11 best woodworking bench vices

A woodworking bench vise, often simply referred to as a bench vise or woodworking vise, is a versatile and essential tool used by woodworkers for holding workpieces securely during various woodworking tasks. Here are some key points about woodworking bench vises:

  1. Purpose: The primary purpose of a woodworking bench vise is to hold workpieces firmly in place while woodworking operations are performed. This ensures both safety and precision in tasks such as sawing, planing, chiseling, sanding, and assembly.

  2. Types: There are several types of woodworking bench vises, including:

    • Front Vise: Mounted on the front edge of the workbench, it is commonly used for clamping boards and other long workpieces.
    • End Vise: Located at the end of the workbench, it is used for holding workpieces horizontally, making it suitable for tasks like dovetailing and mortising.
    • Tail Vise: Similar to an end vise, a tail vise is designed for securing workpieces on the end of the bench.
    • Miter Vise: Specifically designed for holding mitered or angled workpieces securely.
  3. Construction: Woodworking bench vises are typically made of sturdy materials such as cast iron or steel for durability and stability. The vise consists of a fixed jaw attached to the bench and a movable jaw that can be adjusted to accommodate different workpiece sizes.

  4. Mounting: Bench vises are usually mounted directly to the workbench. Front vises and end vises may have different mounting mechanisms, but they are generally attached securely to ensure stability during use.

  5. Operation: To use a woodworking bench vise, you place the workpiece between the jaws and turn a handle or crank to tighten the jaws securely around the workpiece. This clamping action holds the workpiece in place, allowing you to work on it without it moving or shifting.

  6. Versatility: Woodworking bench vises are versatile tools and can be used in conjunction with other tools and accessories, such as bench dogs, holdfasts, and bench stops, to further secure and support workpieces during woodworking tasks.

  7. Maintenance: Proper maintenance of a bench vise includes regular cleaning and lubrication of the moving parts to ensure smooth operation. It's also essential to periodically check for any wear or damage to the jaws and handles.

  8. Safety: Using a woodworking bench vise correctly enhances safety in the workshop by preventing workpieces from slipping or moving unexpectedly, reducing the risk of accidents.

  9. Quality and Features: The quality and features of woodworking bench vises can vary. Some higher-end models may have additional features like quick-release mechanisms for rapid adjustment or larger jaw capacities for accommodating larger workpieces.

In summary, woodworking bench vises are indispensable tools for woodworkers, providing a secure and stable way to hold workpieces during a wide range of woodworking tasks. They come in various types and sizes, making it possible to choose the right vise for specific woodworking needs. Proper installation and maintenance ensure their longevity and reliability in the workshop.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best woodworking bench vices on the market
  

Sjobergs SJO-33274 Woodworking Portable Smart Vice with Superior Clamping Power Wherever You Need It

Sjobergs

Based on 62 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Easy to carry and easy to use, the Sjobergs Smart Vise is the ideal solution for holding your work material fast – anywhere! It features a generous 4 ½” wide clamping width when open, four round (yet flat on top) bench dogs that can be moved for odd-shaped objects (this makes it an ideal carving vice), and a tough 1” thick MDF top. There are three different clamping options available – dowels, clamps, or screws, making it shine as both a permanent or portable woodworking vice. Sjobergs Smart Vise is another in a long line of exceptional Sjobergs woodworking and workbench products. You’ll appreciate the quality, from the solid handle to the stable top to the fact that it’s so easy to carry and setup. No workshop should be without one.

From the Manufacturer

Sjobergs Smart Vise is portable, practical workplace. Can be easily added or attached with clamps to any Sjobergs workbench. Does not take place at the varying. Easy to carry.

  • EXCEPTIONAL CLAMPING WIDTH – The Smart Vice jaws measure 4 ½” wide when open, ensuring the big jobs can be held fast
  • HEAVY DUTY SUPPORT – 1” Thick MDF top, with the vice measuring 14 ¼” in length. Overall measurement is 14 ¼ x 14 ¼.
  • EXTREMELY VERSATILE – Four ¾” round bench dogs make for optimal clamping options.
  • THREE MOUNTING OPTIONS – Choose from dowels, screws, or clamps, making it perfect for any application. Bring it wherever you need it – workbench, sawhorses, picnic table, etc.
  • LEGENDARY SJOBERGS QUALITY – Sjobergs has been making workbenches and accessories for more than 90 years, and have stood the test of time.

User questions & answers

Question: What clamps would you need for the smart vise
Answer: I use regular old c-clamps that you can buy at just about any hardware store or Home Depot. Size them according to the thickness of the table/bench top you'll be attaching it to. Unless your bench top is especially thick a 4 inch clamps should do just fine. Also, the dog holes in the body are not the same size as the ones in the moveable jaw and depending on the dogs/pins you will use you might have to drill out the holes in the body to 3/4 inch as they are slightly too small.
Question: What is the height of the bench dogs - above the surface - when they are inserted
Answer: The dogs are removable. When installed the are approximately 1/2" above the benchtop.
Question: Will this slip over a 4 3/4 edge
Answer: It's meant to 'slip over' a 1-1/4" edge. That said, I clamped the bottom piece to a worktop with a clamp which has worked very well. Note: That places the entire vise on top of my workbench, but it must be at an edge of the workbench for the clamp to be able to work.
Question: The vise won’t tighten it pulls the vise gears out, I tried epoxy the groves but it still won’t tighten
Answer: The Sjoberg SJO-33274 has turned out to be a pretty darn good wood carving vice. The only issue is the hole for the wood dogs. to better accommodate projects with dimension smaller than 12" x 12" I would suggest a third set of wood dogs holes down the center line of the vise.

Auidy_6TXD Table Vice, 3 Inch Bench Vise Woodworking Clamp with 360°Swivel Base and Protective Pads Portable Clamp-on Work Vise Tool for Drilling Cutting Conduit Metalworking

Product description



3inch table vice is perfect for repairs, woodwoking, DIY Home projects, and hobby needs. Convenient to use without falling off.

  • Universal Table Vise: Maximum opening of a jaw: 3 inch, jaw width: 2.75 inch, this table vise doesn't take up too much space on the workbench and fits most workbench.
  • Sturdy & Durable: Made of high-quality steel material, the non-slip hardening jaw holds stably wood, tube and small items. The bench vise is not easy to fall off when in use.
  • Thoughful Protection: 4 pack Protective Pads not only hold wood, metal and other small objects, but also prevent items fr om scratches or potential damages.
  • Broad Application:Fit for workshop, home and professional usewoodworking, cutting conduit, drilling, gluing, metalworking, sanding or planing, sawing, etc.
  • Easy Installation: This table clamp is convenient to install o n or remove from kinds of workbench. And its throat capacity is up to 2.5 inch.

HIPOGT Table Vise Clamp Bench Vise Woodworking Vise with Anvil 360° Swivel Vice for Workbench Table Clamp Vise Grip, Cutting Conduit, Drilling, Metalworking

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Allows the head of the vise to be rotated 360° and fixed into a wide variety of angles so your work is exactly where you need it and can be moved without having to release jaw pressure.



Multifunctional Use

3" Universal Table Vise is designed to be lightweight yet durable enough to tackle the toughest of projects.

Ideal for Home Work Shop Vise, woodworking, assembly,holding small parts in Jewelry, Model making, Electronics, general maintenance.

  • Table vise clamp : Aluminum body, Portable, vice for workbench quickly Clamps to surface
  • 360 Degree Swivel base allows rotating the vise for versatility
  • Jaw opening: 2.16 in (55MM),vise stand, Non-slip textured surface increases the grip force of jaw, which firmly hold the material, save time and effort when you work
  • Rubber on the jaws can be removed to reveal a cross pattern for use on wire/rods
  • Ideal for Woodworking,Home Work Shop Vise, assembly,holding small parts in Jewelry, Model making, Electronics, general maintenance

User questions & answers

Question: Does the ball joint ever slip or does it stay very well in place
Answer: It will if you haven't tightened enough.

Universal 3 Inch Table Vise, 360° Rotating Swivel Base Bench Vise Heavy Duty Woodworking Clamps Home Vise Clamp-On Vise Movable Work Bench Vise For Woodworking, Black

Based on 89 reviews Check latest price
  • {Excellent Material}: - The woodworking clamp is made of high-grade cast iron, surface spray treatment, corrosion resistant and more comfortable. The jaw adopts quenching and re-fire technology to increase its hardness and strength, which is durable for long-term use and reliable to grip
  • {360-Degree Swivel Base}: - Designed with 360 degree swivel base, fully solid inner disc, steering adjustable and flexible. The woodworking vise is suitable for a wide range of clamping angles. The high-quality screw clamp makes the clamped workpiece firmer without slipping
  • {Wide Usage}: - Ideal for home, workshop, factory, educational institution, and professional use, providing clamping, crimping and rolling function for light applications, such as cutting conduit, drilling, gluing, woodworking, metalworking, sanding or planing, sawing and so on, suitable for rivets, clocks, clamps
  • {Universal Bench Vice}: - Maximum opening of jaw is up to 3 inch/77.5mm, jaw width 2.75 inch/70mm, this table vise fits most workbench, and kinds of thickness of tables
  • {Easy To Install}: - Lengthened throat design ( throat capacity: up to 2.4 inch/ 61 mm ) is easy to install that it can easily clamp on the edge of all kinds of desktops, effortless and time-saving, convenient to use

QWORK 3” Universal Tabletop Clamp Vice Tilts Rotate 360°, Portable Work Bench Vise for Drilling, Woodworking,Jewelry Making, Mental working

Based on 47 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Feature:

Made of high-quality aluminum alloy die-casting and plastic sprayed surface, this table vise has great corrosion resistance and wear resistance.And its heavy-duty structure can offer heavy duty gripping and long term durability.

The head can rotate 360 degree and tilt 45 degree, which can allow user to realize multi-angle operation without removing the vise, easy and convenient

It is used to secure objects which need to be processed. It has 2” capacity jaw for general purpose and light work, such as mental working, jewelry making, woodworking, art processing and electronic processing etc.

Specifications:

Material: Aluminum Alloy

Number of item: 1

Item Package:

Item Package Quantity :1

  • EXCELLENT MATERIAL&DESIGN: Made of high-quality aluminum alloy die-casting and plastic sprayed surface, this table vise has great corrosion resistance and wear resistance.And its heavy-duty structure can offer heavy duty gripping and long term durability.
  • ROTATION&TILT: The head can rotate 360 degree and tilt 45 degree, allowing user to realize multi-angle operation without removing the vise, easy and convenient
  • WIDE APPLICATION: It is used to secure objects which need to be processed. It has 2” capacity jaw for general purpose and light work, such as mental working, jewelry making, woodworking, art processing and electronic processing etc.
  • SIZE: The opening of jaw is up to 2”, and its width is almost 3”, which can gird object strongly.
  • EASY INSTALLATION: Its base is oval, which can support user easily and quickly installing it on a desk without any tools.

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work to hold a coconut
Answer: I don't believe it will go wide enough.
Question: would this hold the feet of a fashion doll like barbie or bratz dolls so I could work on painting the face and braiding the hair
Answer: Yes

Portable Vacuum Base Vise 3.5" Jaw Width Multi-Angle Pivotin Miniature Vise with 360°Swiveling Head and Powerful Suction Mini Vice for Crafts Woodworking Modeling

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features:

-100% brand new and high quality

-Made of high quality aluminium alloy material, durable to use.

-Compact appearance and it is convenient to operate

-It can rotate 360 degrees and easy to install

-Perfect holding device for hobbies, crafts, electronics, and more.

-Lightweight and portable, a great vise for your DIY working



Specification:

Name: Multi-function vice

Material: Aluminium Alloy

Size: 16 * 14.5cm / 6.3 * 5.7inch

Jaw Width: 2. 7”, Jaw Opening: 2. 7”, Throat Depth: 0. 5”



Package Includes:

1X Vacuum Base Vise



If you have any questions about the vice, welcome ro contact us. We are always here to help. We sincerely hope that you will have a good experience.

  • Sturdy Material: Made of aluminum alloy, sturdy and durable. It can withstand high levels of torque and pressure
  • Size: Maximum opening of the two jaws: 2.7" (70mm), Jaw width 3.5" (90mm) , Throat Depth: 0. 5”
  • Multi-Angle Pivoting: Using a socket and ball joint system, the head of the vice can be rotated a full 360° and pivoted 90° so your piece can be maneuvered without having to release the jaw pressure
  • Powerful Suction: Vacuum base can be mounted securely on any smooth work surface for work holding where you need it
  • Protect Parts: Soft rubber jaws maintain a strong a hold on your project without risk of damaging or marking it, ideal for precision soldering tasks or delicate crafting projects. "
  • Handy: this small table vise machine is convenient to operate, necessary for small processing in homes and factories
  • Free Your Hands:This Mini Vacuum Vise is excellent for holding small objects in place for intricate work and do not harm the object it is holding.

IRWIN Woodworking Vise, 6-1/2-Inch (226361)

IRWIN

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The IRWIN Woodworker's Vise ensures a firm grip on workpieces with toe-in toward top jaws. With a square body for easy under-bench mounting, it has a provision for installing wood cheeks to protect workpieces. Constructed of durable forged iron, it has a 4-1/2" jaw capacity perfect for hobbies and light woodworking tasks.

  • Toe-in toward top jaws helps ensure firm grip on workpiece
  • Square body seating for easy under-bench mounting
  • Provision for installing wooden cheeks to protect work pieces
  • 4-1/2" jaw capacity perfect for light duty woodworking tasks
  • Crated of forged iron for long-lasting durability

User questions & answers

Question: Where is this vice manufactured
Answer: Thank you for choosing Irwin tools. Our goal is to provide the highest quality service. This vise is manufactured in China.
Question: How deep will the overhang of the table top be to mount the vise so as not to hit the wood brace
Answer: Mine is mounted on my 1-3/4" workbench...bolts go about 1.5" behind the jaws...hope this helps...I use mine every day and love it!
Question: What is the depth to the mounting face from the top
Answer: The depth from top to mounting face is 2-1/4".On my workbench the top surface is 1-1/8" thick.So I have toadd a piece of wood 1-1/8 thick to make it level with the vise.Hope this will help you
Question: Nice vise. How wide will the jaws open? thank you, gg
Answer: Sorry it took so long to reply, this is a really nice vise. To answer your question, it opens comfortably to 5 inches, but you can get it to 5 1/8. I wouldn't push it past that or the side alignment pieces may come out of their housings. Hope this helps! Have fun!

Woodstock D4648 Cabinet Maker's Front Vise

Woodstock

Based on 60 reviews Check latest price

Product description

For those that build their own cabinet maker's bench, this heavy-duty steel and cast-iron front vise has all the working hardware for a very strong, large-capacity bench vise.

  • Solid birch jaw measures 13" long x 3-1/2" wide x 2" thick
  • Screw size: 1" diameter x 11-1/2" long
  • Heavy-Duty steel and cast-iron construction
  • Large holding capacity
  • Fits 1-1/2" thick bench tops

User questions & answers

Question: My top is 2" thick. Would making a new wood piece for it be okay so it is flush with the top
Answer: Ian, did the research then when and looked at my vise which is the Fox D4327 and the threads are definitely buttress.
Question: does it have a quick release
Answer: We recommend you use a moderate to hard wood. Oak would make a good option for the jaw face plate.
Question: Does this vise include the wooden jaw face and the handle
Answer: I've got 2 inches of wood jaws and the overall length is right about 16", so I'd say 16-18".
Question: What are the dimensions of the bracket that mounts under the bench, (just the metal bracket
Answer: On mine, I measure a bit over 4-1/16" between outer extremities of the guide rods; the width of the plate and bracket that bolts to the face / underside of the bench I measure just about over 7-1/8" wide.

Product features

D4648-Cabinet Maker's Front Vise

This is one seriously strong, large capacity vise featuring cast-iron, steel, and birch construction.

Eclipse Quick Release Woodworking Vise, Gray Cast Iron, 7" Size

Neill Tools

Based on 506 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Eclipse 7" Quick Release Vise features a front mounted lever which disengages the vise screw to permit rapid opening and closing of the vise, meaning that you can quickly adjust the opening of the vise to either release or clamp a piece you’re working on. It is fitted with an adjustable front stop (dog) that gives additional clamping facility when used with a bench stop, to provide a normal vise and a tail vise in one tool. To increase safety, the fused tommy bar will bend before the vise can become over-stressed. This vise features heavy cast iron and steel construction; a 7.87" maximum opening; 3/4" diameter guide rods and main screw; and 7" wide x 3" deep jaw faces predrilled for mounting wood jaw cushions, plus 2 predrilled holes and 2 cast tabs for mounting screws (screws not included). This vise is well constructed and will provide years of trouble-free service.

  • Quick release trigger allows you to quickly adjust the opening to either release or clamp a piece you’re working on
  • Fitted with an adjustable front stop (dog) to provide a normal vise and a tail vise in one tool
  • Vise comes with two predrilled holes for quick sturdy mounting to your workbench
  • To increase safety, the fused tommy bar will bend before the vise can become over-stressed
  • 7" jaw width, 3" throat depth; 20.7 lb. net weight; Voted #1 Woodworking Vise as seen on Wiki Video
  • Eclipse professional tools have been selling since 1909

User questions & answers

Question: Where is vise made
Answer: I don't think it would. the sizes are similar, but the bogen/manfrotto plate has cutouts where the dynatran does not.
Question: what are the dimensions of this device
Answer: the 3130 micro video head , is the same as the 128rc head. that quick release plate will work. no adapter is needed . but it comes with an adapter screw, which is a little larger ( in the pkg.
Question: The bench side of my vice is not symmetrical; the bottom is about 1/16" thicker than the top. Won't hold work square to the bench. Suggestions
Answer: https://www.manfrottospares.com/mkbfra4-bh-parts.html
Question: How many lbs of clamping force does this generate
Answer: The quick release Manfrotto plate has the following dimensions: 1 11/16 width X 2 1/16 inches length X 3/8 inch of edge thickness, there is a shallowed out space in the base where the thumb screw connection to the camera sits as shown in the product pricture.

Product features

Eclipse Quick Release Woodworking Vice

Eclipse vises are fitted with an adjustable front stop (dog) that gives additional clamping facility when used with a bench stop, to provide a normal vise and a tail vise in one tool. Eclipse vises feature heavy cast iron jaws and solid steel slide rods for a lifetime of rugged use, and the vise jaws are toed in to assure positive clamping, even under the heaviest of clamping pressure. To increase safety, the fused tommy bar will bend before the vise can become over-stressed.

Pre-Drilled Holes

This vise is easily mounted to virtually any style of workbench and can be used in a configuration of your choosing. The vise comes with two predrilled holes for quick sturdy mounting to your workbench. The vise also features 2 cast tabs for mounting screws (screws not included).

Quick Release

This Quick Release Vise features a front mounted lever which disengages the vise screw to permit rapid opening & closing of the vise, so you can quickly adjust the opening of the vise to either release or clamp a piece you’re working on. This unique characteristic ensures a smooth, efficient operation that will make this vise one of the most versatile & frequently used tools in your workshop.

Adjustable front stop (dog)

Eclipse vises are fitted with an adjustable front stop (or dog) to provide the option of a normal vise and/or a tail vise in one tool.

Quick Release

The Eclipse Quick Release Vise permits rapid opening and closing of the vise, meaning that you can quickly adjust the opening of the vise to either release or clamp a piece you’re working on.

Heavy Duty Construction

This Eclipse vise features heavy cast iron and steel construction, predrilled for mounting wood jaw cushions, plus 2 predrilled holes and 2 cast tabs for mounting screws (screws not included). This vise is well constructed and will provide years of trouble-free service.

Yost Tools F9WW Yost 9" Front Vise

Yost

Based on 573 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Improve your current Bench by adding a front vise or use this economical hardware to build a new Bench from scratch. We're sure you'll find that the rugged castings and precision parts make these economically priced workbench vises a fantastic value. The F9WW does not contain the two guide rail supports like the F10WW. Handle not included.

  • Country Of Origin: China
  • Model Number: F9WW
  • Item Package Dimension: 14.25" L x 8.0" W x 2.5" H
  • Item Package Weight: 16.0 lb

User questions & answers

Question: What is the difference between the $60 regular version and the $112 “improved version” that justifies double the price
Answer: 71/4 inches wide by 3 1/2 inches high. I lowered it 2 inches and added some 3/4 Baltic birch ply wood faces and expanded the vise to 10 1/2 wide and 5 1/2 high. Works great that way.
Question: What size handle does this take
Answer: It is made by an American company, but could not find a "made in" stamp anywhere visible after I installed it. Good vice, probably assembled in the states from foreign made parts.
Question: I see that the Length and Width are 9 1/4” x4 1/4” . What is the height or vertical clearance required
Answer: Yes, I did that to mine and it worked out great. I built my own 4x8 workbench with 2x4's., butcher block style. I left out about 2' where I was going to attach the vise. I took 2 pieces of 1x oak I had hanging around the shop and cut out a sort of upside down U into the oak with about an inch left up top , same shape I scribed from the backside of the vise. I attached the vise to my table, slipped the cut-out piece I cut from the oak over it so you didnt see the top metal part of the vise and a second piece of the oak over that covering the face of the rear part of the vice. I slipped the screw part of the front back in then...screwed two pieces of 1x oak to the inside of the front . Looks and works amazing now! I'd add a photo but dont see that feature for these posts...sorry.
Question: Would the 10" version be suitable as an end vise
Answer: When you close your vise When it is new it will close evenly across the jaws, However after some use they will "rack". This is caused by clamping things to one side of the jaws and not providing an even distribution of the clamping pressure. Also excessive pressure will cause racking. This is pretty normal on most vises, as most woodworkers do not use a second spacer to even out the clamping pressure. In a perfect world we would always clamp in the center of the jaws, and only use enough pressure to hold the work piece, and never hammer on our woodworking vise. But this is not a perfect world is it?

Nuovoware Table Vise 3 Inch, 360° Swivel Base Universal Home Vise Portable Bench Clamp, Clamp-on Vise Bench Clamps Fixed Tool for Woodworking, Metalworking, Cutting Conduit, Drilling, Sawing, Blue

Nuovoware

Based on 289 reviews Check latest price
  • 🔨【 Universal Table Vise 】: With jaw width of 2.75 inch / 70 mm, the maximum opening of this jaw is up to 3 inch / 77.5 mm, which makes this bench clamp can fit most workbench and tables.
  • 🔨【 360-Degree Swivel Base 】: Designed with 360 degree rotate swivel base, this bench clamp is suitable for a wide range of clamping angles. Smooth guide rail makes the screw and handle function smoothly and effortlessly.
  • 🔨【 High-quality Material 】: The table vise is made of high-grade cast iron, chrome-plated spindle and nut material, and the jaw adopts quenching and re-fire technology to increase its hardness and strength, which is durable for long-term use and reliable to grip.
  • 🔨【 Easy Installation 】: Lengthened throat design ( throat capacity: up to 2.5 inch ) is easy to install that it can easily clamp on the edge of all kinds of desktops, effortless and time-saving, convenient to use.
  • 🔨【 Wide Application 】: Ideal for home, workshop, educational institution, and professional use, providing clamping for light applications, such as cutting conduit, drilling, gluing, woodworking, metalworking, sanding or planing, sawing and so on.

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