Material Matters: Cast Iron vs. Forged Steel
The material of a vice determines its strength and durability. Most vices are made from one of two materials:
Cast Iron: This is a common, cost-effective material suitable for general-purpose tasks in home workshops and woodworking. Cast iron vices typically have a tensile strength of around 30,000 PSI and are excellent for holding work steady for sawing or drilling, but can be brittle and may crack under extreme shock loads like heavy hammering.
Ductile or Forged Steel: For heavy-duty industrial, automotive, or metalworking applications, ductile iron or forged steel is superior. These vices boast a much higher tensile strength (60,000 PSI or more), making them resistant to shock, vibration, and high clamping pressures. They are designed to withstand hammering, pressing bearings, and other high-stress tasks without failing.