Received this vise today and it has a metal latch as described. I will update the rating after I install and use it. Update: I installed a vise and they work fine. I wasn't expecting this to be the best item for the price. It clamps well if you use the vise center. Clamp on one side to cut dovetails, the vise flexes very easily and doesn't even stay over the jaw. I'm an amateur carpenter and I think this would be fine for me but probably not for the serious/professional. Another update, I think I've had this vise for about a month. I only use it as a hobby (maybe 8-10 hours since install). The following has happened so far. The guide pins are loose and the vise jaws will not close fully. Have tightened them twice already. The vise flexes very easily, as I mentioned earlier. If you're not holding something squarely in the middle of your jaw, you won't be able to tighten it enough to hold it for fear of breaking or bending something. The grip of the handle came loose and the pieces flew apart. and broke half of the wing nut. I think you could add another 20-30 bucks and get another vise. I thought it would be good for what I was doing, but it really wasn't that good for just a month of light use. If you buy one, take out the vise when you receive it and tighten the guide rods and handles immediately. I can't say I'm terribly disappointed with how much it costs, but it's one of those things you'd be better off paying a little more for.
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