When it’s time to choose a vise for your workshop, the choices can be overwhelming. Do you need cast iron or steel? Swivel base or fixed? How large is too large? And what does heavy duty really mean?
For professionals and more serious DIY fabricators and mechanics, this last question is an important one. A true heavy duty bench vise is designed to withstand more demanding and rigorous use than a standard vise. But there are several key features that differentiate a heavy duty version from a standard issue homeowner vise. When the job calls for strength and durability, these are the features to look for.
Construction Material
Heavy duty vises should always be made from high-strength materials such as cast steel or ductile iron. These are more durable and resistant to impact and deformation than the cast iron or other lower-grade materials, used in a standard vise.
Sealed Shaft
Most vise designs feature an exposed screw shaft. However, a heavy duty vise with a sealed shaft prevents metal debris from drilling, cutting , or welding from building up on the shaft. This feature ensures smooth operation as well as greater precision for small adjustments.
Jaw Width and Opening Capacity
Is it really heavy duty if it can’t handle a big load? Heavy duty vises usually have a wider jaws and larger opening capacities than their standard counterparts. These allow for larger and more diverse workpieces to be held securely. However, even heavy duty vises are offered in various sizes for different work. The Yost HD lineup, for instance, comes in 4.5-inch, 5.5-inch, 6.5-inch, and 8-inch jaw sizes.
Throat Depth
A deeper throat is often the mark of a heavy duty vise, allowing for the clamping of larger and thicker workpieces. Standard vises tend to have shallower throat depth, suited for smaller and thinner workpieces.
Jaw Strength and Replaceability
Heavy duty vises are equipped with stronger and often serrated jaws for better grip. These jaws are almost always replaceable as well to ensure longevity and adaptability for different tasks. While these features may also be found on some standard vises, they are more typically fitted with smoother, non-replaceable jaws.
Clamping Force
The ability to exert a significantly higher clamping force sets heavy duty vises apart from household units. This can be essential for holding workpieces during tasks like hammering, welding, or heavy machining.
Locking Swivel Base
While swivel bases can be found on a variety of vise designs, heavy duty model generally feature a more robust swivel base with multiple lock-down points. This allows for greater flexibility and stability when repositioning the vise.
Rotational Capability
Many heavy duty vises offer the ability to rotate as well as swivel. Smooth operation and secure locking mechanisms provide greater control and precision.
Anvil Surface
A heavy duty vise typically features a larger and more durable anvil surface for metalworking and other pounding tasks. The anvil of a standard vise, if it has one, is typically smaller and less robust. The material used to construct the vise (see above) also dictates the strength of the anvil.
Mounting Hardware
It may seem obvious, but heavy duty vises require heavy duty mounting hardware for secure attachment to a workbench. The number of mounting holes is also important – the more, the merrier for stability.
These features all make heavy duty bench vises suitable for industrial, professional, and heavy duty DIY use. They also set the big boys apart from standard vises, which are more appropriate for general-purpose tasks and lighter use scenarios.