Craftsman  4 in. Drill Press Vise, General Purpose

I was attempting to drill holes in a pipe to fabricate a gas ignitor pipe for my fireplace, but had problems. The vise allowed me to safely, accurately and in a controlled manner complete the drilling process. I am pleased with the end result. My first attempt, without the vise, was not only unsafe but a failure.

The best feature about this vise compared to other similar models available is that the handle is a solid unit and not a cheap rod with a soon to break rivet holding it together. If you don't need a well built vise,then you can find one of similar features for about half price. I like to pay one time and have the product last.

Very good quality for the money and far better than I could have bought locally at other discount tool stores. The vises in discount tool stores are poor quality with very poor machining, unlike this Craftsman Drill Press Vise. I am very pleased with the quality of the product and it will serve my hobby needs for my entire hobby lifetime. Very good tight slides which will result in high quality machining I plan on using it for after I get settled into my new apartment. Does not make much noise, so it will be an asset to my hobby creativity and building large scale radio controlled model airplanes from scratch using plans. Always wanted to drill precise perpendicular holes into wood and metal. Now I have what I need to do that with quality and accuracy in mind. Being a machinest for over 5 years allows me to use the product with the utmost care and creativity. Thank you Sears.

I've been struggling with my 4" import vise to drive a line of holes (6) in 3/4 x 1/4 x 13" flat stock. I paid #12.99 for my old Grandpa Pigeon's machinist vise and it was just not possible to do quick repetative work. I even made a new set of jaws for it. No matter, it was just plain bad.

I just bought a RIGID 16" DP15501 and needed something not too heavy but stout enough to do steel work.  I had borrowed a Schweisger machinist vise but at 76lbs it was too big and too heavy. No luck there.

Today, I visited the Sears Tool store and got the 4" machinist vise for $46.00 with discount. (1) its got the guide rod underneath, so the jaws move evenly to each other without tipping. (2) the ways are better ground with no pits so the action in/out is very smooth. Grinding on the jaws is just as good. Whoever ground them took time or had a better setup. (This vise came from China too!) (3) I didn't think I would like the clamping handle, since I wanted something that was quick open/close. Despite this, the jaw movement is so precise that with little clamping pressure my stock sits tight and flat. (4) the jaws are held with 2 6mm x1.0 SHCS so making new jaws should be a snap.

All around, I was very impressed. In most low-cost vise reviews, the owners start by saying, "dissassemble, clean and use loctive when re-assembling" Not here. Just a little shot of WD40 and I was good to go. My only negative is the use of one guide rod in the middle, rather than two guide rods...so if you drill too deep..you may ruin the rod. Second negative is the thin jaws. They are not hardened..(could have used spring or brake steel!) I will have to make a new set anyways..but I couldn't find anywhere, much less Sears where you could buy blanks or replacements.  

Only 4 out of 5 for the single rod and non-hardned jaws. Still a great low cost vise without suffering the disgust and angst of struggling with a true import.

Bought a drill press, but did not know how I was going to work on my project safely, so added this vise to my order.  Can't tell you how wise a decision that was!  Set up the drill press, added the vise (would have been nice to have included attachment bolts), and set up my jig.  Worked great, did not lose any fingers (always a plus), and made my life sooo much easier.

This unit is well built, tightens firmly, and looks great, actually should be priced a little higher (but don't tell Sears ;) Ordered thinking it would probably work out for this short project, but I was very surprised by the quality and value.  Don't think twice about picking one up.

A really nice simple vise at an excellent price. The vise is heavy, well constructed and has smooth jaw movement. Came with a parts manual and hex keys for the hardware. Bought this vise for work use but think I may get one for home too.