Harbor Freight has added a new item to their DOYLE™ lineup: the 7 in. Carpenters Vise (58980). With all the glowing reviews on their product page, it might be easy to believe that this is a must-have tool for anyone in the woodworking business. But is it really as great as people claim it to be?

The Doyle Carpenter’s Vise is advertised as ideal for all types of cutting, shaping, and trimming work. It is made of heavy-duty cast iron construction and mounts flush to most workbenches, with pre-drilled jaws for mounting wood facings to protect your workpieces. It has a clamping force of up to 4,600 lbs. and includes a retractable vise dog for extra support.

At a price of $69.99, the vise seems like a good value for the money. However, it’s important to note that Harbor Freight is known for removing or refusing to post reviews that are critical of their tools. So it’s possible that the reviews on their product page aren’t a true representation of what users really think of the tool.

One of the most significant issues with the vise is its low profile. While this feature allows the vise to mount flush to most workbenches, it also means that the jaws don’t open as wide as other vises on the market. The 8 in. jaw capacity might make it difficult to secure larger workpieces while sanding, sawing, or drilling.

Another concern is the quick release feature. Although it’s advertised as a convenience, it could also lead to the jaws opening unintentionally, which could cause accidents or damage to your workpieces.

The vise’s retractable vise dog is a useful feature, but it’s not clear how sturdy it is. It’s possible that it could break easily or not provide enough support for larger workpieces.

It’s also worth noting that the vise is only available at Harbor Freight, which means that you won’t be able to compare it to similar products from other brands.

The Doyle Carpenter’s Vise might be a good option for those who are on a tight budget. However, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks of the tool, especially since Harbor Freight has a reputation for censoring critical reviews. If you’re in the market for a new vise, it’s best to do your research and compare the features and prices of different brands before making a purchase.