Clarke vs Draper Bench Vice
Choosing between a Clarke and a Draper bench vice can be tough, as both brands offer solid, budget-friendly options for the home workshop. This guide compares their key models on build quality, jaw capacity, and overall value to help you pick the right one.
Quick answer
For most home mechanics and DIYers, the Draper Expert 100mm Vice is the top pick due to its superior build quality and smoother screw action. The Clarke CHT700 is the best budget choice if you need a heavy-duty cast iron vice for occasional use and want to save money.
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- Compared published specs (jaw width, opening, weight)
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Research updated June 2026.
Draper Expert 100mm Bench Vice
Smoother action, better build, and excellent value for the home workshop.
| Feature | Clarke CHT700 (4") | Draper Expert 100mm (4") |
|---|---|---|
| Jaw Width | 100mm (4") | 100mm (4") |
| Max Opening | 110mm | 110mm |
| Weight | 8.1 kg | 7.5 kg |
| Material | Cast Iron | Cast Iron |
| Swivel Base | Yes (360 deg) | Yes (360 deg) |
| Anvil | Yes | Yes |
| Thread Type | Acme | Acme |
| Build Quality | Good, but rougher finish | Excellent, smoother action |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 2 Years |
| Best For | Budget heavy-duty use | General DIY & home mechanic |
| Overall Rating | 4.2 / 5 | 4.6 / 5 |
Clarke vs Draper: Which Bench Vice is Right for You?
Both Clarke and Draper are well-known brands in the UK tool market, often competing in the same price bracket for workshop essentials like bench vices. While neither brand claims the premium tier occupied by brands like Record or Eclipse, they offer excellent value for money. The key differences lie in the fit and finish, the smoothness of the screw mechanism, and the overall consistency of the casting.
For this comparison, we are focusing on their most popular 4-inch (100mm) models: the Clarke CHT700 and the Draper Expert 100mm Bench Vice. These are the sizes most commonly used for home workshops, light fabrication, and automotive work.
Build Quality and Materials
Both the Clarke CHT700 and the Draper Expert 100mm are constructed from cast iron, which is the standard material for bench vices in this price range. Cast iron provides the necessary weight and rigidity to absorb hammer blows and vibration when filing or chiseling. Both vices also feature a swivel base, allowing you to rotate the vice 360 degrees for better access to your workpiece.
Owner reviews consistently point to the Draper Expert having a superior finish. The casting is cleaner, with fewer rough edges, and the paintwork is more durable. The Clarke CHT700 is heavier at 8.1 kg compared to the Draper's 7.5 kg, which some users interpret as a sign of more material, but others note the extra weight comes from a less refined casting process. The screw mechanism on the Draper is reported to be noticeably smoother and requires less effort to tighten, while the Clarke can sometimes feel a little gritty out of the box.
Performance and Usability
When it comes to clamping power, both vices are adequate for most DIY tasks. The 100mm jaws and 110mm opening capacity are identical, meaning they can handle the same size of workpieces. Both feature an anvil area behind the jaws for light metalworking tasks like tapping or light hammering. However, the Draper's smoother Acme thread means you can apply more consistent clamping force without the vice binding.
The Clarke CHT700 is often praised for its sheer robustness and value. It is a simple, no-frills vice that gets the job done. The Draper Expert, on the other hand, is favored by those who use their vice more frequently. The smoother operation and better build quality make it a more pleasant tool to use over a long session. The Draper also comes with a 2-year warranty compared to Clarke's 1-year, indicating greater confidence in its longevity.
What to Check Before Buying a Bench Vice
Before choosing between Clarke and Draper, consider these factors:
- Jaw Size vs. Workpiece: A 4-inch vice is ideal for general DIY. If you work on larger items, consider a 5-inch or 6-inch model.
- Mounting: Ensure your workbench is thick enough and sturdy enough to support the vice. Both models require bolting through the bench.
- Swivel Base: A 360-degree swivel base is very useful for positioning work, but ensure the locking mechanism is robust.
- Intended Use: For occasional weekend projects, the Clarke CHT700 is sufficient. For regular use, the smoother Draper Expert is worth the extra cost.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Bench Vice
- Buying too small: A 3-inch vice is too small for most automotive or metalworking tasks. A 4-inch is the minimum for a useful home workshop vice.
- Ignoring weight: A heavier vice is more stable. Do not buy a vice that is too light for the work you intend to do.
- Forgetting the mounting hardware: Check if the vice comes with bolts. You will likely need heavy-duty bolts and washers to secure it properly.
- Overlooking the anvil: If you plan to do any hammering, ensure the vice has a solid anvil area. Both Clarke and Draper models featured here have one.
FAQs
Is Clarke or Draper better for a bench vice?
Draper Expert is generally considered better for its smoother screw action and superior build quality, while Clarke offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers.
What size bench vice should I buy?
For most home DIY and automotive work, a 4-inch (100mm) bench vice is the ideal size. It offers a good balance of capacity and strength without being too large for a standard workbench.
Are Clarke vices made in the UK?
No, Clarke vices are typically manufactured in China or other countries to meet their competitive price point, though they are designed to UK specifications.
Are Draper vices made in the UK?
Draper vices are also generally manufactured overseas, but the Expert range is known for higher quality control and better materials than their standard line.
Which is heavier, the Clarke CHT700 or the Draper Expert 100mm?
The Clarke CHT700 is slightly heavier at 8.1 kg compared to the Draper Expert at 7.5 kg.
Do these vices have a swivel base?
Yes, both the Clarke CHT700 and the Draper Expert 100mm bench vices come with a 360-degree swivel base for flexible positioning.
Can I hammer on the anvil of these vices?
Yes, both vices feature an anvil area behind the jaws that is suitable for light hammering, tapping, and bending metal.
What is the warranty on a Clarke bench vice?
Clarke typically offers a 1-year warranty on their bench vices, while Draper Expert offers a 2-year warranty.
Which vice has a smoother screw action?
Owner reviews consistently report that the Draper Expert has a much smoother and more consistent screw action compared to the Clarke CHT700.
Is the Clarke CHT700 a good vice for the money?
Yes, the Clarke CHT700 is widely considered an excellent budget option, offering solid cast iron construction and heavy-duty capability at a very competitive price.
Our verdict
For the best all-round performance and user experience, the Draper Expert 100mm Bench Vice is our winner. Its smoother screw, better finish, and longer warranty make it the superior choice for regular DIYers. If you are on a tight budget and need a heavy-duty vice for occasional use, the Clarke CHT700 is a very capable and cost-effective alternative.