Vintage Vises & Tools Treasure Trove... Need Some Input.

[Filson]

Hey guys. While making some rounds at the local shops for old tools and treasures, I was told by one of the shopkeepers to check out this place a ways outside of town (like 20 miles). The owner bought the shop from their dad, who's been running it sense the 1930's. "If your looking for anvils, big vises and stuff like that, you need to head there. They always have stuff like that." I was on the road in seconds.

Anyway, I arrived and it was like finding one of the "honey holes" on American Pickers, but for tool guys. ****** blocks the size of the tires of your car? They got em. Bench grinders of industrial size? Pick your color. Need a huge bell from a local church, from God knows how many decades ago? Isle 2. It was insane.

As cool as a lot of the stuff was, my focus was on the hand tools and vises. And boy was there some stuff to drool over. I could easily *fill* the pickup truck bed with stuff from that place... The problem? They know what they have. Prices are almost retail on a lot of stuff. And that's where the tool-drunk-excitement that I'm still feeling needs some calmer heads to give me some advise on some of this stuff. So where to start...

How about with this Rock Island 577 that is in nearly NEW condition? In my amazement of it all I didn't take a good pic of the vise individually, but grabbed the model to make sure I could remember it. But it looks hardly used. The Rock Island 577 is on the far left...

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That yellow vise is obviously china junk. Moving clock-wise the Red one is a Wilton, Green Wilton, top kind of hidden is a Craftsman (Columbian) 506-51840, center top is a Rock Island no 73, didn't look at the one laying down (personally just dont like the mount style), the other ones were kinda **** except the little green one at 5 o'clock. That's a Prentiss no 181.

They had $350 on the Rock Island 577 (ouch)
$200 on the Craftsman (ouch)
$150 if I remember right, on the Rock Island 73
and I think another $150 on the Prentiss.

I was excited to see the Craftsman at first glance because I thought it may have been the ever elusive 5197/8 but no go.

The 6" Rock Island got my blood pumping because... well... It's a 6" Rock Island.

The little Prentiss is cool and the other Rock Island 73 but don't know too much about them.

They also had more similar vises outside. One was 4" Athol (didn't get model no.) on a metal stand. Another was a Craftsman vise with "bullet" style knob in the front where the handle passes through, but it looked newish.

For hand tools - my blood really started turning when I seen this... Anyone need a 1" drive socket set?

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Or maybe some hammers?

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Other misc...

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So... tell me... with the prices... do I walk away?... Or do I horde?

 

[davethorik]

That would be one of those places that could **** us all in...for a very long time. Very cool.

I went to an antique mall that was similar, except you had to find the tools in all the other antiques...and the prices were outrageous (on everything not just tools). I only made one small purchase, a set of General Electric weld fillet gages, for $4 because they were neat and I'd never seen them before. There were a bunch of Pexto hand tools, all heavily patinaed, and they wanted more than for modern equivalents. $30 for a 8" monkey wrench? $40 for a ratty old Lufkin tape measure with linen tape?

I say hang onto your coins unless there is something epic.

 

[zkling]

Honestly? I feel those prices are what most on here would sell at but never purchase for. If you absolutely needed something they have and have exhausted all other possibilities and are tired of waiting then maybe, but it surely won't be a good deal or "you ****" situation. Just my 2¢

What were their prices on hammers and common size wrenches and sockets? Definitely looks like a neat place to browse though.

 

[Filson]

Honestly? I feel those prices are what most on here would sell at but never purchase for. If you absolutely needed something they have and have exhausted all other possibilities and are tired of waiting then maybe, but it surely won't be a good deal or "you ****" situation. Just my 2¢

Oh yeah, I know the prices are high. Just wondering how often I'll come across a Rock Island 577 or 1" drive Plumb socket "set" ya know?

 

[zkling]

Oh yeah, I know the prices are high. Just wondering how often I'll come across a Rock Island 577 or 1" drive Plumb socket "set" ya know?

I guess it depends on what you would rather have the item or the cash? If are happy with the item for the price you paid, go for it. Cause in the end that is all that really matters, ya' know?

 

[drivesitfar]

I guess it depends on what you would rather have the item or the cash? If are happy with the item for the price you paid, go for it. Cause in the end that is all that really matters, ya' know?

nicely put.

I have 2 Rock Island 577 and they are a really nice vise that I might be talked out of for a nice green Reed 208. road trip to the coast after you get a house in escrow?

 

[56FordGuy]

It's a shame that place is on the opposite side of the country from me. The prices may not be a steal, but I would buy a few things.

 

[Filson]

nicely put.

I have 2 Rock Island 577 and they are a really nice vise that I might be talked out of for a nice green Reed 208. road trip to the coast after you get a house in escrow?

I'll be keeping my 208 but thanks

You've sure amassed a collection sense I told you about checking out GJ, what do you all have now??

 

[Filson]

I guess it depends on what you would rather have the item or the cash? If are happy with the item for the price you paid, go for it. Cause in the end that is all that really matters, ya' know?

Very well put... The owner has "firm" written on the 577 (amongst a number of things) and I didn't ask her about it, but they are *trying* to sell the whole place... Might be able to wiggle a bit or even make a big group package and get a deal..

 

[wrenchguy]

seems tome a few 577's have been making an appearance last 6 months. save 4 the digs, something always comes up. good luck.

 

[Filson]

seems tome a few 577's have been making an appearance last 6 months. save 4 the digs, something always comes up. good luck.

Yeah, your probably on the money there. I'll wait for better deals to come along

 

[Filson]

It's north of Kettle Falls (which is a small town about 7-8 miles NW of Colville) about 6-8 miles out towards Orient. I don't remember the name of then place, but if you find yourself in the area just ask around. All the locals seem to know it, like Dicks or EMP.

 

[drivesitfar]

I'll be keeping my 208 but thanks

You've sure amassed a collection sense I told you about checking out GJ, what do you all have now??

I bet i'd have to have a Reed 209 to get close to that green giant of yours that probably is only a 30 minute drive from me while you are hours away now. hard to say what I have in the corners and shelves today, but I had a few when you helped convince me to join GJ. i'd been lurking for years following all the threads on vises and other items I was thinking of buying or repairing. anytime I googled any vise the first post would usually be GJ.

one of these days i'll have my benches figured out and know which vises to use, keep a couple extras and then start handing them out to my 3 sons and son in law. if anybody out there want to trade me their Prentiss #23 for one of my 577's to lighten their load on their bench just PM me.

even though I already own 2 577's i'd be hard pressed to pass on that one you saw in the shop if it was for sale at $200 if it had all the screws in the jaws and no broken parts or welds. now if I didn't own one then back to Z's comment of how would you like to own it or have it stay sitting there on the floor. I think it weighs about 170 pounds, but I need to get mine on a scale to let you know for certain.

 

[Cadillac fan]

We got a place like this near us. It's owned by a couple of people and the prices are high. The guy who owns it is pretty cool about negotiations and you can get a good deal.

The woman on the other hand won't budge with prices.

I personally wouldn't bother with it unless there is something that you really want. The pricing is very high.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

I would throw them an offer of $125 on the sockets, see if they bite. If they do, then you should be able to get a good deal on everything else too.

 

[3baygarage]

Filson, certain things they have may be hard to find so obviously it'd be worth it for you.
I like your "ouch" comment on the $200 Craftsman vise. I see the socket set is a mix and match job. Just remember, if you go do some picking on your own at sales you will find a lot of that for a fraction of the price.

 

[RivennHewn]

I have a gift for forgetting how much I paid for tools I enjoy having.

 

[Packard V8]

It's north of Kettle Falls (which is a small town about 7-8 miles NW of Colville) about 6-8 miles out towards Orient. I don't remember the name of then place, but if you find yourself in the area just ask around. All the locals seem to know it, like Dicks or EMP.

Kettle Falls is north of the ***-end of nowhere. You can see Canada from there.

Having said that, maybe a hunnerd-mile road trip is in order.

jack vines

 

[Plombob]

****! Filson found a black hole. I can feel the gravitational pull all the way from here.......

 

[Filson]

even though I already own 2 577's i'd be hard pressed to pass on that one you saw in the shop if it was for sale at $200 if it had all the screws in the jaws and no broken parts or welds. now if I didn't own one then back to Z's comment of how would you like to own it or have it stay sitting there on the floor. I think it weighs about 170 pounds, but I need to get mine on a scale to let you know for certain.

I definitely want it. It's not a Reed but it is the first big Rock Island I've fondled in person, and it was badass. It's only a 15 minute or so drive for me so I'll probably visit again in the next couple days. It's definitely one of those places you have to visit a couple times to see everything. I was there a solid hour and didn't do any "digging". But anyway... $350 is about full retail, so *if* I ever decided to sell it (not my current interest in wanting to buy it), I may have a hard time getting my money back. On the other hand... It's pretty badass, and I'd love to have my 3rd 6" vise... well, 2nd, now that I gave my Hollands 56 to my father-in-law for Christmas. I'm on the fence about buying it... at $250 I'd pull the trigger without consideration. I'll have to do some talkin.

Thanks. I lived in Spokane for a couple years, and I still visit there every so often. I have been to Colville a few times, but I never knew about that tool shop. I will keep that place in mind for next time I go that way and hopefully they will still be in business.

Not sure how long they'll be in business. Could be years or could end soon, they have signage up and are actively trying to sell the place *shrugs* Everything is full price... but everything is pretty damn nice stuff too. lol

Filson, certain things they have may be hard to find so obviously it'd be worth it for you.
I like your "ouch" comment on the $200 Craftsman vise. I see the socket set is a mix and match job. Just remember, if you go do some picking on your own at sales you will find a lot of that for a fraction of the price.

I was thinking the old Plomb 1" drive sockets would be hard to come by. I've never even seen *any* 1" drive sockets at a yard sale and we make a day of it every weekend during "the season". I'd have to figure out just how much of a "set" is there.

I have a gift for forgetting how much I paid for tools I enjoy having.

Utility is it's own value. I've actually been learning that (through pressure of my wife) to just enjoy life more... I'm 28 now, and sense the start of my working years I've saved an average of around 30-35% of my income to invest. Yeah, I was a weird kid.

I've always questioned myself about buying something I wanted... "If I took that money and invested it into Coca Cola or Berkshire Hathaway, even averaging only 8% average interest per year... what'd that be worth 40 years from now? $42 grand? Is this new drill press worth $42,000 to you?" And I'd usually pass.

Through my wife, I've been learning to just enjoy life, and not get too caught up on what the future may or may not bring. Smell the roses, or, in this case, the dusty vise.

Kettle Falls is north of the ***-end of nowhere. You can see Canada from there.

Having said that, maybe a hunnerd-mile road trip is in order.

jack vines

Indeed it is, definitely a different feel than the puget sound I grew up in lol.

****! Filson found a black hole. I can feel the gravitational pull all the way from here.......

As said early... a lot of goodies, but a lot of cash too... I'm thinking I'll have to see about doing some haggling .

 

[kenburkholz]

Wow! You said the tool place was 20 miles out of town. I live 5 miles from
Seattle, and if you take I 90 to Kettle Falls it is 358 miles from Seattle. Not a small cruise to look at tools. Ken.

 

[wrenchguy]

I have a gift for forgetting how much I paid for tools I enjoy having.

amen.

 

[wrenchguy]

I definitely want it. It's not a Reed but it is the first big Rock Island I've fondled in person, and it was badass. It's only a 15 minute or so drive for me so I'll probably visit again in the next couple days. It's definitely one of those places you have to visit a couple times to see everything. I was there a solid hour and didn't do any "digging". But anyway... $350 is about full retail, so *if* I ever decided to sell it (not my current interest in wanting to buy it), I may have a hard time getting my money back. On the other hand... It's pretty badass, and I'd love to have my 3rd 6" vise... well, 2nd, now that I gave my Hollands 56 to my father-in-law for Christmas. I'm on the fence about buying it... at $250 I'd pull the trigger without consideration. I'll have to do some talkin.


As said early... a lot of goodies, but a lot of cash too... I'm thinking I'll have to see about doing some haggling .

make sure the manufacturer tag is on it. if not u can this as an excuse not to buy. complements of wrenchguy

brass tag on the left, riveted on. good luck.

 

[drivesitfar]

I think I saw the electric company's tag on the 577 in the one picture Filson took from above. by the way Mr. Filson now that you have posted this i'm sure you know that there are many non members and members looking for a very nice huge old 1940's vise and would gladly pay the $350. your location might buy you a little time (a few hours).

also if you google Rock Island 577 guess where does Google sends you first? there is another thread that just started a few days ago asking where to find more information on Rock Island vises because all they had was GJ posts with mostly pictures.

now that you determined $250 is fair is $100 worth not having the vise. I bet you paid more than $350 for a jacket made by your namesake and didn't regret buying it. if they at first don't take your $250 offer see if they will throw in a few other tools or hammers if you pay their asking price of $350. you might want to do this sooner than later now that you let the world know.

probably not the end of the world if you don't get it, but i'm telling you these 577's are one awesome vise and that one only looks like it needs a little spiffing up. of course until you get your place it won't help your gas milage riding around in your trunk.

good luck

 

[jeffmoss26]

Wow!!

 

[NHBandit]

I love poking around places like that just to look at all the cool stuff. With those prices they should call it a museum rather than a store but looking is half the fun.

 

[justanengineer]

The owner has "firm" written on the 577 (amongst a number of things) and I didn't ask her about it, but they are *trying* to sell the whole place... Might be able to wiggle a bit or even make a big group package and get a deal..

Let me know when they auction it. Good luck on the prices otherwise, you folks out there have waayyyy too many antique stores chock full of antique tools to get ripped on prices like those.

 

[woody 73]

1) Never begrudge some guy trying to make a profit, overhead and other expenses of selling in an antique store.

2)Just because a price is written in stone, one can still wheel & deal on price most times.

3) I hate like hell too say this, but places like the GJ have spread the word on certain items (like Vises) and now every Tom **** and Harry is asking top dollar and for good reason when they see people like the op drooling all over.

4) As a good rule to follow if you must travel a far distance buy something even it it is only a few dollars, trust me going home empty and paying for all that gas is not fun. (woody tip), at least you will have something to show for all your trouble.

5) Why do I sometimes buy tools at higher prices? Most times for every 10 garage sales 9 will be a bust and most times I will never see many old tools that spark my interest. Seeing a large collection will keep the treasure hunt alive.

 

[WWIIjeep]

make sure the manufacturer tag is on it. if not u can this as an excuse not to buy. complements of wrenchguy

brass tag on the left, riveted on. good luck.

Yes, but it will only have the Birtman Electric Co. brass tag if the vise was made between 1930 and 1957.

Rock Island vises made before Birtman Electric bought Rock Island in 1930, or after Whirlpool bought Birtman in 1957, won't have the brass tag.

 

[Filson]

1) Never begrudge some guy trying to make a profit, overhead and other expenses of selling in an antique store.

2)Just because a price is written in stone, one can still wheel & deal on price most times.

3) I hate like hell too say this, but places like the GJ have spread the word on certain items (like Vises) and now every Tom **** and Harry is asking top dollar and for good reason when they see people like the op drooling all over.

4) As a good rule to follow if you must travel a far distance buy something even it it is only a few dollars, trust me going home empty and paying for all that gas is not fun. (woody tip), at least you will have something to show for all your trouble.

5) Why do I sometimes buy tools at higher prices? Most times for every 10 garage sales 9 will be a bust and most times I will never see many old tools that spark my interest. Seeing a large collection will keep the treasure hunt alive.

Agreed 100%. Wife and I actually make a not-insignificant amount of income from yard sale, thrift store, pawn shop, etc finds and re-selling.

The owner of the vise has "firm" written right on the tag... but they were really chatty and friendly and told several stories about haggling and such. I'm debating trying to make a package deal for the 577, a craftsman vise with a pointy nose they had outside (seen similar selling on ebay for $75-125 and it's in like-new condition) and the Plomb socket stuff.

We just got some snow (and still getting some) plus I have an appointment with the realtor to see a house today and make a counter-offer on another place, so kind of busy for the moment. That'll give me some time to think it through I suppose.

And as for GJ promoting awareness for other people in old tools? That's an absolute plus to me. Yeah, good deals will be getting harder to find. But creating passion for old tools and helping others find appreciation for times past? That's worth it all the way.

 

[wrenchguy]

Yes, but it will only have the Birtman Electric Co. brass tag if the vise was made between 1930 and 1957.

Rock Island vises made before Birtman Electric bought Rock Island in 1930, or after Whirlpool bought Birtman in 1957, won't have the brass tag.

thank u.
i was wondering about the date runs.

 

[oldldh]

Bubba, I think you "need" that 577...

Your life won't be complete without it...

Hurry---Hurry---

Before it's gone!!!

 

[justanengineer]

4) As a good rule to follow if you must travel a far distance buy something even it it is only a few dollars, trust me going home empty and paying for all that gas is not fun. (woody tip), at least you will have something to show for all your trouble.

If Im buying something that I can fit and the weather is agreeable, I try to take my Firebird on recovery trips whenever possible simply bc even if I dont make a deal, the trip is well worth it to me.

 

[Filson]

Still debating a trip back... I keep feeling like some of that stuff is giving me a tap on the shoulder every now and then.. "Hey... Don't forget about me... It's just a short drive to come pick me up." Lol good Lord I have a problem.

 

[drivesitfar]

Sounds like you need some Garage Journal therapy. Go to page one of the vise thread and read every post up to current. Also when reading make sure to copy and paste every vise picture and store on your new laptop.

Or go take a drive with a little cash and buy a nice big vise and some tools because you need some until you get your stuff out of storage.

Dr. Drivesitfar is only a short PM away.

 

[454ragtop]

The 1" drive set while cool, do you have a use for it? I bought a 3/4" drive set, almost like that, a mix of American manufacturers, years ago at a swap meet for dirt, and I think I can count the number of times I've used it on one hand. Unless you're working on heavy equipment or something, can't see what you'd use it for. Price seems high for not having a ratchet.
HTH, Jim

 

[Filson]

The 1" drive set while cool, do you have a use for it? I bought a 3/4" drive set, almost like that, a mix of American manufacturers, years ago at a swap meet for dirt, and I think I can count the number of times I've used it on one hand. Unless you're working on heavy equipment or something, can't see what you'd use it for. Price seems high for not having a ratchet.
HTH, Jim

Yeah it is high. But I think it'd get use, as we're in the middle of buying a small farm, so will be doing maintenance/repairs/whatever on the tractor and implements and such. I think for the sockets I'd be better off waiting.

 

[2oolhound]

Kettle Falls is north of the ***-end of nowhere. You can see Canada from there.

Having said that, maybe a hunnerd-mile road trip is in order.

jack vines

Jeeze, that means you can see it from Canada! I'll have to check the map.

...but wait, there's still a $100 ferry ride and then the Canadian dollar is at 0.90 US right now so yeah, best to just hunker down and wait for a local deal.

 

[wrenchguy]

Yeah it is high. But I think it'd get use, as we're in the middle of buying a small farm, so will be doing maintenance/repairs/whatever on the tractor and implements and such. I think for the sockets I'd be better off waiting.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, i'm not going to approve your rationalizing no matter what. what fun can it be that its so close. its the hunt man! let it go. let us know when u get it.....

 

[meatsis]

$350 is kinda high for that 577. Just think, you can't buy a new vise of that size and quality in today's world. I have a rock island 577 and it's non swivel version the 597. They are awesome!!! Very stout and very precise. Almost no backlash in screw at all. As soon as you turn the handle it moves.