Wilton 63302 6-Inch Shop Vise

Pros: br>br>It's Wilton, but made in China, and there's an American and an off-shore version, as with many products these days. It's difficult to find a better deal for the money. Unlike most vises in this category, the slide (not sure what the proper name is) has been machined. You'll have to pay more than $600 to upgrade to the USA version. You'll spend around $2,000 to upgrade to a top-of-the-line 6" vise! So it all depends on how much you want to spend; at $200, it's difficult to go wrong. br>br>Contrary to popular belief, there are a number of disadvantages to using this product. br>br>The only major flaw I discovered was the swivel lock. The swivel/rotation lock handle is about the same size as the one on my old 3-way. I have a 1/2" craftsman vise, and the serrated "teeth" for pipe holding are a rough cast, not machined or finely cast. I haven't used it yet to see how well it works, but it's a minor disappointment unless that was a major factor in your purchase of this item. br>br>Conclusion: br>br> br>br>For the price, I'm not sure you can do much better. You will be disappointed if you were hoping for a $600 or $2,000 version. When compared to other Chinese vises at the same price point, it performs admirably. br>br>From my experience as a toolmaker for the past 20 years, I've used commercial tools and know what quality equipment is.

Londyn Barrett

| Apr 24, 2021

Like many of you, I was disappointed to learn that a high-quality American-made bench vise was out of my price range. This would be my first vise, and I wanted it to last. br>br>During my research, I discovered that Wilton's "Foreign Made" bench vises were held to very high standards. As a result, I chose the Wilton WS6 vise to match my needs. First and foremost, this item is HEAVY. The FedEx delivery person didn't even carry it the final 6 feet to the front door, instead dropping it off halfway. The total weight of the shipment, including the outer box, was 49 pounds. Manufactured in China to Wilton Specifications, according to the box. The WS6 is listed on the Wilton website as 30,000 PSI cast iron, but the description on Amazon says 25,000 casting. The WS6 comes with a "lifetime" warranty, according to the box and paperwork, but I don't think I'll need it anytime soon. PROS: br>br> Heavy Duty, All the parts appear to fit together well, Very smooth when operating, Rigid with very little slop, Jaws line up perfectly, Holds well, Swivels well, 4 Mounting Holes vs 3, 2 Swivel Locks, Perfect for my needs (Handyman, General Purpose)br>br>CONS: This thing was filthy, with grease smeared all over it. (Perhaps to avoid rust?) ) The grease was covered in metal shavings and paint chips. On the machined edge of the u-shape, there are a couple of spots. The channel screw covers were razor-sharp, cutting you like a knife, and they were not de-rustable. Very well burred. Those edges needed to be filed down. So, before inspecting the screw cover, be careful where you put your hand. OVERALL: br>br> For the money, this is a fantastic purchase. 5 stars. I would highly recommend this vise to anyone looking for quality but unable to afford an American-made bench vise. After wiping it down, cleaning it, and applying some protective silicone grease, I stood back and admired the tool I had purchased. The money spent on the WS6 was well spent. I've only used it a few times so far, but I'll update my review if anything happens. It's only a matter of time before we know if it'll stick around.

Karla Price

| Sep 16, 2021

It's a brute, this thing. It's my first "real" vise, and I'm confident that I made the best decision possible; I won't need to buy another vise in my lifetime, and my son is likely to do the same. This is a product that I would recommend.

Saint Hogan

| Jul 06, 2021

I would have given it five stars, but after almost a year of use, the vise began to act as if the acme screw that moves the moveable jaw in and out was slightly binding. I disassembled the vise and thoroughly examined it. The screw isn't perfectly straight, but the issue was galling between the rough machined surface of the screw recess (on the front side of the moveable jaw) and the back side of the screw (the handle with which you crank). The metal in the machined recess had a rough surface. I solved the problem by fabricating two very thin sheet steel thrust washers to fit between the two parts, adding some good grease, and it now works better than it did before. It's still a great deal for the money.

Lian Keith

| Jan 17, 2021

I use it for commercial purposes, and the packaging barely made it through the trip because no one wanted to pick it up! They evidently rolled it all over the place.

Melina WALLIS

| Oct 25, 2021

There is no slop or wiggle and the hold is firm. Because this vise is made in China, I was pleasantly surprised. I had to replace a china special vise that had basically blown apart after being subjected to moderate pressure. This Wilton is more durable, and even though I haven't put much pressure on it yet, it is more durable than the others I've seen in this price range. On the ranch, it should be ideal for metalwork and repair. If I worked in a professional metal shop, I'd upgrade. However, that would entail a significant increase in cost. In addition, I've heard that the "lifetime warranty" is actually only 10 years- My last vice, which was mounted outside in the elements for 8 years, was considered the vise's lifetime. It wasn't a Wilton, I assure you.

Theodora Goodwin

| Jun 03, 2021

I would have preferred a Vise made in the United States, but the costs are prohibitive for the average homeowner. The fit and finish were excellent, so I disassembled it and re-greased the contact points and screws with high-quality grease. For $139. It's impossible to make a mistake with the number 00.

Nora Ruiz

| Oct 31, 2021