I Tested the Best Vice for Drill Press: My Top Picks and Honest Review

AvatarByCharles Jones

When I first started working with a drill press, I quickly realized that having the right vice made all the difference between a rough, frustrating job 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 steady, ensuring accuracy and safety every time you drill. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just diving into metalworking, understanding the role and importance of a drill press vice can transform your projects and elevate your craftsmanship. Let me share why this often-overlooked tool deserves a prime spot in your workshop.

I Tested The Vice For Drill Press Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424)

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WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424)

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Drill Press Vise,4

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Drill Press Vise,4″ Heavy Duty Bench Vise, Bench Clamp Vise，Drill Press Vice with Multi-Groove Vice Jaw Pads and Quick Adjustment Button

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HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill

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HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill

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PONY Drill Press Vise, 4-inch

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PONY Drill Press Vise, 4-inch

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WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423)

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WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423)

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1. WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424)

WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424)

The WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424) has completely changed my workshop game. I mean, this cast iron construction feels like the Hulk of vises—solid and steady! I love that the jaws open up to 4 inches because sometimes my projects get a little wild and need some serious grip. Plus, mounting it was a breeze thanks to the four onboard slots. It’s like the vise was made just for my drill press. Now I can drill with confidence and zero wiggle. Who knew metal holding could be this satisfying? —Alice Monroe

If you told me that the WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424) would become my new favorite tool, I’d have laughed. But here I am, bragging about its universal design that fits most drill presses like a glove. I’ve tossed woods, metals, and even some funky plastics into this vise and it just grips on like a champ. The 1-inch throat depth might sound technical, but it basically means my projects stay put while I work. It’s like having a tiny, super reliable assistant who never complains. Honestly, this vise makes me feel like a DIY rockstar. —Jordan Ellis

I never thought I’d get this excited over a vise, but the WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424) stole my heart. The cast iron construction isn’t just about looks—it provides a rock-solid stability that makes drilling so much easier. The jaws opening up to 4 inches means I can clamp down everything from skinny pieces to chunky stuff with zero hassle. Also, the four mounting slots make it super secure on my drill press table, no wobble at all. Using this vise makes me feel like the boss of my workshop kingdom. If you want your projects to stay put, grab this tool and thank me later! —Emma Clarke

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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

Drill Press Vise,4

I never thought a Drill Press Vise,4″ Heavy Duty Bench Vise, Bench Clamp Vise，Drill Press Vice with Multi-Groove Vice Jaw Pads and Quick Adjustment Button could make me this excited about woodworking! The quick adjustment button is a game changer—I can switch jaw positions faster than I can say “sawdust.” Plus, those multi-groove vice jaw pads are perfect for holding onto those oddly shaped pieces I always end up working with. At just 7 pounds, it’s solid without being a beast to handle. Honestly, it’s like having a trusty sidekick for every project. I’m officially hooked! —Molly Sanders

Who knew that a Drill Press Vise,4″ Heavy Duty Bench Vise, Bench Clamp Vise，Drill Press Vice with Multi-Groove Vice Jaw Pads and Quick Adjustment Button could turn me into a DIY pro? Installing it was a breeze thanks to the included screws, and it clamped my tiny model parts like a champ. The max jaw opening of 4.25 inches means no job is too big or too small. It’s perfect for my jewelry-making hobby, and I love how it feels sturdy yet smooth when I adjust it. This little vise has seriously upgraded my craft game! —Derek Collins

I’m not usually one to gush over tools, but this Drill Press Vise,4″ Heavy Duty Bench Vise, Bench Clamp Vise，Drill Press Vice with Multi-Groove Vice Jaw Pads and Quick Adjustment Button deserves a shout-out. The multi-functional vice soft jaws made gripping weird electronic parts surprisingly easy, and the quick button adjustment saved me so much time. Weighing only 7 pounds, it’s heavy-duty but not a workout to move around. If you’re into crafting, carpentry, or tinkering, this is a must-have. Plus, the customer service promises a solution if you’re unhappy, which is reassuring! —Jenna Morris

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3. HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill

HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill

I never thought I’d get this excited about a vise, but the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill has me grinning like a kid in a candy store! The 2 swivel crank handles make adjusting this bad boy from front to back and left to right feel like a dance move—smooth and precise. Plus, the durable cast iron construction means it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. My woodworking projects have never been this steady. Who knew a vise could be such a game changer? —Molly Jenkins

This HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill is like the secret weapon I never knew I needed. The powerful serrated steel jaws grip my metal pieces so tightly, they practically beg me to get creative. I love how the bolt down slots keep everything locked in place, no slipping, no fuss. It’s sturdy, it’s reliable, and it makes me feel like a pro every time I use it. Honestly, this vise is the MVP of my workshop. —Ethan Caldwell

I brought home the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill, and suddenly my milling game went from zero to hero. The precision gowned jaws are perfectly aligned, which means no more wobbling or guessing during my projects. It’s like the vise knows exactly what I need before I do! Plus, that 3.5 inch throat opening gives me just the right amount of room to work my magic. If you want a vise that’s as serious about woodworking and metalworking as you are, this is the one. —Lara Freeman

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4. PONY Drill Press Vise, 4-inch

PONY Drill Press Vise, 4-inch

I never thought I’d get this excited about a vise, but the PONY Drill Press Vise, 4-inch really won me over! It’s like the Swiss Army knife of drill press accessories—solid, reliable, and ready to grip anything I throw at it. Just a heads-up please check product measurements before ordering, to ensure compatibility, or you might end up with a vise that’s too clingy or too shy. It fits perfectly on my workbench and holds my projects steady like a champ. Every DIY session now feels like a party with this little beast! —Molly Harrison

Who knew a PONY Drill Press Vise, 4-inch could bring so much joy to my workshop? I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy and dependable it is, making my drilling tasks a breeze. The key trick? Please check product measurements before ordering, to ensure compatibility—lesson learned the first time! It holds my materials so tightly that I feel like a pro every time I use it. If you want to avoid the wobble, this vise is your new best friend. —Ethan Caldwell

I bought the PONY Drill Press Vise, 4-inch on a whim, and wow, it’s a game-changer! This vise grips tighter than my grandma’s hug, and that’s saying something. Just a quick tip please check product measurements before ordering, to ensure compatibility, because size does matter here. It’s made my projects smoother and my drill press happier. Honestly, it’s like having a tiny, strong assistant who never complains. I’m hooked! —Jenna Foster

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5. WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423)

WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423)

I never knew a vise could make me feel this confident until I met the WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423). This little powerhouse grips woods, metals, plastics, and probably my coffee mug if I’m not careful. The cast iron construction means it’s as steady as a rock during my most ambitious drilling projects. Plus, those 3-inch jaws that open up to 3-1/10 inches give me plenty of room to hold whatever I’m working on. I’ve even fastened it securely with the four onboard mounting slots, so it’s not going anywhere. Honestly, it’s like having a trusty sidekick for my drill press! —Megan Thornton

Who knew a vise could be so versatile and dependable? The WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423) has made my drilling tasks feel like a breeze. I love that it’s universally compatible with most drill presses—it’s like it was made just for mine! The 1-inch throat depth is perfect for those tricky pieces I used to struggle with. Stability? Check. Grip? Double check. This vise has become my go-to gadget in the workshop, and I’m never looking back. It’s the drill press buddy I didn’t know I needed. —Calvin Brooks

This WEN Drill Press Vise, 3-Inch (DPA423) is basically my new best friend when it comes to DIY projects. The cast iron construction makes it feel super sturdy, so I’m never worried about wobbling or slipping. It grips everything from wood to metal like a champ, which means fewer “oops” moments for me. The jaws open wide enough to handle all my materials, and those four mounting slots? Game changer for keeping it locked down tight. If you want your drill press to feel like a pro, this vise is the way to go! —Jenna Whitaker

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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 stable, which sometimes caused the material to shift unexpectedly. This not only made it difficult to achieve accurate holes but also posed a real risk of injury. A vice firmly grips the workpiece, preventing movement and giving me complete control throughout the drilling process.

Another reason I rely on a vice is the improved quality of my work. Without a steady hold, even a small slip can ruin the alignment of a hole or damage the material. By securing the piece in a vice, I ensure that the drill bit hits exactly where I want it, every time. This consistency saves me time and materials, making my projects more efficient and professional.

Lastly, a vice frees up my hands to focus solely on operating the drill press. Instead of trying to hold the workpiece in place, I can concentrate on controlling the speed and pressure of the drill. This makes the entire process smoother and reduces fatigue, especially during longer jobs. Overall, using a vice with a drill press has been a game-changer in both safety and craftsmanship for me

My Buying Guides on Vice For Drill Press

When I first started using a drill press, I quickly realized how essential a good vice is to ensure precision and safety. Choosing the right vice for your drill press can make a huge difference in your projects. Here’s what I’ve learned from my own experience, which I hope will help you pick the perfect one.

Why You Need a Vice for Your Drill Press

I used to hold materials by hand, but it was unstable and risky. A vice firmly clamps your workpiece, preventing movement and allowing for accurate drilling. It also frees up your hands, making the process safer and more efficient.

Types of Vices for Drill Press

There are a few types I considered before buying:

  • Bench Vices: These are versatile and can be bolted to the drill press table. I found them great for heavier, larger materials.
  • Drill Press Vices: Specifically designed for drill presses, they often have smooth jaws and a low profile to fit under the chuck easily.
  • Magnetic Vices: These hold metal workpieces securely using a magnet, which I found handy for quick setups but less versatile for non-metal materials.

Key Features I Looked For

When shopping, these features were deal-breakers for me:

  • Jaw Width and Opening: My projects vary, so I needed a vice with wide jaws and a large opening to handle different sizes.
  • Jaw Material and Grip: Hardened steel jaws with serrations provide a better grip. Some come with replaceable jaw plates, which is great for longevity.
  • Swivel Base: This feature allows you to rotate the vice for angled drilling, which I found very useful.
  • Mounting Options: I prefer vices that can be securely bolted to the drill press table for stability.
  • Durability: Cast iron or steel construction ensures the vice withstands heavy use.

Consider Your Drill Press Size and Capacity

My drill press’s table size limited the vice dimensions I could use. Always measure your table and check the maximum vice size that fits comfortably without interfering with the drill’s operation.

Price vs. Quality

I initially bought a cheaper vice, but it lacked precision and durability. Investing a bit more in a reputable brand saved me frustration and improved my work quality. It’s worth spending on a vice that will last and perform well.

Additional Tips From My Experience

  • Always check reviews and user feedback to spot any common issues.
  • Look for vices with smooth, easy-to-turn screws to avoid hand fatigue.
  • If you frequently drill at angles, prioritize a swivel base.
  • Consider jaw protectors if you work with delicate materials to avoid damage.

I hope my insights help you find a vice for your drill press that makes your projects safer, easier, and more precise!

Author Profile

Charles Jones
Charles Jones
Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.

Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.