Bench Vises for Shop and Workbench Use

A bench vise is a core shop tool used to hold materials securely during cutting, drilling, filing, assembly, and repair work. Penn Tool Co. offers a wide selection of bench vises suited for machine shops, maintenance areas, fabrication work, and general workbench use.

Bench vises are commonly used during part preparation, fitting, and secondary operations that support machining work performed on milling machines, where stable workholding improves accuracy and safety.

Whether you need a precision bench vise for detailed metalworking or a heavy-duty vise for fabrication and repair tasks, Penn Tool supplies options built for strength, stability, and long-term shop use.

Types of Bench Vises Available

Bench vises are available in several designs to support different materials, workloads, and shop environments.

Machinist Bench Vises

Machinist bench vises are designed for precision work and metalworking applications. They typically feature hardened jaws, tight tolerances, and smooth operation, making them well-suited for machine shops and toolrooms.

Heavy-Duty Bench Vises

Heavy-duty bench vises are built to handle higher clamping forces and tougher materials. These vises are commonly used in fabrication, maintenance, and industrial environments where durability is critical.

Swivel Base Bench Vises

Swivel base bench vises allow the vise body to rotate, providing greater flexibility when positioning workpieces. This design is useful in general shop settings where access from multiple angles is needed.

Multi-Purpose and Utility Vises

Multi-purpose bench vises are designed for general tasks such as assembly, light fabrication, and maintenance work. These vises offer reliable holding power for a wide range of everyday shop applications.

Bench Vise Use Cases

Bench vises are used across many shop environments to improve safety, accuracy, and efficiency. Common applications include:

Metalworking Support: Holding parts securely during cutting, filing, drilling, and finishing operations.
Fabrication and Assembly: Stabilizing components during welding, fitting, and assembly work.
Maintenance and Repair Operations: Supporting repair tasks in maintenance shops and service areas.
Drilling and Tapping Operations: Securing parts during drilling or tapping tasks, including work performed on drill presses where stability is required.
Training and Educational Shops: Providing stable workholding for hands-on instruction and skill development.
General Workbench Tasks: Securing materials for everyday shop and garage use.

Bench Vise Brands Available

Penn Tool Co. carries bench vises from a range of manufacturers used in professional shop and industrial environments. The selection includes well-known brands recognized for durable construction, dependable clamping performance, and consistent quality.

Featured bench vise brands include:

Kanca
Wilton
Gibraltar Products
Yost Vises

These manufacturers offer bench vises suited for applications ranging from precision metalworking to heavy-duty shop and fabrication work. Additional sizes, styles, and configurations may be available based on application needs and availability.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Bench Vise

Selecting the right bench vise depends on how it will be used and the materials being worked. Important factors to evaluate include:

Jaw width and maximum opening
Clamping force and overall construction
Fixed base versus swivel base design
Mounting requirements and bench compatibility
Intended workload and material type

Reviewing these details helps ensure the vise provides adequate holding power and durability for the task.

Why Choose Penn Tool Co. for Bench Vises

Penn Tool Co. supplies bench vises with a focus on dependable service, clear ordering, and consistent delivery for shop and institutional buyers.

Product Knowledge and Guidance: Orders are supported by a team familiar with bench vise construction, sizing, and common shop applications.
Clear Order Processing: Billing and order details are handled accurately to support internal purchasing and recordkeeping requirements.
Reliable Shipping Coordination: Shipments are managed to ensure bench vises are packaged properly and delivered as expected.
Support for Larger or Multiple Orders: Assistance is available for bulk purchases, outfitting workbenches, or institutional buying needs.
Consistent Order Fulfillment: Each order is reviewed for accuracy and processed with dependable turnaround to keep shop work moving.

Shipping & Delivery Information

Shipping costs are typically calculated automatically during checkout. Heavier bench vises may require additional handling based on weight and delivery location.

Penn Tool Co. ships orders within the United States and internationally. Customers may place orders online or contact Penn Tool for assistance with shipping arrangements. Lightweight items may qualify for cost-effective shipping methods when available.

For delivery questions or special shipping needs, contact sales@penntoolco.com.

Find the Right Bench Vise for Your Application

Choosing the correct bench vise improves safety, accuracy, and efficiency at the workbench. Penn Tool Co. makes it easy to compare options and identify the right size and style for your shop.

Browse available bench vises online or contact our team for help selecting a vise based on workload, mounting requirements, and intended use.

FAQ About Bench Vises

What size bench vise do I need?

Bench vise size depends on jaw width, opening capacity, and the size of the materials being held. Larger vises provide more clamping force for heavier work, while smaller vises are suitable for precision or light-duty tasks.

What is the difference between a machinist vise and a standard bench vise?

Machinist vises are designed for precision metalworking and typically feature hardened jaws and tighter tolerances. Standard bench vises are often used for general shop and maintenance tasks.

Are swivel base bench vises worth it?

Swivel base bench vises offer greater flexibility by allowing the vise to rotate. This can be helpful when working with larger parts or when access from multiple angles is needed.

How are bench vises mounted?

Bench vises are typically bolted directly to a workbench using mounting holes in the base. Proper mounting ensures stability and safe operation.

Do bench vises require maintenance?

Bench vises require minimal maintenance. Keeping the screw mechanism clean and lightly lubricated helps ensure smooth operation and long service life.

Does Penn Tool ship bench vises internationally?

Yes. Penn Tool Co. ships bench vises outside the United States. Customers can place orders online or contact Penn Tool for assistance with international shipping.

Can bench vises be ordered in bulk?

Yes. Penn Tool Co. can support bulk bench vise orders for shops, schools, and institutions.

Can Penn Tool help source a bench vise not listed online?

Yes. If a specific bench vise size or configuration is not shown online, Penn Tool Co. can assist with sourcing options based on availability.