Any opinions on this vise?

[GDVink]

I don't know if I'm supposed to post this on one of the vise mega-threads on this board, so please advise me if I'm in the wrong place.

I saw a used vise today that is probably a Craftsman similar to the attached pic. It's got 4 1/2" or 5" jaws and opens to about 5-6" deep, slightly less than a no-name vise at home I've used for many years. (It has non-replaceable jaws that don't close evenly, so after 10 years of use, I'm ready to spring for a better one.)

Seller wants $35, which I think is too much, but just wondering if anyone has opinions on quality of this vise? Obviously, brand new vises don't cost much more, but I suspect their quality is dubious.

Thanks for all comments.

 

[Richard Cranium]

no I don't think 35.00 is too high for that vise, I think it is a good deal.

 

[GrayFlattop]

If I needed another vise, I'd gladly pay $35 for it - providing it operates mechanically and does not have any significant cracks in the castings.

Clean it up, you can use it for decades and your grandchildren can use it too

 

[DFB]

Good deal try to dicker some

 

[GDVink]

Could I paint it hunter green, like the old Craftsman lawn tractors, or should I stick w/ the red?

 

[Fretters]

You can paint it any colour which takes your fancy.

 

[Shiftless]

That’s a classic. The 506 prefix on the model number shows it was made by Columbian. The original color was red but like many on GJ I subscribe to the motto...your vise, your color.
(I have even seen bright pink vises)
Here is a 2 tone job done on a very similar Craftsman by GJ member Balane.

 

[Carla]

I don't know if I'm supposed to post this on one of the vise mega-threads on this board, so please advise me if I'm in the wrong place.

I saw a used vise today that is probably a Craftsman similar to the attached pic. It's got 4 1/2" or 5" jaws and opens to about 5-6" deep, slightly less than a no-name vise at home I've used for many years. (It has non-replaceable jaws that don't close evenly, so after 10 years of use, I'm ready to spring for a better one.)

Seller wants $35, which I think is too much, but just wondering if anyone has opinions on quality of this vise? Obviously, brand new vises don't cost much more, but I suspect their quality is dubious.

Thanks for all comments.

As with the generality of American-made products of the vintage when this vise was made, the quality will be good.

Understand, tho, that vises of this style, with the beam made of bent sheet metal, are so-called 'homeowner' grade, and suitable for only the lightest and most gentle use.

These are commonly found with the sheet-metal beam bent a bit, throwing the jaws out of alignment.

If you've only light work to do, and can use this vise ever so gently, it could, indeed, be a cost-effective investment for you, particularly as compared to the joke vises from the orient which are sold,......or at least the box stores try to sell them......seemingly everywhere these days.

cheers

Carla

 

[1982fxr]

That’s a classic. The 506 prefix on the model number shows it was made by Columbian. The original color was red but like many on GJ I subscribe to the motto...your vise, your color.
(I have even seen bright pink vises)
Here is a 2 tone job done on a very similar Craftsman by GJ member Balane.

I believe I may be one you can thank for seeing a pink version of this vise..

 

[eddieK]

$35.00...good deal. Under normal use should only last another century.