Bench Vises (50 items found)

No matter what your project is, you want to ensure that you end up with the best possible results and work as safely as possible. Vises can help you achieve those goals, making them an important part of nearly any shop. Find the ideal bench vise for your projects at Ace Hardware, with a diverse assortment of options from brands like Steel Grip, Irwin and Bessey.

What is a Bench Vise?

The reason why vises are so indispensable in many workshops is that they allow you to secure materials while you use hand tools and power tools. With a bench vise, tasks like cutting with hacksaws and hand saws, drilling, milling and filing become much easier because you don't have to worry about holding whatever you're working with in place by hand.

A vise can reduce the risk of accidents that occur due to slippage and enable you to shape and cut wood, metal and other materials with more control. Additionally, they can apply pressure to materials that you’re gluing or joining with hardware to aid in the adhesion process.

Vise Vs. Clamp: What’s the Difference?

Clamps and vises both steady objects and can be used to hold two separate pieces of material together, but their designs are different.

• Bench vises mount directly on your workbench and become permanent features of your shop.
• Clamps are small and portable, so you can use them on the go.

In some cases, you may opt to use a vise and clamp together. For example, you may place the ends of two long pieces of lumber in a vise and then place clamps along its surface to apply pressure to the opposite ends.

Types of Vises

There are different types of vises specialized to specific jobs:

• Drill press vises secure materials while drilling for greater precision.
• Metalworking vises are heavy-duty vises used to grip metal for filing, grinding or welding.
• Woodworking vises hold wood securely and safely, perfect for sanding, sawing or planing.
• Pipe vises have jaws designed to prevent slippage so they can easily grip pipes for threading, cutting or welding.

How to Choose Vises

When choosing a vise for your shop, consider the following:

• Base type: A swivel vise can rotate, increasing flexibility, while a stationary vise stays in place for added security. Swivel vises are particularly popular for mounting on the corner of workbenches.
• Jaw width: Usually measured in inches, the jaw width tells you how far apart the jaws of the vise can spread to accommodate your materials.
• Height: The height of a vise is the size from the bench to azthe top of the jaws. Look for a model that is high enough to allow you to work at a comfortable angle without having to bend too much or reach too high.
• Pipe jaws: Some vises have a V-shaped notch to accommodate rounded materials, such as pipes.
• Construction: A vise can be cast or forged. Generally, forged models are heavier and sturdier, while cast vises are more economically priced.

Find Bench Vises Near You at Ace

Whether you prefer a swivel vise or a stationary model, Ace Hardware has options to suit your needs. Shop vises near you at your neighborhood store to get assistance selecting a new bench vise from one of our knowledgeable associates. Or, browse the available selection online any time.