Frequently Asked Questions:
My bench vise is not one of the regular sizes. Do you make a universal vise pivot block?
Not as such. But you can contact us with your particular needs and we will try to fill those needs. We can help you use an off-the-shelf block or maybe make a custom version to fit your vise.
How much does the Tilt-Top Portable weigh?
The unit, itself weighs about 30 pounds. Add to that the weight of the clamps when considering a bench or table. Also when the top is angled at the maximum 81 degrees the vise will hang below the surface of the table. That's why we always suggest that you make sure that the table is long enough to act as a counterweight for the Tilt-Top Portable. If you are unsure, place some extra weight, like full gallon cans of paint or sand bags, on the opposite end of the table.
Are Grip-All Jaws products made entirely in the U.S.A.?
All of Grip-All Jaws products are manufactured in The Pacific Northwest. We use the best quality products we can and some of those come from foreign sources. Take, for example, the vise on the Tilt-Top Portable. We did extensive research trying to find a vise of similar size and quality made in the U.S. but found that the only vise that met our specifications was made overseas. The other parts are all made domestically. For example, the wood parts are made by local woodworkers in our vicinity.
Do you make a Tilt-Top Portable with a rapid-action vise?
We no longer offer the Tilt-Top with a rapid-action vise. We heard from customers and found ourselves that the regular screw model allowed for opening the jaws to grip work from the inside. The rapid-action vise did not. We also had concerns for the safety of customers when tilted to the 81 degree position. The rapid-action vise could allow the moveable jaw to free fall open and could be a hazard.
When I tighten the vise the grip pins seem to give and appear to bend in the pivot arms. How much stress is on the holes that the pins are in? How do I know when my work is tight enough?
As you tighten the vise, the pins contact the workpiece and the pivot arms will adjust so that all four pins will contact the work. At that point, when you tighten the vise further, the pins exert holding pressure. That's part of the design and they may look like they are giving way but they are just exerting pressure. Try moving your work in the grip of the pins. If it moves, tighten it. You can tighten the vise as much as you need to without fear of hurting the jaws.