Originally Posted by
POD
Bigger is better, also the cheap ones have a habit of breaking in half and this will of course happen in the middle of a job that you absolutely need the vice for. I kept an eye out on ebay until a top brand 6" vice came up at a good price, got a 6" Record for $100. I was considering one of the irwins but I saw some bad reviews of where several had broken in half with moderate use. You should be able to hold a workpiece in your vice and flog it with a big hammer without worrying that the vice will bust. One of the older Dawn or Record vices will last generations.
The old Dawn's are a solid bit of kit.
I picked up my 5" Dawn for $50 at a garage sale recently. Also have the 4" version (also bought used) that I've had for 20+ years that think also cost $50. Both mine are mounted near the corner of benches so have easy access from 2 sides. Access isn't as good as Stealth's post mount, but still pretty good.
I've never felt lacking for not having a swivel base. Sometimes an offset would have been useful, but have always found a workaround for not having one.
Like that mine are both bolted to heavy benches and I can swing or bash on them with confidence.
Steve
1985 County - Isuzu 4bd1 with HX30W turbo, LT95, 255/85-16 KM2's
1988 120 with rust and potential
1999 300tdi 130 single cab - "stock as bro"
2003 D2a Td5 - the boss's daily drive
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