Looking for a mid duty MADE IN USA bench vise.
Please recommend by actual model number. I looked at the Wilton and Yost websites. Some are Chicom and some are made in USA. I'm a buy once cry once type of guy but I don't need a super industrial model costing in the $1000s. Thanks

I use an 8” machinist Wilton bench vise. I think they go for pretty much the number you stated.

I bought mine attached to a table I bought at an auction. I bought the table for $120.

The vice came with it, holes all drilled. Even a power strip from 1960 mounted as well (Which eventually let the smoke out - But it had a great power cord that I cut off of it!)


Key pointers… Unfortunately there are lots of manufactures who have gone out of business - are still going out of business, and you can pick up their stuff fairly cheap if you’re willing to go to the auction thing.

Looks like the Wilton 1755 that I have is no longer made stateside.


Looking at a second vise I'd strongly consider one of these Brockhaus . Made in Germany - Brockhause Heuer.

Used one of these at work quite a bit. I think it was the Ridgid F-60, made in Germany not the USA. It had a gib to take up any slop and was the nicest vise I can recall using as far as fit and finish. I have a Yost Taiwanese knock off that is pretty good but not as precise.

Being forged, they stand up to abuse very well.

Otherwise, a USA made Wilton machinist vises are great.

I just bought a used Craftsman vice off of Ebay . American made was important to me . MANY of the name brand units these days are Chinese .

I have the Yost 650 and have been very happy with it. Probably had it for 10 years or so and it has held up great. Would not hesitate in buying it again or recommending it.

Yost are pretty good too but also getting pricey.

I'd look around for the model you like and check often on eBay and check the USA box.

I'm amazed how much they've gone up in the last few years and for such a simple product.

quote:

Originally posted by teombe:
https://www.orangevise.com/

Super nice tools, but you might as well have said Kurt.

quote:

Originally posted by rjbaal:
Looking for a mid duty MADE IN USA bench vise.
Please recommend by actual model number. I looked at the Wilton and Yost websites. Some are Chicom and some are made in USA. I'm a buy once cry once type of guy but I don't need a super industrial model costing in the $1000s. Thanks

FWIW, a few years back I was looking for exactly what you’re describing. After a fair amount of research I ended up buying a Wilton, used vise on Ebay. Turned out pretty well. You might also be interested to know that I bought a stand from Harbor Freight made primarily for bench grinders and, I guess vises. Keeps bench space clear and works great.

My wife says that machinist vices come in male and female. they get funky when the lights in the shop are off.

one leads to two, two leads to four, four leads to OMG you bought another one!!!

I have the Wilton WS4 but the dang thing was made in China. Did not know that when I bought it, but it is a very nice vice. Box says “Made in China to Wilton Specifications” Best vice I’ve ever had. Learned about Wilton right here on Sig Forum.

Yost 133C 5" from Taiwan, found it on Zorro for about $600 4 years ago. A great vice!

If you are willing to by used, I would go to Craigslist. People are always selling used American vises.

I didn’t need a really large one or one as expensive as a Wilton so I bought an older American-made Craftsman on eBay a couple of years ago after reading another SigForum thread similar to this one. It’s served me well so far, but be careful if that might suit your needs; some older Craftsman vises were made in Japan.

Id check places like Offerup and such...

Sometimes you find people selling items they have no idea of the value.

Does any have a Wilton 1745 Tradesman 4-1/2" Vise?
This seem to be the least expensive American made Wilton.

I bought a Wilton 4" Vice #11104 for under $100, and it is excellent in quality, but it says "Made in China."

That 1745 Wilton appears to be made in Taiwan. Both Grainger and Zoro call its country of origin (COO) as Taiwan.

I was looking specifically at Stock Number28805.

Apparently there are multiple 1745's

I will have to email Wilton to be sure.