Tyberius
Well-known member
Picked up this vice over the weekend:
Any ideas on its provenance?
Any ideas on its provenance?
The VISES of Garage Journal
- Thread starter mjozefow
- Start date
Mark in Indiana
Well-known member
First post on the GJ. Just got this Wilton on eBay; I have been looking at them for a month or so. ...finally gave in. Mine has "Wilton Tool Corp Chicago" on one side, and "Wilton Vise No 3 Patent Pending Made in USA" on the other side. There is no date stamp, and no other raised letters for part no.'s etc.. It has been refurbished and painted a grayish color.
I did some research on this site, and it appears this one is from the 1941 to 1942 timeframe. I paid $175 + $25 shipping for it. If my assessment is correct, it seems to be a fair price for it.
IMHO: It's irrelevant to give an opinion on overpayment after it's been bought.. I believe that you paid a fair retail price for a restored, rare early Wilton. A good restoration takes a lot of work and skill. Also, consider what you would get for the same $200, if you bought a new one...a low quality Asian vise. I believe that you got a good one.
Now, welcome to our family. It's time for you to search out those diamonds in the rust and restore them for fun, and bragging rights.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Tyberius: your Sears (Craftsman) light to medium duty open screw vise looks like it was out of the shop in October 1957 (1057 on bottom). unless it says made in USA my guess it's from Japan or maybe Taiwan originally.
also were your parents big Star Trek fans. now that you have the smaller vise think "BIG" for the next ones. a 4 incher will handle almost all of any homeowner or light commercial needs if it was made in the US (England, Germany, Poland and a few other places). they usually would be maybe 50+ pounds too.
Golfer: I can't say you stole your Wilton, but i will say you made a decent buy of a high quality vise. if you don't use it as a press or hit it anywhere with a hammer or put a cheater bar on the handle or other non vise like applications it should even last your grandkids through their lifetime.
McB: i'd send a sympathy card, but i know you'll find another one. pretty cool way to have some alone time with a big vise though wasn't it?
also were your parents big Star Trek fans. now that you have the smaller vise think "BIG" for the next ones. a 4 incher will handle almost all of any homeowner or light commercial needs if it was made in the US (England, Germany, Poland and a few other places). they usually would be maybe 50+ pounds too.
Golfer: I can't say you stole your Wilton, but i will say you made a decent buy of a high quality vise. if you don't use it as a press or hit it anywhere with a hammer or put a cheater bar on the handle or other non vise like applications it should even last your grandkids through their lifetime.
McB: i'd send a sympathy card, but i know you'll find another one. pretty cool way to have some alone time with a big vise though wasn't it?
GETRIDAONE
Well-known member
Who are you? Show yourself!!
http://southjersey.craigslist.org/tls/4507363306.html
This is in my local CL. I'm not in the market for any more vises but I figured maybe one of you guys are. Looks like he has some pretty interesting stuff
Mk3Mike, The little Hollands in front caught my eye because I have one. It is only the third one I have seen. I don't think the flat bar vise went over to well. Those are some nice vises and I bet the prices will reflect that.
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McBrownie
Well-known member
Oh, the 606. It was never meant to be. But, I'll move on. It's best we all move on.
Mark, Auto, and Drives, I agree with your assessments on Golfer's new vise. It's clean, it's rare, and it was available when he wanted it. I paid, probably over paid, $100 for my 1962 Wilton 9300 a few years back. However, it brings a smile to my face every time it need to use it. It just works. I had to go to Sears tonight to look for a driveway edger tonight, which they didn't have.
I walked by their vises and saw the chrome-plated **** they had on the shelves for $60-$100. Yikes. Light weight. I could flip the boxes over with one hand. So, Golfer, enjoy that piece of history. They truly don't make vises like that anymore, and anything of that quality new today is $500 and up. Good job!
sz0k30
Well-known member
First, I have to start out with a big THANKS to AndrewH. In post #17247 on 6/21/2014 he called out the "Slackers" in Dayton. Well their loss is my gain.
Just got back from a long road trip where I picked up 3 vises.
1: A Parker #973-1/2 with a swivel base.
2: A Craftsman #5196 with a swivel base
3: A very unusual "The Diamond Vise" by the Adams Co. Dubuque, Ia
Besides the normally operating front dynamic jaw, this vise features an adjustable rear jaw that moves on a slide with teeth and a spring for tension. The only bad thing is its missing a handle. Once I get a better look at the vise I hope I can have someone make a handle for it.
Just got back from a long road trip where I picked up 3 vises.
1: A Parker #973-1/2 with a swivel base.
2: A Craftsman #5196 with a swivel base
3: A very unusual "The Diamond Vise" by the Adams Co. Dubuque, Ia
Besides the normally operating front dynamic jaw, this vise features an adjustable rear jaw that moves on a slide with teeth and a spring for tension. The only bad thing is its missing a handle. Once I get a better look at the vise I hope I can have someone make a handle for it.
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
SZ: just a vise payment and pickup trip or did you already have some plans to head that way. in miles about how many to pick up those 3 gems?
also Ritzblitz can make you an awesome handle if he isn't too busy so PM with the specs or for his wisdom on what is needed and a price and i'm sure you'll be as happy as the others that have had him make them one.
Andrew:
also Ritzblitz can make you an awesome handle if he isn't too busy so PM with the specs or for his wisdom on what is needed and a price and i'm sure you'll be as happy as the others that have had him make them one.
Andrew:
AndrewH
Well-known member
I'm glad someone on here picked them up! I'd have been on my way but I've got a lot going on this week and I'm really looking for larger vises. However, if you ever want to sell that Parker 973 1/2 please do let me know as it's one of the ones I'm missing from the Parker 97x series!
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Thanks for posting that Herr Scott.
Here is the one from my Starrett: Not a lot different, the key for making it work is two fold: The arc on the back with its angle; (provides the pressure for the teeth) and the teeth and their angle and arc.
Keep in mind these things are used "as cast" on this part, so hack sawing a piece from a 1/2" plate, then grinding the curved angled shapes to the proud size where the teeth are, then carefully grind those teeth using a 4" mini grinder and a thin wheel, or a thin wheel on a bench grinder is doable.
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sz0k30
Well-known member
I've been lurking in the shadows for a few months. Just reading the posts, enjoying and hopefully learning. I've had a couple of smaller Craftsman for many years, but this was my first "real vise " purchase. I like the 519X styling and I'e seen a couple on this site that have been restored and they are a great looking vise. So when I saw Andrews post, I just said its time to do it. Who knows how long till another 5196 came along. It was 4 hours and @ 250 miles one way.
Golferdawg17
New member
Thanks for commenting. It sounds like it's exactly what I'm hoping for. It's pretty cool having a piece of Chicago history complementing my workshop.
Tyberius
Well-known member
Well here is the collection so far:
1 1/2" Palmgren drill press vice
4 1/2" Sears Asian
5 1/2 " Columbian (with Wilton soft-jaws!)
(The handle is my own. Not my name, but I've been known to watch a bit of Star Trek)
McBrownie
Well-known member
I'm glad someone on here picked them up! I'd have been on my way but I've got a lot going on this week and I'm really looking for larger vises. However, if you ever want to sell that Parker 973 1/2 please do let me know as it's one of the ones I'm missing from the Parker 97x series!
SZ and Andrew,
3 Ohio vises taken to Michigan? It's an outrage! That Parker 973 1/2 is a nice one. Congratulations. Now, brace yourself for a good old-fashioned Ohio vise raid. You won't know where or when, but it will happen.
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sz0k30
Well-known member
3 Ohio vises taken to Michigan? It's an outrage! That Parker 973 1/2 is a nice one. Congratulations. Now, brace yourself for a good old Ohio vise raid. You won't know where or when, but it will happen.
I'll tell you, I was sure relieved when I got back on my side of the border!
Blue Frog
Well-known member
Please give me a value on this vise. It's available locally and I would prefer not overpaying for it.
Wilton 856 8" as listed.
Wilton 856 8" as listed.
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AndrewH
Well-known member
Just thought I'd post this for fun! 
oldldh
Well-known member
Just thought I'd post this for fun!
There's gonna be a fight...
Go outside, and practice falling down, and bleeding...
A lot!!!
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Just thought I'd post this for fun!
Andrew, you did a pretty good job stamping model No., Only a little double stamping on the 0, but the first 0, and is really badly double stamped, and the 5197 is mildly double stamped...
oldldh
Well-known member
Outlaw---
He of the Eagle Eye...
Saved you, he did!!!
A "Counterfeit Craftsman 5197"!!!!
Shame---Shame!!!
Probably Photoshopped the pictures, too...
He of the Eagle Eye...
Saved you, he did!!!
A "Counterfeit Craftsman 5197"!!!!
Shame---Shame!!!
Probably Photoshopped the pictures, too...
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balane
Well-known member
oldldh
Well-known member
Maybe this will make you feel better.
.
I knew it...
Some slimy, sticky fingered, egg sucking communist purloined my "Monogrammed 5197"....
(You are not a nice person, Balane---teasing a Senior Citizen is a felony in many states...)
I put them up, but I think I'll get my "Hoodoo-Voodoo Doll Pins" out and oil them up...
By the way...nice job on the "Handle Monogram"...Clever...
AndrewH
Well-known member
Well, here's the forgery in her entirety
Edit: the jaws are nearly perfect, she's sure going to look beautiful when I'm done with her!
Edit: the jaws are nearly perfect, she's sure going to look beautiful when I'm done with her!
Galvonzo
Well-known member
Yikes, I can't skip one day, let alone 7 days and ended up a good read back from the the last page. Picked up a Reed 1C today, couldn't let it pass me up. Called up my cousin and offered it to him at 5 dollars more than what I paid for it. SOLD. He's been wanting one for a while now. Now just to find the other cousin one too.
Was a bit surprised by the size of it. Seems about the same size as my 404 R, yet weighs less. I'll update later tomorrow with a pic.
For the record. Paid 65 for it.
Was a bit surprised by the size of it. Seems about the same size as my 404 R, yet weighs less. I'll update later tomorrow with a pic.
For the record. Paid 65 for it.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I think oldldh has a new Avatar... 
Silverhair
Member
GETRIDAONE
Well-known member
I think oldldh has a new Avatar...
I think he might also have a 5197 tattoo in "Arrest Me Red"
Outlawmws
Well-known member
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Balane: i'm not sure how you did that, but can you also change the # to 5198? Awesome and your talent goes far past the things you show us that sit on your stump.
I'm pretty sure after reading this thread for many years that Oldie doesn't have a 5197 tattoo on his chest because those are a dime a dozen because "everybody" has one of those. the 5198 is really the only one he wants on his bench and i'm sure he'll find one someday that hopefully isn't beat into submission rusting in the Midwest or Pacific NW rain and snow.
Andrew: Blue for your 5197 or are you going to further the tease with some Arrest me Red?? nice vise and did it tip the scales at 77 pounds?
Silverhair: So Wiltons are popping up everywhere and including the "scrap" pile. yes i think you can afford to buy a new swivel for yours if you really want it if it only cost you $12. i'd probably buy a new one if they fit, find one in the parts or wanted section of GJ or Ebay, or a lot of these didn't have a swivel so make a stand and you'll 360 degree access.
ALL: a lot of guys ask what a vise is worth and every vise is different and there isn't a real good way to price so here's my rule. if it is open screw and not rare and made in the US it's probably worth less than $50 and most times half that amount. if it is closed screw and made in US or another quality old vise and doesn't have and cracks, weld repairs or any other issues like needing new jaws then probably up to $150 and anything less would be a deal for 4.5 inchers and less. Big vises that have over 5 inch jaw "widths" and rarer ones then pay what you can afford because some day there won't be one to buy and it will be rare. do your own research before posting asking questions of the same vises we gave answers to a few days or weeks or month ago. AND of course i agree the POS vises that were maybe quality at one time that show up that need work or have issues that are asking same prices as a fully restored ones then they need to stay where they are until they reduce the price. don't bother trying to convince that person it's worth less so he can be buried with it or his spouse can sell it for $5 at a garage sale.
I'm pretty sure after reading this thread for many years that Oldie doesn't have a 5197 tattoo on his chest because those are a dime a dozen because "everybody" has one of those. the 5198 is really the only one he wants on his bench and i'm sure he'll find one someday that hopefully isn't beat into submission rusting in the Midwest or Pacific NW rain and snow.
Andrew: Blue for your 5197 or are you going to further the tease with some Arrest me Red?? nice vise and did it tip the scales at 77 pounds?
Silverhair: So Wiltons are popping up everywhere and including the "scrap" pile. yes i think you can afford to buy a new swivel for yours if you really want it if it only cost you $12. i'd probably buy a new one if they fit, find one in the parts or wanted section of GJ or Ebay, or a lot of these didn't have a swivel so make a stand and you'll 360 degree access.
ALL: a lot of guys ask what a vise is worth and every vise is different and there isn't a real good way to price so here's my rule. if it is open screw and not rare and made in the US it's probably worth less than $50 and most times half that amount. if it is closed screw and made in US or another quality old vise and doesn't have and cracks, weld repairs or any other issues like needing new jaws then probably up to $150 and anything less would be a deal for 4.5 inchers and less. Big vises that have over 5 inch jaw "widths" and rarer ones then pay what you can afford because some day there won't be one to buy and it will be rare. do your own research before posting asking questions of the same vises we gave answers to a few days or weeks or month ago. AND of course i agree the POS vises that were maybe quality at one time that show up that need work or have issues that are asking same prices as a fully restored ones then they need to stay where they are until they reduce the price. don't bother trying to convince that person it's worth less so he can be buried with it or his spouse can sell it for $5 at a garage sale.
balane
Well-known member
Sorry, can't put an 8 there because there's no 8 in the image to clone into another location.
Are these any good? looking to buy a vise and found this one on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Huge-115-LB-Allied-Swivel-8-Inch-Jaws-Bench-Vise-Machinst-/261510612448
AndrewH
Well-known member
I saw that the other day, it's a decent vise to hammer on or weld on. But personally I'd pass, it's an import. And for $270 you can find a much better USA made vise.
balane
Well-known member
That 8" import is showing $98 shipping for me. You can buy an amazing vise for $370. It likely won't be an 8" but you can definitely pick up a good ol' USA 6" monster vise (If you need one that large.) for that much money and will be a lot happier in the long run imho.
Edit: What area do you live in by the way?
Edit: What area do you live in by the way?
joe.striper
Well-known member
Saw an ad last night on CG selling 3 vises for $75.00. One looked like a Wilton so I rolled the dice and took the 45 minute drive out to see them. Picked up the following: A Wilton 1740 (I believe) Snap on model, manufactured 8/83; a 4" Columbian with no swivel base and a Chinese junker, all for $75.00 total.
The Wilton needs jaws and the bolts are broken off in the static jaw, it needs 2 of the locknut and swivel assemblies as well as locking pads. But no cracks or obvious jaw abuse. I assume that once I remove the mega bolts it will swivel.
The Columbian 4" has rough jaws but no other repairs or cracks.
The Chinese junker need a rope for the boat anchor, but I'll probably clean it up a little and CG it for $25.00
Overall I'm pretty happy for $75.00. Have I called it correctly?
The Wilton needs jaws and the bolts are broken off in the static jaw, it needs 2 of the locknut and swivel assemblies as well as locking pads. But no cracks or obvious jaw abuse. I assume that once I remove the mega bolts it will swivel.
The Columbian 4" has rough jaws but no other repairs or cracks.
The Chinese junker need a rope for the boat anchor, but I'll probably clean it up a little and CG it for $25.00
Overall I'm pretty happy for $75.00. Have I called it correctly?
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
Outlawmws
Well-known member
No it's not any good, and you can but that vise for about $70 new...
Thanks guys for the reply's
To sad that thing turns out to be a Chincom, but is it really ****?
few vises to chose from CL right now,
This looks good but two hours away. http://victoriatx.craigslist.org/tls/4488947992.html
I like this one best http://corpuschristi.craigslist.org/tls/4463358378.html Waiting for e-Mail reply from seller.
To sad that thing turns out to be a Chincom, but is it really ****?
few vises to chose from CL right now,
This looks good but two hours away. http://victoriatx.craigslist.org/tls/4488947992.html
I like this one best http://corpuschristi.craigslist.org/tls/4463358378.html Waiting for e-Mail reply from seller.
AndrewH
Well-known member
That Reed looks awesome, I'm seriously curious as to the model number. At 150 lbs without swivel base I'm guessing it's at least a 6".
*The second Reed
*Edit #2 The second Reed appears to be a really nice vise, however, $450 is a bit steep so if you could get him down to $300-$350 I think that would be fair deal for both of you.
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
I'd be all over the 1st one in a NY minute...
balane
Well-known member
Holy smokes I wish I was close enough to buy that 6" $70 Reed! Get in your car!!!
