Bench Vice

Another good old UK make is Parkinsons. I have a model F......probably pre-war. Plenty of old Parkinsons vices on Ebay all the time.

Whatever you do, DO NOT get a cheap cast iron vice. At some time you will use it as a press, and if that doesn't break it, hammering at some other time will.

I was lucky and managed to get an almost unused, but rusty Record, ex industry.

Their strength and quality explain the price. If you can possibly afford it, even second hand, go for it.

Cheap and nasty will fail at the worst time, and could even injure you or the work.

Buy cheap, buy twice (at least), buy quality, buy once.

Howard

I am surprised at the prices quoted for supposedly good vises. In the US it is not unusual to find old vises from great makers like Parker selling for $200 or more. The prices for new Wilton vises are obscene. I have a 5" Wilton, a 4" Reed with swivel jaw, a 3" Parker. All were bought from a surplus dealer in new condition and for considerably less than the prices quoted on eBay. These older vises are, in my opinion, built far better than any vises currently being sold in the US. Wilton is the exception. It is still in production, if you can afford one. Those expecting to buy a new quality vise for under $200 are delusional.

Probably will go for either a used Record, York or Heuer, just need to find one which is in good nick and a seller willing to deliver.

I got one of them. They were on offer for £62.96 inc VAT delivered.

I thought it was a tiddler but when it arrived it was 5" and I could barely lift it.

I can't decide whether to keep it in my man-cave or take it up the workshop.

Looking at used record vices on ebay, it gets confusing...there are so many different models!

Which are the best models to go for? I mean there are the no 1,2,3,4 etc types, then there are the no 23,24,25 etc, then there are the no 110,111,112 etc with quick release. It gets confusing!

Seen this which looks in great condition **LINK** am I on the right track?

I think so - nice size, quick release, sound maker etc.

It has obviously been cleaned up and painted - saves you having to do it.

Sound advice so far on this topic.

I think from what you say it would be good for you.

Go for it!

I've got this one for sale, Record No.23 quick release, 4 1/4" jaws, £ 50

Oh be still my heart. Just what I've been looking for for years.

Does anyone make a decent vice with a quick-release any more? Irwin seemed to drop the option from the Record range as soon as they took them over on that fateful day.

Edited By Bandersnatch on 11/09/2017 18:31:12

The Record 34 in this link is a steel vice. I've got one, which has served me well for many years.

Very difficult to break it!

I was lucky enough to inherit my fathers four inch Record vice when he passed away, it doesn't have quick release but was in as new condition because during his latter years he fitted it on his workbench but never used it. My advice is go for a Record if you can afford it, new or good secondhand, you won't regret it.

Dave

For what it,s worth,

I bought my Record 6" vice about 1974/76,paid £8 for it ! A friend worked for a tool shop and got staff discount. The full price was £12 at the time.

I,m still using it and it will see me out,even though it gets fair good use.Not sure if it was made in the "Good Times" or the "Bad Times" but apart from some wear on the jaws there,s nothing wrong with it.

I have two smaller vises but seldom bother to use them,the big one does all.

Thanks for all the advice and help guys, I went for a used Record 34, should have it delivered sometime next week. Postage can be a killer on heavy items like this, but I got a good deal.

You should do well. Its a good vice. Now you'll be able to get a good grip on things, and it will stand some really hard work. Well Done!

Howard

Here is a great bench vise for someone with VERY deep pockets.

https://dubuque.craigslist.org/tls/d/wilton-600s-machinists-bench/6304261473.html