Today, we’re continuing our head-to-head engineering comparison with vises. The Fireball 510 Hardtail will be up against the Record No.6 Vise. The Record Number 6 vise has people claiming it as “the best bench vise ever made.” However, the Fireball 510 Hardtail vise can make a case of its own.
Today’s focus is on the swivel base, the foundation that allows the vise to rotate and adjust for different work angles.
Record Number 6 Swivel Base Design:
It is a traditional two-piece design with a rotating casting mounted to a base plate. With locking handled knobs to keep it in place.
The castings are thin at around 5/8th inch, which makes them prone to breakage under heavy-duty use.
The Record Number 6 can be easily removed from the bench when loosened, making it more susceptible to theft in service truck applications.
Fireball 510 Hardtail Swivel Base Design:
Significantly heavier and larger, approximately three times the mass of the Record base.
Features a 10-inch diameter ring, offering a wide, stable footprint for improved workholding.
Utilizes tapered locking nuts that wedge securely against the internal casting, maintaining a tight hold even under high torque.
Central pivot pin is engineered for durability and serviceability.
Most swivel bases can be bolted or welded to a bench or truck bed, but the Fireball Hardtail’s center bolt secures the vise body to the base, making it solid, non-removable, and theft-resistant.
Hardware components, such as the locking handles, are replaceable and designed with a refined, machined finish, demonstrating craftsmanship and longevity.
Takeaway:
The Fireball 510 Hardtail’s swivel base is built stronger, with heavier parts, tighter locks, and better security for real-world use. The Record base works fine, but its thinner construction and smaller size make it less durable and less capable.