IQ Vise™

The most versatile vice I've ever seen, this thing is awesome

Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2024

Having a work shop means having a good vice or two. I've got one large bench flush mounted antique one and a standard newer bench top style. Both are work horses but have limits in size or direction of material placed. Seeing this certainly was intriguing Multiple angles, 360 swivel and adjustable in every direction. This thing is the bees knees.

Out of the box, it takes a few seconds to figure out how to get the bottom clamp set right but other than that it's ready to roll. Working mostly with wood the extra slip over pads are great. I love that they are two sided so you basically have 3 types of jaws. Small pins keep them in place. The jaw opens and closes like butter. I did a one screw temporary mount to test this and had a great time with all the different materials this can handle, all in different directions. This thing is versatile.

Using it - you can lock it in a few set positions with the locking pin ( or just leave the pin in the "unlocked" slot. Or loosen it up and get to any angle you want in a matter of seconds. Quick clamp lock and you're ready to cut.

It's well made and I have no concerns about the build quality at all. I was worried that the ball is greased and in a wood work shop saw dust was going to be an issue. A quick flip and two allen screws and the clamp are holding the bottom on. Took those off in 15 seconds so there is a way to clean the ball and regrease if needed. This puts a smile on your face because it's easy to use and so well designed. The jaw variations alone is a great example of real work thought and testing. All sorts of pipes and diameters can fit into those.

This is a great vice, heavy duty, brilliant design features and will get used more than the other two vices I have all day long. At this time, I can't think of one improvement - how often can you say that about a product?

If you use a vice, this is the best upgrade you'll ever get. Also the perfect gift for someone who has everything in a workshop.

A Versatile Medium-Capacity Solution for Precision Work

Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2024

The Work IQ Tools IQ Vise offers impressive versatility and functionality in a medium-capacity vise. Unlike conventional vises with fixed parallel jaws, this vise stands out for its unique design, reminiscent of the renowned cast iron Pattern Maker vise. While not as versatile as its predecessor, which was mounted beneath the bench, the Work IQ vise excels in its own right, offering comparable performance at a more affordable price point.

Crafted from durable aluminum and steel, this vise operates smoothly and exerts significant clamping force, ensuring a secure workpiece grip. Its removable vise pads, featuring grooves and soft padding, easily accommodate pipes and other irregularly shaped objects. Additionally, the vise jaws can be swapped out for various insert options, enhancing its adaptability to different tasks.

The inclusion of a comprehensive user manual and smart packaging further demonstrates the manufacturer's commitment to quality and user satisfaction. While the vise can be mounted directly to a benchtop using screws, I opted to mount it on an L-shaped wooden base for added mobility and versatility. This setup allows me to clamp the vise to different parts of the bench using clamps, expanding its usability.

This vise offers exceptional flexibility with features like a locking pin for fixed horizontal or vertical positioning and adjustable access positions for diagonal or pitched configurations. However, I found that the cam lever clamp needs to be engaged even in fixed positions to minimize shaking.

While the Work IQ vise may come at a higher price than traditional woodworking vises, its unparalleled versatility makes it a valuable addition to any workshop. As a woodworker, I appreciate its ability to tackle specialized tasks and handle challenging workpieces, complementing rather than replacing my existing bench vise.