A real cast bench vise for under $50 that bolts down and stays put
Is this the right fit?
- Best for
- a garage or basement workbench that currently has no vise, and anyone who has been holding parts with locking pliers and a knee
- Skip if
- You have to drill your bench to mount it, so it is a permanent commitment rather than something you move between surfaces
- Check before ordering
- Confirm the dimensions, exact model, included parts and return terms on the Amazon listing before ordering.
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A 4.5 inch bench vise that bolts permanently to a workbench, which is the distinction that matters against the clamp-on vises in the same price range. A clamp-on vise moves under load and turns filing or hammering into a two-hand fight with the tool. A bolted vise transfers force into the bench, so both hands stay on the work. At 4.5 inches of jaw width it covers most home-shop tasks: holding stock for cutting, filing, tapping threads, or pressing small parts. It also includes an anvil surface on the back for light hammer work. Best fit: a garage or basement workbench that currently has no vise, and anyone who has been holding parts with locking pliers and a knee.
Pros
- Bolts to the bench so it does not shift under filing or hammering the way clamp-on vises do
- 4.5 inch jaws cover most home-shop holding tasks
- Anvil surface on the back handles light hammer work
- Priced under $50, which is where clamp-on vises usually sit
Cons
- You have to drill your bench to mount it, so it is a permanent commitment rather than something you move between surfaces
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to drill holes in my workbench?
Yes. It is a bolt-down vise, which is the whole reason it stays rigid. Plan the position carefully, ideally overhanging the bench edge slightly so long stock can pass down past the vise.
Will it hold pipe as well as flat stock?
Check the listing for a pipe jaw beneath the main jaws. Many vises in this class include one. If it does not have one, round stock needs a V-block or shaped soft jaws.
Does it swivel?
Check the specific model listing. Swivel bases are common in this class and let you rotate the work without unclamping, which is genuinely useful for filing angles.
Can I hammer on it?
The anvil area on the back is intended for light hammer work. Do not use a vise body as a heavy-duty anvil, since cast bodies can crack under repeated hard blows.
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