Starrett No. 015 Athol Bench Vise | 5" Jaws | 6-5/8" Opening | Toolmaker Grade

Starrett No. 015 5'' Swivel Base Bench Vise

Model: No. 015 | Jaw Width: 5" | Origin: Athol, Mass., USA

Professional Overview

The Starrett No. 015 is a classic, heavy-duty machinist's bench vise manufactured by the L.S. Starrett Company in Athol, Massachusetts. Known for its robust "Athol-style" construction, this vise was built during the era when Starrett acquired the Athol Machine Company to produce the highest quality workholding tools in the world. The No. 015 is prized by toolmakers and restoration enthusiasts for its massive cast-iron body, precision-ground slide bar, and smooth-operating swivel base that allows for 360-degree rotation.

Technical Specifications

• Jaw Width: 5.0".
• Jaw Opening Capacity: 6-5/8" (Standard).
• Throat Depth: Approx. 2.6" to 2.8".
• Weight: Approx. 40–45 lbs (Standard unit).
• Base Type: 360° Swivel Base with dual locking nuts.
• Jaws: Replaceable hardened steel inserts (often serrated, but sometimes found with soft toolroom inserts).
• Lead Screw: Features a long spindle nut to ensure a straight-line pull and eliminate "jaw lift" under heavy load.

Key Performance Features

• Athol Foundry Heritage: These vises are virtually indestructible, cast from high-tensile iron that resists cracking even under extreme clamping forces.
• Precision Slide Bar: Unlike modern utility vises, the Starrett No. 015 features a precision-machined flat slide bar that minimizes side-to-side play in the front jaw, regardless of how far it is opened.
• Swivel Base Locking: The dual-nut locking system provides a non-slip hold in any radial position, making it ideal for complex assembly work where the part needs to be frequently reoriented.
• Collectibility & Longevity: As a discontinued model from a premier American manufacturer, the No. 015 is considered a "lifetime tool" that often outperforms modern premium vises in both smoothness and rigidity.