14 best generic bench vises

A generic bench vise is a versatile and fundamental tool commonly used in workshops and for various DIY projects. It falls under the category of hand tools and is considered an essential component in the realm of power hand tools and tools for home improvement. Here are some key features and aspects associated with generic bench vises:

  1. Design and Construction:

    • Bench vises typically consist of two main jaws—a stationary jaw and a movable jaw. These jaws are designed to securely hold a workpiece in place during tasks such as cutting, drilling, or shaping.
    • The body of the vise is often made of sturdy materials like cast iron or steel to ensure durability and stability.
  2. Mounting:

    • Bench vises are designed to be mounted on a workbench or a sturdy surface. They often come with mounting holes for this purpose.
  3. Jaw Width and Opening:

    • The size of the jaws determines the width of the vise. The opening capacity of the jaws is crucial as it dictates the maximum size of the workpiece that the vise can accommodate.
  4. Types of Bench Vises:

    • There are various types of bench vises, including woodworking vises, machinist vises, and combination vises.The choice of vise depends on the specific needs of the task at hand.
  5. Vise Accessories:

    • Some bench vises come with additional features or accessories, such as an anvil surface on the back of the vise, swivel bases for versatile positioning, or pipe jaws for holding cylindrical objects.
  6. Adjustability:

    • Many bench vises allow for the adjustment of the movable jaw to accommodate different workpiece sizes. This adaptability enhances the versatility of the vise.
  7. Clamping Mechanism:

    • Bench vises often feature a clamping mechanism that allows the user to tighten or release the jaws with ease. This can be a simple threaded rod and handle design or a more advanced quick-release mechanism.
  8. Durability and Stability:

    • The construction of a bench vise is geared towards durability and stability. This is crucial for ensuring that the vise securely holds the workpiece in place without any unwanted movement.
  9. Application:

    • Bench vises are used across various industries and applications, including woodworking, metalworking, welding, and general DIY projects. They provide a stable platform for precision work.

When using a bench vise, it's essential to follow safety guidelines and ensure that the workpiece is securely clamped. Regular maintenance, such as lubricating moving parts, helps prolong the life of the vise and ensures smooth operation.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best generic bench vises on the market
  

6'' Accu Lock Vise Precision Milling Drilling Machine Bench Clamp Clamping Vice

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Each pound of force in horizontal induces 1/2 lb of downward force, eliminating jaw tilt

  • 6" ACCU Lock Vise
  • Sliding surface of the vise bed is flame hardened and ground
  • Jaw Width: 6" ; Jaw Opening: 5.9" ; Jaw Height: 1-3/4"
  • Accurate to .002" on parallelism and Squareness
  • Quantity: 1 ; Unit overall dimension: 18/14" x 9" x 10" ; Unit approx. weight: 53 lbs

6'' Accu Lock Precision Vise w/Swivel Base Milling Drilling Machine Bench Clamp

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price
  • 6'' accu lock precision mill vise w/ swivel base ; Dimensions jaw width: 6"
  • Max jaw opening:6-1/2";Jaw height:1-7/8";Sliding surface of the vise bed is flame hardened andground
  • Accurate to .002" on parallelism and Squareness ; Sliding surface of the vise bed is flame hardened
  • Each pound of force in horizontal induces 1/2 lb of downward force, eliminating jaw tilt
  • Quantity: 1;Weight: 70 lbs;Unit overall dimension (fully open) : 11''L x 18''W x 11-3/8''H

User questions & answers

Question: On the yuasa vice the jaws can be placed at the back sides of each clamping area. Can this vice do that. I see tapped holes on the front and back
Answer: The IPad does not cause the case to be thicker. Case is same thickness with or without the iPad installed.

Pair of Magnetic Aluminium Rubber Soft Pad Jaws For Metal Vise 4 1/2" Long Pads

Shop Fox

Based on 29 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tough; Built-in Magnets Hold These 4-1/2 Rubber-faced Vise Jaw Pads Securely In Place While Making Adjustments.



Specifications:

4-1/2" Long

Magnetic

Rubber-Faced"

  • Tough; Built-in Magnets Hold
  • These 4-1/2 Rubber-faced Vise Jaw"
  • Pads Securely In Place While Making
  • Adjustments. Specifications: 4-1/2",Long Magnetic Rubber-Faced"

3'' Screwless Toolmaker Grinding Ground Vise .0002 Steel Tool Making Vise

DBM Amazon

Based on 25 reviews Check latest price

Product description

End Pockets for Convenient Clamping in All Models

  • Tool Making Precision Grinding Vise
  • Jaw Width: 3";Jaw Opening: 4";Jaw Depth: 1-3/8"; Angular Center Channel Provides Extra Jaw Capacity
  • Vise is ground flat;Square and parallel within .0002";V-groove at movable jaw
  • Jaw can be Opened and Closed without Unbolting vise from Work Surface
  • Quantity: 1;Overall dimension: 3''L x 7-1/2''W x 3''H;Weight: 8.80 lbs

User questions & answers

Question: Does it come with hold down clamps
Answer: No. The case doesn’t use magnets to hold it closed. However, the strap on the exterior can be wrapped around to hold the case closed.
Question: Where was this vise made
Answer: No, the iPad 10.2 inch 2019 case is made from premium PU leather/synthetic leahter.

6" Milling Machine Lockdown Vise -Swiveling Base - Hardened Metal - CNC Vise

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price
  • 6'' Precision Milling Machine Vise w/ Swivel Base
  • Max jaw opening:6-1/2";Jaw height:1-7/8";Sliding surface of the vise bed is flame hardened andground
  • Dimensions jaw width: 6" ; Accurate to .002" on parallelism and Squareness
  • Each pound of force in horizontal induces 1/2 lb of downward force, eliminating jaw tilt
  • Quantity: 1 ;Weight: 70 lbs;Unit overall dimension (fully open) : 11''L x 18''W x 11-3/8''H

Bench Mount 9" Woodworking Vise Woodworker Carpenter Workbench Top Clamp Jaw

  • 9" Woodworking Vise **** Unit overall dimension: 9-3/4''L x 20''W x 9''H
  • 9" Jaw **** 10-1/4" Opening max.
  • Polished guide rods ****** Acme screw *****Sliding bench dog
  • Heavy duty cast iron and steel construction **** For mounting to 2-1/4" thick workbench top
  • Quantity: 1

3'' Precision Sine Vise 4-3/8" Opening Toolmaker Machinist Tookmaking Clamp Vise

Prolinemax

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description



-Very small angles may be set with ease and accuracy using standard gauge block sets because of the built in .200" minute steps.

-Distance of Roll: 4", accuracy is further enhanced by the fact that the center distance between the rolls 4" is held within .0002"

-Provides a quick and accurate means of holding a workpiece at an angle for machining, drilling or grinding.

  • 3'' Sine vise; Vise Width: 3"; Vise Capacity: 4-3/8"; Vise Length: 7-1/2"; Vise Height: 3-5/8"
  • Jaw Height: 1-1/2"; Sine Range: 0 - 60 degree; Base has slots for clamping/bolting to work surface
  • Square and Parallel within .0002"; High Precision, Solid One-Piece Steel Construction
  • Weight: 18 lbs
  • Quantity: 1; Overall dimension: 3''L x 7-1/2''W x 4-1/4''H (when closed)

2 Way 4" Drill Press X - Y Compound Clamp Vise Slide Metal Milling

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price
  • Connecting Seat Prevents Chips from Falling into Lead Screw and Dovetail
  • Easy Lock Position with Thumb Screw
  • Crank Handle of Lower Base will Not Touch the Work Table During Rotation
  • Size: 4" ; Jaw Dim : 4" Width x 1" Depth ; Jaw Opening: 4" ; X travel: 4" ; Y travel: 6"
  • Quantity: 1 ; Shipping weight: 23 LBS

User questions & answers

Question: What is the width between the slots center to center for mounting to my drill press
Answer: 4 holes: 3 1/2" one way 4" the other
Question: What are the dimensions of the mounting base
Answer: The underside, that is, the surface which fastens to the drill-press table, measures 9 inches in length, 5 inches in width, including fastening cleats. The base alone measures 7.7/5 inches long, 3.3/8 inches wide. The vice, is a Chinese manufactured produced. Be prepared to lubricate and calibrate the same before use.
Question: Where is it made
Answer: Not sure but I can you that it is very well built (steel type ???) and heavy. Seems to work fine for my needs.
Question: What is the height of this vice
Answer: approximately 5 3/4" high

2'' Toolmaker Screwless Vise Grinding Ground Steel Precision Milling Bench Vice

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • 2'' L x 5-1/2''W Screwless Toolmaker Grinding Ground Vise .0002 Steel Tool Making Vise
  • Jaw Width:

    2"
  • Jaw Opening:

    2-1/2"
  • Jaw Depth:

    1"
  • Made of 20CrMnTi Steel
  • Vise is ground flat
  • Square and parallel within .0002"
  • V-groove at movable jaw
  • Jaw can be Opened and Closed without Unbolting vise from Work Surface
  • End Pockets for Convenient Clamping in All Models
  • Angular Center Channel Provides Extra Jaw Capacity
  • Unit Dim L x W x H (in):

    2 x 5-1/2 x 2*Estimated*
  • Unit Weight:

    3.35 Lbs
  • Quantity: 1

  • 2" Toolmakers Screwless Vise; Made of 20CrMnTi Steel
  • Tolerance within .0002" of parallelism ; Angular center channel provides extra jaw capacity
  • Jaw Width: 2" ; Jaw Opening: 2-1/2" ; Jaw Depth: 1"
  • Jaw can be Opened and Closed without Unbolting vise from Work Surface
  • Quantity: 1 ; Unit approx. weight: 3.35 lbs ; Unit overall dimension: 2''L x 5-1/2''W x 2''H

Generic 120mm/160mm Long Hand Held Mini Metal Vise Vice Jaw Wideth 25mm/50mm -Blue - Blue, A:120mm

Generic

Product description

Description:

- Well made,perfect for hand held projects

- Strong,durable and useful tool for widely used,can leave your hands free to the work

- Material: Steel

- Jaw Length: Aporix, #A: 25mm/0.98inch,#B: 50mm/1.97inch

- Length(for your chose): Approx. 120mm/4.72inch, 160mm/6.3inch

- 120mm Jaw opens to approximately:0.98inch, 160mm Jaw opens to approximately:1.97inch.

Package Includes:

1 Piece Hand Held Mini Vise

Note:

The color may have different as the difference display, pls understand.

Please allow 1-3mm error due to hand test.

  • Jaw Length: Aporix, #A: 25mm/0.98inch,#B: 50mm/1.97inch
  • Strong,durable and useful tool for widely used,can leave your hands free to the work
  • Length(for your chose): Approx. 120mm/4.72inch, 160mm/6.3inch
  • Material: Steel
  • Well made,perfect for hand held projects

6" Super-Lock Precision Vise CNC .0004" NC/CNC MILLING Machine Vice Clamps

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • 6" CNC Super Lock Vise
  • Jaw Width: 6" ; Jaw Opening: 6" ; Jaw Depth: 1-1/2" ; Flatness: 0.001"
  • Accuracy: both sides square to bottom: 0.0004"
  • Parallel to each other: 0.0008" ; Approx. weight: 56 lbs (with case)
  • Quantity: 1 ; Unit overall dim: 6-1/2''L x 18''W x 10''H

User questions & answers

Question: does this mount to the milling table
Answer: Yes, you use milling clamps to secure because it does not have side ears for t-bolt. Designed for use in CNC machining center. Big, Heavy, and it works. It does not have Acme screw which is its biggest down side. Just remember Budget priced tooling. Not good for high production or multi user shop.

4" Inch Cast Iron Metal Shop Vice Benchtop Bench Top Table Vise

Generic

Product description

4 INCH CAST IRON METAL SHOP VICE BENCHTOP BENCH TOP TABLE VISE



4" JAW WIDTH

4 1/2" MAX JAW OPENING

360 DEGREE SWIVEL WITH LOCKING LEVER

PIPE HOLDING CAPABLE JAWS

FLAT ANVIL

CHROME PLATED HANDLES

SHIPS PRIORITY MAIL AND SAME DAY IF PAID FOR BY 4PM PST"

  • 4 INCH CAST IRON METAL SHOP VICE BENCHTOP BENCH"
  • TOP TABLE VISE 4 JAW WIDTH 4 1/2" MAX JAW OPENING 360"
  • DEGREE SWIVEL WITH LOCKING LEVER PIPE HOLDING
  • CAPABLE JAWS FLAT ANVIL CHROME PLATED HANDLES SHIPS
  • PRIORITY MAIL AND SAME DAY IF PAID FOR BY 4PM PST

Precision 2-3/8'' Toolmaker Vise Machinist Tookmaking Clamp Vice Replacement Jaw

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price
  • 2-3/8'' toolmaker vise
  • Jaw width: 2-3/8'' ; Jaw depth: 1-1/4'' ; Jaw open (max opening): 3-3/8''
  • Has ground "V" way ; Clamping slot and 3/8'' hole in base ; Detachable replacement jaws
  • Unit overall dimension (fully open): 2-3/8''L x 13''W x 2-1/2''H ; Unit weight: 7.75 LBS
  • Quantity: 1 set

Proline Amazon 3'' Screwless Toolmaker Grinding Ground Vise0002 Steel Tool Making Vise

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price
  • Tool making precision grinding vise
  • Jaw Width: 3" ; Jaw Opening: 4" ; Jaw Depth: 1-3/8"
  • Vise is ground flat; Square and parallel within .0002"
  • V-groove at movable jaw; Jaw can be Opened and Closed without Unbolting vise from Work Surface
  • Quantity: 1

User questions & answers

Question: I purchased 2 of these. Why are they different sizes
Answer: My husband says you need different sizes for different jobs
Question: Will it rust? What metal is it made of
Answer: I've had mine mounted to my machine for probably a year now. I run a cool mist system for cooling. I used to oil it after every use for the first month or so but I haven't done that in a while and there are no signs of rust. I'm extremely happy with this Vise.

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