How to choose a quality vise. Which vice is better steel or cast iron. 11 best vices

A vise is a mechanical device for holding workpieces. This tool is used in cases where it is necessary to secure the worker or free his hands. For different operations and workpieces, you should choose the most suitable fixture. Experts will help you understand the intricacies of choosing a vise.

How to choose a quality vise

1. 1. The vise device has remained unchanged for more than a decade. The main components of the clamping device are two jaws, a base plate, and a lead screw. One of the jaws is fixedly fixed on the base, and the second one moves with the help of a special mechanism with a handle.

1. 1. Most often, vices are made of cast iron, steel, or a combination of both. It is rare to find wooden devices in carpentry workshops. Each of the materials has its pros and cons.

1. 1. All vices can be grouped according to their intended use. Locksmith models must securely hold solid metal, while maintaining integrity. Joinery fixtures are more gentle on wood parts without destroying the soft fibers. Especially for machines, a vice is made that is fixed on the frame. With their help, the part is accurately 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 sponges adjacent to the surface of the part from several sides.

1. 1. Vise seriously differ in overall dimensions 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, light and compact models will be more convenient. Although users are sure that the heavier the vise, the stronger and more reliable they are.

1. 1. There are many additional features for your convenience. Locksmith vise is equipped with a swivel mechanism (180 or 360 degrees). Folding legs and clamp pads are mounted to carpentry models. Movable parts are made at machine tools, thanks to which it is possible to bring (retract) 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 reviews of domestic consumers were taken into account.

Which vice is better steel or cast iron

Rating of the best vise

The best locksmith vise

Locksmith vise is widely used by domestic consumers. They allow you to securely hold workpieces 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 locksmith vice is reliability. The tool is made of durable cast iron, which can withstand severe shock loads. The dimensions of the interchangeable jaws are enough to hold large objects, cylindrical bars and pipes (diameter 6.5-65 mm). The body of the tool is protected from corrosion by powder paint, the durable polymer coating does not show chips and scratches. The anvil has enough area to straighten steel products. The rotary design (360 degrees) makes working with the tool convenient, it is necessary to fix the position with two stoppers. Experts gave this model a palm in our rating.

Users consider the WILTON WI21400 clamping tool to be the best option for equipping a garage. They are reliable, practical and durable.

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WEDO TSCh-180

Rating: 4.8

An effective clamping tool is the WEDO TSC-180 locksmith vice. The product was the result of Russian-Belarusian cooperation. Experts note the good build quality, the strength 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 rating leader in design and quality of the protective coating.

In the reviews, domestic users speak 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.

Kobalt 246-012

Rating: 4.7

Rotary vise Kobalt 246-012 attract attention with a stylish appearance. The tool allows you to work in two planes (horizontal and vertical), it securely fixes parts with different configurations. The base is made of ductile iron, the replaceable jaws and tightening screw are made of strong steel. The rectangular anvil withstands light hammer blows. The tool is attached to the workbench with 4 bolts, as an alternative, self-tapping screws with a diameter of more than 8 mm can be used.

Experts noticed one significant flaw that did not allow the Chinese vise to take a higher place in the ranking. This is a short and thin handle, which is inconvenient for clamping workpieces. Users characterize the tool as comfortable and strong.

Zubr 32712-100

Rating: 4.6

An affordable price attracts potential buyers of the Zubr 32712-100 vice. With this tool, you can securely fix various parts. For the manufacture of the body and the movable bar, the manufacturer used high-quality SCH-25 cast iron. Sponges have a corrugated surface, replaceable elements for bars and pipes are included. In the horizontal plane, you can rotate the base, fixing the tool in the most convenient position. There is a measuring scale to accurately determine the distance between the jaws. An enlarged rectangular anvil is made on the body of the tool.

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

The best carpenter’s vice

The joiner’s vice has one specific feature. They must not only securely, but also carefully hold wooden products. To do this, manufacturers complete the devices with smooth sponges, as well as special soft linings. Buyers should pay attention to the working stroke and height of the jaws. Here are some interesting patterns.

WILTON WWV/175 65017EU

Rating: 4.9

Low price and compact dimensions make WILTON WWV/175 65017EU a desirable tool in the carpentry workshop. Thanks to the dilution of high jaws (70 mm) to a distance of up to 210 mm, it is possible to saw and cut timber of impressive dimensions. At the same time, the wood is not deformed, because the sponges have a perfectly smooth surface. The frame structure is attached to the table with the help of hardware; for this, the manufacturer has provided special holes. The undercarriage is quite reliable due to two guides and a clamping screw. The model deservedly takes first place in our rating.

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

Triton SJA100E

Rating: 4.8

A multifunctional tool is the Triton SJA100E vise stand. This mobile equipment is capable of fixing large-sized workpieces. The working stroke is 955 mm, which is enough to fix the door leaf. The device is quite light (14.5 kg) and mobile. The clamping mechanism has a foot drive for squeezing. And it is provided to breed sponges manually. This design eliminates the need for a workbench, table or additional stands. Experts put the vise-stand in second place in the ranking for the high price.

Users appreciated the convenience of the equipment, strength, mobility and the presence of a swivel mechanism. The large working stroke allows you to clamp large joinery products.

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ZUBR EXPERT 32731-175

Rating: 4.7

Joiner’s vice ZUBR EXPERT 32731-175 perfectly combines affordable price and workmanship. The equipment allows you to quickly and reliably fix wooden blanks. A distinctive feature of the model is the clamping screw with a trapezoidal thread. This design ensures effective fastening and durability of the working mechanism. Two guides are responsible for smooth rectilinear movement. The manufacturer has provided the possibility of attaching the base to the workbench using hardware. Sponges have special holes for mounting pads.

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

The best machine vice

When working with drilling or milling machines, a machine vice is indispensable. They securely fix the workpiece being processed, ensuring the safety of the worker during operations. A distinctive feature of the machine vice is a reinforced body with a flat sole. Experts recommend the following models.

WILTON WI91193RU

Rating: 4.9

The WILTON WI91193RU vise 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 frame or to the workbench (table). Slots allow you to accurately set the vise, adjusting to the position of the drill. The width of the jaws (75 mm) is enough for fixing workpieces of various shapes. For ease of use, the model has a swivel handle with a clamping screw. Considering the acceptable cost, the experts gave the vise the first place in our rating.

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

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Enkor 20081

Rating: 4.8

The Enkor 20081 cross vice provides maximum comfort when working on a drilling machine. At first glance, the buyer may be repelled by a high price. However, it is fully justified by the many adjustments. Once clamping the part, you can move it with the help of two handles (longitudinal and transverse feed). The longitudinal movement is limited to 160 mm, the maximum transverse shift reaches 125 mm. To accurately set the workpiece, there are divisions on the handles. 3 screws help fight backlash. The tool can be fixed with 7 fixing holes.

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

The best pipe vise

In a conventional vise, holding pipes or bars is quite problematic. But special models allow you to effectively clamp tubular 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

The RIDGID 25 Pipe Vice is designed for manufacturing applications. The device is installed on a table or a workbench, a collar latch and a folding frame securely fix the pipe billet. 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. Due to the high quality of the assembly, the vise 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.

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Zubr 32611-2 2438

Rating: 4.8

Do-it-yourselfers can make their pipe work easier by purchasing the Zubr 32611-2 vise. In the working part of this jig, it is possible to fix workpieces with a thickness of 2-3.5 inches. The steel case is protected from corrosion by a multilayered paint and varnish covering. The tool weighs only 5.62 kg, which makes it easy to move, but requires fastening to a table or workbench. The design is reliable and simple. The hardened jaws are resistant to wear, and their embossed surface contributes to the safe fastening of pipes. The model takes second place in the ranking, yielding to the winner in terms of convenience and functionality.

Users are pleased with the portability, simplicity and affordability of the Zubr 32611-2 Pipe Vise. Only they can work with a narrow pipe size.