I recently built a new workbench and there was no way I was going to mount my little Craftsman vise on this bench. I decided I needed something a little bit bigger, and definitely higher quality.

I visited Garage Journal and found this thread. It has all the info you need on what to look for finding a good high quality vise.

Price

In the thread I mentioned above, many stated that the going rate for used vises is usually around $1/lb. I found that the going rate is about $2/lb where I live (Chicago burbs). Also, sellers are asking a premium for Wiltons. I ended up paying $75 for this Morgan 135 after searching C-List for some time. It also came down to timing for me. It was nice summer Friday night, so I decided to take my 70′ Chevelle out for a spin and go pick this thing up. Some nice cigars made the cruise even better.

Morgan 135 Specs

Morgan Vise 135

Product number 1113500

Jaw width 3 ½”

Max opening 5”

Throat depth 2 ¾”

Weight 42lbs.

360 swivel base

For more info visit milwtool

Taking it apart

Taking the vise apart is pretty simple. Start by unscrewing the dynamic jaw all the way until it comes out. Next, remove the bolts that hold the swivel base together.

Mounting

I decided to mount this vise in the corner of my new workbench. Make sure the static jaw overhangs the bench slightly, so you can clamp long objects without interfering with bench top. Swivel the vise 90° and check if there is any interference with the work surface. As far as hardware, I used both ½” bolts/nuts and lag screws.

Lube

I bought 2 products from Amazon to lube the lead screw and machined surfaces. Use Permatex 80078 anti-seize on the lead screw. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly. This will make the vise operate with one finger! Next, rub some Johnson paste wax on all machined/sliding surfaces to protect from corrosion and add a bit of lubrication. I’d recommend to re-lube your vise once a year for the hobbyist like myself.

Permatex 80078 Anti-Seize Lubricant with Brush Top Bottle, 8 oz.

Johnson Wax 16 Oz Fine Wood Paste Wax 00203

Used or New

I personally like to find good used items to save money if possible. In some cases it’s not worth the time or money dealing with used items, or they simply are not available in the area that you live. If this is the case, consider buying a new vise on Amazon. Every garage needs a good vise!

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