Best Vises
Top vises ranked by transparent trust scores.
8 products ranked
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Top Pick
9.4
Excellent
Wilton 28811 855M Tradesman Vise
Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
#1
9.4
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #1 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- 30,000 PSI ductile iron body
- 360-degree swivel base
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons
- Pipe jaw serrations are aggressive
- Swivel lock could be more positive
Don't buy this if…
- This vise weighs 45 lbs — ensure your workbench can support the weight and bolt it down securely before use.
#2
9.2
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #2 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Very affordable entry-level vise
- Replaceable jaw faces
- Compact size for small workshops
Cons
- Cast iron can crack under extreme force
- Limited jaw opening
Don't buy this if…
- Do not hammer on this vise or use it as an anvil — the cast iron body can crack suddenly under impact loads.
#3
9.0
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #3 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Precision-ground jaw faces
- Maximum rigidity for machining work
- Hardened lead screw for smooth operation
Cons
- No swivel base
- Expensive for casual use
Don't buy this if…
- Machinist vises are precision instruments — do not use them for rough blacksmithing or heavy hammering that could misalign the jaws.
#4
8.7
Excellent
Consensus
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Ranked #4 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Quick-release jaw mechanism saves time
- Pre-drilled for wooden jaw faces
- Classic proven design
Cons
- Requires a sturdy bench for mounting
- Wooden jaw faces sold separately
Don't buy this if…
- This vise must be mounted under a bench surface — it is not a standalone unit and requires solid bench structure for proper function.
#5
8.5
Excellent
Consensus
Compare
Ranked #5 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Multi-angle positioning system
- Perfect for electronics work
- Smooth, controlled movement
Cons
- Very small jaw capacity
- Base can tip with heavy items
Don't buy this if…
- This is a precision hobby vise, not a bench vise — it cannot withstand heavy clamping pressure or hammering.
#6
8.3
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #6 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Forged steel construction is extremely tough
- Built-in pipe jaws and anvil
- Replaceable hardened jaw inserts
Cons
- Heavy at 50+ lbs
- Pipe jaws are fixed width
Don't buy this if…
- The built-in anvil is for light tapping only — serious hammering should be done on a proper anvil to avoid damaging the vise.
#7
8.1
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #7 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- No-drill vacuum base attachment
- Truly portable workholding
- 300 lb suction holding force
Cons
- Only works on smooth non-porous surfaces
- Limited clamping pressure compared to bolted vises
Don't buy this if…
- The vacuum base will not hold on textured, porous, or dirty surfaces — the countertop or table must be perfectly smooth and clean.
#8
7.9
Good
Consensus
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Ranked #8 based on expert reviews, user sentiment, and value analysis.
Pros
- Legendary Wilton Bullet build quality
- Enclosed spindle never needs cleaning
- Will last multiple generations
Cons
- Very expensive
- Extremely heavy at 65+ lbs
Don't buy this if…
- These vises are often counterfeited — ensure you are buying a genuine USA-made Wilton and not an imported imitation.
Quick Comparison
How We Rank
Composite trust score from expert reviews, user sentiment, complaint analysis, and value assessment.
Trust Score
Weighted composite of all factor scores
Expert Score
Aggregated expert review ratings
User Sentiment
Community votes and review analysis
Value Score
Price-to-performance ratio
Freshness
Recency of reviews and data
Change Log
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