Real data, ranked. No fluff, no filler.

The 10 Best Bench Vises

4-1/2-inch to 8-inch bench vises with swivel bases, pipe jaws and anvils, ranked from live Amazon data.

Ranked by ToolboxTop10 from Amazon data captured Oct 10, 2026. How we rank

A bench vise holds metal, pipe and wood rock-steady while you cut, file, drill or hammer. We ranked 10 best-sellers on rating, review volume and features (ductile iron, a full 360-degree swivel, built-in pipe jaws and a lifetime warranty). Material matters most: ductile iron (around 60,000 psi) takes hammering that can crack gray cast iron. Jaw width sets the size class: 4-1/2 inches for home benches, 5 to 6-1/2 inches for metalwork, 8 inches for heavy shop use. They run from about $29 for AV Steel's 4-1/2-inch to $739 for Wilton's 8-inch Mechanics Pro.

Best Overall Forward DT08125A 5 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise with 360° Swivel Base and Head
Forward
Forward DT08125A 5 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise with 360° Swivel Base and Head
4.8 (1,950)
$125.99
View on Amazon →
Best Budget Yost Vises LV-4 Homeowner's Vise, 4.5 Inch Jaw Width, 3 Inch Jaw Opening, Swivel Base
Yost
Yost Vises LV-4 Homeowner's Vise, 4.5 Inch Jaw Width, 3 Inch Jaw Opening, Swivel Base
4.5 (10,798)
$31.95
View on Amazon →
Money No Object Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise, 8" Jaw Width, 8-1/2" Jaw Opening, 4-1/2" Throat (Model 880M)
Wilton
Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise, 8" Jaw Width, 8-1/2" Jaw Opening, 4-1/2" Throat (Model 880M)
4.7 (304)
$739.49
View on Amazon →

Which one is for you?

Where the deals are

The tools ranked here come from Forward, VEVOR, Wilton, Yost, PONY, WORKPRO, and AV Steel. Prices on these brands move week to week on Amazon, and the deepest cuts usually land around Prime Day and Black Friday. Every price button on this page opens the live listing, so you always see today's number, not the one we captured on 2026-10-10. If your pick is over budget right now, check back in a few days — Forward and VEVOR rotate through sales and bundle deals often.

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe the table sideways for more columns →

#ToolPriceRatingReviewsJawMaterial360° swivelLifetime warrantyScore
1Forward DT08125A$125.994.81,9505 inDuctile iron (60,000 psi)YesNo86
2VEVOR 6 in bench vise$71.904.71,5576 inDuctile iron (60,000 psi)YesNo84
3Wilton 674U$149.994.72034.5 inCast and ductile ironYesYes83
4Forward CR40A$79.994.81,4414.5 inDuctile iron (60,000 psi)NoNo81
5Forward CR60A$127.494.81,4416.5 inDuctile iron (60,000 psi)NoNo81
6Wilton 880M$739.494.73048 in60,000 psi ductile iron, steelYesYes81
7Yost LV-4$31.954.510,7984.5 inGray iron (30,000 psi)NoNo78
8PONY 29055A$110.394.63035 inDuctile iron base, steel channelYesNo77
9WORKPRO W033010AC$43.694.51,6384.5 inGray ironNoNo72
10AV Steel AV-800100$29.494.61304.5 inCast ironNoYes69
✕Nakkaa NA-250746$52.364.1114Title says cast iron, bullets say ductile; shallow throatAVOID

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The full ranking

#1
Forward DT08125A 5 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise with 360° Swivel Base and Head
Best Overall
Forward

Forward DT08125A 5 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise with 360° Swivel Base and Head

4.8 1,950 reviews
Score 86/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score96/100 → 43 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score82/100 → 29 pts
  • Features 20% of score70/100 → 14 pts

Has: ductile, swivel 360, pipe jaws. Missing: lifetime.

Total: 86/100. How the score works

$125.99
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

A ductile iron vise whose head rotates 360 degrees as well as the base, so you can clamp work at any angle, with three jaw sets (microgroove, pipe and V-jaws) and at least 5,500 lbs of clamping force.

Best for: Angled work: the rotating head clamps parts at any angle.

Skip it if: You only need straight-on clamping; the CR40A costs less.

Jaw width
5 in
Jaw opening
5 in
Throat depth
2.6 in
Material
Ductile iron (60,000 psi)
Weight
33 lb

Pros

  • Rotating head and base
  • 3 jaw sets including V-jaws
  • 4.8 stars across 1,950 reviews

Cons

  • $125.99
  • 33 lbs
#2
VEVOR Bench Vise, 6-inch Jaw Width, 5.9-inch Jaw Opening, 360-Degree Swivel Locking Base, Ductile Iron
VEVOR

VEVOR Bench Vise, 6-inch Jaw Width, 5.9-inch Jaw Opening, 360-Degree Swivel Locking Base, Ductile Iron

4.7 1,557 reviews
Score 84/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score94/100 → 42 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score80/100 → 28 pts
  • Features 20% of score70/100 → 14 pts

Has: ductile, swivel 360, pipe jaws. Missing: lifetime.

Total: 84/100. How the score works

$71.90
Check price on Amazon
1K+/mo

The best-selling vise here: a 6-inch ductile iron vise with a 360-degree swivel base, pipe jaws for 0.6 to 2.9-inch tube, a 2.9 x 3-inch anvil, and magnetic jaw pads and mounting bolts in the box.

Best for: A first real metalworking vise at a fair price.

Skip it if: You want a lifetime warranty; none is listed.

Jaw width
6 in
Jaw opening
5.9 in
Throat depth
3.5 in
Material
Ductile iron (60,000 psi)
Weight
25 lb

Pros

  • Ductile iron, 6-in jaws
  • 360° swivel and pipe jaws
  • Mounting hardware and jaw pads included

Cons

  • No warranty term listed
  • 25 lbs
#3
Wilton Utility Bench Vise, 4-1/2" Jaw Width, 4" Jaw Opening, 2-5/8" Throat (Model 674U)
Wilton

Wilton Utility Bench Vise, 4-1/2" Jaw Width, 4" Jaw Opening, 2-5/8" Throat (Model 674U)

4.7 203 reviews
Score 83/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score94/100 → 43 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score58/100 → 20 pts
  • Features 20% of score100/100 → 20 pts

Has every feature we score: ductile, swivel 360, pipe jaws, lifetime.

Total: 83/100. How the score works

$149.99
Check price on Amazon
50+/mo

Wilton's utility vise: dual lockdowns on a 360° swivel, built-in pipe jaws, replaceable hardened serrated jaws and Wilton's lifetime warranty.

Best for: A brand-name vise to hand down.

Skip it if: Price matters; the Forward CR40A is about half the cost.

Jaw width
4.5 in
Jaw opening
4 in
Throat depth
2-5/8 in
Material
Cast and ductile iron
Weight
16.5 lb

Pros

  • Lifetime warranty
  • 360° swivel with dual lockdowns
  • 4.7 stars

Cons

  • $149.99 for a 4-1/2-in vise
  • Smaller review base
#4
Forward CR40A 4.5 Inch Bench Vise Heavy Duty with Anvil and 210° Swivel Base
Forward

Forward CR40A 4.5 Inch Bench Vise Heavy Duty with Anvil and 210° Swivel Base

4.8 1,441 reviews
Score 81/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score96/100 → 43 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score79/100 → 28 pts
  • Features 20% of score50/100 → 10 pts

Has: ductile, pipe jaws. Missing: swivel 360, lifetime.

Total: 81/100. How the score works

$79.99
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

A compact all-ductile-iron vise that opens 5 inches, wider than most 4-1/2-inch vises, with replaceable flat and slotted jaws and pipe jaws from 1/2 to 3-1/2 inches.

Best for: A tough small vise for a home bench.

Skip it if: You need full 360° rotation; the base swivels 210°.

Jaw width
4.5 in
Jaw opening
5 in
Throat depth
2.6 in
Material
Ductile iron (60,000 psi)
Weight
—

Pros

  • All ductile iron
  • 5-in opening
  • 4.8 stars

Cons

  • 210° swivel
  • Weight not listed
#5
Forward CR60A 6.5 Inch Bench Vise Heavy Duty with Anvil and 210° Swivel Base
Forward

Forward CR60A 6.5 Inch Bench Vise Heavy Duty with Anvil and 210° Swivel Base

4.8 1,441 reviews
Score 81/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score96/100 → 43 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score79/100 → 28 pts
  • Features 20% of score50/100 → 10 pts

Has: ductile, pipe jaws. Missing: swivel 360, lifetime.

Total: 81/100. How the score works

$127.49
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

The big brother of the CR40A: 6.5-inch ductile iron jaws, a 6-inch opening and a 3.8-inch throat, with a 3.1 x 2.9-inch anvil.

Best for: Metal fabrication and large parts.

Skip it if: Your bench is light; at 40 lbs it needs a solid mount.

Jaw width
6.5 in
Jaw opening
6 in
Throat depth
3.8 in
Material
Ductile iron (60,000 psi)
Weight
40.6 lb

Pros

  • 6.5-in jaws, 6-in opening
  • 3.8-in throat
  • All ductile iron

Cons

  • 210° swivel
  • 40.6 lbs
#6
Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise, 8" Jaw Width, 8-1/2" Jaw Opening, 4-1/2" Throat (Model 880M)
Money No Object
Wilton

Wilton Mechanics Pro Bench Vise, 8" Jaw Width, 8-1/2" Jaw Opening, 4-1/2" Throat (Model 880M)

4.7 304 reviews
Score 81/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score94/100 → 42 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score62/100 → 22 pts
  • Features 20% of score85/100 → 17 pts

Has: ductile, swivel 360, lifetime. Missing: pipe jaws.

Total: 81/100. How the score works

$739.49
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

A shop vise built for life: a precision-machined slide bar that keeps the jaw from wobbling at any opening, an enclosed spindle, a needle roller thrust bearing for more force with less effort, and an 8-1/2-inch opening.

Best for: Fabrication shops and heavy metalwork.

Skip it if: You're a homeowner; it's $739 and 83 lbs.

Jaw width
8 in
Jaw opening
8-1/2 in
Throat depth
4-1/2 in
Material
60,000 psi ductile iron, steel
Weight
83.1 lb

Pros

  • 8-1/2-in opening, 4-1/2-in throat
  • Machined slide bar and thrust bearing
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons

  • $739.49
  • 83.1 lbs
#7
Yost Vises LV-4 Homeowner's Vise, 4.5 Inch Jaw Width, 3 Inch Jaw Opening, Swivel Base
Best Budget
Yost

Yost Vises LV-4 Homeowner's Vise, 4.5 Inch Jaw Width, 3 Inch Jaw Opening, Swivel Base

4.5 10,798 reviews
Score 78/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score90/100 → 40 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score100/100 → 35 pts
  • Features 20% of score15/100 → 3 pts

Has: pipe jaws. Missing: ductile, swivel 360, lifetime.

Total: 78/100. How the score works

$31.95
Check price on Amazon
500+/mo

The most-reviewed vise here: a light homeowner's vise in 30,000 psi gray iron with a 240° swivel, a 3.5 x 2.7-inch anvil and pipe capacity up to 1.85 inches.

Best for: Light household jobs on a budget.

Skip it if: You'll hammer on it; gray iron is less forgiving than ductile.

Jaw width
4.5 in
Jaw opening
3 in
Throat depth
2.6 in
Material
Gray iron (30,000 psi)
Weight
9 lb

Pros

  • 10,798 reviews
  • $31.95, 9 lbs
  • Pipe jaws and anvil

Cons

  • 3-in opening
  • Mounting hardware not included
#8
PONY 5 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise with 360-Degree Swivel Base and Head (29055A)
PONY

PONY 5 Inch Heavy Duty Bench Vise with 360-Degree Swivel Base and Head (29055A)

4.6 303 reviews
Score 77/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score92/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score62/100 → 22 pts
  • Features 20% of score70/100 → 14 pts

Has: ductile, swivel 360, pipe jaws. Missing: lifetime.

Total: 77/100. How the score works

$110.39
Check price on Amazon
50+/mo

A rotating-head vise with steel channel beams over the screw, permanent pipe jaws, dual lock nuts and up to 5,512 lbs of clamping force.

Best for: A rotating-head vise with a protected screw.

Skip it if: The Forward DT08125A is in stock; it's rated higher.

Jaw width
5 in
Jaw opening
5 in
Throat depth
2-5/8 in
Material
Ductile iron base, steel channel
Weight
—

Pros

  • Rotating head and base
  • Steel channel protects the screw
  • Jaw pads included

Cons

  • Weight and warranty not listed
  • Smaller review base
#9
WORKPRO Bench Vise, 4-1/2" Multi-Jaw Vice for Workbench (W033010AC)
WORKPRO

WORKPRO Bench Vise, 4-1/2" Multi-Jaw Vice for Workbench (W033010AC)

4.5 1,638 reviews
Score 72/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score90/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score80/100 → 28 pts
  • Features 20% of score15/100 → 3 pts

Has: pipe jaws. Missing: ductile, swivel 360, lifetime.

Total: 72/100. How the score works

$43.69
Check price on Amazon
500+/mo

A 4-1/2-inch gray iron vise with multi-jaws that hold flat stock and pipe, a 240° swivel and a 4-1/4-inch opening.

Best for: Home benches that hold both pipe and flat stock.

Skip it if: You'll do heavy hammering.

Jaw width
4.5 in
Jaw opening
4-1/4 in
Throat depth
2-11/32 in
Material
Gray iron
Weight
10.6 lb

Pros

  • 4-1/4-in opening
  • Multi-jaw for pipe and flat
  • 1,638 reviews

Cons

  • Gray iron
  • 240° swivel
#10
AV Steel 4-1/2" Bench Vise with 240° Swivel Locking Base and Anvil (AV-800100)
AV Steel

AV Steel 4-1/2" Bench Vise with 240° Swivel Locking Base and Anvil (AV-800100)

4.6 130 reviews
Score 69/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score92/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score53/100 → 19 pts
  • Features 20% of score45/100 → 9 pts

Has: pipe jaws, lifetime. Missing: ductile, swivel 360.

Total: 69/100. How the score works

$29.49
Check price on Amazon
200+/mo

The cheapest vise here, with a wider 3-3/4-inch opening than the Yost, pipe jaws, a 3-1/4-inch anvil and a lifetime warranty.

Best for: A cheap home vise with a lifetime warranty.

Skip it if: You want a long track record; it has 130 reviews.

Jaw width
4.5 in
Jaw opening
3-3/4 in
Throat depth
2-11/32 in
Material
Cast iron
Weight
10.1 lb

Pros

  • $29.49
  • Lifetime warranty
  • 3-3/4-in opening

Cons

  • Cast iron, not ductile
  • New listing

How we rank

Every tool gets one score from 0 to 100, weighted 45% on its star rating, 35% on how many people have reviewed it (more reviews = more confidence the rating is real), and 20% on the features that matter for the job. The list is ordered by that score. Best Overall is our pick for the best all-around, ready-to-use tool; Best Budget the best value at or under $35; and Money No Object the one to buy if price is no object.

The features score is built from ductile (35%), lifetime (30%), swivel 360 (20%), pipe jaws (15%), capped at 100. The review-count score is on a log scale, so each tenfold jump in reviews adds the same amount, and 10,000 or more reviews gets full marks. Open Why this score on any tool to see its numbers.

What changed

We re-check every listing on this page on a rotation. The most recent changes:

Buyer's guide

What size bench vise do I need?

4-1/2-inch jaws handle most home jobs. 5 to 6-1/2-inch vises suit regular metalwork and larger parts. Also check the jaw opening (how wide it can open) and throat depth (how far material can sit below the jaws).

Cast iron or ductile iron?

Gray cast iron is cheaper and fine for light work, but it's brittle and can crack if you hammer on the vise or overtighten it. Ductile iron (around 60,000 psi) bends before it breaks, which is why serious vises use it.

Do I need a swivel base?

A swivel lets you turn the work toward you without unclamping it. 240° swivels cover most needs; 360° bases and rotating heads help with angled work.

How should I mount a bench vise?

Bolt it through the bench with grade 5 or better bolts, washers and lock nuts, placed over a leg if you can. Mount it so the fixed jaw sits just past the bench edge, so long work can hang down clear of the bench.

Can I hammer on the anvil?

Light hammering, bending and riveting, yes. A vise anvil isn't a blacksmith's anvil; heavy blows can crack cast iron vises and loosen the mounting.

Tools to avoid

Not everything in the search results deserves your money. This one would rank dead last on our scale — here's the listing to walk past, and exactly why.

✕ Avoid
Nakkaa 6 Inch Heavy Duty Cast Iron Bench Vise, 360° Swivel Lock Base
Nakkaa

Nakkaa 6 Inch Heavy Duty Cast Iron Bench Vise, 360° Swivel Lock Base

4.1 114 reviews   $52.36

A 6-inch vise that doesn't say clearly what it's made of. For about $20 more, the VEVOR 6-inch is clearly ductile iron with a deeper throat, pipe jaws and better ratings.

Why we'd skip it

  • The title says cast iron; the bullets say ductile iron. That's the most important spec on a vise, since cast iron can crack under hammering and ductile iron is chosen to resist it.
  • Its 2.16-inch throat depth is shallow for a 6-inch vise. The VEVOR 6-inch has a 3.5-inch throat and the Forward CR60A 3.8 inches, so this one can't hold as much material below the jaws.
  • At 4.1 stars it's the lowest-rated vise we compared.
See the listing on Amazon (so you recognize it)
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