The VISES of Garage Journal

[mantemec]

Is there a rule about pricing a vise? Something like $ per pound, rare or size.
I think the blue vise was worth the price. I think the vise is a prentiss 23, which is 202 lbs according to the sale brochure. I am not a expert but you dont came across them everyday. There is a guy in alabama, he has one and he wants $3000.00 for the one he has, which is in worse shape than the one sold on ebay.

 

[drivesitfar]

Mant: i think you have it figured out and there isn't any vise pricing guide that i know of. size, rarity, condition and need are just a few of the ways to determine value.

that blue Prentiss with the Y's on it was a big vise with a swivel jaw and if the back slide wasn't cracked it looked like it was in pretty decent shape under that blue paint. another 10 seconds in the bidding and maybe it might have been $1000 instead of $480 and funny it sat at $22.00 for a few days.

Ritzblitz: can you find good old US or English made vises for a pittance still? of course you can as you and others have shown, but it's not as frequent is it? some parts of the country our members haven't seen an old vise in the wild for years. supply and demand is what drives the market for anything. as the supply decreases the demand will follow unless some foundry starts making some vises (vices) as nice as the older ones for less than thousands of dollars. I remember watching so many metal kitchen cabinets go to the dump 30 years ago when a new homeowner remodeled their kitchen. now look at the price of them that the people are paying to put them back in a brand new kitchen or nice garage.

ALL: any thoughts as to having a vote for the best vise find of 2014 since the year is coming to an end?

Big Caddy's Craftsman 5198 that Oldie assisted on might make that list. Getridofone's double or triple swiveler 474 that he now has 2 of. any others?? which vise on the stump was the best and i'm guessing Balane's Parker he has mounted to his workbench? should we have a few categories? anybody want to set up a poll?

 

[ganymede]

Is there a rule about pricing a vise? Something like $ per pound, rare or size....

It's 50 cents to 1 dollar per lb if you're buying.
About 2 dollars per pound if you're the seller.

 

[shiftdrift]

I was happy finding my wilton c3 on ebay

 

[Squashfest81]

Now, due to the GJ, all I see when I walk into my fathers garage is that tiny vise. Sure its old USA and has been beat on for years. Seen multiple truck and tractor resto's, but this site has ruined it.
Couldn't leave this guy on Craig's at $15.
The cleaned up replacement for Pop's XMas.
He's a beach, adult pedal tricycle kind of guy.
Any guess on year?

 

[McBrownie]

ALL: any thoughts as to having a vote for the best vise find of 2014 since the year is coming to an end?

How about Outlaw's 6" Parker double-swivelin' b@$tard back on page 821? In fact, I called it "a strong contender for vise of the year" back then. But, I'll admit, tough to beat the Elusive 5198.

 

[McBrownie]

Now, due to the GJ, all I see when I walk into my fathers garage is that tiny vise. Sure its old USA and has been beat on for years. Seen multiple truck and tractor resto's, but this site has ruined it.

That is a great looking vise. Just so you know, KMScott makes a replacement swivel clamp for that model.

http://www.benchvisejaws.com/columbian-604-and-504-swivel-clamp-single/

 

[Smokeshow69]

I don't have any idea on the year but that vise came out nice!! Good find at $15!

 

[Squashfest81]

Thanks McBrownie and Smokeshow.
It sadly needs more than just the clamp. It needs the cast threaded piece as the threads are all screwed up. Gonna have to weld something up.

 

[joe.striper]

Mant: i think you have it figured out and there isn't any vise pricing guide that i know of. size, rarity, condition and need are just a few of the ways to determine value.

Ritzblitz: can you find good old US or English made vises for a pittance still? of course you can as you and others have shown, but it's not as frequent is it? some parts of the country our members haven't seen an old vise in the wild for years. supply and demand is what drives the market for anything. as the supply decreases the demand will follow unless some foundry starts making some vises (vices) as nice as the older ones for less than thousands of dollars. I remember watching so many metal kitchen cabinets go to the dump 30 years ago when a new homeowner remodeled their kitchen. now look at the price of them that the people are paying to put them back in a brand new kitchen or nice garage.

ALL: any thoughts as to having a vote for the best vise find of 2014 since the year is coming to an end?

Big Caddy's Craftsman 5198 that Oldie assisted on might make that list. Getridofone's double or triple swiveler 474 that he now has 2 of. any others?? which vise on the stump was the best and I'm guessing Balane's Parker he has mounted to his workbench? should we have a few categories? anybody want to set up a poll?

First there are lots of decent vises for cheap $$ out there. I picked up a Wilton square slide 4.5" for $30 buck the other day. Restoring it for my nephew as we speak. I just got my Parker 954 1/2 for $50.00 in PHENOMENAL condition.

I know it's not sporting to nominate oneself, but I have to tell you my Emmert 6A for $160 was pretty good as a vise find goes. My Reed 206R for $120 was good. I paid 160 for my Parker 976b and $150 for my Athol 626, including stump.

 

[mike_paxton]

My brother-in-law gave me a small rusty vise for Christmas.

Had some time this morning, so went ahead and cleaned/lubed it up.

It is a small Yost Model 103 with 3 inch jaws, max opening of 4 inches and weight around 23 pounds. Made in Meadville PA.

Thought I'd upload some pics of it, so that the info on it will be available on the forum.

 

[chatofab]

I'm sure I'll regret posting this vise here and creating competition but what would be a good price on this one? I know the .50-1.00/lb rule but Wiltons are usually marked up right? Would $100 be a decent price even with the broken insert?

 

[Askme42]

I'm sure I'll regret posting this vise here and creating competition but what would be a good price on this one? I know the .50-1.00/lb rule but Wiltons are usually marked up right? Would $100 be a decent price even with the broken insert?

That pic is terribly blurry. Can't give any advice without a better view of it.

Do you have a link to the craigslist add?

 

[chatofab]

That pic is terribly blurry. Can't give any advice without a better view of it.

Do you have a link to the craigslist add?

Sorry about that. Strange cause it's crystal clear on my phone. The link to the ad is http://youngstown.craigslist.org/tls/4815733201.html

Don't wanna low ball the guy but 175 seems steep in that condition even with Wilton stamped on the side.

 

[drivesitfar]

Chat: well you didn't post a very big picture so don't worry about the competition from some of us old guys that can't read the ad. from what i see one of the jaws is broken which isn't a cheap fix. also if the replaceable jaw is broken the part of the jaw that it is attached to might be cracked and in that case you probably have a parts vise. better pictures or use your best judgment. if that vise was in perfect shape it would be worth around $200-250 so adjust from there and when i say "perfect" i mean like new.

Joe: i didn't say that you couldn't find a good old vise for a great price if you are in some areas. just saying there are some areas that don't have the inventory or they are all being bought by the Ebay sellers. Before i joined GJ i didn't know that others bought vises like i did. then i met a few local guys of which one owns a stump and saw why i don't find many old inexpensive vises in my area for sale or easy to find. He probably didn't even know i existed even though i was buying a few vises a month back then. You just wait until a couple of the members or guys start collecting or buying up all the old vises in your area then you will know what i mean. enjoy your plentiful bounty now, but i bet in less than a year or maybe two you'll wonder where to find any.

Mike: nice looking vise and thanks for sharing.

Squash: for that price you paid for yours you deserve a little work on the swivel and i hope you are able to fix it or take the swivel off and mount it to a stand or bench with just the two holes.

ALL: while BC's 5198 was a great find i think 72's Reed 208 that almost looked like new was one that i would vote for if there is a vise of the year vote. some of you have your favorites and post a picture if you have one while you are mentioning yours.

 

[drivesitfar]

Chat: I just saw your craigslist add and i'd pass if i were you because the front jaw is broken. the pin holding the vise nut in place is almost all the way removed. sure it can be fixed, but that's not a fix me price.

 

[Squashfest81]

Drivesitfar. I should be able to weld, possibly braze a new stud to the cast swivel piece. Anyone done it? I'll update when the time comes.

 

[drivesitfar]

Squash: maybe post the parts and pieces you have over on the Vise Repair 101 thread and maybe somebody looking at that thread might have a suggestion. I've seen a few fixes and without seeing all the parts it's hard to say which one might be better for your vise.

Chat: Balane just posted a Wilton Cadet on his stump a few pages back so you can see what that vise should look like in close to perfect shape and he didn't like the way the jaws looked until we told him he was getting a little too picky. also the Cadet is not the higher end bullet or C series vises that command the bigger dollars.

 

[zkling]

Drivesitfar. I should be able to weld, possibly braze a new stud to the cast swivel piece. Anyone done it? I'll update when the time comes.

I'd pass at that price, go look at that columbian swivel for $50

 

[TreePointer]

Sorry about that. Strange cause it's crystal clear on my phone. The link to the ad is http://youngstown.craigslist.org/tls/4815733201.html

Don't wanna low ball the guy but 175 seems steep in that condition even with Wilton stamped on the side.

That CL seller is not too far from me, and I'm pretty sure he's the one I've visited in the past. His offerings on the more desirable vises almost always seem to have something chipped, cracked, or broken in his CL postings; and even those are on the expensive side. I'm not trying to discourage anyone form dealing with him; however, make sure to look carefully at the pictures and exercise due diligence before you drive from afar.

 

[Hot Chop shop]

My wife did good... She got me this Yost 6" Drill Press Vise Made in US for Xmas... Been needing a good drill press vise and haven't had any luck on finding one locally on Craigslist.

There was some great drill press/mill vises in the LA area... A palmgren vise and heinrich vise that I wanted but looks like she didn't want to drive 8 hours both ways...

 

[jreb10]

After months of scanning CL multiple times a day, and coming up empty, I found a potential deal on Christmas eve morning. It was for a Simplex C43 made by Desmond Stephens.

The photo in the add looked a little rough, and the seller described its condition as 'Fair". Still, it was the first prospect I had seen in months, and it was only 30 miles away. I called, left a message, and got a call back within an hour.

Here it is:



When I looked it over it was in much better shape than I expected, beyond the surface rust. Both jaw sets were in great condition. It had a slightly bent handle but I can fix that easy enough.



It has a collar like a Parker:



The jaws are 4.75 inches. It is a real heavy beast. I have not weighed it but it must go 85 pounds or more.

The best part was the price. I could not get the $60 out of the wallet fast enough.

I am going to have to give this one a special paint job, like I have seen recently on this thread.

 

[jakemac]

[sing-song voice]
I know a secret ................ I know a secret ................

 

[JeremyBurke]

[sing-song voice]
I know a secret ................ I know a secret ................

Now jake you know the only way we can all help each other with our addictions is if we all honestly and openly share.

Now repeat after me.

Hi my name is jakemac and I have a vise vice. Actually I have several vise vices. Or is is vice vises. Either way it's several.

 

[Outlawmws]

Neither Jeremy, it would be "I have a vises vice"

 

[oldldh]

[sing-song voice]
I know a secret ................ I know a secret ................

All right...

Enough already!!!

Tell us, or we'll all sulk!!!

 

[va.grouseman]

If you just ignore him, he'll blurt it out.

 

[jakemac]

Not this time, it isn't my secret to tell.

 

[mcmlvif100]

After months of scanning CL multiple times a day, and coming up empty, I found a potential deal on Christmas eve morning. It was for a Simplex C43 made by Desmond Stephens.

When I looked it over it was in much better shape than I expected, beyond the surface rust. Both jaw sets were in great condition. It had a slightly bent handle but I can fix that easy enough.

It has a collar like a Parker:

The jaws are 4.75 inches. It is a real heavy beast. I have not weighed it but it must go 85 pounds or more.

The best part was the price. I could not get the $60 out of the wallet fast enough.

I am going to have to give this one a special paint job, like I have seen recently on this thread.

Nice find! Should look good after the restoration.

 

[va.grouseman]

Little Prentiss.---7 minutes till show time.

 

[joe.striper]

Not this time, it isn't my secret to tell.

Hey Jake it's OK, you can tell them about that experimental, stainless steel, 12" jawed Wilton C8 that you found for me. Best $50 bucks I ever spent! Thank you!!!!

 

[joe.striper]

After months of scanning CL multiple times a day, and coming up empty, I found a potential deal on Christmas eve morning. It was for a Simplex C43 made by Desmond Stephens.

The photo in the add looked a little rough, and the seller described its condition as 'Fair". Still, it was the first prospect I had seen in months, and it was only 30 miles away. I called, left a message, and got a call back within an hour.

Here it is:



When I looked it over it was in much better shape than I expected, beyond the surface rust. Both jaw sets were in great condition. It had a slightly bent handle but I can fix that easy enough.



It has a collar like a Parker:



The jaws are 4.75 inches. It is a real heavy beast. I have not weighed it but it must go 85 pounds or more.

The best part was the price. I could not get the $60 out of the wallet fast enough.

I am going to have to give this one a special paint job, like I have seen recently on this thread.

jreb, that's a very nice vise. Good job.

 

[va.grouseman]

Well the Neilsen ratings tanked on that one.

 

[Mark914]

saw this at a garage sale. good size, felt about 75lb range. looks like its missing the base, guy wanted $50. still has it as far as I know. Any ideas what it is ????

 

[jakemac]

Hey Jake it's OK, you can tell them about that experimental, stainless steel, 12" jawed Wilton C8 that you found for me. Best $50 bucks I ever spent! Thank you!!!!

Awwwww
I was trying to build up to a spectacular reveal. You can't just blurt out something like that, the moment needs to be savored. I guess I'll just have to save it for one of the the Reed 210's I have stashed away in my secret lair.

 

[Saiga]

can you get a better pic?

 

[mantemec]

Little Prentiss.---7 minutes till show time.

I was contemplating bidding the little prentiss but I notice the end piece of the screw wasn't round like a ball as the regular printiss 2" it was more cylindrical.
Nice piece, I didn't know if it was original or rebuild. anyway I got the Polish wise. it looks in very nice shape. I don't know anything about it but it looks nice...

 

[oldldh]

can you get a better pic?

Different vise, but, same type, me thinks...

Substantial...

Brutal...

I wonder if they are available in, say, a six inch size???

 

[McBrownie]

Different vise, but, same type, me thinks...

Substantial...

Brutal...

I wonder if they are available in, say, a six inch size???

Oldie, that is my favorite open screw vise. There is something bad-*** looking about it. Any idea if the dynamic slide is solid? I was wondering because it doesn't have a screw. Unless..... is it a double screwin' b@$tard?!?!!

 

[oldldh]

Oldie, that is my favorite open screw vise. There is something bad-*** looking about it. Any idea if the dynamic slide is solid? I was wondering because it doesn't have a screw. Unless..... is it a double screwin' b@$tard?!?!!

Good question...

This Blue Beastie was bought for peanuts from Ebay, recently, by one of our members, "Lu-Max"...

He may have an answer for you...