Top 10 Best Bench Vises (Reviews & Buyers’ Guide 2022)

Best Bench Vise Overall

We are starting with the best bench vise on our list. The Yost 5” Heavy Duty Bench Vise has two swivel options for better working angles.

Yost Vises is a brand that’s synonymous with high quality vises and useful designs. They have been in the business since 1908 and it’s safe to say that they know what they’re doing when it comes to designing and making functional tools for handymen and professionals alike.

This bench vise is no exception. Yost knocks it out of the park by creating a highly functional work vise that has a straightforward design and features that will greatly help you in your woodworking, metal, or automotive projects.

This Yost bench vise has a jaw width of 5” and a clamping force of 7,000 lbs. The wide replaceable serrated jaws will be excellent for clamping various materials while the max clamping force will make sure that the piece you’re working on stays in place.

One of the things we like about this top mounting bench vise is its rotating vise and base. Both can rotate to 360-degrees, allowing for more angles when working so you can see exactly what you’re working on when you’re working on it. No need to angle your way around the workshop to get a better view of things.

Other useful features that we like about this Yost bench vise include the built-in v-clamp and pipe jaw that make holding a variety of other objects easier and more secure. These will come in handy when you’re working with pipes for precise cutting and welding. The large anvil surface also adds functionality, letting you work on projects that require hammering without having to move away from your work desk. The anvil is placed directly under the base of the vise, giving you more support as you work.

This Yost bench vise is our overall best bench vise for its versatility, quality construction, and functionality. This pick is currently available on Amazon for $99.99.

Best Bench Vise Runner-up

Coming in at number two, we have another Yost bench vise—the Yost Vises 445 4.5” Utility Pipe and Bench Vise.

This Yost vise is like the smaller brother of our top overall pick for bench vises. It has a 4.5” jaw width and an opening of 4” so it’s able to take a variety of materials with relative ease. Its max clamping force is 3,150 lbs so you don’t have to worry about securing your work.

Yost understands the importance of versatility when it comes to working with different materials so they added a pipe jaw to this small bench vise. Bending and cutting pipes will be a lot easier with the pipe jaw so you can concentrate on making precise adjustments as you work on your project.

We like the smaller form factor of this bench vise from Yost. It looks like the right size for small to medium-sized work tables and is perfect for weekend projects that don’t necessarily require a lot of force and clamping power. It is also way lighter than our first pick so installation will be a breeze. Factor in the four mounting tabs into the equation and you get an easy-to-install but solid base.

Other nifty features that we like about this Yost bench vise include the 360-degree swivel base with two lockdowns, a built-in anvil for metalworking and stamping, and the smooth precision machined threads on the main rod.

This bench vise is currently available on Amazon for $81.99.

Best Budget Bench Vise

Affordable doesn’t always mean inferior. Sometimes, they offer one of the best value propositions there is. For the case of the TEKTON 4” Swivel Bench Vise, it’s true.

This bench vise snags our top third spot with its all-purpose design and high quality build with an affordable price tag. Designed with versatility in mind, this bench vise has a 4-inch wide jaw that has machine serrations for good grip. The plates are also replaceable so you can swap them out for new ones and you have a bench vise that looks and works like it just came out of the box. The 3-inch jaw opening can accommodate a variety of materials so you don’t need to, freeing up both of your hands for more precise cutting, sawing, welding, or stamping.

This TEKTON vise is a great no-nonsense tool to have in your workshop. It can clamp your workpiece securely, has a 120-degree swivel base for more working angles, replaceable jaw plates for easy maintenance, an anvil surface for hammering, and is made of 30,000 PSI cast iron for durability. It’s also fairly compact compared to other bench vises on this list. Simply put, it’s a reliable work tool that can help you with different projects without occupying a lot of space. Not only that, it won’t leave a hole in your pockets while still getting the job done.

This TEKTON bench vise is currently available on Amazon for only $58.

Best Light Duty Bench Vise

Are you a beginner who’s looking for a starter bench vise for your work table? You can’t go wrong with the Wilton General Purpose 4-inch Bench Vise.

This bench vise is designed and manufactured by another brand that’s synonymous with quality. Wilton Tools have been manufacturing vises since 1941, even selling their products to the US government before the second world war. They are known for their reliable vises so you can rely on this light duty bench vise for your weekend projects.This particular bench vise is sold under their light duty vise series and for good reason. It boasts good build quality and a functional all-purpose design that can help you with a range of shop chores. This vise has a 4-inch wide jaw and a 4-inch wide opening to help you secure a variety of materials. The 360-degree swivel base will also let you access your workpiece without moving away from your table so you can get a better angle right then and there.

The built-in anvil surface will give you a proper area to work with for hammering and stamping tasks while the replaceable grooved jaws make maintaining your vise a breeze. The smooth machined threads on the main rod make for easy and secure tightening. Weighing only 15 lbs, this one is a lightweight bench vise that will be easy to mount on a variety of work tables for the beginner DIYer.

Highly functional, easy-to-use, and light on the budget, we can highly recommend this to anyone who wants a bench vise with a good brand name. This Wilton bench vise is currently available on Amazon for only $65.41.

Best Bench Vise with Extended Opening

If you’re looking for a small bench vise that provides extra grip, then look no further. The WORKPRO 4.5” Bench Vise with Swivel Base and Pipe Jaw is the one you’re looking for.

Small bench vises are great to have if the space and mounting surface is an issue. They can fit most work tables without eating up a lot of space and they are easier to install than bigger and often bulkier bench vises. However, one caveat you might encounter is the limited jaw width. That’s not an issue with this WORKPRO bench vise.

With a 4.5-inch wide jaw, this bench vise can accommodate a wide range of materials for your different projects. Wood planes, metal sheets, angle bars, and the list goes on. The wide jaw width of this vise makes sure your workpiece stays in place and prevents marring or warping. This vise also has a pipe jaw so you can work on pipes comfortably and securely.

Another thing we like about this particular bench vise is its extended jaw opening. It has a 4.25-inch jaw opening to comfortably fit a variety of materials in the vise—no need for a bigger vise to accommodate bulky workpieces. This bench vise may be small in form, but it’s more than capable of handling large materials.

Other features we like about this bench vise from WORKPRO include the anvil surface for hammering and stamping, 240-degree swivel base for more accurate work angles, 4 mounting tabs for secure mounting to tables, and the replaceable diamond serrated machinist jaws.

Small and powerful, this WORKPRO bench vise snags the top five spot on our list. This pick is currently available on Amazon for $49.99.

Best Industrial Bench Vise

Perfect for tradesmen, professionals, and hobbyists alike, this multi-purpose bench vise from Wilton Tools offers a whole lot of functionality for those who don’t mind the bigger size and extra weight.

The Wilton 550P Multi-Purpose Bench Vise is our pick for the best industrial bench vise. It’s made by Wilton Tools, a brand that’s known for its high-quality vises so you can expect good performance and durability from this industrial bench vise. The materials used for this vise are 30,000 PSI gray cast iron for the head and 60,000 PSI for the base, making it extremely robust for frequent use. Craftsmen, tradies, and professionals will surely love this workhorse of a bench vise.

Just by its looks, you can tell that this Wilton bench vise was made for tough projects. The gray protective coating makes it look like an industrial tool while the machined locking rods feel substantial especially during tightening. This industrial bench vise also has a 5.5-inch wide jaw, a dedicated pipe jaw, and a v-jaw so you can alternate between materials and projects with ease. The 360-degree rotating head lets you access your workpiece without having to move for a better angle.

A few other things that we especially like about this bench vise are the built-in anvil and graduations on the threaded main rod. These are quite simple additions but they bring a lot to the table, making it a great all-purpose tool. The anvil sits on top of the base to focus the force of your hammer straight into the material. The graduations on the main rod let you check the measurement of the material you’re working on and the total opening that you’re currently using so you don’t overextend the jaw. Nifty, if you ask us.

Other features of the Wilton 550P Bench Vise that we like include the replaceable serrated jaws, double lockdowns and 30-degree indexing increments, and the four mounting holes for more stability when in use.

This pick is currently available on Amazon for $223.79.

Best Budget Utility Vise

On a tight budget but still need a reliable utility vise? The BestEquip 6-inch Bench Vise with Double Swivel Base and Head is the one for you.

This rugged bench vise has all the characteristics of an all-around bench vise except for the heavy price tag. It has 6-inch wide jaws for clamping a wide variety of materials. The wide surface of the jaws avoids denting and misshaping so you can worry less about marring your workpiece. This pick from BestEquip is also made out of good quality 30,000 PSI cast iron for the head and 60,000 PSI ductile iron for the base, making it a durable and rugged workhorse of a bench vise.

Aside from being affordable, this bench vise also carries a few features that can help you get more work done. This budget pick has a built-in v-jaw and pipe jaw so you can clamp round objects like tubes and pipes with ease. The stepped grooves on the jaws let you clamp different sizes of pipes for precise cuts and welds. The rotatable head and swivel base also give you more access to your materials by providing more working angles.

Other features that we like about this bench vise from BestEquip include the anvil surface for shaping and stamping, dual lockdowns for security, and multiple mounting holes for added stability when in use.

It may not be the best when it comes to fit and finish but it will get the job done. We can recommend this bench vise for entry-level DIYers who want an affordable working utility vise with wide jaws and other useful features.

This pick from BestEquip is currently available on Amazon for $99.99.

Best Utility Bench Vise

Simple and straightforward, this bench vise from Wilton snags the number eight spot on our list of best bench vises of 2022.

Wilton is back again with another entry on our list. This time, we have the Wilton 675U Utility Bench Vise with a swivel base, 5.5-inch jaw, and built-in pipe jaw. Powder-coated with a bright red color, this bench vise looks every bit the tough utility vise you need for home or light shop use. It has everything you need in a vise and nothing that you don't: clamping force, stable mount, and a smooth tightening and loosening action.

We’re loving the simplicity of this Wilton bench vise. While you can only get a 360-degree motion from the swivel base, that’s plenty of movement if you just need to clamp down workpieces for your projects. It’s still a helpful feature to have instead of having just one fixed working position, especially if you need to have access to your workpiece from different angles.

We’re also loving the heft of this bench vise. It looks tough and rugged, good for daily use if you’re a handyman or mechanic who needs to work on cutting, welding, and shaping tasks. The large anvil surface also comes in handy for stamping and hammering projects. It sits right above the mounting base so stability wouldn’t be an issue.

Users who bought this Wilton bench vise praise it for its ruggedness and durability. The powder-coated body was also well received since it adds another layer of protection from scuffs, dings, and scratches from frequent use. That is why we highly recommend this bench vise for anyone who wants a reliable and simple to use bench vise that gets the job done.

This pick from Wilton Tools is currently available on Amazon for $122.89.

Best Single Swivel Vise

One review read “Every garage needs a vise” and we can’t argue with that thinking. You can just do so much with a bench vise that it would be hard to go back to times when you don’t have one.

This 6-inch Bench Vise with Locking Swivel Base from WFLNHB can provide you with all the clamping force you need for your home projects. It’s simple to use, easy to tighten and loosen, and has a set of features that make woodworking, automotive, metal, and sheetworking a great DIY experience.

This bench vise is a multi-purpose tool that will be at home in any garage or even a workshop. It’s lighter than our industrial picks at a little more than 25 lbs so it’s relatively easier to install and mount on your work table. It’s not too bulky either so you can fit this in tight workspaces and still have enough wiggle room for other tasks.

We like the simplicity of this vise’s design. It only has one swivel option (found on the base of the vise) so you don’t have to worry about multiple lockdowns breaking and rendering the whole vise useless. You have a single pair of 6-inch wide jaws for most of your clamping work and an anvil surface for some shaping and stamping work. That’s it. No need for gimmicks or other fancy features. It’s a straight-up solid piece of metal that can clamp on things and keep them in place when you need to.

We recommend this one for handymen who like their tools and gear simple. This is currently available on Amazon for $98.79.

Best Premium Bench Vise

Last but not least, we have a premium offering for the handyman who wants to have an extra well-finished bench vise. The Capri Tools 10519 Rotating Head Bench Vise with 6-inch wide jaws can be the best bench vise for you.

This premium bench vise from Capri Tools costs a bit more than the other picks on this list but is well worth the extra bucks if you ask us. The 10519 bench vise is a well-rounded workshop tool that can help you with a variety of projects and tasks like cutting, welding, clamping, and hammering among other things.

It has a solid set of features like the 6,600 lbs of clamping force, 360-degree rotating head with 12 stops for more angles when working, rotating swivel base, built-in pipe jaws, and replaceable serrated jaws that offer extra grip. All of these features combine to give users an all-around work tool that won’t buckle under tough and rugged use. The smooth main threads also make tightening and loosening a delight.

What we especially like about this Capri Tools bench vise is its form factor. The jaw sits close to the body of the vise so you can comfortably work on your projects without being too far from the lockdowns and t-bars. This design also helps in installation since you can mount the body to the edge of your work table closely, making it a perfect choice for shops that have limited workspace.

Like many other bench vises on our list, this pick also has a dedicated anvil surface for shaping and stamping materials and it sits right on top of the base for more stability when in use. The three mounting tabs and dual lockdowns also add to the security of the vise when clamping materials.

This premium bench vise from Capri Tools is currently available on Amazon for $299.99.