Best Bench Vise for Torquing Gun Parts

[nicholas_wb]

In recent weeks, I have encountered several issues where I needed to apply considerable torque to a firearm or similar item and my $20 Amazon vise isn’t cutting it anymore. This fact was made manifestly clear to me when I couldn’t get a muzzle brake off an AR, convincing me that it was stuck, only to have an 18-year-old gun shop employee with a much larger vise pop it right off in 10 seconds.

So, for my garage gunsmiths and armorers, what bench vise do you use?

To clarify, I don’t want the Tipton vise or AR clamp style vises. I want a dedicated bench vise that I can put a reaction rod on and torque down barrel nuts, muzzle devices, etc with no bend in the rifle or other person holding the gun down. Not knocking the Tipton stuff, but it’s not what I need.

 

[CTS Tactical]

Wilton and the bigger the better.

 

[BHPSteel]

If you can't find a Wilton, try and find one where the screw is tight and well-machined. That's how you can avoid 'slop' in the action, and typically you can torque the jaw strength up.

I'd try and find an old Wilton, Record or Reed on Ebay - locally of course, because the shipping will be high.

 

[nicholas_wb]

Wilton and the bigger the better.

I’m not looking for the minimum here, just trying to avoid going too egregiously low.

Is something with 8” jaws too small? Or should I be looking at other measurements.

 

[Spas-12 Owner]

I've used a Harbour freight Doyle one with success. You don't have to get this model, but if you do, wait until you get a coupon of at least 20% off.

Also, the table you bolt and mount it to is equally as important to be strong and steady.

6 in. Swivel Vise with Anvil and Pipe Jaws

Amazing deals on this 6In Swivel Vise With Pipe Jaws at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[47thGARBB]

You might be able to have some luck finding a used one at an estate sale or garage sale for pretty cheap. I got a pretty hefty fully articulated vise at an estate sale about three years back for 80 bucks, it's probably one of my most used tools. I can't remember the make/model off the top of my head right now, but it's very well built with tight tolerances and it didn't cost an arm and a leg.

It's just a game of chance trying to find a good one at a sale like that if you're in a hurry to find one.

 

[Mythical Beast Forge]

I have a 6” Irwin swivel vise that works great. Just make sure it’s bolted down to a sturdy bench. I’ve used the Magpul bev block for ARs and the anarchy outdoors Ruger action rod without an issue.

 

[Spikey]

Bought a 6” swivel vise for $60 , at the time , off eBay works great for me .

6" Multi-purpose Rotating Bench Vise Swival 360 Degree Heavy Duty | eBay

Description: 6" Multi-purpose Rotating Bench Vise Parallel Jaws. Head swival 360 degree. Full 360 degree rotational jaws. Unique "V" jaws provide 4 point holding power. Width: 6" Open: 5-1/4" Throat Depth: 3-1/2" Pipe jaws max. Open : 6-1/4" "V" Jaws Max. Open: 4" Anvil size: 3x4" Brand Findmall...

ebay.us

 

[CTS Tactical]

I’m not looking for the minimum here, just trying to avoid going too egregiously low.

Is something with 8” jaws too small? Or should I be looking at other measurements.

Not at all. Mine has 6" jaws but it is big and heavy.

 

[nicholas_wb]

You might be able to have some luck finding a used one at an estate sale or garage sale for pretty cheap. I got a pretty hefty fully articulated vise at an estate sale about three years back for 80 bucks, it's probably one of my most used tools. I can't remember the make/model off the top of my head right now, but it's very well built with tight tolerances and it didn't cost an arm and a leg.

It's just a game of chance trying to find a good one at a sale like that if you're in a hurry to find one.

The problem for me is that I work two jobs and don’t have the free time to shop at estate sales. I know this is the common advice, but I’m fine with paying a premium to get a good new one.

Time is so limited that I barely make it into gun stores anymore, as I’ve gotten to the point where I’ll just order everything online hobby-wise and keep it on the bench until I get a free couple hours to work on it. If it wasn’t for podcasts on the road, I’d probably never think of new ideas on projects