Tools & Fabrication - Who sells a good american made VISE???

I'm looking for a 5" vise made in the good ole USA that will take a beating.

They aren't made in American, but I got a hefty Vise from Harbor Freight a few years back that's taken every beating I could throw at it.....Sledge hammer licks, multiple torching events, etc...Can't remember which one, but most of the bulky ones they sell are pretty durable. It's the smaller ones that aren't worth a shit.

I think the one I have is a WILTON its a 6" kinda big but it gets the job done.

http://www.wttool.com/category-exec/category_id/19583?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=SiteChampion

wilton.....

The HF brand looks just like those Wiltons. The largest one I've seen in the store sells for $89.

The HF brand looks just like those Wiltons. The largest one I've seen in the store sells for $89.

A vise is kinda like buying budget performance engine parts, the cheaper ones look good in the box but just can't take the stress of being put to use.

I've taken a sledge hammer to my HF vise before, trying to get a u-joint out of a steel driveshaft. It took about 7 direct hits (before the u-joint finally gave) without even blinking.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another HF unit. Just steer clear of the smaller ones. I think mine is a 6-7", can't remember. It's a big sumbitch, and only cost me about $60 IIRC.

I've taken a sledge hammer to my HF vise before, trying to get a u-joint out of a steel driveshaft. It took about 7 direct hits (before the u-joint finally gave) without even blinking.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy another HF unit. Just steer clear of the smaller ones. I think mine is a 6-7", can't remember. It's a big sumbitch, and only cost me about $60 IIRC.

While I dont have a HF I was always curious if they are ok... The key to a good vise in general, is mass. The one on my 2000lb welding table is the best I have ever had... It weighs 255 lbs though..... excuse the mess....been a busy week
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o96/MinesBetter530/Tibs/Christians%20Camaro/Christian%20Misc/IMGP5100a.jpg

I picked this one up from a guy on Craigslist. It came with the house he bought and he just wanted to get it out of the way.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/HiltonFerg/IMG_4640.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/HiltonFerg/IMG_4643.jpg

It's a huge bastard!
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/HiltonFerg/IMG_4649.jpg

Next to my old vise as comparison
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/HiltonFerg/IMG_4652.jpg

I put a couple of 4"x4" posts beneath that shelf, and another brace on the bottom

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/HiltonFerg/IMG_4660.jpg


http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/HiltonFerg/IMG_4666.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j93/HiltonFerg/IMG_4667.jpg

Not too bad for $50!

[QUOTE=BADD SS;12107293]While I dont have a HF I was always curious if they are ok... The key to a good vise in general, is mass. The one on my 2000lb welding table is the best I have ever had... It weighs 255 lbs though..... excuse the mess....been a busy week

http://i630.photobucket.com/albums/uu29/ipdaleytoo/9.png


I bought the same vise at the swap meet at Super Chevy Sunday in 2006 for $45!!! Looked like it had been setting behind a shop and in the weather for YEARS. I sand blasted it and painted it. Best $45 I've ever spent in my life.

I would keep your eye on Craigslist and don't get in a hurry. Let the deals come to you.