[Bart42]

What do you guys recommend for a bench vise that won't break the bank? I have a Sears Craftsman 6 inch vice that I just broke one of the vise jaws. Looking at the metal it is very cheap, may be pot metal. It will cost me over $30 to replace them from Sears and I am concern about them breaking again. Expensive to replace, since the press can be bought new for about $75-$80.

Thanks,

Bart

 

[andyo]

the company is called wilton. it is an industrial type vice rated in tons i have a 3 ton vice bolted to my bench.

 

[JeffB]

Wilton makes the best vise you can buy. The highest quality steel and made really well. The last I knew they were still USA produced. I have a customer with a big truck shop. In the last two years he had broken ten cheap vises that he had given $150.00 for apiece. I sold him a larger Wilton over a year ago and his mechanics said it was the best piece of equipment in the entire shop.

You may want to visit their website in order to check out the various models. Fastenal has them amongst several other companies.
http://www.jetwilton.com/us/manufacturing/en/wilton.html?node=352&category=352

 

[TCSS1970]

Update guys...some wiltons are made in the US. All of wiltons vices under $200
are the same junky ones you buy at harbor frieght. Only the nice wilton tradesman and a coulple of the other are US made if it hasn't changed lately....sorry the US vices are in the 300 to 600 in price. They're very good vices though just a lot of money.:sad:

 

[floyd66]

A 4 inch "Record" vise is good for most jobs.

English made, Craigslist is where to get one.

 

[JWagner]

Consider shopping for a used vise. Look in tool stores and used machinery shops. I have good luck buying old high quality US made tools.

 

[FLASHED]

I have bought several over the years from garage and estate sales for very little cash and they were US made. Worth a shot.

 

[Bowtie-72]

Look in your industrial used tools shops.

 

[Chris R]

The only way to get a good quality US made tool now, is to find one on craigslist or in a place like a pawn shop. Otherwise you will end up paying good money for a new one.

 

[karl]

Make sure its forged. I bought a nice used forged vise from a guy for $50.