As I was hunting for new building materials, I came across the IQ Vise from WorkIQ Tools. Its unique design immediately got my attention, but it also raised some questions. I decided to follow the trail and see where it leads. I’m sharing what I discovered about the design and build, and I’ll offer some thoughts on who it might be a good fit for.
Why the WorkIQ Tools IQ Vise Stands Out
Working an Angle
While the top of the vise looks like a fairly typical model, it connects to an arm with a ball and socket joint at the base. It’s this joint that makes all the difference.
The joint allows you to twist and pivot your work material into a more convenient position to work in. I immediately thought of our testing, where we frequently shift to a vertical hold. Our current vises work, but we lose some of the grip strength since we only engage a portion of the jaws. It’s especially noticeable when we’re working with round stock.
That’s just the beginning for the IQ Vise, though. Because there are so many angles to work in, assembly, material prep, welding, grinding, and many other tasks can be easier.
The nice thing is that the joint secures with a quick clamp, so making adjustments is a fast, easy process. Additionally, there’s a locking pin that secures the joint into any of eight positions and offers 130 ft-lbs of holding torque.
Build
The first pictures I saw of the IQ Vise made me pause since it looked like there were quite a few plastic components. That was an incorrect impression, though. The majority of the build is hardened steel and cast iron, while the mounting frame is cast aluminum.
Available Accessories
The IQ Vise has a number of accessories to make using it even more convenient. Here’s what’s available:
- Mounting clamp: $29.99
- Woodworking jaw covers: $39.99
- Leather jaw covers: $44.99
- Flex Fit jaw covers: $34.99
- Pipe Fit jaw covers: $44.99
- Sure Fit jaw covers: $24.99
- Hands-free accessory system (LED light, magnifying glass, and cell phone holder): $109.99
- Magnetic mount for hands-free accessories: $29.99
- Bench mount for hands-free accessories: $9.99 each or $19.99 for a 3-pack
WorkIQ Tools IQ Vise Price
You can get the IQ Vise for $279.99, backed by a 5-year warranty. Shipping is free if you order directly from WorkIQ Tools, and there’s a 30-day return window if you don’t like it.
Here’s what comes in the box:
- IQ Vise
- IQ Lok Ball & Socket Lock Pin
- Double-sided Multi-Functional Flex-Fit Jaws
- Four Jaw Locking Pins
- Four Integrated Ports for IQ Connect
- Three 1/4-inch x 2 1/4-inch carriage bolts, washers, and nuts
- Instructions
Should You Buy It?
As of right now, the IQ Vise and its accessories are the only product Minnesota-based WorkIQ Tools is focused on. Considering you’re not buying into a power tool battery system, it doesn’t bother me that this is the only tool they’re making.
One thing to keep in mind is that while this is an incredibly versatile bench vise, it’s not as stout as something like a Wilton Tradesman vise, and its 3 1/2-inch jaw opening limits some of the materials you’ll be able to work with.
While I wouldn’t have any problem installing this in a DIY or professional shop setting for medium-duty work, I’d stop short of putting it on a work truck or using it in commercial fabrication environments. If that fits within the scope of your work, give it a shot.
