The VISES of Garage Journal

[gman007]

So I'm taking a look at this Yost 104, right now the guys asking $55 for it, is that a good deal? Non removable Jaws, and stationary base, if that matters
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Hit Personably I would say that is more than fair price and while you might not earn a you **** award from some quarters, you will still be doing well (assuming that there is nothing major such as repairs, breakage, cracks, etc wrong with the vise)

PS
Again personally I prefer vises with swivel base but there are members here that are die hard stationary base fans and there is nothing wrong with that. As for none removable jaws, I am told that those are usually harder than the removal jaw inserts, so there is nothing wrong with that either

 

[gman007]

Double Score
I know I've said I'm not actively seeking vises anymore but what was I supposed to do when I saw these two pictured at a nearby estate sale? Stay home? I don't think so! Not at $25 per!

CRS You for sure ****! Are your sure are not missing a zero in front of the $25 for the versa?

PS
If you are not actively seeking vises and you are ending up with this kind of deals, I hate to see you activitly seeking vises, the poor seller probably has to pay you $25 to take the vise

 

[hitthewall79]

Hit Personably I would say that is more than fair price and while you might not earn a you **** award from some quarters, you will still be doing well (assuming that there is nothing major such as repairs, breakage, cracks, etc wrong with the vise)

PS
Again personally I prefer vises with swivel base but there are members here that are die hard stationary base fans and there is nothing wrong with that. As for none removable jaws, I am told that those are usually harder than the removal jaw inserts, so there is nothing wrong with that either

I also am a die hard swivel man myself, and I didn't know that the non removable Jaws were harder. Honestly, I am just getting it to restore and resell, gives me something to do while I'm laid off

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[CRSINMICH]

Shift, trijeff, 007: Thanks for the "You *****". It was a grand way to spend a 3 degree morning.

hitthewal: I have a Yost 104. I don't remember what I paid but it was in the range you're talking about. It is a terrific user and will never let it leave my shop.

 

[Bcom]

Double Score
I know I've said I'm not actively seeking vises anymore but what was I supposed to do when I saw these two pictured at a nearby estate sale? Stay home? I don't think so! Not at $25 per!

Wow thats a super clean FPU!

 

[hitthewall79]

Shift, trijeff, 007: Thanks for the "You *****". It was a grand way to spend a 3 degree morning.

hitthewal: I have a Yost 104. I don't remember what I paid but it was in the range you're talking about. It is a terrific user and will never let it leave my shop.

Unfortunately, it was an ebay listing that I lost, better luck next time though, I've got a listing coming up everyday this week

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[Bcom]

Can anyone tell me what an FPU vise usually sells for?

 

[Outlawmws]

Double Score
I know I've said I'm not actively seeking vises anymore but what was I supposed to do when I saw these two pictured at a nearby estate sale? Stay home? I don't think so! Not at $25 per!

Ya, those be double *****...

 

[georgiadave]

So I'm taking a look at this Yost 104, right now the guys asking $55 for it, is that a good deal? Non removable Jaws, and stationary base, if that matters

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Maybe you were fortunate. It looks to me as if the of the lower area of the static part has been crudely welded.

 

[Teufelshund1097]

Re: Chas. Parker 974

I picked up one of these a few months ago for my 974. Not original, but works great and cheap. https://www.google.com/search?q=cha...=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#imgrc=VCSEmqrnVLIv6M:

I saw those myself...

 

[hitthewall79]

Maybe you were fortunate. It looks to me as if the of the lower area of the static part has been crudely welded.

I didn't even notice that before, but now that you said something, it stuck out like a sore thumb

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[Shiftless]

I’m sure that the broken support shelf on that Yost is why the winning bid was only $26.
Maybe a GJ guy snagged it for parts or to redo the repair and relegate it to light duty or display.

 

[hitthewall79]

I’m sure that the broken support shelf on that Yost is why the winning bid was only $26.
Maybe a GJ guy snagged it for parts or to redo the repair and relegate it to light duty or display.

My bid was 25 and before that the highest was 18.50, I tried snagging it out from under the guy, but he must of just had a higher limit set

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[CRSINMICH]

Outlaw: Thanks! I don't think I've ever had a Double You ****.

Bcom: Yeah, it is clean with only a few signs of previous use. In answer to your question about what Bisons usually sell for I'd have to say, "I don't know". A quick check of Ebay showed them listed between $124 and $485. They're rare enough that I don't think there is a usual price. This one was only the second one I have seen in real life. The other one was a 6 incher and the guy only wanted $80. It had some damage but I'm still not sure why I didn't buy it.

ANYONE WHO'S INTERESTED IN FPU VISES: Here's a link to a post by Mark in Indian. It's actually a series of posts about an extensive repair/renovation he did on an FPU. For some reson the link takes you to the bottom of the page. Scroll to the top to begin.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=5800723&posted=1#post5800723

 

[gman007]

Outlaw: Thanks! I don't think I've ever had a Double You ****.

Bcom: Yeah, it is clean with only a few signs of previous use. In answer to your question about what Bisons usually sell for I'd have to say, "I don't know". A quick check of Ebay showed them listed between $124 and $485. They're rare enough that I don't think there is a usual price. This one was only the second one I have seen in real life. The other one was a 6 incher and the guy only wanted $80. It had some damage but I'm still not sure why I didn't buy it.

I have to admit and confess (to Drives, please forgive me for I have sinned ) that some month back even after Drives had said how nice bison vises are and I was quizzing the poor guy back and forth on the value

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6824883#post6824883


I could not bring myself to pull the trigger on a 6" Bison in excellent shape for I think something like $100 (it was advertised on CL in Paw Paw Mi which is only 20 drive for me).

I would imaging many even those that are into vises (including myself) might feel that Bisons are too different and are not made in US or they have never even heard of FPU and hence might hesitate getting one. This might be the reason as to why there is no set and steady market and hence prices are all over the map.

 

[hitthewall79]

Asking because it was just brought to my attention, and I'm getting conflicting answers. If I find an old broken craftsman vise, is that covered under their lifetime warranty?

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[Shiftless]

Asking because it was just brought to my attention, and I'm getting conflicting answers. If I find an old broken craftsman vise, is that covered under their lifetime warranty?

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A former employee posting in the club craftsman forum 2 years ago said specifically that c clamps and vises were NOT covered.
With the current situation at Sears, I would bet that they are even less accommodating now.

But if you find a 5198 with a bent handle or something like that, don’t take it in to try for a crappy Asian replacement. Let us know and one of us will provide a nice replacement vise.

 

[gman007]

A former employee posting in the club craftsman forum 2 years ago said specifically that c clamps and vises were NOT covered.
With the current situation at Sears, I would bet that they are even less accommodating now.

But if you find a 5198 with a bent handle or something like that, don’t take it in to try for a crappy Asian replacement. Let us know and we will provide a nice replacement vise.

Shift Actually poor sears has no longer any say as I believe they sold the craftsman brand to Black & Decker in Jan of 2017.

http://www.businessinsider.com/sears-sells-craftsman-brand-for-900-million-2017-1

It is very sad to see such an iconic company in such a miserable condition. They missed the boat and could have been the Amazon, as they had the catalog business and all they had to do was to jump on the internet band wagon and be way ahead of everybody else!

 

[hitthewall79]

A former employee posting in the club craftsman forum 2 years ago said specifically that c clamps and vises were NOT covered.
With the current situation at Sears, I would bet that they are even less accommodating now.

But if you find a 5198 with a bent handle or something like that, don’t take it in to try for a crappy Asian replacement. Let us know and one of us will provide a nice replacement vise.

Well, I found a 5152, but it's been broken and welded back together, it's bad, and I just don't know if I'll ever be able to find the part, it's the shaft that goes into the hole, this weld goes all the way around too...

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[hitthewall79]

Shift Actually poor sears has no longer any say as I believe they sold the craftsman brand to Black & Decker in Jan of 2017.

http://www.businessinsider.com/sears-sells-craftsman-brand-for-900-million-2017-1

It is very sad to see such iconic company in such a miserable condition. They missed the boat and could have been the Amazon, as they had the catalog business and all they had to do was to jump on the internet band wagon and be way ahead of everybody else!

Yup, there's hope though! The company is coming back to America, and they will be out for sale again around July at Lowes

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[va.grouseman]

Yup, there's hope though! The company is coming back to America, and they will be out for sale again around July at Lowes

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Recon they will retain the guarantee on their tools as sears did?

 

[chrisnazzy]

Well, I found a 5152, but it's been broken and welded back together, it's bad, and I just don't know if I'll ever be able to find the part, it's the shaft that goes into the hole, this weld goes all the way around too...

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There are probably dozens of vises on Ebay at any one time with crazy repairs like this one. Realistically, I think anybody who knows anything about vises would not give $10 for a vise in this condition unless of course they needed the static. It's also funny to me how it seems that vises like this with the entire front of the dynamic crudely welded back on always seem to be listed at a premium or even higher price or starting bid.

Now as far as this particular Craftsman vise goes.....it was made in the USA by a very respected vise manufacturer Rock Island. For that vise to be broken in that way means it suffered some kind of abuse that no vise its size would have survived. Probably used as a press with a cheater bar (the handle isn't original either) or had something clamped in it being hit by a hammer bigger than the vise. Either way steer clear of vises with repairs like this.

Now if you want some help finding a good old American vise you're in the right place. Definitely tell us where you are located so if someone close has a nice vise for sale they can PM you. Now I typically have better luck finding good deals on vises on Craigslist, Offerup, Letgo and Facebook marketplace but If Ebay is your only option try copying and pasting this search:

(vise, vice) (athol, "american scale", parker, reed, hollands, "rock island", prentiss, monarch, starrett)

I purposely leave Wilton out because of the crazy prices the good Wiltons tend to go for on Ebay plus it filters out all the cheap chinesium Wiltons that I don't care to own. I'm sure there are other brands to include in my search but by limiting it to what I've included above I'm only seeing older American vises.

Hope this helps and happy vise hunting!

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[hitthewall79]

Recon they will retain the guarantee on their tools as sears did?

I really think they will, based on 2 things

1. Craftsman is known for their lifetime warranty, it's part of their brand. Take that away, and you lose a major part of your customer base

2. Kobalt has a lifetime warranty on hand tools, so they wouldn't put something out there would just be beat by their store brand

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[hitthewall79]

There are probably dozens of vises on Ebay at any one time with crazy repairs like this one. Realistically, I think anybody who knows anything about vises would not give $10 for a vise in this condition unless of course they needed the static. It's also funny to me how it seems that vises like this with the entire front of the dynamic crudely welded back on always seem to be listed at a premium or even higher price or starting bid.

Now as far as this particular Craftsman vise goes.....it was made in the USA by a very respected vise manufacturer Rock Island. For that vise to be broken in that way means it suffered some kind of abuse that no vise its size would have survived. Probably used as a press with a cheater bar (the handle isn't original either) or had something clamped in it being hit by a hammer bigger than the vise. Either way steer clear of vises with repairs like this.

Now if you want some help finding a good old American vise you're in the right place. Definitely tell us where you are located so if someone close has a nice vise for sale they can PM you. Now I typically have better luck finding good deals on vises on Craigslist, Offerup, Letgo and Facebook marketplace but If Ebay is your only option try copying and pasting this search:

(vise, vice) (athol, "american scale", parker, reed, hollands, "rock island", prentiss, monarch, starrett)

I purposely leave Wilton out because of the crazy prices the good Wiltons tend to go for on Ebay plus it filters out all the cheap chinesium Wiltons that I don't care to own. I'm sure there are other brands to include in my search but by limiting it to what I've included above I'm only seeing older American vises.

Hope this helps and happy vise hunting!

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That's exactly why I asking about it, I think it's going for something like $20, so if I could get that, and be in for the replacement even at $100, I feel like I'd still be way ahead of the game. My personal favorites are the people who have absolutely no clue what they have, but because it's old, charge 100(+) for it
,
Appreciate the knowledge on the damage, are there any other indicators I should watch out for when looking online?

I live in Huron Ohio, about 25 min east of Sandusky Ohio. I've gone through all those resources, but what frustrates me the most is that Columbian vises were MADE IN CLEVELAND, why arnt they just littered throughout this area? As far as I've seen so far, there's been 3 major companies in Ohio? I'm just wondering where all their stuff went...

Thanks for the ebay search, and a word on wiltons...

The only reason I think they go for so much is because it's an enclosed system... To my knowledge, no one else encloses everything, but I might be wrong. But why on God's green earth do those stupid baby bullets go for upwards of $300??? They're what? A two inch vise at most? I just dont get it.

 

[gman007]

That's exactly why I asking about it, I think it's going for something like $20, so if I could get that, and be in for the replacement even at $100, I feel like I'd still be way ahead of the game. My personal favorites are the people who have absolutely no clue what they have, but because it's old, charge 100(+) for it
,
Appreciate the knowledge on the damage, are there any other indicators I should watch out for when looking online?

I live in Huron Ohio, about 25 min east of Sandusky Ohio. I've gone through all those resources, but what frustrates me the most is that Columbian vises were MADE IN CLEVELAND, why arnt they just littered throughout this area? As far as I've seen so far, there's been 3 major companies in Ohio? I'm just wondering where all their stuff went...

Thanks for the ebay search, and a word on wiltons...

The only reason I think they go for so much is because it's an enclosed system... To my knowledge, no one else encloses everything, but I might be wrong. But why on God's green earth do those stupid baby bullets go for upwards of $300??? They're what? A two inch vise at most? I just dont get it.

Hit Here are some answers for you in reverse order
1- baby Wiltons are rare becuase not that many were made and they stopped making them long back
2- There are other enclosed vises for example York (made in czech republic since 1930s) that was making bullet vises long back and there are indications that original Wilton might be copies of York. If you look few posts above yours there were post regarding FPU Bison (made in Poland) vise, which also can be considered enclosed. But these are not made in US and hence are not anywhere as well known as Wilton.

 

[chrisnazzy]

That's exactly why I asking about it, I think it's going for something like $20, so if I could get that, and be in for the replacement even at $100, I feel like I'd still be way ahead of the game. My personal favorites are the people who have absolutely no clue what they have, but because it's old, charge 100(+) for it
,
Appreciate the knowledge on the damage, are there any other indicators I should watch out for when looking online?

I live in Huron Ohio, about 25 min east of Sandusky Ohio. I've gone through all those resources, but what frustrates me the most is that Columbian vises were MADE IN CLEVELAND, why arnt they just littered throughout this area? As far as I've seen so far, there's been 3 major companies in Ohio? I'm just wondering where all their stuff went...

Thanks for the ebay search, and a word on wiltons...

The only reason I think they go for so much is because it's an enclosed system... To my knowledge, no one else encloses everything, but I might be wrong. But why on God's green earth do those stupid baby bullets go for upwards of $300??? They're what? A two inch vise at most? I just dont get it.

If you don't mind spending $100-$150 you might want to consider this Reed 404 1/2. Its been on Ebay for awhile but probably because its local pickup only. It looks to me to be in good condition. Tapered swivel jaw pin doesn't look original but this is a sought after, well made vise that is most likely close to 100 years old and its in Toledo, OH.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/273035225275

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[hitthewall79]

If you don't mind spending $100-$150 you might want to consider this Reed 404 1/2. Its been on Ebay for awhile but probably because its local pickup only. It looks to me to be in good condition. Tapered swivel jaw pin doesn't look original but this is a sought after, well made vise that is most likely close to 100 years old and its in Toledo, OH.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/273035225275

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Just messaged the seller, let's see where this goes, im gonna try and talk him down since you said it's been in ebay a while

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[gman007]

If you don't mind spending $100-$150 you might want to consider this Reed 404 1/2. Its been on Ebay for awhile but probably because its local pickup only. It looks to me to be in good condition. Tapered swivel jaw pin doesn't look original but this is a sought after, well made vise that is most likely close to 100 years old and its in Toledo, OH.


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You are absolutely right on the money, on ebay pretty much with some rare exceptions, the only decently priced and in good shape vises that hang around for a long time, are those that are listed for local pickup only.

I would pay $100-$150 for 404 1/2 (with no major issues) in a heart beat if it was reasonably closer to me.

 

[gman007]

Just messaged the seller, let's see where this goes, im gonna try and talk him down since you said it's been in ebay a while

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Hit Those photos seem to be from over 2.5 years ago and hopefully the vise is still in the same shape. Stating the obvious should you make the deal make sure to check it inside out (I have personally been burned once by hidden issues specially when the vise is covered in heavy dirt,grime and rust, in the rush to grab the vise and run might make one overlook issues)

 

[chrisnazzy]

You are absolutely right on the money, on ebay pretty much with some rare exceptions, the only decently priced and in good shape vises that hang around for a long time, are those that are listed for local pickup only.

I would pay $100-$150 for 404 1/2 (with no major issues) in a heart beat if it was reasonably closer to me.

Yeah me too! I actually saw this one on Ebay a couple months ago. I remember thinking it wouldn't last long but specifying local pickup only certainly does narrow your prospective buyer pool.

Hey gman, if you have a second to go over the 12 pics of that vise, it would probably be good to put a second set of eyes on it to look for any issues. I'd hate to recommend a vise to someone and miss something that may be obvious to someone else. Thanks.

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[ptgarcia]

Wilton 1845 C1 hydraulic in Temecula, CA for $1000 if anyone is interested.

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tld/d/wilton-bullet-bench-vise-with/6409017040.html

 

[hitthewall79]

Wilton 1845 C1 hydraulic in Temecula, CA for $1000 if anyone is interested.

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tld/d/wilton-bullet-bench-vise-with/6409017040.html

[emoji91][emoji91][emoji91] that is An amazing wilton, and I'm jealous

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[lis2323]

Wilton 1845 C1 hydraulic in Temecula, CA for $1000 if anyone is interested.

https://inlandempire.craigslist.org/tld/d/wilton-bullet-bench-vise-with/6409017040.html

Interesting to see that the seller (or previous owner) encouraged his three year old child to take an early interest in restoring vises by allowing them to apply a coat of red paint. [emoji106]

 

[gman007]

Yeah me too! I actually saw this one on Ebay a couple months ago. I remember thinking it wouldn't last long but specifying local pickup only certainly does narrow your prospective buyer pool.

Hey gman, if you have a second to go over the 12 pics of that vise, it would probably be good to put a second set of eyes on it to look for any issues. I'd hate to recommend a vise to someone and miss something that may be obvious to someone else. Thanks.

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Chris In addition to pool of prospective buyer being narrower, most of buyers looking to buy locally are most likely checking CL, letgo, offerup etc and not ebay.

My personal experience has almost always been finding vises that are covered in grime and rusted which makes spotting issue harder.

Ironically this one has the opposite problem as it is nominally clean but it seems to have many layers of overlapping paint on top of peeled paint (or rust). Not that in itself this is necessarily an issue but I can now see why some buyers do not like a vise that is repainted as it is harder to tell what is under the paint. Specially in this case with so many layers of paint that have made the lettering almost illegible.

Obviously checking photos is never the same as seeing and inspecting a vise. But since you have asked for my humble opinion, in a glance, as far as I can tell from the photos apart from the minor and easily addressable issues such as the obvious bent swivel arm, and usual age nicks and bruises, most likely the usual frozen swivel jaw/pin, there does not seem to be a glaring issue (unless it is lurking under the thick paint). May be someone else can spot an issue which we both might have missed from the photos.

Hit If I was getting this vise, I would pull the dynamic jaw/slid bar out and inspect the inside of each piece as well as dynamic jaw support shelf, main screw etc. (hopefully someone did not paint the insides ). Undoing the main swivel bolt and inspecting swivel brake/nut and inside of the swivel base might be wishful thinking as this might need time and effort (again due to age and rust issues) but if it is doable will be desirable as well. At least that is my two cents and I am no vise expert but someone who has been burned before.

 

[gman007]

Interesting to see that the seller (or previous owner) encouraged his three year old child to take an early interest in restoring vises by allowing them to apply a coat of red paint. [emoji106]

Lis It just happens that I know the previous owner, he is a post cubist abstract painter and this piece is called "The Translucent Voice of Fire" . Regardless of the "paint job", me likes the vise

 

[Fretters]

Not that in itself this is necessarily an issue but I can now see why some buyers do not like a vise that is repainted as it is harder to tell what is under the paint. Specially in this case with so many layers of paint that have made the lettering almost illegible.

Exactly the reason. Old paint isn't necessarily a concern, as some things tend to get multiple coats over their lifetime. A new coat of something like Hammerite or such though, (which is a very thick paint), or any other crappily applied fresh paint job, usually leads to one wondering what it's hiding.

 

[va.grouseman]

I really think they will, based on 2 things

1. Craftsman is known for their lifetime warranty, it's part of their brand. Take that away, and you lose a major part of your customer base

2. Kobalt has a lifetime warranty on hand tools, so they wouldn't put something out there would just be beat by their store brand

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Good points.---I hope you are right.

 

[ptgarcia]

Interesting to see that the seller (or previous owner) encouraged his three year old child to take an early interest in restoring vises by allowing them to apply a coat of red paint. [emoji106]

Haha, that was my first thought, too.

The morons out here seem to squirt a coat of paint over everything they try to sell, even if it covers a perfectly patina'd original finish. :tard:

 

[va.grouseman]

That Hydraulic Wilton was $1999.00 a year ago.---It's on a half price sale.

 

[Bunk]

Just messaged the seller, let's see where this goes, im gonna try and talk him down since you said it's been in ebay a while

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I exchanged a few messages with this seller a couple weeks ago regarding this vise. I am fairly local as well and considered it a possibility. I asked for a couple better pictures of the jaws to better judge their condition - he complied. The jaws are pretty bare of teeth. No big deal. But more importantly the condition seems to be just as it is shown in the original older pictures.

The other thing is the seller had no idea that the static jaw swiveled! I sent him a link to info showing what it should be capable of doing.

With work travel and the flu interfering, I lost interest.

Seems like it could be a pretty good deal though still.