Wilton Vise History

[autopts]

They made so many Shop Kings in Chicago that they kept that model in their catalog long after they stopped making them. The only drawback on that vise is that the pipe jaws would always fall out and most of them today are missing one or both.

 

[v7guy]

that quick release feature is pretty cool, neat how it was implemented.
On my vise I never did find any kind of date stamped on it, the slide only had a 1. Obviously being a C2 it's not near as old as many of them on here. It's pretty cool when you can find out the history on the tools your using.


where have you guys come across the info you do have?

 

[kc-steve]

v7guy: I can't speak for everyone, but some guys here have a lot of experience refurbishing vises, and Wiltons in particular. Any info I have has been help from the guys here at GJ.

THE GJ SHOP KING thread,
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11305

Thanks guys,
Steve

 

[kc-steve]

Here's an odd Wilton Vise from the 1970s with a hinge-type mount. Anyone ever seen, or know anything about this odd fellow?

Also note below that Wilton is now (1970s) using the name "Wilton Corp."

http://www.datamp.org/patents/search/advance.php?pn=3675916&id=40884&set=4

"Vise assembly"
Patentees: Walter Smierciak - Elgin, IL, Raymond H. Kartasuk - Lincolnwood, IL
US Patent: 3,675,916
Assignees: Wilton Corp. - Schiller Park, IL
Applied: Sep. 21, 1970
Granted: Jul. 11, 1972

Thanks,
Steve

 

[spongerich]

I think that's the gyro-vise which was sold under the Wilton and Columbian names (among others). I passed on one at a garage sale not too long ago. It's a nice little light duty vise. Looks like it might be handy since you can orient it in most any direction.

 

[autopts]

I think that's the gyro-vise which was sold under the Wilton and Columbian names (among others). I passed on one at a garage sale not too long ago. It's a nice little light duty vise. Looks like it might be handy since you can orient it in most any direction.

I wish I had a photo to show you. I sold 2 or 3 of those small hobby type Wilton vises. Actually, I don't know how much Wilton didn't really want to market it. I forgot its name but they are on Ebay almost monthly and if you could get $25-$35 your doing good. Its jaws had two holes going thru so you could put on and make your jaw of choice, hard plastic, wood, etc. Its swiveled but also the whole vise was on a hinge so you could tilt it 90 degrees, but only one way. Wilton, to my knowledge never cataloged it. Actually it was dinky and unlike every other Wilton Product. Here's some more patent info.

 

[kc-steve]

I think that's the gyro-vise which was sold under the Wilton and Columbian names (among others). I passed on one at a garage sale not too long ago. It's a nice little light duty vise. Looks like it might be handy since you can orient it in most any direction.

Spongerich, you've brought up a possible link between Wilton and Columbian Vises that I have been wondering, did Wilton buyout Columbian?

If you look at Wilton's current catalog you will see the registered trademarked "Columbian" model Wilton vise.

Any thoughts, anyone?

Steve

 

[spongerich]

I wish I had a photo to show you.

Like this?

 

[autopts]

Here's an odd Wilton Vise from the 1970s with a hinge-type mount. Anyone ever seen, or know anything about this odd fellow?

Also note below that Wilton is now (1970s) using the name "Wilton Corp."

http://www.datamp.org/patents/search/advance.php?pn=3675916&id=40884&set=4

"Vise assembly"
Patentees: Walter Smierciak - Elgin, IL, Raymond H. Kartasuk - Lincolnwood, IL
US Patent: 3,675,916
Assignees: Wilton Corp. - Schiller Park, IL
Applied: Sep. 21, 1970
Granted: Jul. 11, 1972

Thanks,
Steve

This was that Wilton tilting vise. It did not come with a swivel base.

http://cgi.ebay.com/WILTON-TILTING-VISE-/180612307182?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0d5518ee

 

[spongerich]

This was that Wilton tilting vise. It did not come with a swivel base.

http://cgi.ebay.com/WILTON-TILTING-VISE-/180612307182?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a0d5518ee

Looks uninspiring.

I've got a 2" baby bullet that I've been "restoring" for months so I can flip it on eBay. Deep down, I know I'm just procrastinating to see if I can find a sweet deal on a Powrarm Jr. Then I'll somehow rationalize keeping both.

 

[kc-steve]

Here's an odd Wilton Vise from the 1970s with a hinge-type mount. Anyone ever seen, or know anything about this odd fellow?

Also note below that Wilton is now (1970s) using the name "Wilton Corp."

http://www.datamp.org/patents/search/advance.php?pn=3675916&id=40884&set=4

"Vise assembly"
Patentees: Walter Smierciak - Elgin, IL, Raymond H. Kartasuk - Lincolnwood, IL
US Patent: 3,675,916
Assignees: Wilton Corp. - Schiller Park, IL
Applied: Sep. 21, 1970
Granted: Jul. 11, 1972

Thanks,
Steve

I think that's the gyro-vise which was sold under the Wilton and Columbian names (among others). I passed on one at a garage sale not too long ago. It's a nice little light duty vise. Looks like it might be handy since you can orient it in most any direction.

I wish I had a photo to show you. I sold 2 or 3 of those small hobby type Wilton vises. Actually, I don't know how much Wilton didn't really want to market it. I forgot its name but they are on Ebay almost monthly and if you could get $25-$35 your doing good. Its jaws had two holes going thru so you could put on and make your jaw of choice, hard plastic, wood, etc. Its swiveled but also the whole vise was on a hinge so you could tilt it 90 degrees, but only one way. Wilton, to my knowledge never cataloged it. Actually it was dinky and unlike every other Wilton Product. . . .

Like this?

I think I found the photos of that vise, which are different though. The photos below might be the same photo as the eBay seller's. And if the photos are of that patent's vise, then we still don't know the model name yet. I think that eBay seller has the model name wrong, "Wilton Tilting Vise," because when I search using that name I get something completely different . . . a newer multi-position vise.

Any thoughts on this? Or anyone know the model name?

Steve

 

[autopts]

I think I found the photos of that vise, which are different though. The photos below might be the same photo as the eBay seller's. And if the photos are of that patent's vise, then we still don't know the model name yet. I think that eBay seller has the model name wrong, "Wilton Tilting Vise," because when I search using that name I get something completely different . . . a newer multi-position vise.

Any thoughts on this? Or anyone know the model name?

Steve

Now that one came with a swivel base which is missing. Typically, that vise had a stationary base. Patents on this one might be confusing. Wilton, (I'm 90% sure) never had this vise cataloged. The concept and Patents might have been given to Wilton to produce and market this vise. This one's history is fuzzy!

 

[kc-steve]

Anyone know when the Torco vise was dropped from the Wilton product line? (see below)

Thanks,
Steve

Another fruitful search Steve. I believe that was a patent for Wilton's Torco vise. That was was made very early on. Notice the shapes of the anvils?

 

[SK Guy]

I'd like to score one of those Titan 3-ways

 

[autopts]

Anyone know when the Torco vise was dropped from the Wilton product line? (see below)

Thanks,
Steve

Like the Shop King, Wilton made that Torco for at least 10 years. They only made 2 sizes, the 3 1/2" & 4". It appeared in their catalog from the early 50's thru the 1960's. Years after Wilton started making vises in Schiller Pk. the Torco was always shown in their catalog with "Chicago" on its side. They called it a vise for the home mechanic and they probably hauled a boat load of them over when they moved from their Chicago address. Only one option, with or without pipe jaws..

 

[Steve from Socal]

I have a Torco vise, it was my first vise. My dad bought it in 1971 or 72. It was lighter than a machinist vise but IIRC much stouter than the Craftsman and other home shop vises.

Steve

 

[racer62]

While standing in the check out line at a thrift store I noticed a worker coming out of the back room with a vise in his hands, I ask how much he replied hows 8 bucks sound, without looking at the vice I handed them 8 more dollars picked up my vice and headed to my truck, when I loaded it in the bed I noticed the name Wilton, a US made 4in machinist vise with out a mark on it, no sighn of ware in the jaws no rust, like new $8, My best tool deal yet.

 

[autopts]

While standing in the check out line at a thrift store I noticed a worker coming out of the back room with a vise in his hands, I ask how much he replied hows 8 bucks sound, without looking at the vice I handed them 8 more dollars picked up my vice and headed to my truck, when I loaded it in the bed I noticed the name Wilton, a US made 4in machinist vise with out a mark on it, no sighn of ware in the jaws no rust, like new $8, My best tool deal yet.

Lets see it!

 

[kc-steve]

While standing in the check out line at a thrift store I noticed a worker coming out of the back room with a vise in his hands, I ask how much he replied hows 8 bucks sound, without looking at the vice I handed them 8 more dollars picked up my vice and headed to my truck, when I loaded it in the bed I noticed the name Wilton, a US made 4in machinist vise with out a mark on it, no sighn of ware in the jaws no rust, like new $8, My best tool deal yet.

Well THAT certainly deserves a BIG "YOU ****!" for buying one of the best quality vises there is at the lowest price I've ever heard of.

Now I have to start cruising the thrift stores too.

When you say "Machinist vise" do you mean the bullet style?

Show it off, please!

Steve

 

[racer62]

I will try to post a pic when I get home , I did look it up on the net after I got it home and thay say its a 4in machinist vise . I'll take it apart and look for a date. I worked for the Army Nat. Guard for 20yrs. as a machanic and just about every work bench in the shops I worked at had Wilton or Columbian vises that looks like the old ones your showing here, after reading all this it would be fun to take a few of them apart and see how old.

 

[jwitt]

Here's an odd Wilton Vise from the 1970s with a hinge-type mount. Anyone ever seen, or know anything about this odd fellow?

Also note below that Wilton is now (1970s) using the name "Wilton Corp."

http://www.datamp.org/patents/search/advance.php?pn=3675916&id=40884&set=4

"Vise assembly"
Patentees: Walter Smierciak - Elgin, IL, Raymond H. Kartasuk - Lincolnwood, IL
US Patent: 3,675,916
Assignees: Wilton Corp. - Schiller Park, IL
Applied: Sep. 21, 1970
Granted: Jul. 11, 1972

Thanks,
Steve

I've got one of those, haven't done anything with it yet. Not real heavy duty but kind of cool. I think I gave around 5 bucks for it.

Jim

 

[Toolman Tim]

I think I found the photos of that vise, which are different though. The photos below might be the same photo as the eBay seller's. And if the photos are of that patent's vise, then we still don't know the model name yet. I think that eBay seller has the model name wrong, "Wilton Tilting Vise," because when I search using that name I get something completely different . . . a newer multi-position vise.

Any thoughts on this? Or anyone know the model name?

Steve

Steve,

Wasn't sure if you still knew the name of the red multi-vise that was pictured. We actually had some of them in wood shop in High School and used them to hold projects as they could be in several positions, had smooth jaws, and when the jaws tightened would clamp the swivel also. The ones at school came from a student's father that worked at the Wil-Burt Company in nearby Orrville OH. Better known for their coal stokers, and more recently telescoping masts, but they have made several different things over their long history.
http://www.willburt.com/
Here is a listing they say vises:
http://www.macraesbluebook.com/search/company.cfm?company=336059

And here is the only other pic I can find: A different base clamp, and they have the spelling wrong.
http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-wilbert-1-carving-gunsmith-vise-old-multi

Tim

 

[kc-steve]

I've got one of those, haven't done anything with it yet. Not real heavy duty but kind of cool. I think I gave around 5 bucks for it.

Jim

Kewl, I bet it'll clean up and look nice soon.

Let us know if you refurb it.

Steve

 

[kc-steve]

Steve,

Wasn't sure if you still knew the name of the red multi-vise that was pictured. We actually had some of them in wood shop in High School and used them to hold projects as they could be in several positions, had smooth jaws, and when the jaws tightened would clamp the swivel also. . . .

Tim

Naw, we haven't figured it out yet. The one you quoted me on wasn't the 3-Way Triple (aka Rapid 3-Way). That was the one with the hinge shown in the photos above by Jim. The links you provided show the multi-position-er vise, typically found when searching for with multi-vise or similar.

Let us know if you have a model name though.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Toolman Tim]

Steve,

Alittle more digging on the Will-Burt vise called a Versa-Vise.

http://www.trademarkia.com/versavise-71644885.html

And better pic:
http://www.fast-autos.net/diecast-c...-Co-Orville-OH-Wood-Working_190476867893.html

 

[kc-steve]

Like this?

Steve,

Alittle more digging on the Will-Burt vise called a Versa-Vise.

http://www.trademarkia.com/versavise-71644885.html

And better pic:
http://www.fast-autos.net/diecast-c...-Co-Orville-OH-Wood-Working_190476867893.html

Good work on the research Tim, but I think that one is the same as Spongerich's "gyro vise" in post #51 (also shown above). Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think that either one is a Wilton vise unless they bought the rights to make it at some point. The site info you give says that the Will-Burt Company was granted the patent to make it. That means anyone else making it would have to buy the rights from Will-Burt to make it unless they are Chinese.

Thanks again,
Steve

 

[spongerich]

Good work on the research Tim, but I think that one is the same as Spongerich's "gyro vise" in post #51 (also shown above). Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think that either one is a Wilton vise unless they bought the rights to make it at some point. The site info you give says that the Will-Burt Company was granted the patent to make it. That means anyone else making it would have to buy the rights from Will-Burt to make it unless they are Chinese.

Thanks again,
Steve

They were definitely sold under the Columbian name. Don't know if that was pre-Wilton or not. Could have been a license or more likely a re-brand.

 

[kc-steve]

They were definitely sold under the Columbian name. Don't know if that was pre-Wilton or not. Could have been a license or more likely a re-brand.

Speaking of the Columbian vise, anyone know when Columbian and Wilton combined? Apparently they did at some point because the current Wilton catalog shows the Wilton Columbian as trademark registered.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[kc-steve]

I'm still wondering if ANYONE has a wild guess about when Wilton and Columbian vises merged.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Jayincali]

I'm in the market for a vise, this one on craigslist states its a Columbian vise, but the the ad says its a Wilton 4". Is Columbian a division or model of a Wilton vise? Also is this vise a good one to pick up for the price?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/tls/2174892039.html

 

[autopts]

I'm still wondering if ANYONE has a wild guess about when Wilton and Columbian vises merged.

Thanks,
Steve

There wasn't a whole lot of media attention obviously paid to the Columbian aquisation by Wilton. It could be that Wilton only bought the Columbian Trademark as Columbian was closing its doors. I can't find anything documented. Have you ever been to viseparts.com? Looks like some of Reed and Columbian vise parts are interchangable.

 

[Jayincali]

Duh.... I guess I should have read the previous post before I posted my dumb question LOL.

 

[autopts]

I'm in the market for a vise, this one on craigslist states its a Columbian vise, but the the ad says its a Wilton 4". Is Columbian a division or model of a Wilton vise? Also is this vise a good one to pick up for the price?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/tls/2174892039.html

That a nice stationary vise, a Columbian, however the jaws might not be replaceable. Ask for a close photo of the jaws.

 

[SWA Guy]

Well this seems an appropriate place to post pics of my latest acquisition along with a couple of questions. This 5" Wilton vise appears to be all original and is in good condition.

Overall:

Other side:

Date code of 10-45. Based on information above and what I have read elsewhere, this is the warranty expiration date. But this couldn't have been manufactured in 10/1940! This one is newer than the "Pat Pending" castings. Something isn't adding up for me. Can anyone help clarify this at all?

And here is the remnants of some sort of decal or sticker. Maybe a Dealer's?

Thanks for any help that you can provide.

Guy

 

[autopts]

Well this seems an appropriate place to post pics of my latest acquisition along with a couple of questions. This 5" Wilton vise appears to be all original and is in good condition.

Overall:

Date code of 10-45. Based on information above and what I have read elsewhere, this is the warranty expiration date. But this couldn't have been manufactured in 10/1940! This one is newer than the "Pat Pending" castings. Something isn't adding up for me. Can anyone help clarify this at all?

And here is the remnants of some sort of decal or sticker. Maybe a Dealer's?

Thanks for any help that you can provide.

Guy

You are right!! Its original and its a beauty!! Alot of early Wiltons have the month and year it was made. I believe in 1940 Wilton was in its infincy. Thats definitely a piece of work!!

 

[kc-steve]

Yup, that's a BEAUTY and 1940 as well. Wanna sell it?

I got a question though, what model is that? There is a model number circled on the photo I modified below.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[SWA Guy]

Steve,

By my eye it looks like "J-6", or "J-C". I'll have to do a little tiny scrape to see if there's a paint blob in the way.

Here are the jaws. They almost certainly aren't original, right?

Thanks,

Guy

Yup, that's a BEAUTY and 1940 as well. Wanna sell it?

I got a question though, what model is that? There is a model number circled on the photo I modified below.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[autopts]

Yup, that's a BEAUTY and 1940 as well. Wanna sell it?

I got a question though, what model is that? There is a model number circled on the photo I modified below.

Thanks,
Steve

Steve
I think that vise was made in 1945. Their 5 year guarantee program in which Wilton stamped the month, date with the words "GUARANTEED" on the keyway didn't last long. Wilton was expanding and now selling to stocking dealers and major Hardware stores. Their vises were now in sitting in someone's inventory and the guarantee date was clicking away. Wilton just decided to just put the current date on them. If it doesn't say the actual word on the keyway, then its the date that vise was actually made.
That vise as early as 1953 was called the 500S. Numbers on the early castings were hard to read due to early foundry casting problems. Back in 1945 I don't think some of their numbers and letter meant much. We need to find someone with a pre 1950 catalog

 

[kc-steve]

Steve
I think that vise was made in 1945. Their 5 year guarantee program in which Wilton stamped the month, date with the words "GUARANTEED" on the keyway didn't last long. Wilton was expanding and now selling to stocking dealers and major Hardware stores. Their vises were now in sitting in someone's inventory and the guarantee date was clicking away. Wilton just decided to just put the current date on them. If it doesn't say the actual word on the keyway, then its the date that vise was actually made.
That vise as early as 1953 was called the 500S. Numbers on the early castings were hard to read due to early foundry casting problems. Back in 1945 I don't think some of their numbers and letter meant much. We need to find someone with a pre 1950 catalog

Autopts, you make some good points above. I have thought that stamping the date of the guarantee expiration was a bad move considering they might end up sitting unsold for months during a recession, therefore the warranty period would be shorter than normal. Back then we used to have economic recessions about every 4 years or so, give or take. But we do have 1941 (aka 1946) makes that had clear castings AND no mention of guarantee expiration on them. My model 930 has a very clean casting and stamped 9-46. There is also one posted here that does have "GUAR EXP" stamped on it though but no dates.

These dates might NOT be "hard and fast" rules of a fledgling (new) company while they were trying to get it together so to speak. It wouldn't be the first time for new companies, or even older companies.

Did you notice SWA Guy's vise jaws? They look pretty good and probably not original from my untrained eye.

I'll try calling Meier's again to see if someone has a catalog from the first 5 years or so. Besides I am also interested in seeing what they were calling the "bullet-style" vise back then. Was it a Machinist or Tradesman or both?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[GreyOwl]

Are the swivel locks supposed to have a nut under them or have the lock bolts been replaced with longer ones?
Charles