Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

After almost 40 years of use out of my Japan-made Craftsman 391-5180 3.5" bench vise, I finally pushed it too far and stretched the screw and broke the track tracks that the nut slides in. After a bit of research, I decided the Yost 445 4.5" bench vise would be a close replacement. + The Yost's base spins 360º and has two locking screws - one on each side. The base has detents which help keep it from turning without having to crank down on the locking screws. The Craftsman adjusted less than 180º and had one locking screw with no detents on the base, so you had to make sure the locking screw was VERY tight to prevent the vise from turning. + The Yost's lead screw has a fairly stiff preload spring. I had to grease both sides of the washer between the handle and the jaw to make it easier to turn. The Craftsman did not have a preload spring - the handle had more play, but there was less friction. - The Yost's screw appears to be cast instead of machined like the Craftsman. (Think Chinese vs. Japanese quality.) - The screw was coated only with light oil. I gave it a good coating of thick grease, which made it easier still to turn. - There's more lateral movement in the Yost's moveable jaw than I expected - about as much as the Craftman had after almost 40 years of use. - The description states, "Rubber washers prevent the handle from unwanted sliding". However, the washers are too loose to stay in place to keep the handle from sliding under its own weight. I'm sure it'll do what I need it to do, but something tells me it won't last as long or withstand the abuse that the Craftsman put up with over the decades! Why did I not buy another Craftsman - specifically the 51854 - since I have more bad than good to say about the Yost? I don't know. Sears seems to be going downhill fast and I'm not sure they'll be around to honor the warranty if I needed it. Both vises are very similar with the exception that the Yost has a better swivel. The capability, size, weight, price, and warranty are virtually the same.