Motorcycle Wheel Vise vs Chock : 5 Factors Discussed

Working on your motorcycle can be a complex task, made even harder when you don’t have the right tools for the job. A wheel vise is an essential tool for any motorcycle mechanic, as it helps to keep the wheel securely in place while you work.

Motorcycle chocks are designed to secure your motorcycle in place while it is parked. It’s a necessary piece of equipment if you want to transport your motorcycle on a trailer or in the back of a truck.

So, motorcycle wheel vise vs chock, which do you need for your motorcycle? If you’re confused about which one to get, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll clear up any confusion and help you choose the best solution for your needs.

Differences Between Motorcycle Wheel Vise vs Chock

Construction:

Until recently, most motorcycle chocks were made of steel. Steel is susceptible to corrosion, and it can become slippery when wet. Therefore, many riders are now opting for chocks made of Aluminum.

Aluminum is much more durable than steel, and it’s also resistant to corrosion. Plus, it has a higher coefficient of friction, which means it will grip your tire more securely.

Most commonly, the material that wheel vises are made from is steel. Steel is very strong and can withstand a lot of force, making it ideal for use in a wheel vise. Steel is also very heavy, which can make it difficult to move around.

Another type of material that is often used for wheel vises is aluminum. Aluminum is much lighter than steel, making it easier to move around. It is not as strong as steel and may not be able to handle as much force.

Size:

Motorcycle wheel vises are usually small enough to be easily portable, making it a good choice for those who need to take their vise with them on the road. A motorcycle chock, on the other hand, is larger and bulkier, making it better suited for those who have a dedicated workspace.

Weight Capacity:

Another thing to consider is how much weight the vise can handle. It is common for a motorcycle wheel vise to be rated for up to 400 pounds, while a motorcycle chock is typically rated for up to 1,000 pounds. This makes a motorcycle chock a better option when trying to support heavier motorcycles.

Ease of Use:

Consider how easy the vise is to use. A motorcycle wheel vise is typically easier to use than a motorcycle chock, as it doesn’t require any special tools or setup. A motorcycle chock is generally more versatile, as it can be used on any type of flooring surface.

Functionality:

Wheel vises are designed to clamp onto the rim of the tire of your motorcycle, holding it in place while you work. This makes it much easier to get the motorcycle in and out of the vise, but it does not provide as secure of a hold.

Motorcycle chocks, on the other hand, are designed to be placed under the rear wheel of your motorcycle, preventing it from rolling forward or backward. This provides a solid base for the motorcycle to be secured to.

Advantages of Wheel Vise:

A motorcycle wheel vise is a device that helps to hold a motorcycle wheel in place while it is being worked on. There are many advantages to using a wheel vise, including the following:

• When you are working on small parts or delicate work, they keep the wheel steady while you work on it.
• They can stop your wheel from rolling away during repair, which can be dangerous.
• They make it easier to work on the bike by eliminating the need to hold the wheel.
• They can help to prevent damage to the bike because they keep the wheel from moving around while you are working on it.
• They can help to save time by preventing you from constantly adjusting the position of the wheel.
• They can help to prevent injuries because you don’t have to worry about holding the wheel in place with your hands.

Advantages of Motorcycle Wheel Chock:

Motorcycle wheel chocks are an essential piece of safety equipment for any rider. Here are just a few of the advantages that they offer:

1. If you intend to work on your bike, wheel chocks will prevent it from rolling away. In particular, this is essential when changing a tire or performing other maintenance tasks.
2. They can help to keep your bike stable while you are transporting it. This is especially important if you are loading your bike onto a trailer or into the back of a pickup truck.
3. They can provide additional protection for your bike in the event of an accident. If your bike falls over, the wheel chock will help to absorb some of the impacts and prevent serious damage to your motorcycle.
4. They can be used as a visual aid when parking your bike. If you are unsure of where to park your motorcycle, simply place the wheel chock in front of the front tire to indicate where your bike should be parked.
5. Motorcycle wheel chocks make it easy to store your bike when it is not in use. Simply place the chock under the front or rear tire, and your bike will be securely stored until you are ready to ride again.

Disadvantages of Motorcycle Wheel Vise:

• Wheel vise can distort the shape of the wheel, making it difficult to mount or dismount the tire.
• Wheel vise can damage the wheel by crushing it or by causing it to bend or warp.
• Wheel vise can make it difficult to balance the wheel properly, leading to tire wear and poor handling.
• Wheel vises can be dangerous to use if not installed correctly, as they can slip or come loose, causing serious injury.
• They can increase the risk of flats or blowouts.
• They can make it more difficult to clean the wheel.
• They can reduce the wheel’s ability to dissipate heat, which can lead to problems with braking.

Disadvantages of Motorcycle Wheel Chock:

1. If you don’t position the chock correctly, it can actually make your bike more likely to tip over.
2. If you have to make a sudden stop, the chock can become a projectile that could injure you or someone else.
3. If you have to leave your bike unattended for an extended period of time, Wheel chocks might not provide enough security against thieves.
4. Wheel chocks should always be placed on a level surface, and they should be positioned so that the bike will roll back into them if it starts to tip.
5. They can be difficult to remove once they have been installed. This is particularly true for heavy bikes, as the weight of the bike can make it difficult to dislodge the chock.

When Should You Chock Your Wheels?

When you park your motorcycle on an incline, you should always chock your wheels to prevent it from rolling. The best time to do this is after you’ve put the motorbike in parking mode and before you turn off the engine. That way, even if the parking brake fails, the wheels will be prevented from turning.

The most common type of chock is a wedge-shaped block that is placed behind the wheel. This type of chock is effective at preventing rollbacks, but it can be especially tricky to remove if the ground is wet or icy. Another type of chock, known as a wheel stop, is placed in front of the tires. 

Wheel stops are easier to remove than wedges, but they are not as effective at preventing rollbacks. In general, you should use wedges on steep inclines, and wheel stops on milder inclines. In any case, the most important thing is to make sure that your chocks are securely in place before you leave your car.

When Should You Use Wheel Vise On Your Wheels?

It is important to use a wheel vise whenever you are performing any type of maintenance or repair on a wheel, as it will help to prevent the wheel from moving while you are working.

This can be especially important when you are working on brakes or suspension components, as even a small movement can cause damage. Using a wheel vise can help to ensure that your work is accurate, as it will hold the wheel in place while you are making adjustments.

While there are other methods of securing a wheel, such as chocking it with blocks or wedging it between two objects, these methods are not as reliable as using a purpose-built tool like a wheel vise.

Which is the Safest Option?

Anyone who has ever worked on a motorcycle knows that properly securing the wheels is essential for safety. Motorcycle wheel vise and motorcycle wheel chock are two common options for doing this. But which is the safer option?

Generally speaking, motorcycle wheel vise is the safer option when it comes to motorcycle parking. This is because it offers greater stability and security, preventing the motorcycle from tipping over or moving during repairs.

They are made with high-strength steel and have a broad, stable base that prevents tipping. They also have padded jaws to protect your motorcycle’s wheel from scratches. It is easier to release the motorcycle from a vise than a chock, so there is less risk of getting pinned underneath the bike if something goes awry.

There are some situations where a motorcycle wheel chock may be the better choice. For example, if you are working on a very large bike or one with particularly heavy wheels, a chock may offer more support.

Also, chocks can be used in combination with other methods, such as straps or chains, to provide an even higher level of security. Ultimately, the best option will depend on the specific bike and the repair being made.

So, Which One of These Two You Should Pick?

If you’re trying to choose between a motorcycle wheel vise and a motorcycle wheel chock, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider how you’ll be using the device.

If you’re just looking for something to hold your wheel in place while you perform routine maintenance, a vise may be sufficient. If you need to transport your motorcycle or store it for extended periods of time, a chock may be a better choice.

Wheel chocks are designed to securely hold your motorcycle in place, even when it’s not being ridden. They’re also typically much more durable than vises, so they can withstand the rigors of transportation and storage. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs.