11 best vices

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

A vise is a mechanical device for holding workpieces. This tool is used when it is necessary to protect the worker or free his hands. The most suitable attachment should be selected for different operations and workpieces. Experts will help you understand the intricacies of choosing a vice.

How to choose a quality vise

1. The vise design has remained unchanged for decades. The main components of the fixture are two jaws, a base plate, and a lead screw. One of the jaws is fixed on the base, and the second is moved using a special mechanism with a handle.
2. Most often, vices are made from cast iron, steel, or a combination of both. It is rare to find wooden devices in carpentry workshops. Each of the materials has its own pros and cons.
3. All vices can be grouped according to their intended purpose. Locksmith models must securely hold solid metal while maintaining integrity. Carpentry is more gentle with wood pieces without destroying soft fibers. A vice is made especially for machine tools and is fixed on the bed. With their help, the part is precisely fed into the processing zone. It is more convenient to work with pipes if you hold the workpiece in a pipe vise. They have special jaws that adhere to the surface of the part from several sides.
4. Vices differ greatly in size and weight. If the device is installed motionless on a workbench, then the mass is not decisive, it is more important to pay attention to the method of fixation. And with constant movement, lightweight and compact models will be more convenient. Although users are confident that the heavier the vice, the stronger and more reliable it is.
5. For ease of use, there are many additional functions. The locksmith vice is equipped with a rotary mechanism (180 or 360 degrees). Folding legs and clip plates are mounted to the carpentry models. For machine tools, movable parts are made, thanks to which it is possible to bring (withdraw) the part into the processing zone by rotating the handles. The quick-clamping screw speeds up the fixing of the part, which is especially important in production conditions.

Our review includes 11 of the best vices. When compiling the rating, the opinion of the expert community and feedback from domestic consumers were taken into account.

Which vise is better than steel or cast iron

Vise type	Advantages	disadvantages
Steel	+ lightness + compactness + quality processing	– high price – tendency to rust
Cast iron	+ high hardness + strength + corrosion resistance + effectively dampen impact energy	– fragility at high shock load – heavy weight

Rating of the best vices

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best locksmith vice	1	WILTON WI21400	RUB 8,000
	2	WEDO TSCH-180	RUB 8,779
	3	Kobalt 246-012	RUB 6,150
	4	Zubr 32712-100	RUB 5,959
Best joinery vice	1	WILTON WWV / 175 65017EU	RUB 3,050
	2	Triton SJA100E	RUB 9 800
	3	BISON EXPERT 32731-175	RUB 4,903
The best machine vice	1	WILTON WI91193RU	1 290 rub.
	2	Enkor 20081	RUB 3,959
Best pipe vise	1	RIDGID 25 40100 (1 / 8-4) 29674	34 186 RUB
	2	Zubr 32611-2 2438	RUB 2,729

Best locksmith vice

Locksmith's vice is widely used by domestic consumers. They allow you to securely hold workpieces that are processed manually or using electrical equipment. Such models can be found on workbenches in factory floors, as well as on tables in garages. The experts selected several reliable locksmith assistants.

WILTON WI21400

Rating: 4.9

One of the main advantages of the WILTON WI21400 bench vice is its reliability. The tool is made of durable cast iron that can withstand severe impact. The dimensions of the replaceable jaws are sufficient to hold large objects, cylindrical rods and pipes (diameter 6.5-65 mm). The body of the tool is protected from corrosion by powder paint, no chips or scratches appear on the durable polymer coating. The anvil has sufficient area to flatten steel products. The rotary design (360 degrees) makes working with the tool convenient, the position must be fixed with two stoppers. Experts gave this model the palm in our ranking.

Users find the WILTON WI21400 Clamping Tool the best choice for their garage equipment. They are reliable, practical and durable.

Advantages

• reliability;
• polymer coating;
• high-quality manufacturing;
• swivel design.

disadvantages

• high price.

WEDO TSCH-180

Rating: 4.8

An effective clamping tool is the WEDO TSCH-180 bench vice. The product is the result of Russian-Belarusian cooperation. Experts note the good build quality, durability of the cast iron base and steel jaws. The model has excellent stability, some owners use a vice without fixing hardware to a workbench or table. The product is equipped with a swivel function, which makes the work comfortable. The tool is somewhat inferior to the leader of the rating in design and quality of the protective coating.

In the reviews, domestic users speak out flatteringly about the strength and practicality of the tool. They are simple and easy to use. Only the exterior design leaves much to be desired.

Advantages

• durable cast iron;
• swivel design;
• durable sponges;
• easy rotation of the clamping mechanism.

disadvantages

• modest appearance.

Kobalt 246-012

Rating: 4.7

The Kobalt 246-012 swivel vise is eye-catching with a stylish look. The tool allows you to work in two planes (horizontal and vertical), it reliably fixes parts with different configurations. The base is made of ductile iron, the replaceable jaws and the tightening screw are made of durable steel. The rectangular anvil can withstand light hammer blows. The tool is fastened to the workbench with 4 screws, alternatively self-tapping screws with a diameter of more than 8 mm can be used.

The experts noticed one significant flaw that prevented the Chinese clutches from taking a higher place in the ranking. It is a short and slender handle that is inconvenient to grip workpieces. Users describe the tool as comfortable and robust.

Advantages

• beautiful appearance;
• turn in two planes;
• durable sponges;
• sponges spread widely.

disadvantages

• short thin handle.

Zubr 32712-100

Rating: 4.6

Vise Zubr 32712-100 attracts potential buyers at an affordable price. With this tool, it is possible to securely fix different parts. For the manufacture of the case and the movable bar, the manufacturer used high-quality cast iron SCH-25. The jaws have a corrugated surface, the kit includes replaceable elements for bars and pipes. The base can be rotated horizontally, fixing the tool in the most comfortable position. A measuring scale is provided to accurately determine the distance between the jaws. An enlarged rectangular anvil is made on the body of the instrument.

The tool did not reach the top three in the rating due to the short handle. Users note cases of factory defects in casting, which leads to breakage of the vice during fixing of parts.

Advantages

• compactness;
• smooth running;
• affordable price;
• measuring scale.

disadvantages

• short handle;
• poor quality casting.

Best joinery vice

The joinery vise has one specific feature. They must not only securely, but also carefully hold the wooden products. For this, manufacturers complete the devices with smooth sponges, as well as special soft pads. Buyers should pay attention to the travel and height of the jaws. Here are some interesting models.

WILTON WWV / 175 65017EU

Rating: 4.9

Low price and compact dimensions make the WILTON WWV / 175 65017EU a desirable tool in the carpentry shop. By spreading high jaws (70 mm) to a distance of 210 mm, it is possible to cut and cut impressive pieces of wood. In this case, the wood does not deform, since the sponges have a perfectly smooth surface. The frame structure is attached to the table with hardware, for this the manufacturer has provided special holes. The undercarriage is quite robust thanks to two rails and a clamping screw. The model deservedly takes first place in our rating.

Users are satisfied with the quality of the cast iron, the size of the vice, the smooth running, the protection against corrosion. Of the minuses, the lack of a rotation function is noted.

Advantages

• reliable frame construction;
• anti-corrosion treatment;
• large sponges with a smooth surface;
• smooth running.

disadvantages

• no swivel mechanism.

Triton SJA100E

Rating: 4.8

Triton SJA100E stand vise is a multifunctional tool. This mobile equipment is capable of fixing large-sized workpieces. The working stroke is 955 mm, which is enough for fixing the door leaf. The device is light enough (14.5 kg) and mobile. The clamping mechanism has a foot drive for squeezing. And the sponges are provided for manually. This design allows you to do without a workbench, table or additional stands. The experts put the vise-stand in second place in the rating for the high price.

Users appreciated the convenience of the equipment, durability, mobility and the presence of a swing mechanism. The large working stroke allows clamping of large joinery.

Advantages

• reliable folding legs;
• wide jaws (178 mm);
• large working stroke;
• swivel mechanism.

disadvantages

• high price.

BISON EXPERT 32731-175

Rating: 4.7

The BISON EXPERT 32731-175 joiner's vice perfectly combines an affordable price and workmanship. The equipment allows you to quickly and reliably fix wood blanks. A distinctive feature of the model is a clamping screw with a trapezoid thread. This design ensures effective fastening and durability of the working mechanism. Two guides are responsible for smooth rectilinear movement. The manufacturer has provided for the possibility of attaching the base to the workbench using hardware. Special holes are made in the jaws for mounting the linings.

The vise occupies the third position in our rating due to the large amount of grease that strives to get on the wooden part. But users consider the versatility of the tool to be a positive feature of the model.

Advantages

• wide jaws (175 mm);
• backlash-free running;
• quick-clamping screw;
• universality of application.

disadvantages

• a large amount of grease.

The best machine vice

When working with drilling or milling machines, you cannot do without a machine vice. They securely fix the workpiece to be processed, ensuring the safety of the worker during operations. A distinctive feature of the machine vice is a reinforced flat-bottomed body. Experts recommend the following models.

WILTON WI91193RU

Rating: 4.9

The WILTON WI91193RU vice is an ideal tool for equipping a drilling machine. Due to their affordable price, they are used both in production workshops and in garages. The manufacturer has provided for the possibility of attaching the tool to the machine bed or to the workbench (table). The slots allow you to accurately position the vice, adjusting to the position of the drill. The width of the jaws (75 mm) is sufficient for fixing workpieces of different shapes. For ease of use, the model has a swivel connection of the handle with a clamping screw. Considering the acceptable cost, the experts gave the vice the first place in our rating.

Users like the simplicity and ease of use, good looks and affordable price. As for the build quality, there are a lot of small “jambs”.

Advantages

• acceptable price;
• pleasant appearance;
• cast iron base;
• reliable fixation of workpieces.

disadvantages

• there are complaints about the build quality.

Enkor 20081

Rating: 4.8

Maximum comfort when working on a drilling machine is provided by the cross vise Enkor 20081. At first glance, the buyer may be put off by the high price. However, it is fully justified by the many adjustments. Once the part is clamped, you can move it using two handles (longitudinal and transverse feed). Longitudinal movement is limited to 160 mm, maximum lateral movement is 125 mm. To accurately position the workpiece, there are divisions on the handles. 3 screws help to fight backlash. The tool can be secured with 7 mounting holes.

The machine cross vise has been praised by experts and users for its convenience. But the rough workmanship and high price did not allow the model to bypass the winner of the rating.

Advantages

• convenient movement of the part;
• lack of backlash;
• fine adjustment;
• simple fixation.

disadvantages

• high price;
• rough workmanship.

Best pipe vise

It is quite problematic to hold pipes or rods in an ordinary vice. But special models allow you to effectively clamp pipe products for further processing. When choosing a vise, it is important to consider the minimum and maximum pipe diameters that will be fixed. The experts drew attention to the following models.

RIDGID 25 40100 (1 / 8-4) 29674

Rating: 4.9

RIDGID 25 pipe vices are designed for industrial activities. The device is installed on a table or workbench, a clamp latch and a hinged frame securely fix the pipe blank. The tool has a durable cast iron body, replaceable jaws are made of alloy steel. The model is equipped with a bending roller, which makes the tool multifunctional. Thanks to the high quality of assembly, the vice is in demand among professional plumbers, installers and locksmiths. The expert community unanimously gave the model the first place in our rating.

The high price does not allow the massive use of pipe vices in amateur activities. But professionals highly appreciate the reliability, convenience and efficiency of the tool.

Advantages

• cast iron base;
• bending roller;
• quick-clamping screw;
• quick-release clamp.

disadvantages

• high price.

Zubr 32611-2 2438

Rating: 4.8

DIYers can make their pipe work easier by purchasing the Zubr 32611-2 vise. This jig manages to hold workpieces 2-3.5 inches thick in the working end. The steel body is protected against corrosion by a multi-layer paint coating. The tool weighs only 5.62 kg, which makes it easy to move, but requires attachment to a table or workbench. The design is reliable and simple. The hardened jaws are resistant to wear, and their textured surface contributes to the safe fastening of pipes. The model ranks second in the ranking, yielding to the winner in terms of convenience and functionality.

Users are satisfied with the mobility, simplicity and affordability of the Zubr 32611-2 pipe vise. Only they can work with a narrow standard size of pipes.

Advantages

• low price;
• comfortable handle;
• reliable fixation;
• quality workmanship.

disadvantages

• limited functionality.

---

Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.