
Swivel BaseA swivel base allows the vise to rotate, providing greater flexibility in positioning your workpiece. This feature is important for tasks that require access to different angles or sides of the material. Swivel bases can typically rotate 360 degrees. If you need to frequently adjust the position of your workpiece, a vise with a swivel base can be very beneficial. However, if your tasks are more static, a fixed base may suffice.
Clamping ForceClamping force is the amount of pressure the vise can apply to hold a workpiece securely. This spec is important for ensuring that your material stays in place during work. Clamping force is usually measured in pounds and can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. For light-duty tasks, a lower clamping force may be adequate. For heavy-duty tasks or working with harder materials, a higher clamping force is necessary to prevent the workpiece from moving.
Material and ConstructionThe material and construction of the vise determine its durability and strength. Vises are typically made from cast iron, ductile iron, or steel. Cast iron is common and provides good durability for general use. Ductile iron is stronger and more resistant to impact, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks. Steel vises are the most durable and can withstand the highest clamping forces. Choose a vise made from a material that matches the intensity and frequency of your work.

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