Tool News: The Doyle Carpenter's Vise. A Critical Look at Harbor Freight's New Addition

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.

Bestseller No. 1

Jorgensen 4x7 In RapidWoodVise

Bench vise with solid-steel dog and toed-in jaw
For smaller woodworking projects
Jaws drilled for optional wood facings (not included)
Northern hardwood handle
3-1/2-by-7-1/8-inch jaw size with 9-inch maximum opening

Bestseller No. 2

Pony Jorgensen 27091 Medium Duty Woodworker's Vise, Orange, Grey, 9-Inch By 7-Inch

Country Of Origin : China
Package Weight : 5.96 Lbs
Designed To Mount To The Face Of Wood Work Benches
Vise Is For Medium Duty Home, Shop Or Professional Use

Bestseller No. 3

Groz 7-inch Woodworking Front Vise | Cast Iron Body and Socket | Quality Wood Handle | Exceptionally Sturdy | Perfect for Professional Craftsmen and Woodwork Studios (39020)

Front Vices are used by wood-workers wanting to make their own vice assemblies and on work benches
Strong and robust casting, cast iron handle socket, precision rolled threads and twin guides
These are exceptionally sturdy, very easy to use and distortion free
Front vices are used by wood-workers wanting to make their own vice assemblies and on work benches

Bestseller No. 4

Shop Fox D4327 7-Inch Quick Release Wood Vise

7-inch jaw width
Mounting height (workbench thickness) 2-1/4-inch
8-inch max jaw opening, 21 lbs

Bestseller No. 5

Yost Vises M7WW Rapid Action Woodworking Vise | Quick Release Lever for Quick Adjustments | 7 Inch Jaw Width | Made with Heavy-Duty Cast Iron | Blue

WOODWORKING VISE: The Yost Vises M7WW 7-inch Rapid Action Woodworking Vise is made from 30,000 PSI cast iron with chrome plated steel sliding T-bar handle and steel guide rails....
TECHNICAL SPECS: Jaw Width 7" (17.78 cm), Jaw Opening 8" (20.32 cm), Throat Depth 3" (7.62 cm).
HOW TO USE: To open the vise turn the vise handle counterclockwise. This will move the front jaw away from the stationary jaw to close and turn the vise handle counterclockwise. To...
YOST VISES QUALITY: Every Yost Vises tool is engineered to have high standards of quality, strength, and durability. We value quality over quantity and manufacture products that...
SAFETY INFORMATION: Misuse of vises can cause serious injury to eyes, hands and or other body parts. Vises must be set up and used properly. Before setup and use, read, understand,...