Which vice is better: cast iron or steel - TOP 11 best models

Expert: Konstantin Borisovich Polyakov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

A mechanical device for holding workpieces is a vice. This tool is used in cases where it is necessary to protect the worker or free his hands. For different operations and workpieces, you should select the most suitable device. Experts will help you understand the intricacies of choosing a vice.

How to choose a quality vice

1. The design of the vice has remained unchanged for decades. The main components of the clamping device are two jaws, a base plate, and a lead screw. One of the jaws is fixedly fixed to the base, and the second is moved using a special mechanism with a handle.
2. Most often, vices are made of cast iron, steel, or a combination of both. It is rare to see wooden devices in carpentry workshops. Each material has its own pros and cons.
3. All vices can be grouped according to their intended purpose. Locksmith models must reliably hold solid metal while maintaining integrity. Joinery tools are gentler on wood pieces without damaging the soft fibers. A vice is made especially for machines, which is fixed on the bed. With their help, the part is precisely fed into the processing zone. It is more convenient to work with pipes if you hold the workpiece in a pipe vice. They have special jaws that adhere to the surface of the part on several sides.
4. Vices differ significantly in overall dimensions and weight. If the device is installed motionless on a workbench, then the weight is not of decisive importance; it is more important to pay attention to the method of fixation. And when constantly moving, light and compact models will be more convenient. Although users are confident that the heavier the vice, the stronger and more reliable it is.
5. For ease of use, there are many additional functions. The bench vice is equipped with a rotating mechanism (180 or 360 degrees). Folding legs and clamp pads are mounted on carpentry models. Machine tools have moving parts, thanks to which it is possible to bring (retract) the part into the processing zone by rotating the handles. The quick-release screw speeds up the fixation of the part, which is especially important in a production environment.

Our review included 11 of the best vices. When compiling the rating, the opinion of the expert community and reviews of domestic consumers were taken into account.

Foundry qualities

Most people have not seen cast iron or steel in a molten state, which is understandable since cast iron melts at about 2,300°F and steel at 2,600°F, and both are poured into molds at even higher temperatures. People who work with liquid iron and steel often note that they vary greatly in the degree of fluidity and shrinkage.

Cast iron is relatively easy to cast, pours easily and does not shrink as much as steel. This means it easily fills difficult mold voids and requires less molten material. This fluidity makes cast iron an ideal material for architectural or decorative metalwork, such as fencing and outdoor furniture.

Pouring became much more difficult. It is less fluid than molten cast iron and more reactive to mold materials. Steel shrinks more when it cools, which means more molten material must be poured into it - usually into a reserve reservoir called a riser, from which the casting is drawn as it cools.

However, castings usually cool unevenly. The outer areas and thinner parts will cool and shrink much faster than the inner areas and bulkier parts, often creating internal tension or stress that can only be relieved through heat treatment. Steel is much more susceptible than cast iron to shrinkage stresses, and in some situations these stresses can lead to significant internal and/or external voids and possible fractures.

For these reasons, cast steel requires more attention and control throughout the casting process, making production more resource-intensive.

Which vice is better, steel or cast iron?

Rating of the best vices

Varieties

For metalworking yews, GOST 4045-75, which came into force in 1977, provided for only three types of these technical devices:

• general purpose;
• with rotating jaws;
• with additional jaws for attaching pipes.

However, over the past decades, manufacturers have significantly expanded the range of such devices for both domestic and professional use. For example, the rotation of the clamped part in some vise models can be carried out in several planes.

According to the method of use, vices are divided into:

• hand-held devices that are held in the hands with a part clamped in them;
• stationary devices that are attached to a workbench or work table.

The best bench vise

Bench vices are widely used among domestic consumers. They allow you to securely hold workpieces processed manually or using electrical equipment. Such models can be found on workbenches in factory workshops, as well as on tables in garages. Experts have selected several reliable locksmith assistants.

WILTON WI21400

Rating: 4.9

One of the main advantages of the WILTON WI21400 bench vice is its reliability. The tool is made of durable cast iron that can withstand severe shock loads. The dimensions of the replaceable jaws are sufficient to hold large objects, cylindrical rods and pipes (diameter 6.5-65 mm). The body of the instrument is protected from corrosion by powder paint; the durable polymer coating does not cause chips or scratches. The anvil has sufficient area to straighten steel products. The rotatable design (360 degrees) makes working with the tool convenient; you need to fix the position with two stoppers. Experts gave this model the palm in our rating.

Users consider the WILTON WI21400 clamping tool to be the best option for outfitting their garage. They are reliable, practical and durable.

Advantages

• reliability;
• polymer coating;
• high-quality manufacturing;
• swivel design.

Flaws

• high price.

Care instructions

In order for the tool to last as long as possible, you need to take care of it:

1. Keep parts, especially those with threads, clean. To do this, wipe the vice with a soft cloth to remove dust.
2. Periodically lubricate with special oil. It is applied to the screw part and to the threads of the plates, and to all moving parts of the vice. After this, they need to be closed and opened again.
3. Remove rust stains. When it forms, machine oil is applied to the stains and left for several hours. Then the rust is cleaned with a metal sponge, washed off and wiped dry with a soft cloth.

• Types of vices and their applications
• How to make a workbench for your garage yourself
• How to make a workbench correctly
• How to make a wooden workbench with your own hands

The best carpentry vices

Carpenter's vices have one specific feature. They must not only reliably, but also carefully hold wooden products. To do this, manufacturers equip the devices with smooth jaws, as well as special soft pads. Buyers should pay attention to the working stroke and height of the jaws. Here are some interesting models.

WILTON WWV/175 65017EU

Rating: 4.9

The low price and compact size make the WILTON WWV/175 65017EU a desirable tool in the carpentry workshop. Thanks to the extension of the high jaws (70 mm) to a distance of up to 210 mm, it is possible to saw and trim large-sized blocks. In this case, the wood does not deform, since the jaws have a perfectly smooth surface. The frame structure is attached to the table using hardware; the manufacturer has provided special holes for this. The chassis is quite reliable due to two guides and a clamping screw. The model deservedly takes first place in our rating.

Users are satisfied with the quality of cast iron, the size of the vice, smooth operation, and corrosion protection. The downside is the lack of a rotation function.

Advantages

• reliable frame construction;
• anti-corrosion treatment;
• large sponges with a smooth surface;
• smooth ride.

Flaws

• no turning mechanism.

Triton SJA100E

Rating: 4.8

The Triton SJA100E Stand Vise is a multi-tool. This mobile equipment is capable of fixing large workpieces. The working stroke is 955 mm, which is enough to fasten the door leaf. The device is quite light (14.5 kg) and mobile. The clamping mechanism has a foot drive for compression. And the sponges must be spread manually. This design allows you to do without a workbench, table or additional stands. Experts put the vise-stand in second place in the rating for its high price.

Users appreciated the convenience of the equipment, durability, mobility and the presence of a rotating mechanism. The large working stroke allows you to clamp large-sized joinery products.

Advantages

• reliable folding legs;
• wide jaws (178 mm);
• large working stroke;
• rotating mechanism.

Flaws

• high price.

Comparison table of characteristics

In the comparison table below you will find the main characteristics of the vise models under consideration. Thanks to it, it will be easier to choose a product in accordance with your wishes and requirements.

The best machine vices

When working with drilling or milling machines, you cannot do without a machine vice. They reliably fix the workpiece being processed, ensuring the safety of the worker when performing operations. A distinctive feature of the machine vice is its reinforced body with a flat base. Experts recommend the following models.

WILTON WI91193RU

Rating: 4.9

The ideal device for equipping a drilling machine is the WILTON WI91193RU vice. Due to their affordable price, they are used both in production workshops and in garages. The manufacturer has provided the possibility of attaching the tool to the machine bed or to a workbench (table). The slots allow you to accurately position the vise, adjusting to the position of the drill. The width of the jaws (75 mm) is enough to fix workpieces of different shapes. For ease of use, the model has a hinged handle with a clamping screw. Considering the reasonable cost, experts gave the vice first place in our rating.

Users like the simplicity and ease of use, good appearance and affordable price. As for the build quality, there are many small “jambs”.

Advantages

• acceptable price;
• pleasant appearance;
• cast iron base;
• reliable fixation of workpieces.

Flaws

• There are complaints about the build quality.

Ducati Panigale V4 R

Price: about 3,600,000 rubles

Ducati Panigale V4 R. It is equipped with a liquid-cooled Desmosedici Stradale R engine with a volume of 998 cm 3 . With a volume of less than 105 cc, it can compete in World Superbike (WSB) competitions. Despite its smaller capacity, the R version is more powerful than the production Panigale V4.

When it comes to equipment, the V4 R comes with extensive traction control, six-axis IMU, anti-lock ABS, quick up and down shifting, wheelie control, engine brake adjustment, multiple riding modes and DSC (Ducati Slide Control).

The Panigale V4 R demonstrates its sporting ambitions down to the last detail. The car has additional wings on the sides of the fairings. This solution was taken from Superbike and MotoGP racing. Suspension was provided by Öhlins - NPX 25-30 inverted fork at the front and TTX36 shock at the rear. Braking is provided by Brembo Stylema calipers and a 330mm disc.

Power ► 221 hp at 15,250 rpm. Torque ► 112 Nm at 11,500 rpm. Weight with fluids ► 193 kg* non-approved version has 234 hp. and weight 165.5 kg (dry).

The best vise for pipes

Holding pipes or rods in a regular vice is quite problematic. But special models allow you to effectively clamp tubular products for further processing. When choosing a vice, it is important to take into account the minimum and maximum diameters of the pipes that will be fixed. Experts paid attention to the following models.

RIDGID 25 40100 (1/8-4) 29674

Rating: 4.9

The RIDGID 25 pipe vise is designed for industrial applications. The device is installed on a table or workbench; a clamp latch and a folding frame securely fix the pipe workpiece. The tools have a durable cast iron body, replaceable jaws are made of alloy steel. The model is equipped with a bending roller, which makes the tool multifunctional. Due to the high quality of assembly, the vice is in demand among professional plumbers, installers and mechanics. The expert community unanimously gave the model first place in our rating.

The high price does not allow the widespread use of pipe vices in amateur activities. But professionals highly appreciate the reliability, convenience and efficiency of the tool.

Advantages

• cast iron base;
• bending roller;
• quick-release screw;
• quick release clamp.

Flaws

• high price.

Suorin Reno

Many vapers began to switch to POD systems and try vaping liquids with salt nicotine on Suorin devices. One of the company's latest developments is Suorin Reno, which is perfect for lovers of strong liquids. The device is quite strict and practical, operating at a constant power of 13 watts. Due to the low power and 800 mAh battery, the vaper's autonomy is guaranteed. The device operates on replaceable evaporators with a resistance of 1 Ohm, and the evaporators use mesh and natural organic cotton, thanks to which the taste transfer will be at the highest level. Suorin Reno is the choice of those who want to enjoy good taste and at the same time get the most simple and convenient device.