Matthew has been working with tools his entire life. Rebuilding his first engine at 15, he's spent years in the diesel mechanic industry, repaired complex conveyor systems, and mastered hands-on troubleshooting.
Having served as the sole Telebelt mechanic in the Midwest for three years, Matthew possesses deep, practical knowledge of heavy equipment and machinery.
If you’re unsure about what you need, he can walk you through the entire process — from choosing the right tool to securing the best price.
Gibraltar vises are an exclusive house brand owned and distributed by MSC Industrial Supply Co. MSC sources these tools from various overseas manufacturers and rebrands them under the Gibraltar name for their catalog. In the metalworking and machining industries, they are widely recognized as a reliable, cost-effective alternative to premium-priced vises like Kurt or Wilton. If you are looking to purchase a new Gibraltar vise or need replacement parts for one currently in your shop, you will need to go directly through MSC Industrial.
The Wilton 1760 Mechanics Vise is widely considered the gold standard for versatility and industrial strength, thanks to its 360-degree swivel base and legendary durability. For woodworking-specific needs, Veritas and Lie-Nielsen vises are the top choice for their superior holding power and precision engineering.
Highly regarded American-made bench vise brands include Wilton (specifically their classic bullet-style models), Yost (for certain premium lines), and Reed Manufacturing. These manufacturers are known for using high-strength ductile iron and maintaining rigorous quality control standards for heavy-duty industrial and woodworking applications.
The most sought-after vintage vises include older USA-made Wilton Bullet vises (especially pre-1970s models with the iconic round channel and enclosed spindle), vintage Charles Parker swivel-base vises, classic Columbian machinists' vises, and heavy old-school Yost or Reed bench vises prized for their indestructible forged or ductile iron construction.
Top-tier vise brands include Wilton (legendary for heavy-duty bullet vises), Reed Manufacturing and Columbian for robust industrial bench vises, and Gibraltar for precision toolroom, milling, and multi-purpose mechanics vises.