A bench vise is an indispensable tool for any workshop or garage. It provides a sturdy and versatile clamping solution for holding workpieces securely in place during various tasks like filing, sawing, drilling, and more. With so many options available, choosing the best bench vise can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will take you through the best bench vises in 2024, their key features, pros and cons, and what makes them stand out from the competition. Whether you’re a professional tradesman, DIYer, or hobbyist, you’ll find the perfect bench vise to elevate your workbench game. Best Bench Vises in 2024: Buyer’s Guide and Reviews.
Contents
- 1 Eclipse EWWQR9 9
- 2 Yost Vises 445 Combination Vise
- 3 Product Review: Yost Vises 445 Combination Vise
- 4 Wilton ATV All-Terrain Vise
- 5 Yost Vises 750-E Multi-Jaw Rotating Vise
- 6 VEVOR 6″ Heavy Duty Multipurpose Bench Vise
- 6.1 Key Features
- 6.2 Pros
- 6.3 Cons
- 6.4 Final Thoughts
- 6.5 FAQS
- 6.6 H4: What is the difference between a bench vise and a machine vise?
- 6.7 H4: How do I determine the right jaw width for my needs?
- 6.8 H4: What is the importance of throat depth?
- 6.9 H4: Are all bench vises compatible with pipe clamping?
- 6.10 H4: How do I properly maintain a bench vise?
- 6.11 Conclusion
Eclipse EWWQR9 9
If you’re in the market for a top-rated woodworking vise that combines exceptional build quality, versatile features, and time-saving convenience, look no further than the Eclipse Professional Tools EWWQR9 9″ Quick Release Bench Vise. This heavy-duty vise is a perfect addition to any workshop or garage and excels at securely clamping workpieces of all sizes for a wide range of projects.
What sets the Eclipse EWWQR9 apart is its robust cast iron and steel construction that is built to withstand the toughest jobs and frequent use. The cast iron body and sliding jaw offer superb shock absorption, while the steel slide rods and main screw with single-start threading ensure buttery smooth operation.
This 9″ woodworking vise boasts an innovative quick release lever that allows you to rapidly open and close the jaws without turning the main screw – a huge time-saver! The adjustable front stop provides added versatility by enabling you to use it as both a standard vise and a tail vise, expanding your workholding capabilities.
With a generous 9″ jaw width, 4″ throat depth, and massive 10.24″ maximum opening capacity, the Eclipse EWWQR9 can accommodate larger pieces with ease. Pre-drilled holes and cast-in mounting tabs make installation a breeze on any workbench. As an added safety bonus, the tommy bar is engineered to bend if the vise becomes overstressed, protecting it from damage.
Key Features
- Cast iron body/jaw and steel slide rods for ultimate durability
- Quick release lever to swiftly adjust jaw opening without main screw
- Adjustable front stop enables use as regular vise or tail vise
- Safety tommy bar designed to bend if vise is overstressed
- 9″ jaw width, 4″ throat depth, 10.24″ max opening for larger workpieces
- Pre-drilled mounting holes/tabs for simple workbench installation
Pros
- Exceptionally robust cast iron and steel construction
- Quick release mechanism saves substantial time
- Versatile thanks to adjustable front stop for added clamping options
- Built-in safety feature prevents damage from overload
- Generously sized jaws handle bigger projects with ease
- Secure mounting system ensures stability
- Excellent longevity and lasting value
Cons
- Weighs 22 lbs, so not the most portable option
- Mounting hardware not included
- Quick release can feel a bit stiff out of the box for some users
Final Thoughts
The Eclipse Professional Tools EWWQR9 easily ranks among the best woodworking vises on the market in 2024. Yes, it comes with a premium price tag, but the quality materials, innovative quick release feature, and versatile design make it a worthwhile investment, especially for avid woodworkers. Being able to utilize it as both a standard vise and tail vise is incredibly handy. There are just a few minor downsides that shouldn’t be deal-breakers. When it comes to durability, convenience and performance, this top-rated 9″ bench vise is tough to beat.
Yost Vises 445 Combination Vise
Here is an extended overview and minimized final thoughts for the Yost Vises 445 Combination Vise product review:
Product Review: Yost Vises 445 Combination Vise
If you’re in the market for a truly versatile and heavy-duty vise that can handle virtually any clamping task, look no further than the Yost Vises 445 Combination Vise. This innovative tool combines the functionality of a traditional bench vise and a dedicated pipe vise into one remarkably robust and flexible solution.
Constructed from premium 30,000 PSI cast grey iron with a steel U-channel bar, the Yost 445 exudes quality and durability from the moment you lay eyes on it. The combination of serrated steel jaws is where the real versatility shines through. The main 4.5″ jaw with 4″ opening handles flat workpieces like wood, metal, and plastic with ease, while the larger serrated pipe jaw can securely clamp cylindrical pipes and tubing from 0.125″ up to 2″ in diameter.
But the versatility doesn’t stop there! This combination vise also features a large integrated anvil work surface, making it a true triple-threat for holding, clamping, and hammering/shaping all in one robust package. The 360° swiveling base with dual lockdowns allows you to position your workpiece at the perfect angle for optimum accessibility and precision.
With a generous 2.625″ throat depth, the Yost 445 can accommodate oversized workpieces that won’t fit in smaller vises. Whether you’re a woodworker, metalworker, plumber, hobbyist, or DIYer, this vise has the clamping power and range to get the job done right. Easy to use and built to last, it’s a workshop centerpiece you’ll rely on for decades.
Key Features
- Cast iron body and steel components for maximum strength
- 4.5″ serrated main jaw width with 4″ jaw opening
- Separate larger serrated steel pipe jaw (0.125″ to 2″ capacity)
- 360° swivel base with dual lockdowns for flexible positioning
- Integrated large anvil work surface
- 2.625″ throat depth to handle oversized workpieces
Pros
- Unmatched versatility to use as bench vise, pipe vise, or anvil
- Premium cast iron and steel construction is incredibly robust
- Swivel base allows clamping at the most convenient angle
- Generous maximum capacities for larger projects
- All-in-one design combines multiple tools into one
- Exceptional made in USA quality and craftsmanship
- Built to provide decades of reliable service
Cons
- Weighs 17 lbs, so it’s not very portable
- Premium price tag, though good value for the capabilities
- Replacing jaws can be tricky if they ever wear down
Final Thoughts
For a top-of-the-line combination vise that blends versatility and ruggedness, it’s hard to beat the Yost 445. The ability to pull triple duty makes it an extremely valuable addition to any workshop.
Wilton ATV All-Terrain Vise
When your projects aren’t confined to the workshop, you need a vise that can go wherever the job takes you. Enter the Wilton ATV All-Terrain Vise – a ruggedly built and highly portable clamping solution designed for true mobile versatility.
This innovative vise is engineered to quickly mount onto either a standard 2″ hitch receiver on your truck, trailer, or ATV, or attach directly to a workbench surface. The solid steel construction and powder-coated finish give it exceptional durability, while the water-resistant coating ensures all-weather protection when working outdoors.
Despite its tough exterior, the Wilton ATV vise is surprisingly light at just under 26 lbs, with an integrated carrying handle for easy transportation from site to site. Once mounted, you can lock the vise’s patented 360° swiveling handle in your desired position for secure clamping whether you’re driving or working on a project.
In terms of workholding capabilities, the ATV vise means business with its 5″ jaw width and generous 6″ maximum opening capacity. The 4.25″ throat depth further expands the size of workpieces you can clamp down. Whether you’re a contractor, mechanic, welder, or DIY warrior, this vise can handle it all with its robust clamping force.
The versatility and mobile-friendly design of the Wilton ATV vise make it an ideal choice for field repairs, remote job sites, farm/ranch work, and any other demanding application that requires a portable clamping station. Its all-terrain prowess ensures you’ll always have a stable, reliable vise wherever your next project may take you.
Key Features
- 5″ serrated steel jaw width with 6″ max opening
- 4.25″ throat depth for larger workpieces
- Mounts to 2″ hitch receivers or benchtops
- Under 26 lbs with integrated carry handle
- 360° locking swivel handle for positioning flexibility
- Powder coated steel with water-resistant coating
- Extremely portable yet very sturdy when mounted
Pros
- Amazing versatility to use as a mobile or workshop vise
- Heavy-duty construction from durable steel components
- Generous jaw capacity to handle most typical projects
- Swivel handle lock provides rigid clamping anywhere
- Water-resistant finish protects against outdoor elements
- Relatively lightweight design with convenient carry handle
Cons
- Hitch mounting bracket sold separately
- Carrying handle position could be better located
- Jaw pads are decent but could be higher quality
Final Thoughts
When you need a vise that can truly go everywhere and handle any project, it’s hard to beat the versatility of the Wilton ATV All-Terrain model. Its unique mobile-first design lets you take a rugged clamping solution on the road.
Yost Vises 750-E Multi-Jaw Rotating Vise
The Yost Vises 750-E sets a new standard for versatile workholding with its innovative multi-jaw rotating design. This 2-in-1 vise combines the capabilities of both a traditional bench vise and a dedicated pipe vise into one exceptionally robust and flexible solution.
At the heart of the 750-E is its dual jaw system constructed from premium 60,000 PSI ductile iron. The main 5″ bench jaw with serrated steel face is perfect for securely clamping flat workpieces like wood, metal, plastic and more. But flip the vise head around, and you’ll find a separate serrated steel pipe jaw that can handle tubing from 0.375″ all the way up to 2.5″ in diameter.
This dual-jaw configuration, paired with the ability for the entire vise head to rotate a full 360°, provides unparalleled flexibility when positioning your workpiece. And that’s not all – the 750-E also features a generous 3″ throat depth and integrated large anvil work surface for all your shaping and hammering needs.
As if that wasn’t enough, Yost engineered the entire vise body to swivel 360° on its base, with dual lockdowns to secure your desired angle. This swiveling base further expands the positioning options to easily clamp even the most awkward or oversized workpieces.
With its robust ductile iron construction and versatile dual-jaw design, the Yost 750-E is truly in a class of its own as an all-in-one vise solution for any workshop. The innovative rotating head motions enable fast, tool-free jaw transitions while the swivel base provides amazing adjustability.
Key Features
- 5″ serrated steel main bench jaw and 2.5″ pipe jaw
- 60,000 PSI ductile iron body for incredible strength
- Vise head rotates 360° to rapidly swap between jaw types
- 360° swiveling base with dual locks for positioning flexibility
- Large integrated anvil work surface
- 5″ maximum jaw opening with 3″ throat depth
Pros
- Unique 2-in-1 design combines bench vise and pipe vise capabilities
- Lightning fast tool-free jaw transitions via rotating head
- Swivel base allows clamping at virtually any angle
- Extremely robust and precise ductile iron construction
- Huge maximum pipe diameter capacity of 2.5″
- All-in-one integration of vise, pipe vise, and anvil
Cons
- More expensive than dedicated single-function vises
- No quick-release for rapid jaw adjustments
- 33 lb weight makes it less portable
Final Thoughts
For workshops that need maximum versatility without compromising strength, the Yost 750-E is in a class of its own as a multi-jaw rotating vise system. The ability to seamlessly transition between tasks is a game-changer.
VEVOR 6″ Heavy Duty Multipurpose Bench Vise
Introducing the VEVOR 6″ Heavy Duty Multipurpose Bench Vise – a rock-solid workholding solution engineered to tackle even the most demanding projects in your workshop. This premium vise is forged from ultra-robust 60,000 PSI ductile iron with a powder coated finish for exceptional durability and rust-resistance.
What sets the VEVOR vise apart is its highly versatile design and impressive specs. The main jaw spans a full 6 inches wide with a generous 5.9″ jaw opening, providing secure clamping power for larger workpieces. But it doesn’t stop there – this vise can also handle pipes and tubing from 0.6″ up to 2.9″ in diameter thanks to its dedicated serrated pipe jaws.
To further improve accessibility, the entire vise body can rotate a full 360 degrees on its swiveling base with dual lockdowns. This rotation gives you the flexibility to easily position your workpiece at any angle for optimum stability and control during tasks like sawing, drilling, grinding, and more.
As an added bonus, the VEVOR vise includes a substantial 2.9″ x 3″ integrated anvil work surface – perfect for hammering, shaping, and bending operations. With specs like a 3.5″ throat depth and up to 4,496 lbs of clamping force, you can count on this vise to hold even the bulkiest materials securely in place.
Key Features
- 6″ serrated steel main jaw width with 5.9″ opening
- Dedicated serrated pipe jaws for 0.6″ to 2.9″ diameter tubing
- 60,000 PSI ductile iron body with powder coating
- 360° swiveling base with dual lockdowns for positioning
- 2.9″ x 3″ integrated anvil work surface
- 3.5″ throat depth and 4,496 lb max clamping force
Pros
- Amazing multipurpose design for flat, curved, and pipe workpieces
- Exceptional capacity to handle oversized materials and projects
- Full rotation and swiveling base enhances flexibility
- Robust ductile iron construction with durable powder coating
- Integrated anvil adds shaping and hammering capabilities
- Includes mounting hardware and jaw pads right out of the box
Cons
- Relatively heavy at 25 lbs, not very portable
- Some users report minor quality control issues
- Doesn’t have a quick release for rapid jaw adjustments
Final Thoughts
With its versatile multipurpose design, oversized capacities, and premium ductile iron construction, the VEVOR 6″ bench vise rises to the top as one of the best all-around workholding solutions for serious workshops and job sites.
FAQS
H4: What is the difference between a bench vise and a machine vise?
A bench vise is designed to be mounted on a workbench or other stable surface, while a machine vise is typically used in conjunction with a mill, drill press, or other machine tool. Bench vises are generally more versatile and can handle a wider range of materials and applications.
H4: How do I determine the right jaw width for my needs?
The ideal jaw width depends on the size of the workpieces you’ll be clamping. As a general rule, choose a vise with a jaw width that is at least 1 inch wider than your largest anticipated workpiece. This will provide enough clamping surface area for a secure grip.
H4: What is the importance of throat depth?
Throat depth refers to the distance between the rear of the vise jaw and the body. A deeper throat allows you to clamp larger or irregularly shaped workpieces that wouldn’t fit in a vise with a shallower throat.
H4: Are all bench vises compatible with pipe clamping?
No, not all bench vises are designed for pipe clamping. Some models, like the Yost 445 and 750-E, feature dedicated serrated pipe jaws, while others may require additional accessories or modifications to securely hold pipes and tubing.
H4: How do I properly maintain a bench vise?
Regular maintenance is key to prolonging the life of your bench vise. Keep the jaws clean and free of debris, lubricate the moving parts with a suitable lubricant, and protect the vise from rust by wiping down any bare metal surfaces after use.