The VISES of Garage Journal

[wrenchguy]

C. Parker No 1 vise with 3.5" jaws

"I am hoping someone here can give me some insight into my vise. I've had it for about 20 years and inherited it from my grandad. My dad remembers my grandad had it in the 1940's, but after reading on this site, I'm thinking its considerably older than that. However, I haven't found any others exactly like mine and the catalogs don't seem to mention a C. Parker No 1 model.

I'd love to get an idea of date of manufacture. My great grandad died in 1924 and I'm thinking my grandad may have inherited it from him.

I'd also like to find out how to remove the jaws. My pins seem different from others and only one of them seems to go all the way through the jaws.

So far, I've grinder off three layers of paint and the colors all seemed to correspond to the colors of homes my grandad owned. I'm planning to restore it and paint it. I've used it for 20 years, but its the only vise I've ever had and it seems to work well, so I don't think it needs any mechanical repair.

Pic 1 - most of the others I've seen have additional text on the surface forward (directly under the static jaw) of the C. Parker text.


Pic 2 - I have only seen one other "No 1" model online. I need to get a little more green/yellow/gray paint off the Patent text. I don't know if this means its older, or just a less common model.

Pic 3 - my vise only seems to have one pin all the way through the jaw inserts. Four pins are visible underneath.

Pic 4 - this collar also seems different from others I've seen. Instead of saying "Parker" it has the patent info listed in semi-circular text."

*****************************************************************************

To me its a true classic. Not knowing 4 sure but maybe one of the earliest parkers here.

My guess about the jaw pins their in camo, their so flush with the surface and tight in the bore they took the appearance of the area around them. I believe I see the left static jaw pin in the overhead pic.

I hope someone chimes in with its age. How wide are the jaws? Good luck.

 

[rycam]

I think I'm a little exited for my 1st vice & beer post. I posted a little while ago about an NOS Record 5" that I found sitting on a shelf at a local hardwood and hardware store but it was missing the swivel base and hardware. So I went back and found after inquiring they had two more of them still in sealed boxes with all the bits. And they have me a discount down to $159.

So I know it's not vintage American ductile iron. But I'm pleased my 1st real vice. Even if its a grey iron import that's spelled funny.

 

[Nightshift]

MayhemMOORE ... Ya need to have a little chat with Nick (autopts) ... our resident Wilton expert. If anyone can get you a swivel to fit your 500S, it's gonna be him. Just be patient and he'll chime in.

I have two 500S Willies ... here's one of them. Does it look like this? Cheers, Bill

 

[Black Frog]

I'll add mine here too for participation with this fantastic thread.
Wilton 800s 8" vise.

 

[Filson]

Can anyone ID this Wilton? Don't know what parts I can get off it for other builds. Is there a model number somewhere hidden?

View media item 33066

 

[Nightshift]

Can anyone ID this Wilton? Don't know what parts I can get off it for other builds. Is there a model number somewhere hidden?

View media item 33066

For one ... you can sell the swivel base to MayhemMoore! Bill

 

[toomanytoyzz]

I'm sure the model # is on the side of the vise. The swivel and lead screw is probably the only two that are worth any kind of $$. Both jaws are scrap metal.

 

[Filson]

For one ... you can sell the swivel base to MayhemMoore! Bill

Part of the reason I was asking.

I had one member with about a dozen forum posts msg me around 15 times in 2 days about it and seemed pissy that I was busy and didn't have the time to answer them back right away, so I eventually told them it was a no-go on the sale. Would of been happy to had helped, but jesus.

Anyway, I didn't see a model number on the side, but I guess I'll have to take a look and see if I can find some numbers.

 

[Filson]

I'm sure the model # is on the side of the vise. The swivel and lead screw is probably the only two that are worth any kind of $$. Both jaws are scrap metal.

Yeah the thing is pretty shot. I seen it at a yard sale and picked it up for a few bucks to rescue it from further abuse.

 

[Filson]

So... I'm not seeing any numbers or anything on it.

Just the Wilton chicago markings and a "M" and "HD". Is the numbers on some other part of the vise, other than the main body of the static or dynamic jaw?

 

[nine4gmc]

Anyway, I didn't see a model number on the side, but I guess I'll have to take a look and see if I can find some numbers.

My model number is cast down by the base.

 

[Filson]

Alright - no markings there, but I did find some on the bottom of the swivel base after brushing off some grime:

13 - 4 1/2 N

No other markings that I can see.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

So... I'm not seeing any numbers or anything on it.

Just the Wilton chicago markings and a "M" and "HD". Is the numbers on some other part of the vise, other than the main body of the static or dynamic jaw?

I would just measure the base including the spacing of the centering holes. I'm sure Wilton used that style of swivel base for years on that size vise.

I had a 9300 series which didn't have the swivel base like yours, but it had the same sort of shape as yours and the # was impressed into the vise on the static jaw. You could barely see it, but it was there. I'm sure it's in one of the posts on this thread, but hope you have some vacation time you can burn to find it. This thread is one that will be in some internet archive museum years to come.

 

[Filson]

guess I'll have to clean the side really well lol

 

[Filson]

After working up a sweat with the wire brush - can pretty confidently say that I ain't seeing **** for numbers lol.

 

[Rezarf]

I have one of those and it's a GREAT vise. It's built really well and works as smooth as glass.

 

[Beowulf]

I'm sure it is buried in these 526 pages, but does anyone know of a source for paint that will match the current Wilton 1700 line? I might do a resto on a used wilton and want to be able to make it look like a new one out of the line.

 

[autopts]

C. Parker No 1 vise with 3.5" jaws



I'd also like to find out how to remove the jaws. My pins seem different from others and only one of them seems to go all the way through the jaws.

my vise only seems to have one pin all the way through the jaw inserts. Four pins are visible underneath.


I'll save you a real lota time and you will thank me for it. Don't mess with the jaws. They have had a long time to settle in and become part of that vise. You know that saying about trying to make something better?

 

[nine4gmc]

After working up a sweat with the wire brush - can pretty confidently say that I ain't seeing **** for numbers lol.

Must be a chicom knock-off then, send it to me to properly recycle and save you the embarrassment

 

[Wadeh66]

C. Parker No 1 vise with 3.5" jaws

*****************************************************************************

To me its a true classic. Not knowing 4 sure but maybe one of the earliest parkers here.

My guess about the jaw pins their in camo, their so flush with the surface and tight in the bore they took the appearance of the area around them. I believe I see the left static jaw pin in the overhead pic.

I hope someone chimes in with its age. How wide are the jaws? Good luck.

Thank you for the info. Yes, all four pins are visible below the jaws, but I can only see one on top.

The jaws are 3.5".

 

[Wadeh66]

C. Parker No 1 vise with 3.5" jaws



I'd also like to find out how to remove the jaws. My pins seem different from others and only one of them seems to go all the way through the jaws.

my vise only seems to have one pin all the way through the jaw inserts. Four pins are visible underneath.


I'll save you a real lota time and you will thank me for it. Don't mess with the jaws. They have had a long time to settle in and become part of that vise. You know that saying about trying to make something better?

Yeah I've been thinking about that also. The great restorations I see on this site just were motivating me ....

 

[Wadeh66]

Does anyone know how the balls on the tension bar are attached? Are they threaded, pressed, or welded onto the bar?

I saw someone one this forum nickel plated their tension bar and main screw hub, which looked good and would be much more durable than paint.

C. Parker No 1 vise with 3.5" jaws

I am hoping someone here can give me some insight into my vise. I've had it for about 20 years and inherited it from my grandad. My dad remembers my grandad had it in the 1940's, but after reading on this site, I'm thinking it's considerably older than that. However, I haven't found any others exactly like mine and the catalogs don't seem to mention a C. Parker No 1 model.

I'd love to get an idea of date of manufacture. My grandad was born in 1912 and my great grandad died in 1926, so I'm thinking my grandad may have inherited it from him. If that's the case, then its even more valuable to me as a piece of our family history.

I'd also like to find out how to remove the jaws. My pins seem different from others and only one of them seems to go all the way through to the top surface of the jaw insert. All four pins are visible underneath, but I can only see one on the top.

So far, I've grinded off three layers of paint and the colors all seemed to correspond to the colors of homes my grandad owned. I'm planning to restore it and paint it. I've used it for 20 years, but its the only vise I've ever had and it seems to work well, so I don't think it needs any mechanical repair. I just want to make it look a little better sitting on my work bench and someday hand it down to one of my kids.

Pic 1 - Most of the others I've seen have additional text on the surface forward (directly under the static jaw) of the C. Parker text.

Pic 2 - I have only seen one other "No 1" model online. I don't know if this means it's older, or maybe just a less common model. I need to get a little more green/yellow/gray paint off the Patent text.

Pic 3 - My vise only seems to have one pin all the way through the jaw inserts that is visible on the top. All four pins are visible underneath.

Pic 4 - This collar is different from others I've seen. Instead of saying "Parker" it has the patent info listed in semi-circular text.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Does anyone know how the balls on the tension bar are attached? Are they threaded, pressed, or welded onto the bar?

There's several different ways depending on brand and age... But for the most part they are not removable unless you plan on cutting them off...

 

[Wadeh66]

There's several different ways depending on brand and age... But for the most part they are not removable unless you plan on cutting them off...

Ok, thanks for the info....I'm not trying to cut anything, so I'll forget that idea and just oil them up

 

[EOC_Jason]

That vise really has a nice patina... I would just wipe it down with oil good and let it be...

 

[Wadeh66]

That vise really has a nice patina... I would just wipe it down with oil good and let it be...

I really liked the dark gray paint with white lettering. I bolted it back to my workbench, so I'm going to think about it a bit before I jump into anything. My original plan was to remove the jaws for paint, nickel plate the tension bar and screw "bulb" and then paint it dark gray with white letters like one I saw on this site.

I keep searching for info on age, but just can't seem to find another vise exactly like mine or any old catelog pages referencing a No. 1. A few other No. 1 models are posted, but the text on the right side is different and the main screw retainer cap has different text also.

 

[Outlawmws]

Wade, if you are going to paint, most early Parkers were painted with a satin black AFAIK.

Generally, do not paint the slide, jaws or the handles. The knob for the handle I've seen go both ways, but factory was probably bare.

 

[balane]

Krylon has a semi-flat black that looks really close imo.

.

 

[jusridin]

nice parker

 

[Wadeh66]

Wade, if you are going to paint, most early Parkers were painted with a satin black AFAIK.

Generally, do not paint the slide, jaws or the handles. The knob for the handle I've seen go both ways, but factory was probably bare.

Thanks for the info. What is "AFAIK"?

I wasn't going to paint the handles, but thought about having them nickel plated until I learned I would have to cut them, so they will have to stay bare oiled steel.

I originally planned to remove the jaw inserts for paint, but am having second thoughts about removing them now and I don't want to break anything. I'm a little worried I'll do a poor job if I tape them off though.

 

[Wadeh66]

Krylon has a semi-flat black that looks really close imo.

.

Thanks for the tip. What kind of paint do you use for the lettering?

 

[Beowulf]

AFAIK. = As Far As I Know

 

[jpickar]

Thanks for the info. What is "AFAIK"?

I wasn't going to paint the handles, but thought about having them nickel plated until I learned I would have to cut them, so they will have to stay bare oiled steel.

I originally planned to remove the jaw inserts for paint, but am having second thoughts about removing them now and I don't want to break anything. I'm a little worried I'll do a poor job if I tape them off though.

I am not a collector so my stuff doesn't get the resto jobs that some of you fine artists do to yours. I have no problem with that. That said. Wadeh66 don't worry about your repaint being perfect. Taping off is how a lot of restos are done. It sounds like you could do more damage than good by pulling it all apart. Just food for thought. Not every resto has to be show room perfect. And for the rest of you artists, keep it up. I love seeing the work you do and to gleen the knowledge you have. I have nothing against fully detailed restorations. I enjoy them.

John

 

[Outlawmws]

Thanks for the tip. What kind of paint do you use for the lettering?

Most guys are using paint pens from office supply stores, but I saw some for sale at either Lowes or HD last week.

 

[Outlawmws]

For the taping just get a decent masking tape that is actually MADE for masking with paint and it is not difficult to mask the jaws. For the odd angles on the sides, I over mask then use an Xacto knife to follow the lines of the edge of the jaws and it generally works fine.

 

[Wadeh66]

Thanks for all the tips on my Parker #1. I am curious about removing the main screw support inside the static jaw/body. I see there is a pin behind it holding it in. Is that threaded or pressed into the body? I'm thinking about glass beading the surfaces, but wanted to get it 100%'clean first.

 

[wrenchguy]

Thanks for all the tips on my Parker #1. I am curious about removing the main screw support inside the static jaw/body. I see there is a pin behind it holding it in. Is that threaded or pressed into the body? I'm thinking about glass beading the surfaces, but wanted to get it 100%'clean first.

U know it really ain't been brought up yet, alot guys here just clean 'em up and paste wax 'em. i'm kinda new here and been almost taken over by them fancy painted up ones. Not that theres anything wrong with that way especially when rusted bad and pitted. But urs got the great patina and family connection and all, i'd clean,lube and wax. Iffen ur grandpa and dad didn't paint it, theres maybe a reason. This winter i'll be a waxing a couple rather than painting. good luck.

 

[ganymede]

It's just pressed in or tapped in with a hammer.
I forget from which way though.

 

[Wadeh66]

U know it really ain't been brought up yet, alot guys here just clean 'em up and paste wax 'em. i'm kinda new here and been almost taken over by them fancy painted up ones. Not that theres anything wrong with that way especially when rusted bad and pitted. But urs got the great patina and family connection and all, i'd clean,lube and wax. Iffen ur grandpa and dad didn't paint it, theres maybe a reason. This winter i'll be a waxing a couple rather than painting. good luck.

Oh, it was painted many times...green, yellow, white, red. I spent some time with the wire wheel and have a few spots left to go. All the posts where people found cracks under paint, I had to make sure, but i found no damage. Plus the puke/Avacado green paint wasn't doing much for it . I just oiled it down good to keep the moist NC air from rusting it.

This vise sat on my bench, in 7 houses from 7 different states since 1995 and it looked like junk until I stripped all the old paint off. I suppose now I want it to look like something so my kids won't throw it away when I die.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I keep searching for info on age, but just can't seem to find another vise exactly like mine or any old catelog pages referencing a No. 1. A few other No. 1 models are posted, but the text on the right side is different and the main screw retainer cap has different text also.

Is it a "No. 1" or can you see if it wore down and says "No. 1 X" ??? I'm attaching an old Parker ad from 1901... It looks the same style, and also with the patent date on it you know it's pre-1900 for sure...