$20 Cast Iron 2-1/2-inch Clamp-On Bench Vise

[Liberty1776]

You might want to check out the Harbor Freight 2-1/2-inch cast iron, clamp-on three-axis bench vise.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-1-2-half-inch-table-swivel-vise-97160.html

For $20, I figured I'd take the risk. It's pretty sturdy and allows me to rotate whatever I'm working on to almost any angle. I notice it's on clearance now and no longer available at my local HF.

One note of caution: OPEN THE BOX IN THE STORE and check the tolerances. The first one I bought was so poorly machined that the outer jaw just flopped around. I had to hold it in position to tighten it.

I took it back and traded it for a better one. Now it's become a really useful tool. Easy to mount and remove from the bench. Will clamp to a 1-1/2" thick bench top or you can drill holes and mount it permanently.

I find I'm using it all the time to hold guns securely and safely while I'm working on them.

303109

[Milky Duck]

I can see 101 uses for that gizmo.... dead easy to sharpen chainsaw in a vice,and being able to swing it 180 degrees without removing it would be great.... fiddle angle needing filed would be much easier too . heck at $20 that is fantastic price....we would be looking at 10x that amount over here.

[M-Tecs]

You might want to check out the Harbor Freight 2-1/2-inch cast iron, clamp-on three-axis bench vise.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-1-2-half-inch-table-swivel-vise-97160.html

For $20, I figured I'd take the risk. It's pretty sturdy and allows me to rotate whatever I'm working on to almost any angle. I notice it's on clearance now and no longer available at my local HF.

One note of caution: OPEN THE BOX IN THE STORE and check the tolerances. The first one I bought was so poorly machined that the outer jaw just flopped around. I had to hold it in position to tighten it.

I took it back and traded it for a better one. Now it's become a really useful tool. Easy to mount and remove from the bench. Will clamp to a 1-1/2" thick bench top or you can drill holes and mount it permanently.

I find I'm using it all the time to hold guns securely and safely while I'm working on them.

303109

Just looked at the 5 in stock purchased 3. Thanks!!!!!!!!!

[uscra112]

Here's another good one for small money. Smaller but well made.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KFVK7XC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

On this one the REAR jaw moves on a dovetail way, so the jaw alignment stays near perfect. I've used mine for about 3 months now and like it a lot.

[Liberty1776]

Here's another good one for small money. Smaller but well made.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KFVK7XC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

On this one the REAR jaw moves on a dovetail way, so the jaw alignment stays near perfect. I've used mine for about 3 months now and like it a lot.

That's a nice looking vise for very reasonable money.

[Liberty1776]

Just looked at the 5 in stock purchased 3. Thanks!!!!!!!!!

I disassembled mine (four screws, I recall) to check for obvious burrs and sharp edges. I then greased the threads and cast iron interfaces.

To store it, I flip it upside down and clamp it to the far end of the bench instead of using up drawer or shelf space. Easy to get to.

[imashooter2]

I clamp such things onto the floor joists over my basement bench.

[dverna]

Here's another good one for small money. Smaller but well made.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KFVK7XC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

On this one the REAR jaw moves on a dovetail way, so the jaw alignment stays near perfect. I've used mine for about 3 months now and like it a lot.

Nice. Just ordered one.

[Kenstone]

Same vise at amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Table-Degree-Locking-Swivel/dp/B01LYSOF24/ref=sr_1_6?crid=OZB0CWY8W1KL&keywords=2-1%2F2+in.+Table+Swivel+Vise&qid=1660411098&s=hi&sprefix=2-1%2F2+in.+table+swivel+vise%2Ctools%2C403&sr=1-6
Check the reviews, some say the vises received were marked "Central Forge" same as HF.
[smilie=s:
.

[atr]

I avoid anything made in communist china

[swamp]

I got one a couple of years ago. It is my most used vice. Paid for itself many times over. Just so handy.
swamp

[sparky45]

I could see, if it were retrofitted with "soft jaws", that it would be ideal to use when drifting sights.

[Liberty1776]

Here's another good one for small money. Smaller but well made.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08KFVK7XC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

On this one the REAR jaw moves on a dovetail way, so the jaw alignment stays near perfect. I've used mine for about 3 months now and like it a lot.

Be careful with this one. I was going to buy it as a second vise and even put it in the shopping cart, then read the reviews. The main jaw has a fatal weakness that many users have experienced. You can see where it will break.

303172

[Liberty1776]

I avoid anything made in communist china

Is there an American-made vise in existence? Or British? Even the vaunted Wilton name is now hollowed out due to poor quality from very suspect sourcing.

Here's a Wilton for $187. Some say Czech Republic, others say Taiwan, others say China. Sadly, the Wilton has real mechanical problems. https://www.amazon.com/Wilton-63247-Cbv-100-Super-Junior-Opening/dp/B0006NGH08/ref=psdc_551238_t2_B01LYSOF24

[45_Colt]

Is there an American-made vise in existence?

Yard sales from folks cleaning out a house. Some years ago picked up an old 4" Craftsman (yep, made in USA) for like 10-bucks. Couldn't get the money out of my pocket fast enough.

45_Colt

[uscra112]

Be careful with this one. I was going to buy it as a second vise and even put it in the shopping cart, then read the reviews. The main jaw has a fatal weakness that many users have experienced. You can see where it will break.

303172

The picture attached to that review is not the vise with the sliding rear jaw that I received.

Edit - on closer inspection I take it back. Mine is red, but the hollow below the screw appears the same when seen in strong enough light. Still, mine hasn't broken, and I just now tried tightening it up using both hands.

My complaint would be that Amazon shipped the thing in one of their recyclable paper bags, which tore open en route so the plastic pieces were lost.

[deerstalkerks]

After seeing this post I ran over to HF and picked me up a vise, pretty good for the money..

[Liberty1776]

If this HF model breaks, I'd try the McMaster-Carr offerings, but they're $135-$165.

https://www.mcmaster.com/bench-vises/clamp-on-bench-vises-6/

303207

[Liberty1776]

I could see, if it were retrofitted with "soft jaws", that it would be ideal to use when drifting sights.

I found some scrap sheet copper at a metal dealer. Good idea.

[swamp]

First thing I did was to make soft jaw pads. I just hot glue the ones I need at the time to the jaw faces.
swamp