3 Inch general purpose bench vice - recommendations

[Fabnosh]

As it says, I'm after any recommendations for a small 3 inch jawed general bench vice.

The record No1 mechanics vice looks pretty good but if there are any personal recommendations having used, abused and generally come to respect any other little vices (Ooo, I can see where this will go!), I'd be pleased to hear.

I know there is considerable capability and experience with these sorts of things in the audience so thanks in advance.

FN

 

[Liveonce]

Don’t think you will ever regret buying a record vice, have had and used one for years without issue.

 

[takbok]

I got a lovely 5" Interstate mechanics bench vice on special for £40 from MSC. Great quality.

Here's a swivel one:

https://www.mscdirect.co.uk/TXW-53208D/SEARCH:KEYWORD/product.html

 

[Alantoo]

It depends what you want to do with it. I am sure it would be fit for general purpose, light duty.

Some of the £50 bottom end Record vices from grey cast iron are no better than the [perfectly serviceable] Chinese versions....the £400 and £500 ones made from SG (ductile) iron are the quality they built their reputation on.

I have only ever bought second hand vices and would advise that you could do better for your buck with eBay second hand...

I always need to hit things so a leg vice is most useful for me, but recently I was very happy to acquire a Record Leader 14P vice which is fabricated from steel and so combines the parallel jaw action of an engineers vice and the hittability of a blacksmiths leg vice...didn't know of their existence until a few months ago when I wiped the dust of the name plate of this one.

Alan

 

[Fabnosh]

It is, as you say, just for light duty general use.

That picture takes me back to my childhood. My dad had a huge outside bench with a monster of a vice mounted....or at least it seemed that way as a kid....no actually it was a monster. It was there for decades and suffered all weather but it was great. It had a lever on the side that allowed the jaws to be opened and, when the lever was let go, the screw cut in and then opened and closed using the front bar for finer adjustment.

It's a good point you make so I think I might hunt the second hand market.

Thanks

FN

 

[Lateral]

I'd definitely suggest looking at a swivel vice, it's far more versatile, especially if wanting to hold a rifle, or barrel for work, or cleaning.

Personally, I'd be looking for a 4-5", to spread the load, and again, more versatile.

Swivel Vice

 

[csl]

I've got a 4" Record 'engineers' vice which is pretty good, even though it's from newer 'stock'.




Also got a Paramo 6" and a recently painted Fortis 6" (thanks @Goingback ) from old stock.

 

[enfieldspares]

Local chattel auctions are a good place to look. You'll pick up Dead Men's vices and many tools - usually British made - for less than £5-10.

 

[Kalahari]

They do turn up in your local auctions so that is a place worth checking. Mostly they are on line noiwadays so checking is pretty simple.

David.

 

[Fabnosh]

Some great suggestions. Not heard of a swivel vice but looking on line, they seem pretty good.....but I guess the enhanced complexity would mean climbing the quality ladder. That said, they do look very versatile.

FN

 

[Dickie]

I've got a 4" Record 'engineers' vice which is pretty good, even though it's from newer 'stock'.

View attachment 212146


Also got a Paramo 6" and a recently painted Fortis 6" (thanks @Goingback ) from old stock.

View attachment 212147View attachment 212148

Was that the one from the pond?

 

[csl]

Was that the one from the pond?

It was a little water damaged...

 

[Alantoo]

I've got a 4" Record 'engineers' vice which is pretty good, even though it's from newer 'stock'.

View attachment 212146


Also got a Paramo 6" and a recently painted Fortis 6" (thanks @Goingback ) from old stock.

View attachment 212147View attachment 212148

"It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues."... Abraham Lincoln

“Never trust a man who has not a single redeeming vice.”...Winston Churchill

"Never trust a man with no vices" me...and apparently Daniel Radcliffe according to google

That Fortis cast steel one looks especially great...

But for hands down Aesthetic / sculptural appeal a forged leg vice is unbeatable in my estimation...this is the most recently acquired one I have here at home, but there is a little snowdrift of them over at the forge picked up over the years.

Alan

 

[Tim.243]

As it says, I'm after any recommendations for a small 3 inch jawed general bench vice.

The record No1 mechanics vice looks pretty good but if there are any personal recommendations having used, abused and generally come to respect any other little vices (Ooo, I can see where this will go!), I'd be pleased to hear.

I know there is considerable capability and experience with these sorts of things in the audience so thanks in advance.

FN

seen a few at boot sales....I have a gas fitters vice on my mobile welding trailer. It fits on a leg that pulls out of the chassis....taken a real beating over the last 17 years but still going.
Any junk/antique shops around your way as they often clear out places. you might get a bargain of old stock.

@Fabnosh

 

[owdnorthener]

I've just sold one using Facebook, Marketplace, and there seems to be more on there. Try it in your area, as there may be more old guys clearing out surplus gear.

 

[tozzybum]

Record no 1 ,came from a friend ,possibly 20 years old does all i need .

 

[muddy42]

In 2017, I bought a 4 inch "Irwin Record Pro Workshop Vice" from screwfix. I use it every day and would recommend it highly.

Personally I prefer to locate the vice near the end of the bench (or have two) rather than a swivel vice. Don't forget to mount it with the biggest locking nuts possible.

 

[Mick9abf]

Try and buy an old British one second hand, they’re often on Facebook marketplace for not a lot of money. Get it shot blasted and paint it and you’ll have something that will out live you.

 

[Monarch Country Products]

As above - Record No1 or No3, maybe biased as I was a Key Account Manager for Record (then become Irwin, then Stanley Black & Decker bought the whole group in 2018) for many years at the Parkway, Sheffield. Used to take customers round the forge to view the vices being cast and main screws being cut - happy days.

The Irwin branded ones are not bad, but as mentioned used Record branded ones can be found and have great heritage

 

[Malxwal]

Some budget, cheap vices are barely fit for purpose, and borderline safe. Have a look at something 20+ years old that doesn't look like it's had a full time working life. As has been said, you won't go wrong with an older Record.