Wilton has come out with new Tradesman and Mechanics Pro vises, designed for industrial and heavy duty applications.
The new Wilton Tradesman vises feature a fully sealed one-piece spindle nut assembly, a redesigned spindle assembly with replaceable Tommy bar, a precision-machined slide, and machined steel serrated jaw inserts with a black phosphate anti-corrosion coating.
Wilton says that the Tradesman is their top-selling bench vise, and a shop-favorite in many industries, including manufacturing, fabrication, automotive, construction, and oil and gas industries.
The new vises will be available in 4 sizes:
New Wilton Tradesman Vise Jaw Models, with Sizing by Jaw Widths
- 4-1/2″ – model 1745, SKU 28805, MSRP $480
- 5-1/2″ – model 1755, SKU 28806, MSRP $590
- 6-1/2″ – model 1765, SKU 28807, MSRP $660
- 8″ – model 1780A, SKU 28808, MSRP $980
The bullet-style Tradesman vise has a fully enclosed and sealed spindle assembly, which serves to keep debris out and lubrication in, for smoother and maintenance-free operation. Wilton says that, compared to other vise styles, the rear spindle nut also provides an even straight-line pull that decreases backlash and increases clamping force, while also extending service life.
The spindle assembly has been redesigned, and features a replaceable Tommy bar, which Wilton says allows for decreased cost of ownership if this component is damaged.
The serrated jaw inserts and pipe jaws are user-replaceable.
The precision-machined steel slide bar is designed to eliminate movement of the front jaw, regardless of how wide or narrow the jaw opening.
It also features an oversized striking anvil that Wilton says is “built to take a beating.”
- 60,000 PSI ductile iron body, jaws, base
- 360° swivel base with double lockdowns
- 4-bolt mounting system
- Locking nuts and base have serrated edges to prevent slippage during use
- Striking anvil
The new Wilton Tradesman vises are made in Taiwan, and will be replacing current SKUs.
The new Mechanics Pro vises, which have lower price points, feature an enclosed spindle, precision machined slide, a needle roller thrust bearing design, and 360° swivel base.
New Wilton Tradesman Vise Jaw Models, with Sizing by Jaw Widths
- 4-1/2″ – model 845M, SKU 28810, MSRP $$240
- 5-1/2″ – model 855M, SKU 28811, MSRP $310
- 6-1/2″ – model 865M, SKU 28812, MSRP $400
- 8″ – model 880M, SKU 28813, MSRP $600
- 10″ – model 8100M, SKU 28814, MSRP $830
The new Wilton Mechanics Pro vises are similar but built a little differently from the Tradesman vises. Their enclosed spindle protect internal components and the vises are permanently sealed and lubricated.
Wilton says that these are not “me too” vises,
These are not “me too” vises, saying:
What distinguishes these heavy duty vises is their premium materials, and other structurally sound intrinsic features such as an enclosed spindle, precision machined slide bar, innovative needle roller thrust bearing design, and 360 º swivel base.
- 60,000 PSI ductile iron moveable jaw and base
- 360° swivel base with double lockdowns
- Striking anvil
The new Wilton Mechanics Pro vises are made in China, and will be replacing current SKUs.
Both styles of vises have a lifetime warranty.
First Thoughts
I asked: Will these new versions be replacing existing SKUs? For instance, will the made-in-Taiwan stock no. 28805 #1745 vise be replacing the USA-made 63199 #1745 vise?
Their reply: Yes, the new stock numbers replace the old.
*sigh*
Looking at pricing, the USA-made 5-1/2″ Wilton Tradesman vise, model 1755 with SKU 63200, is $590 via Amazon. The imported 5-1/2″ 1755 vise, SKU 28806, is $590 via Tool Nut.
I need to investigate this further before I can comment, but my first impression is one of panic. Will this be my last chance to buy a USA-made Wilton bullet-style Tradesman vise?
