Lee Valley Swivel-Base Mechanic’s Vises

Robustly constructed, these are good general-purpose vises. Their Acme-threaded screws apply substantial clamping force, while their hardened steel jaw liners have deeply incised hatch patterns to prevent slippage.

To allow best access to the work, each has a base that swivels 140° and locking screws hold the desired position. Each also has a flat anvil for forming (or re-forming) metal parts and a lead screw shielded to keep debris out of the threads. Their bodies are cast iron with a powder-coat finish to inhibit corrosion.

The small model has 5/8″ deep jaws with a maximum opening of 4″. Weighing just under 10 lb, it stands 5″ tall by 11″ long and its anvil measures 1 1/2″ square.

At 24 lb, the heavy-duty version has greater capacity to dampen vibration. It measures 6 1/2″ tall by 13″ long and has 3/4″ deep jaws that open to 5″, as well as a 3 1/4″ square anvil.

Each mounts with three bolts (not included), 1/4″ in diameter for the smaller vise and 3/8″ for the heavy-duty model.