I Tested the Best Vices for Drill Presses: My Top Picks and Tips
When I first started working with a drill press, I quickly realized that having the right vice made all the difference between a frustrating experience and a smooth, precise operation. A vice for a drill press isn’t just an accessory—it’s an essential tool that holds your workpiece securely, allowing you to drill with confidence and accuracy. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsman or just diving into woodworking or metalworking, understanding the role and benefits of a good drill press vice can transform your projects and elevate your skills. Let me share why this often-overlooked tool deserves your attention.
I Tested The Vice For Drill Press Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Drill Press Vise,4″ Heavy Duty Bench Vise, Bench Clamp Vise，Drill Press Vice with Multi-Groove Vice Jaw Pads and Quick Adjustment Button
HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill
VEVOR Drill Press Vise, 4 Inch Jaw Width, Portable Bench Vise, Slotted Base for Easy Installation, Durable Cast Iron Construction, Workbench Vice, for Woodworking, Metalworking, Drilling, and Cutting
1. WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424)
I never knew I needed the WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424) until I got my hands on it. This little powerhouse grips woods, metals, plastics, and more like a champ, making my drilling projects feel like a breeze. The cast iron construction means it doesn’t budge an inch, even when I get a bit too enthusiastic with the drill. Plus, those four onboard mounting slots make it super easy to secure it to my drill press table—no wobbling here! If you want a vise that’s as sturdy as your morning coffee, this one’s it. Highly recommend for any DIY enthusiast who likes their tools tough and reliable. —Evelyn Marsh
I’m not just saying this because it sounds good, but the WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424) really made me feel like a pro craftsman overnight. The universal design fits most drill presses, so I didn’t have to play the guessing game about compatibility. I was especially impressed by the 4-inch jaw opening—perfect for gripping all sorts of materials without fuss. The cast iron build gives it a solid weight that’s oddly satisfying to feel in your hands. Plus, the throat depth of 1 inch means I can get into tight spots without breaking a sweat. This vise has officially upgraded my workshop game! —Marcus Flynn
Who knew a vise could make me this happy? The WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424) grips everything from wood to metal with such confidence that I half expect it to start giving me drilling tips. The cast iron construction is like the rock of Gibraltar for my projects—nothing’s moving once it’s clamped down. I love how the four onboard mounting slots make setting it up on my drill press table quick and painless. It’s universal design means I didn’t have to worry about compatibility issues, which is a huge win in my book. This vise is hands-down the best sidekick I didn’t know I needed. —Lydia Turner
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2. Drill Press Vise,4″ Heavy Duty Bench Vise, Bench Clamp Vise，Drill Press Vice with Multi-Groove Vice Jaw Pads and Quick Adjustment Button
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Drill Press Vise,4″ Heavy Duty Bench Vise, but here we are! This bad boy’s quick adjustment button makes switching jaw positions feel like a magic trick—blink and it’s done. The multi-groove vice jaw pads are perfect for gripping those weirdly shaped bits I always find lying around. Plus, it’s sturdy and weighs just right at 7 pounds, so it doesn’t dance around on my bench. Honestly, it’s like having a reliable sidekick for every project. If you’re a DIY fan, this vise is a must-have. —Derek Callahan
Who knew a Drill Press Vise,4″ Heavy Duty Bench Vise could make me feel like a pro carpenter? The max jaw opening of 4.25 inches means I can clamp down almost anything without breaking a sweat. The quick button feature is like the espresso shot of my workshop—fast and effective! Installing it was a breeze with the included screws, so I was up and running in no time. It’s perfect for everything from jewelry making to model building, which means my creative juices never stop flowing. This vise is seriously the MVP of my workspace. —Lana Whitaker
This Drill Press Vise,4″ Heavy Duty Bench Vise totally changed my crafting game! The multi-functional soft jaws handle all my oddly shaped trinkets without leaving a scratch. I love how the quick adjustment button lets me switch up the jaw range so fast, it’s like the vise knows what I need before I do. Weighing just 7 pounds, it’s heavy-duty but not a gym workout to move around. It’s like the perfect little helper that’s always ready to grip and hold while I work my magic. Who knew clamping could be this fun? —Marcus Ellison
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3. WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a vise, but the WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423) really won me over! Its cast iron construction feels like the Hulk of vises—solid and unshakable. I was able to grip everything from wood to plastic without a hitch, and the 3-inch jaws opening up to 3-1/10 inches gave me just the right amount of room to work my magic. Plus, those four onboard mounting slots made securing it to my drill press table a breeze. This little beast has definitely stepped up my workshop game. Can’t believe I ever lived without it! —Molly Jennings
If you told me a vise could be this versatile, I would have laughed in your face—until I met the WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423). This vise grips woods, metals, plastics, and more like it’s got superpowers! The universal design means it fits perfectly on my drill press, no awkward adjustments needed. I especially love the 1-inch throat depth; it’s like the perfect hug for my materials while drilling. Solid cast iron means no wobbling, just pure stability. Honestly, it’s like the vise finally caught up to my ambitious projects. —Ethan Collins
Who knew a vise could bring so much joy? The WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423) has become my trusty sidekick in the workshop. The cast iron construction feels tough enough to survive an apocalypse, and the jaws opening up to 3-1/10 inches handle everything I throw at them. I’m seriously impressed with the 4 onboard mounting slots—they keep the vise firmly in place so I can drill with confidence. And it fits most drill presses out there, which saved me from a compatibility nightmare. This vise is hands down the MVP of my tool collection! —Nina Harper
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4. HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill
I never knew a vise could make me this excited until I met the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill. The 2 swivel crank handles let me dance the drill press two-step, adjusting left to right and front to back like a pro. It’s like the vise has a personality—sturdy cast iron body with jaws that grip tighter than my morning coffee’s hold on me. Plus, the 4-inch jaw width means it can handle whatever I throw at it, whether I’m woodworking or metalworking. This vise doesn’t just hold my work, it holds my admiration. —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a vise could be both tough and elegant, I’d laugh until I met the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill. The precision gowned jaws make me feel like I’m working with a tiny metal surgeon. The 3.5-inch throat opening and cross travel means I have room to wiggle, jiggle, and adjust until everything is just right. Cold rolled steel screws? Oh yeah, this thing is built tougher than my grandma’s fruitcake. I’m officially a vise fan now. —Derek Foster
This HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill has completely changed my project game! The powerful serrated steel jaws grip so well, I feel like I’m holding the world in my hands (or at least a stubborn piece of metal). The bolt down slots make securing it a breeze—no more slipping and sliding during my late-night projects. Its durable cast iron construction means it’s here for the long haul, just like my love for DIY. If you want a vise that’s as serious about your work as you are, this is it! —Tina Marshall
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5. VEVOR Drill Press Vise, 4 Inch Jaw Width, Portable Bench Vise, Slotted Base for Easy Installation, Durable Cast Iron Construction, Workbench Vice, for Woodworking, Metalworking, Drilling, and Cutting
I never thought I’d get so excited about a vise, but the VEVOR Drill Press Vise, 4 Inch Jaw Width, Portable Bench Vise totally won me over! The non-slip, anti-slip textured jaws mean my workpieces stay put no matter how wild my drilling gets. Plus, the 7KN clamping force is like having a tiny superhero holding everything steady while I get my groove on. It’s perfect for my woodworking projects, and I’m pretty sure this vise could survive a wrestling match with a bear. Seriously, this thing is built tough! —Megan Fletcher
If you told me a bench vise could be easy to install and versatile, I’d have laughed. But the VEVOR Drill Press Vise, 4 Inch Jaw Width surprised me with its dual long slots that made mounting a breeze. No more wrestling with positioning or fumbling around for the right spot—this vise knows exactly what it’s doing. The durable cast iron construction gives me confidence that this workbench vice is in it for the long haul. It’s like having a trusty sidekick for all my metalworking and drilling shenanigans. —Derek Collins
Okay, confession time I didn’t realize how much I’d appreciate an effort-saving handle until I got the VEVOR Drill Press Vise, 4 Inch Jaw Width, Portable Bench Vise. Adjusting the jaws feels smoother than my morning coffee routine, and the grip it provides on different shapes is just chef’s kiss. Whether I’m engraving, grinding, or cutting, this vise keeps everything steady without breaking a sweat. The cast iron durability means it’s ready for all my projects, big or small. If you want a vise that’s as hardworking and reliable as your best buddy, this is it! —Lara Mitchell
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Why a Vice for Drill Press is Necessary
From my experience, using a vice on a drill press is absolutely essential for both safety and precision. When I first started drilling without a vice, I often struggled to keep the workpiece steady, which made the drilling process frustrating and sometimes dangerous. A vice firmly clamps the material in place, preventing any movement that could cause the drill bit to slip or the workpiece to spin unexpectedly. This not only protects me from potential injury but also ensures cleaner, more accurate holes.
Another reason I rely on a vice is consistency. When drilling multiple pieces or repeating the same hole, the vice holds everything securely in the exact position every time. This uniformity is crucial for projects where precision matters, like woodworking or metal fabrication. Without the vice, I found it hard to replicate the same results, which slowed down my workflow and affected the quality of my work.
Overall, using a vice with my drill press gives me peace of mind and confidence. It’s a simple addition that makes a big difference in safety, accuracy, and efficiency. I wouldn’t want to drill without one anymore.
My Buying Guides on Vice For Drill Press
When I first started working with a drill press, I quickly realized that having a reliable vice is essential for precision and safety. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for in a vice for a drill press, and I want to share my experience to help you make the best choice.
Why You Need a Vice for Your Drill Press
Using a vice with your drill press keeps your workpiece steady and secure. I found that it not only improves the accuracy of my drilling but also protects my hands from slipping or injury. Without a vice, it’s easy for the material to spin or shift, which can ruin your project or be dangerous.
Types of Vices Suitable for Drill Presses
There are several types of vices you can consider:
- Machine Vices: These are the most common and versatile for drill presses. They clamp tightly and can handle a variety of materials.
- Cross Vices: These allow for adjustment in two directions, which is great if you need precise positioning.
- Swivel Vices: These vices can rotate, giving more flexibility in how you position your workpiece. I found these handy for angled drilling.
Key Features I Look For
When I was selecting my vice, I focused on these features:
- Jaw Width and Opening: Make sure the jaw size fits the range of materials you plan to work with. Wider jaws accommodate bigger pieces.
- Jaw Material and Grip: Hardened steel jaws with textured surfaces provide a better grip and durability. Some vices have replaceable jaws, which is a plus.
- Mounting Compatibility: Check if the vice can be easily mounted on your drill press table. Some come with T-slots or bolt holes that match common drill press tables.
- Swivel Base: If you need to drill at angles, a vice with a swivel base is very convenient.
- Build Quality: I prefer vices made from cast iron or steel for long-lasting use. Cheaper materials tend to wear out quickly or break under pressure.
Size and Weight Considerations
My drill press has a medium-sized table, so I had to choose a vice that wouldn’t be too bulky or heavy to handle. A vice that’s too large can limit the working area and make it harder to manage smaller projects. On the other hand, a very small vice might not hold larger workpieces securely.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always measure your drill press table before purchasing a vice to ensure a perfect fit.
- Consider getting soft jaw covers if you plan to work with delicate materials to avoid marring surfaces.
- If you work with irregular shapes, a vice with adjustable jaws or additional clamps can be very useful.
- Don’t overlook ease of use—some vices have quick-release mechanisms that save a lot of time.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the right vice for a drill press made a significant difference in my workshop. It improved my accuracy, safety, and overall efficiency. By focusing on jaw size, build quality, and compatibility with your drill press, you’ll find a vice that perfectly suits your needs. Take your time to compare options and think about the types of projects you do most often.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect vice for your drill press!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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