What to Consider When Choosing a Vise

In any garage, you'll find a plethora of tools, but few are as essential or long-lasting as a high-quality bench vise. These sturdy metal fixtures are integral to workbenches and serve a wide range of purposes in repair and restoration projects.

What Is A Bench Vise

A bench vise can be a straightforward clamping tool or come with additional features like an anvil for hammering. Regardless of its complexity, a reliable vise is a crucial safety feature in any workshop. It ensures materials and parts are held securely, which is essential for precision tasks and safe handling.

Given its importance, it’s wise to understand what to look for when purchasing a bench vise, as a higher price doesn’t always guarantee better quality. Here are four key considerations:

Cast vs. Forged

Bench vises are predominantly made of metal, but their construction methods can significantly impact their strength and durability. Cast vises are made by pouring molten metal into a mold and allowing it to cool. This process may leave hidden impurities or flaws that could cause failure later on. In contrast, forged vises are crafted from a solid piece of metal that is heated and shaped through hammering. This method ensures greater strength and durability, making forged vises better suited for heavy use. However, they tend to be more expensive due to the complexity of the manufacturing process.

Related Article: Palmgren Vises, What Were Made Of!

Jaw Opening

The jaw opening of a vise determines how wide it can open to accommodate different workpieces. While a 4-5 inch opening is sufficient for many home DIY projects, considering future needs is important. A larger jaw opening can handle bigger items and serve as a small press, though it will take up more space on your workbench. Weigh the benefits of extra capacity against the available space in your workshop.

Jaw Type and Material

Consider the types of materials you work with most frequently. Vises often come with serrated jaws, which can leave marks on soft materials like wood or aluminum. Soft jaws, which attach magnetically, are available for more delicate work but can shift or be damaged by heat. For working with pipes or round objects, vises with pipe jaws offer advantageous as they provide better grip without damaging the material.

Mounting and Base

A vise's strength is only as good as its mounting. Ensure the vise you choose fits your workbench and is affixed securely with appropriate hardware. Additionally, consider the base type: a rotating base offers greater flexibility and ease of use for frequent adjustments, while a fixed base is more stable for heavy-duty tasks like hammering.

By carefully evaluating these factors, you can select a bench vise that meets your project needs and enhances your workshop’s efficiency. And remember “You Can Never Have Too Many Vises.”

At Palmgren we specialize in Bench Vises, Combination Bench and Pipe Vises, Machinist Vises, Multi-Jaw Multi-Positioning Ball Bench Vises, Utlity Vises, CNC Vises, Milling Vises, Drill Press Vises, and Positioning Table Vises.