If you want to hold a wood, metal, or plastic object securely in place, you’re going to need a sturdy bench vise.
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A reliable bench vise is one of the more useful accessories you can add to your workbench, and will probably end up being more convenient than you might think. They’re available in a few different styles and types, but essentially they’re just large clamps that are mounted directly to the top, side, or front of your workbench, and use a rotating screw to open and close their jaws. By providing the ability to safely and securely hold nearly anything in place while you work on it, you’ll be able to tackle a variety of automotive, metal, or woodworking projects.
What to Consider
Take note of the jaw width of the vise, and make sure that it's large enough to be used for the projects you have in mind. Keep in mind that “jaw width” may not be the same as “jaw opening."
On a similar note, what type of material are you going to be using in your vise? If you’re planning on working with metal piping, make sure to choose a model that has a pipe jaw. This is a separate, angled jaw that makes it easy to clamp a round pipe, much easier than trying to secure it in the flat face, which can easily dent or misshape your pipe. This feature is really convenient for using a hacksaw on metal pipes. On the other hand, if you’re looking to secure large wood pieces, and don’t want to risk damaging their delicate surface, go with a dedicated woodworking vise.
How We Selected
I’ve used a variety of bench vises in my career as a residential carpenter. I used this experience to assemble a list of options, and did my best to make sure I included a good range of vise styles, so whether you’re a woodworker, automotive hobbyist, or just someone who needs a solid, reliable vise, you should find something that works for you. I also kept size and weight in mind as well, since we know not everyone has the space to fit larger or heavier options.
Pros
Low price- Compact size
Cons
- jaw capacity might be too limited for some
Jaw Width:4-1/2 inches
Jaw Capacity: 3 inches
This low-cost vise provides the secure foundation needed for most basic tasks, while costing significantly less than similar options. Its jaws can fit objects up to three inches wide, and at just 11.22 pounds, should be simple to mount without too much hassle. Plus, its compact size makes it a great fit for weekend warriors who might not have the space, or a big enough work bench, to handle a larger unit.
We’ve used Irwin hand tools for years, and have always had a positive experience with their performance and reliability—especially clamps and vises.
Pros
- Compact size
- No-marr jaws
Cons
- Too small for large items
Jaw Capacity: 2.5 to 3 inches
This compact vise is the perfect size for holding smaller items like keys, acrylic pieces, or compact craft objects. The nylon-covered jaws are also well-suited for more delicate items, and are less likely to dent or mar your work piece.
You can also swivel it to whatever position you prefer, which can come in handy when you really need to focus on precision crafting tasks. If you’d prefer to use this as a temporary vise, you can forgo the bolts and simply clamp it to your workbench. We especially appreciate the anvil surface, a nice perk not usually found on vises this small.
Pros
- Durable construction
- 360 degree swivel
Cons
Jaw Width:6 inches
JawCapacity: 6 inches
This rugged option is well-suited for those who plan on using their vise frequently, and for heavy-duty clamping projects. Its six-inch jaws are large enough to hold both small and large items, and the integrated pipe jaws are designed with stepped fittings to allow for a range of pipe sizes.
The swiveling base can rotate 360 degrees, and features two pivot locks so you can secure it in whatever position you prefer. It includes a good-sized anvil surface, and just like our other Wilton picks, this model comes with a lifetime warranty.
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Pros
- Large anvil surface
- Very durable
Cons
- Extremely expensive
Jaw Capacity:8.5 inches
This vise is priced much higher than the rest of our options, but if you need an reliable, heavy-duty option, it could be worth the investment. The enclosed spindle increases its durability and extends its lifespan, and also makes for an overall smooth operation. The textured pipe jaws provide a good firm grip, and the primary jaw plates are easily replaceable, which is always convenient.
It is 23.6 inches long, though, so you’ll need to make sure you have the space to store it, as well as a work surface that can handle its 83.1 pound weight.
Pros
- Bench dog for use on larger items
Cons
- Not ideal for non-woodworking tasks
Jaw Width:7 inches
Jaw Capacity: 8 inches
This type of vise typically mounts to the front, or end of your workbench, as opposed to the top like most of our other options. We’ve found that this allows you to more easily maneuver around your work piece, and makes them much more convenient for woodworking. This vise also features wide jaw plates, which give you more surface area to clamp long pieces of wood in place. Pre-drilled holes in the jaws allow you to mount wood faces to them, which help reduce the chances of wooden workpieces being dented by the metal jaws.
Pros
- Only weighs 11.8 pounds
- Countersunk mounting holes
Cons
- Not ideal for metal or automotive projects
Jaw Width: 7 inches
Jaw Capacity:8 inches
We love Pony clamps and vises, and this eight-inch model is a great example of why. Its cast iron construction is nice and sturdy, and the three-inch throat depth should be sufficient for most basic woodworking tasks.
The smooth orange finish also makes this vise more suitable for working with delicate wood surfaces, although we would also recommend mounting scrap wood to the faces themselves for maximum protection.
The front jaw also features a low-profile dog, allowing you to use this vise to secure extra-large items, making it more versatile than similar options.
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Pros
- Includes hammer
- Pipe jaws
Cons
- Relatively expensive
Jaw Capacity: 5.5 inches
If you’re primarily using your vise for heavy-duty tasks that require frequent hammering, this Wilton model — and the included mini sledgehammer — could be a great fit.
This four-pound hammer will pair perfectly with this vise’s anvil surface, and is designed with an anti-vibration neck for comfortable striking. This bright green color of both the hammer and vise are a nice perk, and help them stand out in a busy workshop.
Plus, this option comes with a lifetime warranty, so even if you do get too rough with it, Wilton will have you covered.
Pros
- Permanent pipe jaws
- Anvil surface
- Compact size
Cons
- Small size isn’t well-suited for large objects
Jaw Width: 4 inches
Jaw Capacity: 4 inches
This Olympia model could be a great choice if you don’t have the budget for a higher-end option, but still want the clamping power and convenience of a bench vise.
Even though it's just $25, this vise still has the design features that you’ll find on more expensive options, like an anvil surface for striking, as well as a set of pipe jaws, both of which we were impressed to see at this price point. It also includes a respectable four-inch jaw width and opening, and a powder-coated finish should help protect it against normal wear and tear.
Alex Rennie
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer who specializes in the Home Improvement, DIY, and Tool space. As a former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write practical buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider's Insider Picks, and before his writing career, he was a full-time carpenter living in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, CA, and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancé and their dog Louie.
