Bench Vice advice needed

FolderBeholder · **on:** May 12, 2021, 05:01:05 AM

I am in need of either a bench vice or some type of vice that will hold Swiss Army knives to work on them.

I would like to buy a decent quality one here in the US.
Would sure appreciate a few suggestions on which one to buy. I don't think I've ever bought one.

I had one years ago that was in the garage that came with the house, but I gave it to my brother years ago, it was a 20 pounder or more.

Thanks in advance.

GearedForwards · **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2021, 05:18:54 AM

Are you looking for a heavy duty permanent vice?

For something like SAK work, something lighter duty may serve you well enough. I have a clamp on vice, with rubber coated jaws that pivot on a ball joint.

Since it clamps on there's no need to bolt into a workbench, you can even use the dining room table

Syncop8r · **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2021, 05:55:09 AM

https://www.stanleytools.com/products/hand-tools/manual-fastener-tools/spring-metal-angle/multiangle-base-vise/83-069m

Hmmm mixed reviews though...

FolderBeholder · **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2021, 05:20:15 PM

Quote from: GearedForwards on May 12, 2021, 05:18:54 AM

Are you looking for a heavy duty permanent vice?

For something like SAK work, something lighter duty may serve you well enough. I have a clamp on vice, with rubber coated jaws that pivot on a ball joint.

Since it clamps on there's no need to bolt into a workbench, you can even use the dining room table

Mostly for lighter duty, not heavy duty.

Quote from: Syncop8r on May 12, 2021, 05:55:09 AM

https://www.stanleytools.com/products/hand-tools/manual-fastener-tools/spring-metal-angle/multiangle-base-vise/83-069m

Hmmm mixed reviews though...

Looks nice, but yes, I wonder about the low rating on it.

pipedreams · **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2021, 05:47:51 PM

I bought a PanaVise and base on Amazon a few year ago. It’s been a fantastic tool.

FolderBeholder · **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2021, 06:01:43 PM

Quote from: pipedreams on May 12, 2021, 05:47:51 PM

I bought a PanaVise and base on Amazon a few year ago. It’s been a fantastic tool.

That's a good contender pipedreams!

glenfiddich1983 · **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2021, 07:39:15 PM

I use this one, and insert some rubber padded jaws when working on a Swiss Army Knife. It's really good quality and very stable because it's flat and heavy. It's one of my favorite tools, and definitely is one of the best purchases I ever did regarding tools.

FolderBeholder · **Reply #7 on:** May 12, 2021, 09:12:17 PM

Another contender, thank you GF!

Vidar · **Reply #8 on:** May 13, 2021, 06:09:59 AM

Quote from: FolderBeholder on May 12, 2021, 05:20:15 PM

Mostly for lighter duty, not heavy duty.Looks nice, but yes, I wonder about the low rating on it.

I got one, and it works quite nice for light work with suitable sizes. For bigger and more regular designs I'm quite happy with the Ridgid Peddinghous "Matador" which is an all forged vise.

Aloha · **Reply #9 on:** May 13, 2021, 04:00:44 PM

I picked up a HF&T vice https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/clamps-vises/vises-anvils/2-1-2-half-inch-table-swivel-vise-97160.html that is pretty decent. For the money I am happy.

Poncho65 · **Reply #10 on:** May 13, 2021, 04:17:59 PM

I hope you find one you like, FB

I just bought a 4 and a half or 5 inch bench vise from Lowes years ago and use it for all my needs

Something like this is what I use

I also have one of these from Irwin but rarely use it

FolderBeholder · **Reply #11 on:** May 13, 2021, 04:34:35 PM

Thank you all, I have more vices to research!

Aloha · **Reply #12 on:** May 13, 2021, 04:51:52 PM

I also have a machinist vice that is pretty handy. My partner uses it with a clamp for her crafting as well. I got that vice at the flea market.

Chako · **Reply #13 on:** May 13, 2021, 05:06:31 PM

I have a Wilton Bar Clamp vice that works perfectly for what I need it to do...leatherwork and all.

https://picclick.com/Wilton-Bar-Clamp-Swivel-Quick-Release-Clamp-on-254082645833.html

Syncop8r · **Reply #14 on:** May 13, 2021, 11:01:57 PM

Quote from: Aloha on May 13, 2021, 04:00:44 PM

I picked up a HF&T vice https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/clamps-vises/vises-anvils/2-1-2-half-inch-table-swivel-vise-97160.html that is pretty decent. For the money I am happy.

There was an interesting one listed below it too: https://www.harborfreight.com/2-3-4-quarter-inch-articulated-vacuum-vise-3311.html

FolderBeholder · **Reply #15 on:** May 14, 2021, 10:35:30 PM

Thanks all for the ideas. I'll post an update once I decide on one.

comis · **Reply #16 on:** May 17, 2021, 09:05:26 AM

Lisa, you'd probably know this, but if you are planning to get a vise, potentially may do a SAK mod or two on it. I would humbly suggest to look at ones with the anvil attached to the vise. You could hammer/peen the pivots/pins on them, and they are perfect for that kind of work.

I personally have used the exact one Syncop8r has posted(the yellow one with 360 rotation ball), and it's ok for light work I do. It's great to put on SAK scales(with leather as buffer), and I often use it to hold onto a dremel or angular grinder for knife mods and use.

But if you do have the space, I would totally go for the first one Poncho posted. The wider, deeper opening and longer jaw probably will mean more gripping area and possibility to grip larger objects. And it's probably crucial to think about where you plan to put that vise, since it would dictate the kind of material you could grip too.

Echotech · **Reply #17 on:** May 20, 2021, 04:08:31 AM

I can see some similar vises above, but just received this one bought from eBay for about A$25 (roughly US$18) and seems pretty good.

I wanted something portable and not too heavy for SAK scale swaps, filing down the back of my Mora HD Companion to use with a ferro rod etc.

Not having a proper workspace this seemed ideal. Gave it a quick once over yesterday and seems to fit the bill very well

It came with rubber guards perfect for these small jobs.

Can supply a link if useful

ET