Garage & Workshop Bench Vise

A bench vise is the only workholding that turns the bench itself into a workstation. A 6″ medium-duty bench vise covers most workshop jobs without dominating the bench — and it is the single most-recommended first tool for any new workshop.

The range of jobs it can handle is listed in what a bench vise is used for.

A medium-duty 6″ vise takes the majority of what a workshop sees — small parts, pipe, sheet and light fabrication. A light 4″ vise handles hobby-scale work. The size guide breaks the dimensions down.

Fixed or swivel? For a garage that sees varied work, a swivel base pays for itself in saved time. Mount it where the light is best and the bench is thickest, with bolts that match the base holes.

The garage is dusty, and dust is abrasive. A little maintenance — clean the screw, wipe the slide — keeps the vise from wearing out before its time. Hardened jaws and replaceable jaw sets complete the service picture.

Garages are a global market. The choosing guide helps end users; the OEM route helps brands build a garage line.