Wilton Reversible Mechanics Bench Vise
If you are looking for the best bench vise, you have come to the right place. The bench vise is a standard piece of equipment for any workshop. Whether you’re an enthusiastic hobbyist with a decked out garage shop or you are a machinist in an auto garage or you’re an engineer designing realistic models, you need this versatile and indispensable instrument.
The bench vise can be used to mount and stabilize a wide variety of objects while you are working on them; the industrial-grade bench vises can even straighten tools and shape heavy metals. Whether you’re sawing something or need to glue something while vertical, you can stop your clever improvising and get yourself the real thing. To choose the best bench vise for your needs, we’ve outlined the top-selling bench vises according to different specifications. Some folks mostly use their bench vise to hold things in place for a short period of time and do not require a heavy-duty load-bearing piece of equipment; however, if you’re someone who is going to be using your bench vise to stabilize large pieces of metal, wood or plastic you would benefit from getting a top-of-the-line bench vise and footing the extra dollar.
In addition, more than one bench vise will come in handy for over-size projects. In which case, maybe two of the same model or two with slightly different specs will complement your machining and engineering needs. That is up to you. What we can help you with is knowing what there is to choose from and how each of these top-selling bench vises can serve your specific project needs.
Best Bench Vise Reviews
- Wilton Reversible Mechanics Bench Vise (Top Pick)
- Tekton Swivel Bench Vise
- Wilton General Purpose Swivel Bench Vise
Wilton Reversible Mechanics Bench Vise
For those seeking the best bench vise that has power and can withstand an immense amount of pressure and load-bearing, we recommend the Wilton Reversible Mechanics Bench. This model is not only budget-savvy but it comes with top-of-the-line features and specs. In its regular position, the jaw opens to 6”, the length of the jaw grips is 5” and the throat depth is 3 ¾ “. What sets this bench vise apart is its reversible clamps. When the adjustable clamp is reversed, the vise can open to 9 ¾”.
However, in the reverse position the throat depth is reduced to 2 ¾”. The jaw faces of the vise are made from hardened steel and can be replaced should their serrated grip lose its texture. The manufacturers boast this product is ideal for automotive repair and professional mechanics. Considering the Wilton Reversible Mechanics Bench Vise weighs 48.4 lb and comes with two well-sized anvil surfaces, this is no surprise. The iron casting is made from 30,000 PSI heavy-duty iron and the clamping force can withstand up to 4,990 lbs!
Twin-locking handles ensure your work will be sturdy in place while you can swivel the base a complete 360 ̊. The base is bordered by four mounting holes; proper use of this tool requires all four holes be bolted securely to a work bench. The dimensions of this bench vise are 16.4” x 10.1” x 9.6”. If you can spend the money, and you want a high quality bench vise with a long lifetime and load-bearing capacity then the Wilton Reversible Mechanics Bench Vise is the best bench vise for you. This tool is versatile, adjustable and highly reliable for those are will test its strength.
Tekton 54006 6” Swivel Bench Vise
Our second recommendation for bench vises will satisfy the consumer who doesn’t need something that can open as wide as the Wilton, but can withstand just about as much. The Tekton Swivel Bench Vise is the best bench vise for the mechanic who doesn’t need as much versatility but can’t compromise on strength.
This bench vise weighs in at 38.6 lb and its dimensions are 15.2” x 7.6” x 8.8”. Its cast-iron body is made with the same tensile strength as the Wilton at 30,000 PSI, but the Tekton surpasses the Wilton in clamping strength with 5,500 lb. The vise opens to 6” with a throat depth of 3” and the serrated steel jaw pads are 4 5/8” wide. Of course, the jaw pads are replaceable as with the Wilton.
The Tekton comes with one anvil surface of polished steel for flat, consistent work space at 4” x 4”. The Tekton Swivel Bench Vise is one of the best bench vises because of its twin-locking handles and capacity to swivel up to 120 ̊. The base is equipped with three mounting holes which all must be completely bolted down before operation. Once you’re all set up, this bench vise is the best vise for the machinist or mechanic who doesn’t need a super wide opening and can live without complete rotation capability, but requires a heavy-duty piece of equipment with load-bearing capacity and a super tight grip.
Wilton 11104 General Purpose 4” Swivel Base Bench Vise
Lastly, for those with a home workshop who need a light to medium-duty vise, we have another Wilton product to recommend. One of the top-rated and best-selling bench vises, the Wilton 11104 General Purpose 4” Swivel Base Bench Vise is a smaller model made from the same high quality material as its larger counterpart.
This is the best bench vise for those who can still bolt down their bench vise, but don’t necessarily want to give it a ton of room in your work space and won’t need it to position large objects. The dimensions of the Wilton 11104 are 12” x 5.9” x 6.4” and it weighs in at 15.4 lb. This light-weight bench vise opens to 4” with a throat depth of 2.25” and its serrated steel jaw pads are 4” wide.
This is the best bench vise for home projects as this bench vise won’t take up as much space but will still deliver on a strong clamp. You wouldn’t use this bench vise to straighten out your large tools necessarily (although you can always try it out), but it still comes with an anvil surface for hammering and shaping materials into the desired shape. It’s 4” opening will hold small to medium size objects, but even with its four mounting lugs this bench vise is not equipped to bear large objects. The Wilton 11104 swivels to an impressive 120 ̊ and has dual-locking capability for precision work. If you’re looking for the best bench vise for your small home workshop, the Wilton 11104 General Purpose Swivel Base Bench Vise is the instrument for you.
