Bench Vises

Select a vise with jaw width and throat depth suited to the largest workpieces you'll clamp; common hobby and light-duty vises have 3–4 inch jaws, while heavy-duty metalworking vises often have 5–6+ inch jaws. Consider the maximum opening (jaw capacity) and throat depth for holding larger or irregular shapes, and match the vise's weight and mounting footprint to your benchtop strength and available space

Durable vises are typically made from ductile cast iron or forged steel components with hardened steel jaws and a precision-ground screw and guide. Look for features like replaceable jaw inserts, a sealed or lubricated screw, and a robust anvil surface if you need occasional hammering

Common types include machinist/metalworking vises (heavy, high clamping force, hardened jaws), woodworking vises (wider, softer jaws or wooden faces to protect work), and multipurpose/combination vises. Choose a metalworking vise for metal shaping, filing, and machining; choose a woodworking vise or add soft jaw covers when working with wood or finished surfaces

Mount the vise to a sturdy bench or mounting plate using heavy bolts through the provided base holes; use washers and locknuts or flange nuts for secure fastening. Ensure the bench thickness and structural support can handle the vise's weight and the clamping forces—reinforce the bench or use a dedicated mounting board if necessary

Keep the screw and guide rails clean and periodically lubricated with grease or oil, replace worn jaw inserts as needed, and avoid striking the vise with a hammer on the screw or jaws. Protect the finish from rust by wiping off moisture and applying light oil to bare metal surfaces

Common accessories include soft jaw covers (rubber, leather, or wood) to protect delicate work, pipe jaws or V-blocks for round stock, and serrated or replaceable hardened jaw plates for grip on metal. Ensure accessories match the jaw width and mounting style of your vise

Bench vises range broadly from budget models under $50 to several hundred dollars for heavy-duty, professional-grade units, with average prices in the mid-hundreds for well-built metalworking vises. Price typically reflects materials (cast vs forged), jaw width and capacity, screw quality, and brand reputation