Irwin Record T Mechanics Vice with Swivel Base (6" Jaws, 6 Ton)

I purchased this vise from home depot, as it was the most heavy duty option they carried. I had an immediate need for the vise to use for flattening the ends of a whole bunch of conduit pieces (for building a dome structure). I realize that this is not the typical use for such a vise but it shouldn't be that much of an issue.

Unfortunately, after flattening the ends of about 50 pieces, the threads of the central screw of the vice began biting into the metal of the moving jaw. After that, it was all bad. I exchanged it for a second, hoping it was just a manufacturing flaw; it wasn't. The same problem arose after about 10 pieces.

DO NOT buy this vice if you will be using it for heavy duty applications!

this Irwin Record T Mechanics Vice is perfect for big jobs it never seemed to let me down i ordered it generally orderd it from most store in my region (Oxford) and delivery was never a let down. The results from the vice are imaculate and second to non being a qualified magician i totally understand the ergonomics of the vice n i was happy with these.

I ordered this Irwin Record T Mechanics Vice with Swivel Base through ScrewFix (who were very good and delivered, for free, the next day). When the vice arrived part of the swivel base had broken in the box. When I phoned ScrewFix they said they would send another out the next day (today). Unfortunately that one is fractured in the same place too. It would only take bolting it down, to the bench, to completely break it. It's definitely not ScrewFix's fault.I've just decided to send it back and cancel the order as I don't think one of these vices is capable of being delivered intact! Let alone; capable of servicing my demanding needs. A mechanics vice it is not. I am a fully qualified mechanic and it is not fit for its job. If I took off its swivel base completely, the vice wont have a large enough footprint to be stable on the bench and wont displace impact loads well. I figure this is Irwin's attempt to compete in the budget market place, however, it doesn't have a budget price and yet it does have a professional title!Still though, I find something odd about it having 6' jaws. If it is just an 'odd job' vice, surely a budget vice would suffice with only 4 inch jaws? I cant quite see the market for it! The vice is fine for; very occasional, light jobs, by 'hubby in the shed' except; it's a little too big for that sort of work.Very disappointed!