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Quick answer from a licensed plumber: Buy the RIDGID 460-6 TRISTAND chain vise for most plumbing work. RIDGID lists it for 1/8 to 6 in. pipe, with folding legs, a tool tray, a jackscrew and holes for anchoring the feet. A service plumber who mostly works pipe 2-1/2 in. and smaller can carry the lighter RIDGID 425 at 32 lb. For pipe up to 12 in., the 460-12; for a shop bench, the RIDGID BC610 bench chain vise. Whatever you buy, support long pipe with pipe stands.
Our pick for most plumbers: the RIDGID 460-6 TRISTAND chain vise, 1/8 to 6 in. on a folding tripod. Check the RIDGID 460-6 on Amazon
A pipe vise holds pipe still while you cut, ream, thread or bend it. For plumbers that usually means a portable tripod chain vise that folds up and rides in the truck. In a shop it means a bench chain vise bolted to a heavy bench. This guide compares RIDGID’s TRISTAND tripods, a RIDGID bench vise and Milwaukee’s tripod, using the makers’ catalogs and instruction sheets. The plumber behind this site uses RIDGID and Milwaukee tools on jobs. The specs below come from the maker documents, not from testing these models.
Pipe Vises Compared
| Vise | Type | Pipe capacity | Weight | Legs and tray | Maker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIDGID 460-6 (36273) | Tripod chain vise | 1/8–6 in. | 42.75 lb | Folding legs, tool tray, jackscrew | RIDGID |
| RIDGID 425 (16703) | Tripod chain vise | 1/8–2-1/2 in. | 32 lb | Folding legs, self-locking latch, carry handle | RIDGID |
| RIDGID 460-12 (36278) | Tripod chain vise | 1/8–12 in. | 60.75 lb | Folding legs, tool tray, leveling rear leg | RIDGID |
| RIDGID BC610 (40210) | Bench chain vise | 1/4–6 in. | 24.5 lb | None; bolts to a bench | RIDGID |
| Milwaukee 48-22-8690 (not linked) | Tripod chain vise | Up to 6 in. | Not found in Milwaukee docs | Folds flat, leveling leg, shelf sold separately | Milwaukee |
Capacities and weights from RIDGID’s 2022 catalog and instruction sheets, and from Milwaukee’s manual and product page, read on October 1, 2026. RIDGID’s 2011 European 460 flyer lists heavier weights (47 lb for the 460-6 and 71 lb for the 460-12); the table uses the 2022 catalog figures.
Chain vs Yoke vs Bench Vise
Chain vise
A chain vise holds the pipe on a toothed jaw and pulls a chain over the top. RIDGID’s user guide says to put the chain over the pipe, hook the chain pin in the base groove and turn the handle to grip. One vise covers 1/8 to 6 in. on the 460-6. All four picks here are chain vises.
Yoke vise
A yoke vise has a hinged yoke that swings over the pipe and hooks to the base, and a feed screw that closes the jaws. RIDGID makes a tripod yoke vise, the 40-A, rated for 1/8 to 2-1/2 in. and listed at 48.5 lb in its catalog, plus bench yoke vises from 1/8–2 in. up to 1/8–6 in. We did not link the 40-A, because the only Amazon listing on October 1 was a third-party seller with 2 left. Plumber’s note: a yoke vise is quick for repeat work on small pipe, but the 40-A is heavier than the 425 and stops at the same 2-1/2 in. (our arithmetic: 48.5 lb vs 32 lb).
Bench vise
A bench chain vise is the same chain-and-jaw design without legs. It bolts to a bench edge, and RIDGID makes them up to 8 in. It does not move with you, so a plumber who works in the field usually starts with a tripod (our judgment).
Before You Buy
- Match the capacity to your largest pipe. The 425 stops at 2-1/2 in., the 460-6 at 6 in. and the 460-12 at 12 in., per RIDGID.
- Decide how you thread. RIDGID’s catalog lists the 425 and 460-6 as accessories for its 600-I and 690-I hand-held power drives. RIDGID says the 425 is not for geared threaders, and the 460 stands must be anchored for them.
- Weigh what you will carry. 32 lb for the 425, 42.75 lb for the 460-6, 60.75 lb for the 460-12.
- Plan for pipe stands. Long pipe needs support in at least two places, per RIDGID. Budget for one RIDGID VF-99 folding pipe stand or similar.
- Keep stainless separate. RIDGID warns that using the same vise on carbon and stainless steel pipe can contaminate the stainless. Use dedicated equipment, or clean the jaws with a stainless steel wire brush between materials.
RIDGID 460-6 TRISTAND Portable Chain Vise (36273)
Chain vise on a folding tripod · 1/8 to 6 in. pipe · 42.75 lb in RIDGID’s 2022 catalog · tool tray, tool hangers, pipe benders · weld ground lug · jackscrew · holes in the feet for anchoring · stand stiffness adjusts
The 460-6 is the tripod chain vise to buy if you cut, ream and thread steel pipe on job sites. RIDGID’s instruction sheet lists a 1/8 to 6 in. capacity, and its catalog says the 460-6 has “an optimized base layout to maximize working area,” a lug to clamp the weld ground, a leg chain and a tool tray. RIDGID’s 2011 European launch flyer for the 460 adds that the benders sit at the rear of the base and that the chain is self-hooking on 4 in. pipe, so you do not need a second hand to engage it. The same flyer lists 648 sq. cm of working area for the 460-6 (about 100 sq. in.), against 80 sq. cm (about 12 sq. in.) for the smaller 425 (conversions are our arithmetic).
The set-up details are what make it a jobsite stand. RIDGID says to open the legs and push down on the center of the tray to lock it. If the stand gets loose with wear, you move the rear tray support toward the vise to stiffen it. The jackscrew takes a length of 1 in. schedule 40 pipe cut to reach a beam or other overhead support, and the feet have holes for bolting the stand down. RIDGID says to always anchor the feet when you use the stand with geared threaders or for large, heavy pipe. The 460-6 has no leveling leg; that is on the 460-12. If you want oil with it, Amazon also lists a 460-6 bundled with RIDGID’s 418 oiler.
- 1/8 to 6 in. capacity, per RIDGID
- Jackscrew and anchor holes for heavy work
- Weld ground lug built into the base
- Stand stiffness can be adjusted as it wears
- 42.75 lb, 10.75 lb more than the 425 (our arithmetic)
- No leveling leg
- Feet must be anchored for geared threaders, per RIDGID
Verdict: The pipe vise to buy if you work steel pipe up to 6 in. and want one stand that handles hand threading, power drives and cutting.
RIDGID 425 TRISTAND Portable Chain Vise (16703)
Chain vise on a folding tripod · 1/8 to 2-1/2 in. pipe · 32 lb · 36.8 in. tall, per RIDGID’s instructions · self-locking latch and carrying handle · legs fold as you lift the handle · tool hangers · not for geared threaders
The 425 is the light stand for service plumbers who thread or cut small pipe a few times a week. RIDGID’s instructions list a 1/8 to 2-1/2 in. pipe capacity, a 32 lb weight and a 36.8 in. height. RIDGID’s catalog says it has a “quick grab” self-locking latch and carrying handle. To open it, you thumb the latch, push the handle down the center tube and pull a leg out until the handle locks over center. Lift the handle and the legs fold up together.
The limits are printed plainly. RIDGID says not to use the 425 with geared threaders, because the vise can tip. Use one or more pipe supports if the pipe sticks out more than 3 feet past the base, and keep the end you are working no more than 9 in. from the front jaw. RIDGID also says not to use handle extensions, either to tighten the chain or on the tools working the pipe. If the legs get loose, a screw on one leg adjusts the over-center locking force in 1/8 turns. Plumber’s note: that 2-1/2 in. limit covers most water and gas pipe in a house; a commercial job with 3 in. and up needs the 460-6.
- 32 lb, the lightest stand here, per RIDGID
- Legs fold as the handle lifts
- Leg looseness adjusts with one screw
- 1/8 to 2-1/2 in. covers most residential pipe (our judgment)
- Not for geared threaders, per RIDGID
- Small work surface: 80 sq. cm (about 12 sq. in.) in RIDGID’s 2011 flyer
- Pipe past 3 feet needs a stand, per RIDGID
- Tops out at 2-1/2 in. pipe, per RIDGID
Verdict: The pick for a service van: light, fast to set up, and enough for most house piping.
RIDGID 460-12 TRISTAND Portable Chain Vise (36278)
Chain vise on a folding tripod · 1/8 to 12 in. pipe · 1,500 lb weight capacity, per RIDGID’s instruction sheet · 60.75 lb in RIDGID’s 2022 catalog · adjustable rear leg, about ±3° · weld ground lug · jackscrew · tool hangers
The 460-12 has everything on the 460-6 plus 12 in. jaws, a longer chain and an adjustable rear leg, per RIDGID’s catalog and flyer. It is the only vise here with a printed weight rating: RIDGID’s instruction sheet lists 1,500 lb for the 460-12 and gives no figure for the 460-6 or 40-A. The rear leg gives about plus or minus 3 degrees of adjustment for leveling the pipe; with the pipe clamped, you turn the jack handle. RIDGID says shims under the feet also work.
This is a stand for large mechanical pipe, not a service van (our judgment). At 60.75 lb it is 18 lb heavier than the 460-6 (our arithmetic). On October 1 the only Amazon listing we found was sold by Toolup, a third-party seller, not by Amazon.com. Check the seller and stock before you buy.
- 1/8 to 12 in. capacity, per RIDGID
- 1,500 lb weight capacity, per RIDGID
- Adjustable rear leg for leveling pipe
- Same jackscrew, anchor holes and ground lug as the 460-6
- 60.75 lb, the heaviest stand here
- Linked listing is a third-party seller
- More stand than house piping needs (our judgment)
Verdict: Buy it if you regularly hold pipe over 6 in., or you need to level long runs to a pitch.
RIDGID BC610 Top Screw Bench Chain Vise (40210)
Bench chain vise · 1/4 to 6 in. pipe · 24.5 lb in RIDGID’s 2022 catalog · cast-iron base with pipe rest and bender · crank handle anchored to the base · 1/2 in. Grade 5 or better bolts and washers (not included)
A bench chain vise is the shop version: no legs, bolted to a sturdy bench. RIDGID’s catalog lists the BC610 at 1/4 to 6 in. with a cast-iron base, pipe rest and bender, and a crank handle anchored to the base. RIDGID’s parts sheet calls for 1/2 in. bolts and washers, minimum Grade 5, which are not supplied. For larger pipe, RIDGID’s BC810 (40215) holds 1/2 to 8 in., weighs 37.25 lb and takes 5/8 in. bolts.
RIDGID’s Pipe Vise User Guide gives the mounting rules. Bench chain vises go on the edge of the bench, overhang it, and have stops that locate them against the edge. Use the vise base as a template, run through-bolts with washers and locking nuts through the bending spools, and add wood or metal backing if the bench needs it. RIDGID says not to weld the vise in place. The bench has to take the working loads without bending, moving or tipping. Plumber’s note: a bench vise is only as good as the bench. A light shop table will rack when you put a 24 in. wrench on 2 in. pipe.
- 1/4 to 6 in. capacity, per RIDGID
- 24.5 lb, per RIDGID’s catalog
- Pipe rest and bender in the base
- BC810 option for up to 8 in.
- Needs a strong bench and through-bolts
- Bolts and washers not included
- Smallest size is 1/4 in., not 1/8 in.
Verdict: The pick for a shop or garage where pipe gets cut and threaded at the same bench every time.
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Milwaukee 48-22-8690 Leveling Tripod Chain Vise
Milwaukee’s answer to the TRISTAND is the 48-22-8690 6 in. Leveling Tripod Chain Vise. Milwaukee’s manual lists a 6 in. maximum pipe size. Its product page lists a flat-folding design with a carry handle, STABLE LOK tension adjustment to keep the deck steady, an adjustable leg that pitches the deck plus or minus 3 degrees, a grounding tab for welding and removable foot grips for anchoring. A lower shelf (48-22-8695) and stainless steel and PVC-coated pipe jaws are sold separately. The manual says to set it up on a dry, stable, level surface, hand-tighten the turnbuckle without a wrench or pliers, and lay the collapsed stand on its side or secure it so it cannot tip. It can be screwed to the floor with M8 screws through holes in the legs. We found no weight in Milwaukee’s manual or product page. We did not link it: on October 1 the Amazon listings for this model number were from third-party sellers under another brand name.
What About Other Tripod Vise Brands?
Amazon also sells other tripod chain vises under the Mophorn and VEVOR names, some listed as a “460-6” style. VEVOR posts a spec list on its own site, but we did not find an operator manual with setup, anchoring and pipe-support rules like the ones RIDGID and Milwaukee publish. Without those, we do not rank them. If you buy one, follow the RIDGID setup rules below, and inspect the chain and jaw before each use.
Setting Up a Pipe Vise Safely
These are the makers’ rules, not ours. RIDGID says to set a TRISTAND on a clean, level, stable spot, open the legs and push down on the tray to lock it, and keep fingers clear of the pinch points while it opens. Milwaukee says the same for its tripod: a dry, stable, level area. A good stand should sit solid with no real looseness; RIDGID’s instructions show how to adjust it, and say a worn stand may not adjust.
Load the pipe gently. RIDGID says not to drop pipe onto the vise and not to use a cheater on the vise handle. Keep the end you are working close to the vise. Support any pipe that hangs past the base with pipe stands, and center the pipe on the vise and stands to reduce the risk of tipping. RIDGID warns that poor support can cause vise tipping, falling pipe and chain breakage. Do not overreach, and wear eye protection; RIDGID’s user guide adds foot protection. When you bend pipe in the benders, RIDGID says to go about 10 degrees at a time and move the pipe slightly between bends to avoid kinks.
Inspect the vise before each use. RIDGID says to brush the jaw teeth clean, replace the jaw if the teeth are worn, and replace the chain if any links have started to separate, because that means it was overloaded. Oil the moving joints lightly and wipe off the extra. Plumber’s note: a slipping jaw is how pipe spins while you thread it. Cut clean, square ends with a good pipe cutter, and use a proper pipe wrench, not a cheater, on fittings held in the vise.
FAQ
What is the best pipe vise for a plumber?
For most plumbers, the RIDGID 460-6 TRISTAND chain vise. RIDGID lists it for 1/8 to 6 in. pipe, with folding legs, a tool tray, a jackscrew and holes for anchoring the feet. A service plumber who mostly works 2-1/2 in. and smaller pipe can carry the lighter RIDGID 425 instead.
Should I get a chain vise or a yoke vise?
A chain vise wraps a chain over the pipe and tightens it with a handle, so one vise covers many pipe sizes. A yoke vise swings a hinged yoke over the pipe and closes jaws with a feed screw. RIDGID’s portable tripod yoke vise, the 40-A, holds 1/8 to 2-1/2 in.; its chain tripods go to 6 in. and 12 in. Most plumbers buy a chain vise.
Can I use a tripod pipe vise with a power threader?
It depends on the vise. RIDGID says not to use the 425 with geared threaders because it can tip. For the 460-6 and 460-12, RIDGID says to anchor the feet to the floor when you use them with geared threaders or heavy pipe. See our pipe threading machine guide for the machines themselves.
When do I need a pipe stand with a pipe vise?
When the pipe hangs past the vise. RIDGID’s Pipe Vise User Guide says long pipe should generally be supported in at least two places. Its 425 instructions call for a support once the pipe sticks out more than 3 feet past the base. RIDGID’s VF-99 folding stand adjusts from 28 to 51 in. and is rated for 2,500 lb.
Does Milwaukee make a pipe vise?
Yes. Milwaukee makes the 48-22-8690 6 in. Leveling Tripod Chain Vise. Milwaukee’s manual lists a 6 in. maximum pipe size, and its product page lists an adjustable leg that pitches the deck plus or minus 3 degrees. We did not link it, because the Amazon listings we found on October 1 were from third-party sellers and did not carry Milwaukee as the brand.
Why Trust Plumbing Picks
Plumbing Picks is written by a licensed Georgia journeyman plumber who uses RIDGID and Milwaukee tools on jobs. Every spec here comes from the RIDGID and Milwaukee documents linked below, or from the Amazon listings we link; we did not test these models ourselves. On October 1, 2026, every linked listing was in stock. All were sold by Amazon.com except the RIDGID 460-12, which was sold by a third-party seller. If you buy through a link we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nobody pays to be included here. More on who writes this and how we pick.
Sources
- RIDGID: Full Line Catalog 2022 (V9.5), Pipe Vises & Supports pages 2.2 to 2.6
- RIDGID: 460-6 / 460-12 / 40-A TRISTAND Pipe Vise Instruction Sheet
- RIDGID: 425 Portable Chain Vise Stand Instructions
- RIDGID Europe: 460 TRISTAND launch flyer, 2011 (model comparison table)
- RIDGID: Pipe Vise User Guide (bench and portable vises), Bench Chain Vise parts and dimension sheet
- Milwaukee: 48-22-8690 6 in. Leveling Tripod Chain Vise (product page), operator’s manual 58-14-8690
- Amazon listings for the RIDGID 460-6 (36273), 425 (16703), 460-12 (36278), BC610 (40210), BC810 (40215) and VF-99 (22168), linked above
Bottom Line
The RIDGID 460-6 is the pipe vise to buy for most plumbers: 1/8 to 6 in., folding legs, a jackscrew and anchor holes for heavy work. The 425 is the lighter choice for 2-1/2 in. and smaller pipe, the 460-12 holds up to 12 in., and the BC610 suits a shop bench. Milwaukee’s 48-22-8690 is a real alternative, but we found no Milwaukee-branded Amazon listing to link. Set any stand on level ground, anchor it for geared threaders, and support long pipe with stands.