10 best press vises
Press vises, also known as bench vises or simply vises, are essential tools used in various woodworking, metalworking, and other craft and DIY projects. They are designed to securely hold workpieces in place while you work on them, providing stability and precision during tasks that require controlled pressure and stability. Here are some key features and information about press vises:
Types of Press Vises:
Bench Vise: This is the most common type of press vise. It is mounted on a workbench or table and consists of two jaws—one fixed and one movable. The movable jaw can be adjusted to hold different-sized workpieces.
Woodworking Vise: These vises are specially designed for woodworking tasks. They often have wider jaws and may include features like bench dogs or clamping mechanisms to secure wood pieces.
Machinist's Vise: These vises are used in metalworking and machining applications. They are typically made of heavy-duty materials like cast iron and have precise alignment for accurate work.
Parts of a Press Vise:
Fixed Jaw: The stationary part of the vise that does not move during operation.
Movable Jaw: The part of the vise that can be adjusted to clamp the workpiece. It moves towards or away from the fixed jaw to secure the workpiece.
Screw Mechanism: A threaded screw that connects the fixed and movable jaws. When turned, it moves the movable jaw to tighten or release the grip on the workpiece.
Anvil Area: Some bench vises have a flat, sturdy surface near the fixed jaw, known as an anvil area. This can be used for tasks like bending or shaping metal.
Common Uses:
Holding Workpieces: Press vises are used to firmly hold workpieces in place while sawing, drilling, filing, or performing other tasks that require stability.
Assembly Work: They are handy for assembling parts or objects, allowing you to clamp pieces together until they dry or set.
Metalworking: Machinist's vises are essential for precise metalworking operations, such as milling, drilling, or tapping.
Woodworking: Woodworking vises are invaluable in tasks like sawing, chiseling, or carving wood.
Vise Sizes: Press vises come in various sizes to accommodate different workpiece dimensions. The size of the vise is typically determined by the width of the jaws.
Materials and Durability: Bench vises are often made of durable materials like cast iron or steel to withstand heavy-duty use and provide long-lasting reliability.
Maintenance: To ensure the vise operates smoothly and securely, regular maintenance is essential. This may include cleaning, lubricating the screw mechanism, and checking for any wear or damage.
In summary, press vises are versatile tools used in woodworking, metalworking, and various DIY projects. They play a crucial role in securely holding workpieces, providing stability, and enabling precision in a wide range of tasks. Choosing the right vise for your specific application is important for achieving the best results.
Below you can find our editor's choice of the best press vises on the marketProduct description
Remember when you could make fine-tune adjustments with the simple turn of a wheel? the WEN 4.25-Inch tilting vise provides 90 degrees of stable and reliable clamping action. Great for Incremental drilling and precision work. With a locking cradle and positive work stops every 15 degrees (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 degrees), this vise is the perfect companion for your Benchtop, your drill Press, your work Table, and more. Made from heavy duty powder-coated cast iron, the WEN tilting vise grips tightly onto your workpieces, providing over 1900 pounds of clamping force. The 4.25-By-1.75-Inch jaws open up to 4.25 inches wide. The fixed jaw features a v-shaped Groove to hold round objects either vertically or horizontally while the removable handles help users easily install the vise into tight spaces. With six 1/2-inch mounting brackets positioned around the outside edge of the vise's base, the WEN angled vise is compatible with the majority of drill Press tables on the market, including the WEN 4210 and 4212 10-inch drill presses, the WEN 4214 12-inch drill Press, the WEN 4225 15-inch drill Press, and the WEN 4227 17-inch drill Press. And because it’s a WEN product, your cross vise comes backed by a two-year warranty, a nationwide network of skilled service technicians and a friendly customer help line all to make sure you remember WEN.
- 4.25 by 1.75 inch jaws open up to 4.25 inches wide
- Constructed of industrial-strength powder-coated cast iron
- Features 7 positive tilting stops; one every 15 degrees from 0 to 90
- Five 1/2-inch mounting brackets allow for compatibility with the majority of drill press tables on the market
- Compatible with the WEN 10-Inch, 12-inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch drill presses
User questions & answers
Question: | Does anyone know if this will fit on the fordom drill press? That uses the flex shaft as a motor |
Answer: | For milling small parts you should be ok. |
Question: | is compatible whit Wen 4208 8 in |
Answer: | no pads on the jaws |
Question: | Do you think this is rigid enough for a milling machine |
Answer: | No much I’m afraid. You can check at Technatools and Pen State Industries for a Spindle adapter that goes from the chuck to a 18mm threaded spindle. If you are in the US it may be harder to find. Both technatoole and PSI are sold here on Amazon. |
Question: | Will the face pads come off |
Answer: | If it is 1” 8 TPI it will fit. Please double check the specs at Harbor Freight. I’m not sure if the small lathe is 1” 8 TPI. |
Product description
Remember when your workpiece clung tightly to your table top? The WEN 3-Inch Cast Iron Drill Press Vise clinches woods, metals, plastics and more, holding workpieces firmly in place for safe and accurate drilling. The heavy cast iron base along with the four onboard mounting slots provide stability to the vise during operation. The 3-inch jaws open up a total of 3-1/10 inches with a 1-inch throat depth to tightly grip boards and metals of a variety of shapes. The WEN 3-Inch Drill Press Vise is compatible with the majority of drill press tables on the market (including the WEN 4208, 4210, 4212, 4214, 4225, and 4227 drill presses). Never worry about your workpieces budging again with the WEN 3-Inch Cast Iron Drill Press Vise. Remember when you could drill holes safely and accurately? Remember WEN.
- Grip woods, metals, plastics and more
- Cast iron construction provides stability to drilling operations
- 3-inch jaws open up to 3-1/10 inches with a 1-inch throat depth
- Includes four onboard mounting slots to securely fasten the vise to a drill press table
- Universal design compatible with the majority of drill presses on the market (see images for base dimensions)
User questions & answers
Question: | does this fit a wen 8" drill press table |
Answer: | I used 3/8” and works perfectly fine. |
Question: | does anyone know the size of the bolts that mount the clamping pads to the vice |
Answer: | The slots will take up to a 0.44" dia. bolt. On the same side, the slots range from 2.2" to 4.5" centers mounting range. Across the sides the mounting centers will be 4.3". |
Question: | what is the distance between mounting holes |
Answer: | If you mean will this vise fit on the platform of the Dremel Workstation #220-01, yes indeed. This is exactly why I purchased this vise to use under my workstation. You can get one or two bolts to line up with the slots on both parts to secure it. It is a very manageable size compared to a 4" drill press vise, and the price was outstanding. |
Question: | Will this 3 " fit the dremel rotary work station |
Answer: | I'm not sure. It's pretty tough and I have wrenched on it pretty good. That said its not a forged steel vice like my grand father had but it's not $200 either. For the $$ it's good. |
Product features
WEN 423DPV 3-Inch Cast Iron Drill Press Vise
Remember when your workpiece clung tightly to your table top? The WEN 3-Inch Cast Iron Drill Press Vise clinches woods, metals, plastics and more, holding workpieces firmly in place for safe and accurate drilling. The heavy cast iron base along with the four onboard mounting slots provide stability to the vise during operation. The 3-inch jaws open up a total of 3-1/10 inches with a 1-inch throat depth to tightly grip boards and metals of a variety of shapes. The WEN 3-Inch Drill Press Vise is compatible with the majority of drill press tables on the market (including the WEN 4208, 4210, 4212, 4214, 4225, and 4227 drill presses). Never worry about your workpieces budging again with the WEN 3-Inch Cast Iron Drill Press Vise. Remember when you could drill holes safely and accurately? Remember WEN.
Product description
The Yost 4” Light Duty Drill Press Vise features a slotted base for easy installation and positioning. Crafted of forged iron for durability with textured 4" jaws that grip securely, this lightweight and portable drill press has a 4" jaw capacity and is perfect for light duty tasks. Yost stands behind this product with a quality guarantee.
- Slotted base for easy installation and positioning
- Slot Width: 1/2"
- Slot centerline: 5.30"
- Mount vise to drill press using fasteners
- Textured jaws for secure gripping
- 4-inch-wide jaws x 4" jaw opening x 0.85" throat depth
- Lightweight and portable
- Crafted of cast iron for long-lasting durability
Product description
The IRWIN Drill Press Vise features a slotted base for easy installation and positioning. Crafted of forged iron for durability with textured 4" jaws that grip securely, this lightweight and portable drill press has a 4-1/2" jaw capacity and is perfect for light duty tasks.
From the Manufacturer
The IRWIN 226340 4-Inch Drill Press Vise provides stability and pressure for drilling applications. This vise is made of forged iron and has a clamping pressure of 1000-Pound.
- Slotted base for easy installation and positioning
- Textured jaws for secure gripping
- 4.5 Inch jaw capacity perfect for light duty tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Crated of forged iron for long-lasting durability
User questions & answers
Question: | the slots on my drill press are 4.5 inches center to center. will this fit my drill press |
Answer: | The slots on this vise is 6" center to center. You can angle the vise to line up with the holes on your drill press. |
Question: | Is this tool made in USA, or china/mexico/other?? Thank you |
Answer: | Seems to be China |
Question: | What hardware is required to attach to the drill press |
Answer: | 4 bolts , nuts and lock washers. Don't remember the size but you want them to be snug in the holes that mount the vise to the base plate of the drill press. |
Question: | Will this vise bolt to a Rockwell Rk7033 drill press |
Answer: | I have a Delta bench top drill press, and I can bolt it down. Unfortunately I don't know much about the Rockwell drill press. |
Product description
If you own a drill press, you owe it to yourself to see just how easy this Bora 4” Drill Press Clamp makes your projects. It fastens to the table of virtually any make and model drill press, and holds fast whatever it is you are working on. This allows for increased precision and ease of drilling, without you worrying about previously-used vise grips or c-clamps never quite getting the job done. We’ve added a host of features that customers love, and designed this woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts everywhere. The slotted bottom is designed to easily bolt to virtually any drill press base; the oversize grip is comfortable and pivots 90 degrees for increased clamping power; the steel jaws are rock solid, and will hold your material fast without marring it; and the quick release makes it a pleasure to use – you can quickly and easily reposition your material, making drilling multiple holes simple. It’s lightweight, yet super strong, and comes with a lifetime warrantee, making this drill press vise a great value.
- Large 4" jaw capacity is ideal for thousands of projects.
- Easily and securely attaches to your drill press’ table. The holes are 4-1/2" long and are 5" apart, allowing for virtually any manufacturer’s drill press to be accommodated.
- Aluminum die cast body with steel jaws securely holds your material without marring it.
- Main tightening screw is chrome plated steel.
- Quick release button for easy repositioning of your project / material.
User questions & answers
Question: | This vise says 4" capacity; assume this is max open, what is width & height of jaws? also, is jaw surface metal or plastic |
Answer: | Mine did not. Just the inside foam and cover. I didn't notice any smell. |
Question: | bolt size needed for mounting |
Answer: | It doesn’t flatten but it’s not very dense foam so if you lay on it, it gets pretty flat |
Question: | What is the distance between the mounting slots center to center from one side to the other |
Answer: | Hi, Zensolo can comfortably support up to 44lbs or 20kgs. The average weight of a head weighs 10-12lbs. So yes, Zensolo should be fine for larger people. Please be reminded that Zensolo provides firm acupressure. It would not suitable for people who prefer light acupressure Kind regards Steve from Client Services |
Question: | what is the maximum opening of the jaws |
Answer: | Hi thanks for your question. The answer is, yes it absolutely does and was designed for a stiff neck. The 6 silicone balls provide firm pressure targeted at specific acupressure points along your neck to increase blood flow and relaxing tense muscles. It also provides gentle neck traction Please let us know if you have any further questions. Have a great day Steve from Client Servces |
Product features
Bora Drill Press Vise
With it's universal design, heavy-duty construction, and clamping pressure, this drill press vise will provide consistent, professional results with every project.
For a Variety of Projects
The vise was designed to be used with a drill press, but can also be mounted to most work surfaces.. With a 4-inch clamping capacity, the vise will accommodate a variety of materials and projects.
Non-Marring Pads and Pivot Handle
The jaws feature non-marring pads to eliminate pressure marks on virtually any material. Also featuring an over-sized, soft-grip handle for comfortable use and pivots 90 degrees for quick adjustments.
Quick Release Button
For speed and convenience the vise contains a quick release button and accommodates most drill presses with 4.5” holes that are 5” apart.
- Jaw width: 4"(100mm) , Jaw Height: 3/4" (19mm), Jaw Opening: 4-3/8" (110mm)
- Durable and Sturdy: drill press vise is made from high strength cast iron. 30,000 PSI
- Serrated jaw plate provide higher clamping force about 1760lbs for secure grip
- Slotted Base for frimly mounting and locating to all kinds of drill press, perfect for light duty tasks
- Threaded screw for easy drill press vise adjustment
User questions & answers
Question: | Does it comes with screws to attach the base |
Answer: | The jaws open to a maximum of 3 and 15/16 inches. The body of the vise is made of some kind of light-weight alloy (aluminum?) but the faces of the jaws are steel and the guide rods are too. The dimensions of the steel jaw faces are 3 and 15/16 wide by 1 and 1/2 inches deep. (Yes, the width of the jaws measures exactly the same as the maximum open measurement.) |
Question: | What is this drill press vise made of |
Answer: | The width of the slot in the 551027 is 7/16 inch. |
Question: | What is the on-center measurement for the slots (side-to-side |
Answer: | The slots on mine are 5 inches apart from center to center. |
Question: | is it made in china |
Answer: | Mine is a smidgen over 3 7/8". |
Product features
Forward Drill Press Vise 4", Q194A
Forward 4" Drill Press vise is made from high quality cast iron. It is suitable for stable drilling operations at home and workshop.
Slotted Base for frimly mounting and locating to all kinds of drill press.Serrated jaw plate for secure grip; The blue power coating make the vise elegant appearance and anti-corrosion.
Dimensions
Regardless of its durability, it's surprisingly lightweight and easy to carry, allowing you to take it around and set it up.
Wide Use
With a 4-inch capacity, you can use the vise to complete almost any suitable drilling task, as it is wide enough to accommodate most workpieces.
30000PSI
It offers a strong and durable build made with cast iron 30000PSI, ensuring uses for diverse drilling tasks without worrying about tool damage.
Powerful
Forward Q194A 4" Drill Press Vise is reinforced with appropriately textured jaw clamps and 1760lbs grasping pressure, hold your workpiece securely in place during drilling.
Product description
The Yost LV-4 is a 4-1/2-Inch swivel base vise is ideal for home shop. The vise is manufactured from cast iron featuring steel vise jaws, threaded spindle assembly and a chrome lockdown. The vise can be rotated up to 240-Degree on its base for work positioning. The built in pipe jaws allow holding small pipes and tubes ranging in diameter from 0. 6"D to 1. 85"D. The vise is painted with a durable blue powder coat.
- Home Work Shop Vise, woodworking, assembly, general maintenance.
- Jaw width: 4-1/2" (11.4CM) x Jaw opening: 3" (7.6CM) x Throat depth: 2.4" (6.1CM)
- Holds 0. 6" D to 1. 85" D pipes and tubes (1. 5CM x 4. 7CM)
- 30, 000 PSI cast iron construction, blue power coat finish
- Anvil: 1. 75” x 2” (4. 4CM x 5. 1CM)
- Screw Diameter: 0. 6” (1. 5CM), Handle Diameter: 0. 4” (1CM) x Handle Length 6” (15. 2CM)
- 240-Degree Swivel base allows rotating the vise for versatility
User questions & answers
Question: | does this come with any type of warranty |
Answer: | Yost vises website says it comes with a 1 year warranty. My vice split in half length-wise 4 inches long, toward the jaws, the first time I used the anvil platform. Unfortunately, it was 2 years after purchase. Their higher end professional series vises carry a lifetime warranty. |
Question: | Bolt pattern mounting size |
Answer: | Go to Yost site and look under support there is a pattern. 4 3/8th inches as I recall but double check |
Question: | Is this vise manufactured in the USA |
Answer: | USA vises start at $250 |
Question: | What size bolts are needed to mount the vise |
Answer: | I used M10 SHCS with hex nuts and washers via through hole in my workbench. The spot face on the vise mounting surface is just large enough for 3/8" or M10 standard flat washers. |
Product features
Yost LV-4 Home Vise
The Yost LV-4 is a 4-1/2-Inch swivel base vise is ideal for home shop. The vise is manufactured from cast iron featuring steel vise jaws, threaded spindle assembly and a lockdown. The vise can be rotated up to 240-Degree on its base for work positioning. The built in pipe jaws allow holding small pipes and tubes ranging in diameter from 0.6"D to 1.85"D. The vise is painted with a durable blue powder coat.
Pipe and Machinist Jaws
Cast in place pipe jaws can grip round stock ranging from .6" to 1.85" in diameter. The machined serrated jaws are 4.5" in width.
Improved Base Design
The base features four mounting holes for mounting the vise to the workbench. The bolts are sold separately, but Yost recommends using 3/8" bolts to mount the vise to the table. The improved base reduces side to side movement of the vise.
Acme Threaded Main Screw
The zinc plated main screw uses an acme thread. The locking C collar provides quick engagement and disengagement of the main screw.
Product description
Specification:
Name: small drill press vise clamp
Material: Aluminum alloy
Color: Black and orange
Dimensions (L*W*H): 4.2x2.2x1.4 inch
Clamping Range: 0-2 Inch (0-5.5cm)
Useful tool for you to make your DIY Crafts
High quality material, sturdy and durable, easy to operate
Ideal to be used for hand tools and tool organizers,to holding small parts, Jewelry, Watch, Hobby, Model making and more
Fits for EDM, grinding, flat patterns, text, fine carving and openwork carving
When operating, be sure to fix things, better to achieve the effect you want
Package Includes: 1 x Mini Drill Press Vise Clamp
Note: Due to the light and screen setting difference, the item's color may be slightly different from the pictures. Please allow slight dimension difference due to different manual measurement.
- WIDE APPLICATION: Ideal for holding small parts, Jewelry clamp, Watch, Hobby, Model making, Electronics, Home and Work-Bench and many other applications.
- EASY TO USE: Handheld use, compact and handy, Used for object polishing and drilling.
- MULTI-FUNCTION: Fits for EDM, grinding, flat patterns, text, fine carving and openwork carving
- GREAT FOR CRAFTS & HOBBY- This small drill press vise clamp is also great for hobbyist and crafters alike. Hold Small parts and models for fixing, such as olives, walnuts, bodhi and other small items, good fixed effects
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: 1x Carving Bench Clamp, 2xSupport blocks, 4xsupport columns,4x Fixed with screws
User questions & answers
Question: | How do you fasten it down to use it and what are the orange (or yellow) little screw things for ?? No instructions came with it |
Answer: | This drill vise is made from cast iron |
Question: | How do i attach the vise to a table? It keeps sliding around. There's screws, but no instructions and i cant figure it out |
Answer: | It appears to be 2" from the center to either edge. This is a great little vice that I use for my drill press. Good luck |
Question: | Can this be used to hold guitar picks to poke holes into |
Answer: | Yes it is, and I would say the the reviews for this item are representative of what it is. The parts are solidly cast, but the finishing is very rough. You can improve it if you want to spend the time. |
Product description
Features:
✔Vise jaws are heightened and widened for more clamping force in order to keep workpiece more stable during machining.
✔The guiding design for the rod ensures a steady, smooth movement of jaw without deviation.
✔The vise machine is made from heavy duty cast iron for high hardness and durability.
✔The bottom is finely processed which has improved the precision of the contact surface between vise and machine, to ensure the precision of products.
✔Special surface paint make the drill press vice beautiful, durable and easy to clean dirt and oil.
✔Widely used in milling machine, drill press and machinery maintenance, etc.
Specifications:
Material: Cast iron, 45# steel
Color: As picture
Jaw Opening: 15cm / 6in
Jaw Width: 2.4cm / 0.94in
Size: 24.4 x 22 x 3.3cm / 9.6 x 8.66 x 1.3in
Quantity: 1
Weight: 5kg
Package Includes:
1 x Drill Press Vise
- 【Provide Strong Grip】: Widened and heightened jaws of the drill press vise ensure for stronger clamping force to keep workpiece more stable during machining
- 【Heavy Duty Construction】: The work shop milling vice is made of heavy duty cast iron to keep high hardness and durability, hardened steel jaws on the vice add for extra durability and longevity
- 【Smooth Movement】: The guiding design for the rod ensures a steady, smooth movement of jaw without deviation
- 【Precise Drilling】: The bottom of drill press vice is finely processed to provide more contact surface between vise and machine, ensure the precision of products
- 【Wide Application】: 6 inch heavy duty clamping vise is designed for woodworking and metalworking at home or professional workshop, widely used in milling machine, drill press and machinery maintenance, etc
User questions & answers
Question: | Again, description of dimensions state a 6" vise, however, picture clearly shows a 4" model. Which is it |
Answer: | I purchased mine for beads and have used it to secure a few other items to free up my hands so I could work. I think it could hold guitar picks. Probably have to be careful with the amount of pressure you put on them when you are tightening it but it should work. |
Question: | Picture shows size o/a dimensions, however, what size are bolt cut outs? Also, description says 6" vise but "4" is clearly shown on the vise itself |
Answer: | Dear customer, we do not provide fixing screws for drill press vise. |
Product description
Wilton 1204 Cam Action Drill Press Vise, 4" Jaw Width, 4-11/16" Jaw Opening (13401)
From the Manufacturer
The Wilton Cam Action drill press vise is a simple push or pull of the center bar knob to position the jaw. The easy press locking lever cams the jaw ahead 3/32" exerting a holding pressure from 400 to 1100 pounds. The base is designed for clear through drilling applications.
- IDEAL USES: Great for drilling, tapping, and reaming tasks; engineered for accurate and versatile drilling through the base.
- EASY TO USE: Easy to use with a simple push or pull on the center bar knob to set the jaw in position.
- UNIQUE TOP LEVER: Features unique top locking lever that can easily be raised or lowered.
- HEAVY-DUTY STEEL: Cast iron castings and hardened steel vise jaws provides a strong, solid design.
- LIFETIME GUARANTEE: Covered by Wilton's lifetime warranty.
User questions & answers
Question: | Where is this manufactured |
Answer: | hi, It is fixed in itself, no need other operations. You can adjust it to the distance you need, the threads will not move without slippage. The orange little screw is also for fasten irregular targets, which will move on the plat jaw |
Question: | description says "size 32 inches". really |
Answer: | mark for your screw holes at the outside end of each mounting hole so the screws hold it it place or use 2 screw holes and a c-clamp on one of the corners.. |
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