13 Best Drill Press Vises of 2020

Are you tired of spending hours drilling in the yard without getting the desired output?

You can solve all that by purchasing a drill press vise. These compact tools may look innocuous, but they pack a punch, and you can get through any material, be it wood or plastic, so that you can work uninterrupted. They have excellent clamping ability, and with the specially designed jaws, you get a lot of stability.

Moreover, the body is made from some of the most robust materials to help it withstand daily use. And it is safe both for you and your unit, preventing any untoward incidents. But the best part is the high maneuverability, enabling you to get the precise outcome in your work.

However, you may be wondering how to choose from the many products that are dotting the market, right? Our detailed analysis of the 13 best models right now provides all the answers.

So, let’s get started, shall we?

Best Drill Press Vises 

IMAGE	PRODUCT	DETAILS
Our Top PickOur Top Pick	Irwin Tools Drill Press Vise	4.5" jaw capacity 1000lbs grasping pressure 4" jaw clamps	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Performance Tool Drill Press Vise	Etched smart jaw design Slotted base Pivot handle	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Wen Press Vise	3" jaw volume 1" throat depth Cast iron construction	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Wilton Drill Press Vise	V-grooved jaws Cast side knobs Pivot handle	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	DELTA Drill Press Vise	4" jaw capacity Cast iron construction Quick-release button	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	HFS Drill Press Vise	3" jaw capacity Serrated steel jaws Ductile iron	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Shop Fox Drill Press Vise	4" jaw volume 4" capacity Slide bar	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Wilton Drill Press Vise	Cradle style design Side Tommy bar 90-degree vertical indexing	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Palmgren Drill Press Vise	4" jaw capacity 1-3/4" throat depth Vertical T slot	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Universal Drill Press Vise	4" jaw capacity Cross slide design Cast steel construction	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Wilton Drill Press	4" jaw capacity Cast iron castings Black oxide coated screw	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Yost Drill Press Vise	30000PSI tensile strength Extra-large handle V-groove jaw	VIEW LATEST PRICE →
	Bora Drill Press Vise	4” clamping capacity Soft-grip Quick-release button	VIEW LATEST PRICE →

1. Irwin Tools Drill Press Vise

We kick things off with the Irwin Tools Drill Press Vise, which rightly occupies the top spot on our list. It functions as a fantastic grasping tool delivering a lot of stability in your work, and you can securely carry out most tasks and drill into various materials.

Irwin Tools Drill Press Vise, 4", 226340

• Slotted base for easy installation and positioning
• Textured jaws for secure gripping
• 4.5 Inch jaw capacity perfect for light duty tasks
• Lightweight and portable

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Why Did We Like It?

First and foremost, you’ll be happy to see the 4.5″ jaw capacity, which is complemented by the 4″ textured jaw clamps. As a result, your workpiece will not wobble during drilling operations. Plus, thanks to the large capacity, it is ideally suited for all types of drilling tasks.

Adding to the stability is the 1000lbs of grasping force to ensure that you get the desired finish to make your work stand out. In that regard, you will love the slotted based design, which combines with the grasping force to keep your workpiece fixed to one spot.

Moreover, the forged steel construction makes sure that it can handle the wear and tear of everyday use without incurring too much damage. But, despite the sturdiness, Irwin Tools has managed to keep it lightweight, so you can carry it from one site to another without any issues. It’s no surprise that you get a lot of versatility with this unit.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Despite the many positives, there are a couple of issues that need ironing out, such as the uneven base. The base usually offers more stability, but it may not always be the case, and you could experience some movement. Also, after regular use, the jaw screws could come loose.

2. Performance Tool Drill Press Vise

In the runners-up spot, we have picked the Performance Tool Drill Press Vise, which shares several similarities with our top recommendation. But it does come with numerous upgrades, which have propelled it to the top of the charts. It combines sturdiness with a smooth performance to generate positive reviews from users.

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Performance Tool W3939 Hammer Tough 2-1/2" Drill Press Vise

• 2-1/2" Jaw Width
• Etched jaws to prevent slipping
• pivot handle for easy turning
• slot design mounting holes

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Why Did We Like It?

To start, the etched smart jaw design will not only enable you to get more accuracy in your projects, but you will also be safe. Rather than holding down your workpiece yourself, as seen in many other models, the grasping ability of the uniquely designed jaws will take care of that.

The jaw’s texture enhances the gripping ability, and because it is complemented by the 2-1/2″ jaw width, you won’t have to worry about the materials slipping out while drilling. Moreover, thanks to the pivot handle, you will get smooth performance due to the natural turning function.

You can use it for diverse projects, thereby providing a high degree of versatility, which goes hand-in-hand with user-friendliness. Along with its robustness helping to prevent damage during work, you get an effortless installation that allows you to continue working without wasting much time. So, it scores high on the efficiency meter.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The surface filling is not right, which could lead it to be unstable on occasions. You may not like it if you have to keep adjusting it, which could prove to be an inconvenience. Furthermore, after handling several projects, you may find that the screws could come loose, so you’ll have to keep an eye on that.

3. Wen Press Vise

Taking the final podium spot, we have the Wen Press Vise, a highly compatible unit allowing you to perform many tasks with ease. Sporting a universal design, you can equip it with several drill press machines to get the desired output on the most intricate jobs, making it a valuable acquisition.

WEN 423DPV 3-Inch Cast Iron Drill Press Vise

• Grip woods, metals, plastics and more
• Cast iron construction provides stability to drilling...
• 3-inch jaws open up to 3-1/10 inches with a 1-inch throat...
• Includes four onboard mounting slots to securely fasten the...

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Why Did We Like It?

Right away, the cast iron construction makes it suitable to handle various types of work environments without experiencing any significant damage. You can rest assured it will last a long time, and you will also get a safe operation. And speaking of performance, the 3′ jaw volume will fit on most materials.

You can then use the 1′ throat depth to hold on to these materials and carry out the required drilling. The stable grip makes sure that the content doesn’t slip, and you are guaranteed to get a precision performance. So, it is no surprise that you can use it with a great deal of versatility to get great results.

Plus, four onboard mounting plates come in handy to make the installation process much more manageable. You can assemble the components quickly and get down to work, which is sure to please most buyers.

What Could’ve Been Better?

You need to be very careful and make frequent checks after completing your day’s work. We have received reports that the bolts may loosen up due to the vibration, which is a downside. Also, the plate is loose and, on occasions, may hamper the stability you need on your projects.

4. Wilton Drill Press Vise

Having gone through our top three products, it’s time to look at the Wilton Drill Press Vise, which just missed the cut. But there can be no doubts about the performance you’ll get due to the uniquely designed jaws. It has several other additions, making it one of the models on everyone’s wish list.

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Wilton 11694 4-Inch Cross Slide Drill Press Vise

• Accurately moves your work piece in horizontal and...
• Cast side knobs accurately dial in .1 millimeter increments
• Hardened V grooved jaws hold round shaped objects both...

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Why Did We Like It?

Straight away, you’ll get excellent maneuverability due to its ability to move across two axes allowing for increased drilling activity. As a result, your workpiece can move according to the task’s demands, thereby ensuring you get a precision performance by placing the material in the correct position.

Furthermore, the 4″ jaws feature a V-grooved design enabling you to hold down the material you’re working on securely. Moreover, they are replaceable and made of hardened steel to withstand even the toughest of jobs and last for a long time. Adding to the robustness is the cast iron construction, which makes the entire unit reliable.

Likewise, it features cast side knobs having 1″ increments making it compatible with a range of drill presses. So, you get great versatility while the pivot handles make sure you can apply more pressure if you need to. Finally, the installation process is easy, as well.

What Could’ve Been Better?

You won’t be able to move the sleds to the extreme left or right, which could affect maneuverability but not much. By using the extreme positions, your unit may start to wobble more, which will affect the output. So, many users will want to consider other options offering more flexibility.

5. DELTA Drill Press Vise

The DELTA Drill Press Vise comes with a large work capacity, which gives it the ability to hold varied workpieces. Whether it be metal or wood, you will get a terrific performance, and combined with the durable construction; you can enjoy it for a long time.

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DELTA 20-621 4-Inch Drill Press Vise

• Cast-iron construction includes large-capacity jaws for...
• Built-in groove supports dowels up to 1/2" in diameter...
• Use with wood or metal
• Item Package Dimension: 10.01" L x 7.0" W x 3.0" H

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Why Did We Like It?

Firstly, the most critical aspect is that it’s incredibly safe. Unlike other models where you’ll have to hold down your workpiece, increasing the risk of injuries, you can use the 4″ jaw capacity to hold any material firmly. Plus, thanks to the cast iron construction, it will last a long time.

Along with that, there is a quick-release button, something not seen with other units. It makes for smooth performance and ensures you have no problem in removing any of the materials. Further adding to the output is the vibration-resistant feature, which prevents any unnecessary movements.

So, you get the desired stability allowing you to drill precise holes into various materials without much effort. Besides, you’ll love the fact that it is affordable despite having numerous functions. DELTA has managed to keep the price within reasonable limits to cater to a broad audience.

What Could’ve Been Better?

We have seen that the sliding side of the clamps is unstable, leading to complications during work. And so, despite having vibration resistance, you may encounter wobbling making it hard to get accurate results, which will not please many buyers. So, it raises safety concerns as well, and you’ll have to be mindful of cuts.

6. HFS Drill Press Vise

 Being made from the best materials gives the HFS Drill Press Vise ability to withstand a lot of pressure. Whereas other models would bend under the load of work, it won’t face any such problems and can deliver consistently, thereby endearing it to users.

Why Did We Like It?

Right away, the ability to endure up to 80000PSI pressure makes it one of the sturdiest units in the market. Likewise, the tensile iron construction prevents bending even after regular use on the toughest of jobs. Furthermore, it has serrated steel blades, which will last a long time and ensure you get a firm grip on any material.

Meanwhile, it comes with a cross travel feature allowing for multi-axis movement enabling you to carve out any form accurately. And with the help of the adjustable gibs, you’ll get the desired flexibility to take on different projects, making it very versatile. Moreover, the jaws have a 3″ capacity to hold down most materials.

As a result, you get a stable performance, which complements the versatility on offer. Additionally, it has a rotating cutter, which effectively eliminates unwanted materials such as wood, metal, and other solid pieces.

What Could’ve Been Better?

It could be challenging to get used to it initially, which may prove to be problematic. So, you may not want to use it full throttle at the start, but instead, take your time. Plus, you may not get smooth performance on occasions, proving to be a contentious issue for some.

7. Shop Fox Drill Press Vise

We have reached the halfway point, but there are still numerous top-notch products to go through. In this regard, we have chosen the Shop Fox Drill Press Vise to feature next on our list due to the fantastic functions it comes with. It’s no surprise then that it has made a name for itself in the market.

Why Did We Like It?

First and foremost, you’ll like the fact that you also get an excellent capacity along with grip. It means that despite having the ability to accommodate a lot of materials, there won’t be any compromises when it comes to grasping. The jaws are perfectly aligned and supported by the adjustable gibs you get exceptional flexibility.

The significant addition is the inclusion of a slide bar, which prevents the jaws from getting out of position when you’re tightening it. As a result, you will get the desired precision in most tasks to make your work stand out. Plus, it is very versatile, and you can use numerous materials.

Meanwhile, Shop fox has paid attention to durability and flaunts a muscular design, making it great for milling operations. It also means that you’ll be able to exert the necessary pressure without spending too much energy, enabling you to use it for long hours.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Now, because it is quite muscular to enhance durability, it means it packs a bit more weight than usual. Weighing in at 22lbs, you may feel uncomfortable owning a more substantial tool than average. It’s not a significant issue, but if you want a lighter unit, you will have to look elsewhere.

8. Wilton Drill Press Vise

If you are searching for an affordable option that delivers high on the performance, you might want to consider the Wilton Drill Press Vise. It has some new functions, not seen in any other model coupled with an eye-catching design, making it highly trustworthy.

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Wilton 11753 3-Inch Cradle Style Angle Drill Press Vise

• Designed For Applications Including Drilling, Tapping And...
• Cradle Design With 90 Degree Vertical Indexing, Scaled In 1...
• Side Tommy Bar Allows Secure Locking At Any Increment From 0...

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Why Did We Like It?

Straight off the bat, it comes with a 90-degree vertical length, which is a part of the cradle design. As a result, you’ll see that it has 1-degree increments along the body’s length, allowing you to set it at the correct angle for any task. So, you will get the much-needed precision handling in your work.

Plus, the jaws are well aligned and made from sturdy material, enabling you to hold down any equipment securely. Likewise, the entire body flaunts a robust design, thereby providing longevity even after regular use. Another interesting function is the inclusion of the side Tommy bar that comes with locking features.

Hence, if you adjust the movements anywhere between 0 and 90-degree, you will get a smooth performance permitting maximum control. Meanwhile, you can use it for various projects, ranging from reaming, tapping, drilling, or milling, offering a great deal of versatility.

What Could’ve Been Better?

We have received complaints from users that the bottom is not perfectly flat, which could have several repercussions. It may not seem like a big deal, but an uneven base could lead to more shaking and prevent you from exerting the correct amount of pressure. Also, the thread fit may come loose after regular use.

9. Palmgren Drill Press Vise

The Palmgren Drill Press Vise sticks to the basics and provides you with a reliable option in the workshed. It is made from quality material, meaning there is no compromise on durability, while the jaws enable you to get a steady output. You’ll love all these and more it has to offer.

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Palmgren 14 Traditional Drill Press Vise, 4 Inches

• Lead screw type: Acme
• Jaw width: 4 inches
• Jaw opening: 4 inches
• Throat depth: 1-3/4 inches

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Why Did We Like It?

Firstly, the jaws are well-aligned, meaning that you can perform accurate cut-outs on the materials you’re working on. It provides you with a 4″ jaw capacity and 1-3/4″ throat depth, which is excellent for effectively holding down large materials. Adding to the stability are the grooved jaws that stop the content from moving, thereby preventing accidents.

Moreover, it is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for carrying out numerous tasks like drilling, countersinking, counterboring, reaming, and spot-facing. The crucial upgrade is the vertical T slot and three transverse 3/8″ T slots allowing you to get a smooth operation, speeding up the time it takes to complete work.

Likewise, it’s made from quality materials to feature a robust exterior that can handle the daily demands of work. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have problems with portability, thanks to the compact design allowing you to move it from one spot to another.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Some users have reported that it may be too small for their liking, which could reduce the buyer base. You may prefer a tool with a more massive build prompting you to consider other options. Also, as with many models, it may break down after regular use, which is usually unavoidable.

10. Universal Drill Press Vise

We are nearing the end of our list, but we still have a few more quality products to get through. Next up is the Universal Drill Press Vise, which has some new functions to reduce your workload. No surprise, then that it has received mostly positive reviews making it highly convenient.

Universal 4" Cross Slide Drill Press Vise

• Provides solid, stable platform for exact centering and...
• Cross-slide design provides two-axis precision adjustments...
• Heavy-duty cast steel construction with machined cold-rolled...
• Easy secure attachment to any drill press table with...

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Why Did We Like It?

Right away, the 4″ jaw capacity ensures that it can fit all types of workpieces for easy and accurate drilling. And coupled with the stable platform, you can adjust it according to the demands of the job to get the necessary precision. In that regard, the cross-slide design comes with a dual-axis to offer excellent maneuverability.

The design also allows you to replace the workpieces to provide a long lifespan and change the settings. Likewise, the cast steel construction will keep you and your tool safe from damage even on heavy-duty jobs. Furthermore, there are cold rolled steel screws along with a chrome handle for more flexibility.

You’ll like the mounting lug, which will make the installation process much more comfortable. You won’t face too much of a challenge getting all the components together while the handles can push down, allowing for free movement.

What Could’ve Been Better?

If you’re a first-time user, it may take a while before you get used to it. So, it may be some time before you can get the desired output at work. Also, the crack handle tends to come loose after several projects, prompting concern.

11. Wilton Drill Press

We are down to the final three products, and the next spot on our list goes to the Wilton Drill Press. Apart from the usual features, it has made some excellent upgrades that have helped it climb the charts. Most people have taken an active interest in finding out what more it has to offer.

Wilton 11674 4-Inch Industrial Drill Press Vise

• Precision Machined On For Accurate And Versatile If Usage On...
• Durable Construction With Fine Grain Cast Iron Castings And...
• Precision Ground For Square And Parallel Accuracy To ±.0001...

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Why Did We Like It?

Straight off the bat, the 4″ jaw capacity will catch your eye, which is the reason it works well as an industrial-grade tool. Along with that, the fact that it’s 7.5″ long and 7.3″ wide makes it ideal for tackling most projects. Moreover, it has cast iron castings, ensuring that you can use it for a long time.

Likewise, the jaws are made from steel and provide an excellent grip against any material. Adding to the grip is the V-groove design enabling you to move it both horizontally and vertically to hold down materials of various shapes. Plus, the screws are coated with black oxide to provide more stability under different conditions.

Besides, it has a throat depth of 1.5,” making it incredibly efficient. Therefore, it speeds up your work, and you don’t have to spend too much time on any one task. Lastly, it scores high on the versatility meter, allowing you to get a vast range in your work.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Now, because the jaws are more comprehensive than the body, it tends to wobble when you use it on one side. You may have difficulties in getting the desired precision in such instances. Additionally, the handle is long, making adjustments difficult, and you’ll have to continually maneuver it for the best results.

12. Yost Drill Press Vise

The penultimate product on our list is the Yost Drill Press Vise, a heavy-duty unit that can solve most problems in the workstation. It’s fitted with some cracking functions making it a highly valuable acquisition for most customers and is the reason for the positive reviews.

Why Did We Like It?

Right away, it can weather most conditions, thanks to the 30000PSI tensile strength cast iron build. As a result, you can tighten it depending on the job’s demands without worrying about if it might break down. On top of that, it features an extra-large handle having several benefits.

It comes in handy when generating extra pressure to make your way through any material. Moreover, the jaws have a V-grooved design allowing you to clamp down with the 3″ capacity to tackle even round objects. Likewise, the powder coat finish makes sure it is resistant to damage while drilling.

Additionally, it is very versatile having a jaw width of 3″ and a throat depth of 1,” enabling you to carry out numerous tasks. You will also love the fact that it’s precise in its cutting ability permitting you to get consistent results without any difficulty.

What Could’ve Been Better?

It does come with mounting slots for easy installation, but the problem is that it may not fit comfortably. Before purchasing it, you have to make sure that it is compatible because the slots are non-adjustable. If it isn’t, you will be in deep water with significant overhauls needed to make it work.

13. Bora Drill Press Vise

The final product we have for you is the Bora Drill Press Vise, which comes with functions that have helped it stand out. It has state-of-the-art features and a modern design to back it up, and it has quickly climbed the ladder to become one of the most prominent tools in the market.

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Bora Drill Press Vise Bora 551027 – The Sturdy, Quick...

• Large 4" jaw capacity is ideal for thousands of projects.
• Easily and securely attaches to your drill press’ table....
• Aluminum die cast body with steel jaws securely holds your...
• Main tightening screw is chrome plated steel.

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Why Did We Like It?

Firstly, the 4″ clamping capacity means that it can get through most materials without much difficulty. You can, therefore, use it for drilling or reaming among other tasks, and, thanks to the non-marring pads, you get a lot of versatility. Moreover, it has a colorful handle, which does more than just look good.

The handle features a soft-grip making long working hours possible, and you can pivot it sideways, enabling you to apply more pressure. The significant addition is the inclusion of the quick-release button, which cuts down on the time it takes to complete a job. You can press down on it to make the vise open and close faster.

Now, coming to the design, it has a die-cast aluminum body while the central screw is made from chrome-plated steel, meaning that it can last longer. The jaws, too, are made from steel, so that they can withstand the daily demands of work.

What Could’ve Been Better?

Despite having numerous features to beef up the durability, you’ll get the best performance on light-duty tasks. If you are someone who needs to attend mainly heavy-duty work, you’ll be best off considering some other option. Consequently, it may keep away a section of buyers.

Buyer’s Guide

Before you venture into the market, we would like to give you a couple of pointers to help you pick the right unit. Drill press vises have many components that could make it difficult for you to distinguish between the top products and the merely good ones.

We are here to discuss the essential aspects based on which we have formulated our list. A piece of knowledge about these functions will place you good stead and help you make an informed choice.

1. Durability

Your tool must be durable to handle the wear and tear of daily use. Drill press vises will have to deal with all types of tasks: drilling, reaming, countersinking, tapping, and milling. It should be no surprise that only quality materials must be used for construction to ensure it doesn’t break down.

Buying any tool is an investment, so you cannot afford to spend time or money frequently on a new one. You must enjoy both the product and the components that come with it for a long time.

In that regard, the manufacturers cannot afford to make any compromises. So, just having a steel or aluminum construction is not enough. It must be able to withstand the pressures of work and deliver faultless output.

2. Ease of Use

Drill press vises come in various sizes to handle an array of tasks, but that shouldn’t mean the designers have to compromise with user-friendliness. The primary objective of any unit is to reduce your workload, and therefore you must be able to control it effectively to get the best results.

All the components and functions must be understandable, almost at a glance. You should know what each part does rather than pondering over how to get it right. Plus, the installation process, along with the disassembly, must be written clearly to ensure it is uncomplicated.

There is no point in having a plethora of functions if the users find it challenging to use. Rather any good model must keep the basics right and then add the necessary features to deliver a better performance.

3. Safety

Finally, it must be safe while making sure you get through your work quickly. Drilling, milling, tapping, and countersinking is tedious, so you cannot afford to go about it at a leisurely pace.

You have a lot of work to do, and your unit must have the necessary power to ensure you get a cracking performance. More power doesn’t always guarantee better performance, so you must have the ability to control the force you need on various tasks. As a result, your tool will be versatile, enabling you to handle small-scale and large-scale projects.

And the ability to control the pressure means that you will get the required grip without experiencing any untoward incidents. It will be safer for you without compromising on the performance.

Verdict

We hope that you have formed some ideas about the workings of drill press vises.

These are crafty tools that are good for cutting out any shape, thereby making sure that your project can stand out from the crowd. But before bidding farewell, we have decided to assist you a bit more by narrowing down the top three products from our list.

In the first place, we have the Irwin Tools Drill Press Vise, which has enormous grasping pressure and a slotted base to deliver a terrific performance. In the second place, the Performance Tool Drill Press Vise has a pivoting handle for more maneuverability while the installation process is easy.

And finally, we have the Wen Press Vise, featuring sturdy construction and an excellent throat depth to handle an array of tasks. With that, we have reached the end of our guide, and it’s over to you now.

Pick a date, and buy your ideal tool. Ciao!

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