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Vices

(17 products)

The bench vise is the anchor of every serious workshop. A steel third hand that holds your workpiece while you cut, drill, or thread with precision.

Our selection spans 4 to 8 inches, in ductile iron or forged steel, with 360° swivel bases and clamping forces up to 6,000 lbs. Brands: Irwin, Wilton and Bessey. Fast shipping across Canada.

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How to Choose the Right Bench Vise for Your Workshop

Swivel Base or Fixed Base: Which Model for Your Work

Two main families of bench vises coexist in the professional workshop. The fixed-base vise is ideal for repetitive work at a constant angle, where absolute stability is required. Ductile iron handles impacts better than ordinary cast steel, with a stress tolerance of 40,000 PSI.

The 360° swivel-base vise is the choice of mechanics and versatile shops. It lets you reposition the workpiece without loosening the vise, reducing handling time on complex operations. Irwin Record and Wilton models combine free rotation and solid locking with jaw openings up to 9 inches.

Ductile Iron, Forged Steel or Cast Steel: The Differences That Matter

Ductile iron is the standard for professional bench vises. It absorbs impacts without cracking and withstands clamping forces from 2,640 to 6,000 lbs without permanent deformation. A ductile iron vise has a tensile strength of 60,000 PSI, compared to 20,000 PSI for gray cast iron.

Forged steel offers superior strength and tighter tolerances on the jaws, making it the choice for machine shops. The hardened steel jaws on Wilton models resist marking and maintain their flatness after thousands of clamping cycles. For general shop use, ductile iron remains the best balance of durability and value.

4, 5, 6 or 8 Inch Vise: Finding the Right Size for the Job

The jaw width determines the maximum workpiece size you can grip. A 4-inch vise is suited for precision work, small mechanical parts, and electronics. The 5- to 6-inch size is the most versatile for a general shop, covering woodworking, light metalworking, and common mechanical repairs.

For heavy-duty work, the 8-inch vise with integrated anvil is the reference tool. A jaw opening of 8 to 9 inches lets you work large pieces or use the vise as a small press. An 8-inch ductile iron model often weighs over 55 lbs, ensuring workbench stability even under heavy load.

Installing and Maintaining Your Bench Vise: The Right Approach

Correct installation starts with positioning the fixed jaw slightly past the edge of the workbench. This position lets you clamp long pieces vertically without restriction. Use all base mounting holes with bolts and lock washers to prevent rotation under heavy lateral load.

Maintenance comes down to two essential steps. Lubricate the clamping screw and slides weekly in intensive production use, every two weeks in regular use, with a light oil such as SAE 30. Protect unpainted surfaces with an oiled cloth to prevent rust in humid environments or near water-based equipment.
Clamps Pliers and Snips Magnetic Bases Sockets and Accessories Wrenches Hammers and Mauls Bearing Pullers Industrial Metal Files Punches and Chisels Workshop Storage Taps and Dies Cutting Tools Irwin Bessey

Your Bench Vise Questions Answered

What is the ideal size for a bench vise?

For general workshop use, a 5 to 6 inch bench vise is the most versatile size. It provides a jaw opening of 5 to 7 inches, enough for most woodworking and light metalworking applications across Canada.

For heavy-duty work or large workpieces, choose an 8-inch model with a clamping force of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs. For precision work and small parts, a 4-inch vise is better suited.

What is the difference between a ductile iron and a steel bench vise?

Ductile iron withstands impact better than ordinary cast iron. Its higher deformation tolerance before fracture makes it ideal for workshops where vises are exposed to hammer blows or sudden stress loads.

Forged steel offers higher tensile strength and tighter jaw tolerances. The hardened steel jaws on Wilton models maintain flatness after thousands of clamping cycles, a key advantage in machining and automotive repair.

How do you properly mount a bench vise?

Position the vise so the fixed jaw slightly overhangs the edge of the workbench. This allows you to clamp long workpieces vertically without the bench obstructing your work.

Use all base mounting holes with bolts and lock washers to prevent rotation under lateral stress. For wooden benches, M10 through-bolts are more reliable than wood screws alone.

Which brand of bench vise should I choose for professional use?

Irwin (Record series) and Wilton are two professional benchmarks in Canada. Irwin offers ductile iron vises with 360° swivel bases, known for their durability on construction sites and in mechanical workshops.

Wilton stands out for its precision hardened steel jaws, preferred in machining and automotive repair. Bessey excels in parallel-jaw woodworking vises. All three brands are available in our professional bench vise selection.

What is the difference between a bench vise and a woodworking vise?

A standard bench vise is designed for metalworking, mechanics, and multi-material work. It is typically made of ductile iron with hardened steel jaws that withstand contact with metal.

A woodworking vise is integrated into the workbench structure and uses wooden jaw faces to avoid marking delicate workpieces. For mixed applications, a bench vise with removable protective jaw caps is the best compromise.

What is the average price of a professional bench vise?

Professional bench vises typically range from $80 to $350 CAD depending on size and brand. A 4 to 5 inch ductile iron vise costs between $80 and $150. Six-inch models from Irwin or Wilton range from $150 to $250.

For a heavy-duty 8-inch vise with integrated anvil, budget $250 to $400 or more for industrial high-capacity models. Free shipping is available on orders of $150 and more.

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