Need vise advice

[Revredneck]

Hi gang,
I'm looking to purchase a vise for my workshop and could use some input. I don't do any really heavy work, just clamp up a mower blade for sharpening or an exhaust pipe to get the dimples out of the throat or something like that. I am looking at two 5 inch models. Farm and Fleet has a "Columbia" that looks pretty good and Menard's has a "Larin" that rotates for about the same money. Is one any better than the other, or is there one I should just avoid at all costs? Both say that they are lifetime guaranteed. What think ye?
Good Luck and God Bless,
Tommy

 

[1936]

I only buy USA made and new is not better, but big is better. If the columbia is USA get it. The nice China ones will end up as boat achors. My two cents.

 

[supergrumpy]

IMHO, for light to medium use the china vises work just fine, if the vise costs under $100 it likely is china made, I have 2

BUT, I keep looking everywhere I can for real honest-to-goodness US made vises that haven't been abused too bad, I have 2 Parkers and still keeping a lookout for more

my wife says it is a sickness

 

[Bob - MI]

I bought a Larin from Sam's I believe to be a 5" and it swivels. $40.00 to $45.00 range comes to mind. I have been very happy with it for the homeowner stuff I do.

Sad but all the medium range iron and steel cast products are made in China now.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Here Ya go...
Big vise

 

[Midwest redneck]

AMEN, Stuff from China is junk.

 

[Mark]

Is Wilton still in business? Their vises are very good and from what they bring..made of cast Gold instead of iron..LOL!

 

[Anonymous-0]

I have seen a lot of the Chinese vises broken in half. They don't take much hammering or prying.

 

[Davis In SC]

A few weeks ago, I picked up a big old Parker at the flea mkt. for 10 dollars.. It has about 6 layers of paint on it... But it is well worth cleaning up... But, on the other hand, I may just keep it like it is.. : ^ )

 

[Leland]

Since most vices are now chinese ,and look alike I found a 5" one at harbor freight for 32.00 on sale .

 

[Lee in Iowa]

For my use I do not like a swivel vise. The Sears one I have does not lock tight enough and it swivels when I don't want it to. The vise I use right now is an old $1 post vise I welded to to the welding table. Lee

 

[Rusty Scupper]

I had a cheap one. Put a receiver hitch in it to remove the ball. Put a 10" wrench on it and gave it a tough. The vise broke off from the base and receiver hitch and all fell on my foot. I am guessing there are some broken bones as it still hurt ocassionally 5 mths later. Don't by a cheap one.

 

[RickL]

I have a cpule extra vise you can have for cheaply,ones a small Milwaukee the other not sure. At some farm sale they can"t give vises away

 

[railhead]

Man I wish i could find a good USA made one. if we are still making such tools in this country, I don't know where they are selling them.

 

[ohio]

check ebay, an old, wore out columbia, wilton, ridgid ect. is better than a new chi-com vise made out of iron of an unknown origin.