Another How much would you pay for this vise thread... Rock Island!!

[Jeep Monkey RTR]

OK. I know we see these all the time on GJ but I want to pose the question again. I found this Rock Island 574 on a auction site and it looks to be in decent condition. Is this your standard $0.50 per pound vise or is it worth a little more than that?

I want this vise because my grandfather (89 yrs old) has the same vise in his shop and i think it would be cool to own a match to his.

 

[mitusa]

If I wanted it, I might go to a $100....

Here's a link on a similar subject.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41960

 

[Farmall450]

Isn't the standard $1/lb?

 

[rusty65]

I would go to up to a dollar or two a pound that's really cool that its the same vise your grand pa has.

 

[justanengineer]

Is this your standard $0.50 per pound vise or is it worth a little more than that?

Sounds like its worth might have a bit of sentimentality attached, which would make increase it by a small bit for me.

Personally, I dont get sentimental over vises which limits my buying to a max of $0.50/lb for these smaller (<100 lb) vises when I absolutely want/must have one. Lots of folks on here will say $1/lb or more, but frankly theres one born every minute. If the sentimentality isnt that great, Id suggest hitting a few auctions, yard sales, or the fleas. Ive bought quite a few vises for <$0.05/lb.

 

[Garage Dog]

I am sure price may vary by region, understand there are alot of variables, but you wouldn't be buying many "large" old vises in good condition for under $1/lb around here unless you are really lucky.

As to what you should pay - really a personal decision. If I found a vise that was identical to my grandfathers in nice condition (let's say it weighs 100#), I wouldn't hesitate spending $100 - $200. Especially if I could look at it in person and could personally verify its condition.

Keep in mind, I don't buy much that I don't personally want to keep - thus I consider what it is worth to me and how much time (and gas money) would I spend finding another one like it?

FWIW - I was luck enough to get my grandfather's old Morgan after he passed and have had it bolted to one of my benches for over 30 years. I can't use the vise without having a warm memory of him - try and quantify what that is worth...

 

[ganymede]

.... Lots of folks on here will say $1/lb or more, but frankly theres one born every minute. ...

Yup.
Or here's an idea, maybe they don't have access to a decent flea market and the used vise scene where they live *****.

 

[Jeep Monkey RTR]

Thanks for the advice and tips. I'm going to take a good shot at it when the auction gets closer to the end.

This will be the first vise I've ever had to pay for so as long as I don't make a habit of paying to much, I'm not worried and will still be ahead in the game.

 

[bigcaddy]

That vise weighs 74 lbs and will cost you quite a bit in shipping unless you plan on picking it up yourself or the seller offered shipping for free or at a reduced cost.

Rock Islands are as stout as the come and are deceivingly heavy. I think the last time i shipped one across the states it ran me close to 90.00

Just keep that in mind but if its what you want, don't sweat the cost

 

[Jeep Monkey RTR]

That vise weighs 74 lbs and will cost you quite a bit in shipping unless you plan on picking it up yourself or the seller offered shipping for free or at a reduced cost.

Rock Islands are as stout as the come and are deceivingly heavy. I think the last time i shipped one across the states it ran me close to 90.00

Just keep that in mind but if its what you want, don't sweat the cost

Great point. The vise is within driving distance (less than an hour away). No shipping.

 

[ajchien]

I would pay $50-75 for that vise, but since you're trying to match your grandfather's vise, I would easily go up to $225. Seriously, if you *really want it* then paying $50 or $200 spread over ... 30 years with the possibility of passing it on to the next person ... is not a big deal.

 

[oldldh]

Pay what it's worth to you...

Not a farthing more...

It looks like it will last another century or two...

 

[06 DIESEL]

I have a 577 and I paid $100 for it from a local guy.

 

[Jim Tatar]

I have a Rock Island Model 56. I don't need it anymore and am interested in selling it.

 

[Jim Tatar]

It opens up 12". Has 7" jaws and a 6" jaw depth.

 

[oldldh]

It opens up 12". Has 7" jaws and a 6" jaw depth.

The Mods are going to tell you to put his in the For Sale section...

I'm going to tell you---

 

[1982fxr]

Isn't the standard $1/lb?

around my neck of the woods, at $1 per pound...you won't be buying any old 4" or bigger vises.

 

[larryq]

That's a really nice looking RI in the OP's post, well worth $1/lb and up. I wouldn't try lowballing, that's for sure.

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, the Rock Island is one of my favorite vises. Their moveable jaw slides seem to be a better fit in the fixed jaw housing than most any other vise manufacturer.

jack vines

 

[Filson]

The $ per lb thing is BS. I've declined buying some 80-100lb vises for ~$20 bucks, on the flip side I've also paid roughly 2x the weight for a couple.

It all depends on why your buying it. If you like it personally and would get a kick out of having it at home - then buy it, who gives a hot **** if it's selling a little high or low.

If your collecting, than you might be picky about what price you pay, but the rarity of the vise will drastically alter what might be considered a good deal. I paid $40 for my 6" Parker that's in excellent shape. That was a great buy. I also paid $400 for my 8" Reed 208 that's in great shape. To me, that was also an excellent buy because I doubt I'll see another any time soon, and I *personally* really wanted it.

If I could find a Reed 202, 202 1/2, or 203 in excellent condition, I'd jump all over it for $75-100 bucks. That's way above the $/lb idea, but good luck buying a Reed 202 for $12 dollars. *shrugs*

 

[gatewaysysop]

The $ per lb thing is BS. I've declined buying some 80-100lb vises for ~$20 bucks, on the flip side I've also paid roughly 2x the weight for a couple.

It all depends on why your buying it. If you like it personally and would get a kick out of having it at home - then buy it, who gives a hot **** if it's selling a little high or low.

If your collecting, than you might be picky about what price you pay, but the rarity of the vise will drastically alter what might be considered a good deal. I paid $40 for my 6" Parker that's in excellent shape. That was a great buy. I also paid $400 for my 8" Reed 208 that's in great shape. To me, that was also an excellent buy because I doubt I'll see another any time soon, and I *personally* really wanted it.

If I could find a Reed 202, 202 1/2, or 203 in excellent condition, I'd jump all over it for $75-100 bucks. That's way above the $/lb idea, but good luck buying a Reed 202 for $12 dollars. *shrugs*

I have no idea the last time I was able to score a nice vise for $1/lb., not by a long shot. Anything over about 4.5", good luck. They have gotten expensive.

That said, if you want it for personal reasons, pay what it's worth to you and to heck with what anyone else tells you it is worth. Regret lasts a hell of a lot longer than buyer's remorse.