Comparing this wilton vise:

http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-63201-2.../dp/B00004XPVI

with

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=5655

(I have the latter). Would you say that the Wilton vise is in some
measurable way better?


A good bench vise is a lifetime tool that can take incredible punishment. The
Wilton Tradesman series is made from 60,000 psi ductile iron. As the Wilton
vises get less expensive, this strength drops. The lowest strength that they
list for any line is 30,000 psi, and it is not ductile iron anymore. And that
6" vise (their Mechanic's line) is still over $200 list. Then you have the HF
vise at 40 bucks or whatever. More than likely brittle casting, soft jaws,
drive pins that will bend under pressure etc. It's a fine vise for the price,
but it probably wouldn't last in a real shop.

--
Dennis