The VISES of Garage Journal

[rusty65]

Nice looking vise I’m guessing that’s a 6in?


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[txlonghorn1989]

Almost a month ago my brother-in-law picked up this Prentiss Bulldog 513 (523?) 3-1/2" vise after I saw it on CL in his area. This weekend it got delivered to me. The jaw pads are beat to hell and the jaws have definitely seen some abuse. First step is for me to take it apart and start to see if I can get the remaining two pad screws out without breaking them off and then to get the broken screw out. Then I guess I'll need to assess whether the vise is worth investing in a new set of jaw pads. I don't have much invested dollar-wise in the vise at this point.

I'll take my questions regarding getting it broken down to the vise repair thread. I'm wondering what you guys (includes the very knowledgeable women we have on GJ) can tell me about the age of this vise and any other interesting or pertinent info about it would be appreciated.

My first Prentiss vise by the way! I really like the look of the vise and love the smallish size of it!

Thanks!
Mike

 

[davethorik]

Nice looking vise I’m guessing that’s a 6in?


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You are correct, sir. It is a Parker Prentiss (Meriden CT) Bulldog no. 456, a newer version of the Prentiss (NY) no. 22. It is in mostly very good shape, only a few scars. It makes the dolly its on look like a child's toy!!! Not much info on a cursory Googling, looks like it weighs around 165#.

I was told it came out of a large independent auto repair garage. Seller also had a 4" Rock Island swivel painted same blue color, however both jaw inserts on that one were fully, 100% perimeter welded to vise body, and the weld looked like a continuous garland of metal turds.

Well, the dipshit welder left his mark on the big guy too, however it is easily corrected and not severe, not to mention practically invisible unless you're inspecting it up close.

 

[gman007]

You are correct, sir. It is a Parker Prentiss (Meriden CT) Bulldog no. 456, a newer version of the Prentiss (NY) no. 22. It is in mostly very good shape, only a few scars. It makes the dolly its on look like a child's toy!!! Not much info on a cursory Googling, looks like it weighs around 165#.

I was told it came out of a large independent auto repair garage. Seller also had a 4" Rock Island swivel painted same blue color, however both jaw inserts on that one were fully, 100% perimeter welded to vise body, and the weld looked like a continuous garland of metal turds.

Well, the dipshit welder left his mark on the big guy too, however it is easily corrected and not severe, not to mention practically invisible unless you're inspecting it up close.

Dave
When I first saw the photo, based on the general shape of emblem/badge (which is not really legible) and tail tale "fin" above the nose, etc. I guessed it might be a Prentiss but when I checked the vise spreadsheet it was not listed. I then did a general search for 456 with swivel jaw and no hit there either. So it looks like no one has ever posted one here and there is not much info on it via Googling might confirm that this a a rare vise. You might want to ask Dr. Scott to add to the spread sheet.

Very nice find

 

[davethorik]

Dave
When I first saw the photo, based on the general shape of emblem/badge (which is not really legible) and tail tale "fin" above the nose, etc. I guessed it might be a Prentiss but when I checked the vise spreadsheet it was not listed. I then did a general search for 456 with swivel jaw and no hit there either. So it looks like no one has ever posted one here and there is not much info on it via Googling might confirm that this a a rare vise. You might want to ask Dr. Scott to add to the spread sheet.

Very nice find

Thanks gman! From what I can find, Parker bought Prentiss in the 1948-50 time frame after the death of Mason Prentiss. Can't find a conclusive date when Parker discontinued the name, general online consensus is "50s", so there probably aren't many around.

Im curious if the split style swivel base was developed by Prentiss, or Parker. If I had to guess, I'd say Parker. There is an actual little forged wrench held captive by the draw bolt, which seems Parker-ish to me.

I haven't had time to take more pics, but here are the ones seller sent me.

 

[gman007]

Thanks gman! From what I can find, Parker bought Prentiss in the 1948-50 time frame after the death of Mason Prentiss. Can't find a conclusive date when Parker discontinued the name, general online consensus is "50s", so there probably aren't many around.

Im curious if the split style swivel base was developed by Prentiss, or Parker. If I had to guess, I'd say Parker. There is an actual little forged wrench held captive by the draw bolt, which seems Parker-ish to me.

I haven't had time to take more pics, but here are the ones seller sent me.

Dave
While the Parker and Prentiss swivel lock both are arguably among most effective designs and have the similar concept of applying pressure to the entire base, to me, they are in another sense 180 degrees opposite. Parker lock mechanism is like a car drum brake and applies the pressure from inside outwards, whereas Prentiss does the complete opposite and applies pressure from outside inwards.

 

[gman007]

Almost a month ago my brother-in-law picked up this Prentiss Bulldog 513 (523?) 3-1/2" vise after I saw it on CL in his area. This weekend it got delivered to me. The jaw pads are beat to hell and the jaws have definitely seen some abuse. First step is for me to take it apart and start to see if I can get the remaining two pad screws out without breaking them off and then to get the broken screw out. Then I guess I'll need to assess whether the vise is worth investing in a new set of jaw pads. I don't have much invested dollar-wise in the vise at this point.

I'll take my questions regarding getting it broken down to the vise repair thread. I'm wondering what you guys (includes the very knowledgeable women we have on GJ) can tell me about the age of this vise and any other interesting or pertinent info about it would be appreciated.

My first Prentiss vise by the way! I really like the look of the vise and love the smallish size of it!

Thanks!
Mike

Tex
If memory serves me right (and I could be off few years) Prentiss was in business around 1880-1950 (they were then bought out by Chas Parker) . So that puts an upper limit on the age of your Bulldog.

 

[gman007]

Hi All
Does anyone have any idea what this vise might be. On one hand it looks old and the nose is old style American meatball but there are not markings of any kind at least on the side that is visible in the two photos (and this is the only available photo). Also it looks fairly large but I am not sure of the size either.

 

[jonshonda]

I'm going to guess prentiss based on the meatball, jaws, and dynamic support.

 

[gman007]

Hi All
Having been burned (at least once), I am always paranoid and incessantly looking for issues with any vise that is for sale! Am I imagining things or does anyone else see possible signs of welding around the area where slide meets the dynamic jaw (sorry,again there is only a single photo available)?

 

[gman007]

I'm going to guess prentiss based on the meatball, jaws, and dynamic support.

Jon
Thanks much. I believe you are correct. Now that you mention it, I also see the "fin" above the meatball and I think some Prentiss were not clearly marked on both sides.

 

[davethorik]

Dave
While the Parker and Prentiss swivel lock both are arguably among most effective designs and have the similar concept of applying pressure to the entire base, to me, they are in another sense 180 degrees opposite. Parker lock mechanism is like a car drum brake and applies the pressure from inside outwards, whereas Prentiss does the complete opposite and applies pressure from outside inwards.

Mine is different than both. There is a saw cut in the swivel base, with a draw bolt. Tighten the draw bolt to lock swivel, loosen to unlock. You can see the captive wrench under dynamic jaw in car trunk pic. I'll try to get a better pic later.

 

[gman007]

Mine is different than both. There is a saw cut in the swivel base, with a draw bolt. Tighten the draw bolt to lock swivel, loosen to unlock. You can see the captive wrench under dynamic jaw in car trunk pic. I'll try to get a better pic later.

That sounds like the same as the one I posted for the Bull Dog 524 in my previous post. Here is a better photo of the mechanism for the same vise (this before restore photo)

 

[davethorik]

That sounds like the same as the one I posted for the Bull Dog 524 in my previous post. Here is a better photo of the mechanism for the same vise (this before restore photo)

My bad. I thought you meant the older spring loaded plunger type. I need more coffee lol

 

[trijeff]

the split ring is definitely 100% Prentiss, best I can tell the design originated in the late 1930s

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[Clutchrider]

I have yet to set it on the bench but I inherited my grandfathers vise that I am clueless on. Time to do a little research.

https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36823949_10156014171374051_1244502473784164352_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=29ecea7adb3e1206b68d9d740fd28bc1&oe=5BEA4A48

 

[drivesitfar]

Clutch: if you can post up a few more pictures of your vise we might be able to help you identify it or tell you if it's broken or supposed to be an open screw vise. I can say Prentiss Vise Company made it so you'll have something to start your research with. looks like it might be well over 100 years old too.

 

[Clutchrider]

Thanks for the beginning info, looks to be model 62 and weighs probably 20-25lbs. It opens and closes, no locking mechanism that I can see of course it may not have one at all.

https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36926417_10156014230839051_5771517833355722752_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=99c0662492b50d877904584ca60aaad5&oe=5B9F407B
https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36829637_10156014230849051_6392379936090357760_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=59c0c42ef15fd6e3e9196f0b5a7c8002&oe=5BA6EAB3
https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36914193_10156014230844051_8888142765590839296_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=44a7758da08e355dcc09d1535a5a882c&oe=5BDF8CB4

 

[trijeff]

its a Prentiss

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[kwoswalt99]

Hi All
Does anyone have any idea what this vise might be. On one hand it looks old and the nose is old style American meatball but there are not markings of any kind at least on the side that is visible in the two photos (and this is the only available photo). Also it looks fairly large but I am not sure of the size either.

Prentiss and broken.

 

[Gerard]

Im curious if the split style swivel base was developed by Prentiss, or Parker. If I had to guess, I'd say Parker. There is an actual little forged wrench held captive by the draw bolt, which seems Parker-ish to me.

Catalogs show that Prentiss first came out with the split ring swivel base in 1935 or 1936, quite a while before the Parker buyout. I have seen plenty of New York Prentii with the split ring base. It is a great design.

 

[davethorik]

Catalogs show that Prentiss first came out with the split ring swivel base in 1935 or 1936, quite a while before the Parker buyout. I have seen plenty of New York Prentii with the split ring base. It is a great design.

Thanks for the confirmation, Gerard. This is my 2nd Prentiss, first was another double swiveler but a bit smaller, 4" jaw no. 19-1/2, and it had the spring loaded pin. Don't really see many "Prentii" around here- mostly Columbians and Reeds.

 

[va.grouseman]

I have yet to set it on the bench but I inherited my grandfathers vise that I am clueless on. Time to do a little research.

https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36823949_10156014171374051_1244502473784164352_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=29ecea7adb3e1206b68d9d740fd28bc1&oe=5BEA4A48

Resembles a Prentiss Sheppard.

 

[va.grouseman]

Picked up another little #18.---Didn't need it but it was just so clean, I couldn't resist.---Don't see these very often.---There kind of like the Charles Parker #972 1/2.---Not hen's teeth but pretty close.

 

[va.grouseman]

Here's a few pics of all three.---And a little jeweler's for size reference.

Sorry about the quality.---Sun was coming right over my shoulder and made shadows and glare.

 

[Fierljeppen]

I have yet to set it on the bench but I inherited my grandfathers vise that I am clueless on. Time to do a little research.

https://scontent-lga3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36823949_10156014171374051_1244502473784164352_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=29ecea7adb3e1206b68d9d740fd28bc1&oe=5BEA4A48

I agree with VA.Grouseman that your vise is a Prentiss Shepard, but the base isn't right for a No. 62. Since it was your Grandfather's, I felt like putting in a little extra effort to get you as much information as possible.

Look at the photos below of VA's base and yours. Then look at the catalog scan to see the difference between the swivel and the stationary. I believe that your vise is actually a No. 162, with the "1" missing on the casting. Of course I could be wrong.

Whether it's a Prentiss Shepard No. 62 or 162, it's still a really nice 100+ year old vise from your Grandfather.

 

[gman007]

Picked up another little #18.---Didn't need it but it was just so clean, I couldn't resist.---Don't see these very often.---There kind of like the Charles Parker #972 1/2.---Not hen's teeth but pretty close.

Va Yet another nice score but then again for you that is the norm and not a novelty

 

[KMScott]

Hey VA, post some spec:s on the Shepard when you get time, I'll update the spreadsheet with yours and thanks Fierljeppen for adding the catalog page for the smaller Shepards made by Prentiss, more vises I need to find pic:s of. Those are sweet vises.

 

[Outlawmws]

Hi All
Having been burned (at least once), I am always paranoid and incessantly looking for issues with any vise that is for sale! Am I imagining things or does anyone else see possible signs of welding around the area where slide meets the dynamic jaw (sorry,again there is only a single photo available)?

Looks pretty rough to me...

 

[va.grouseman]

Hey VA, post some spec:s on the Shepard when you get time, I'll update the spreadsheet with yours and thanks Fierljeppen for adding the catalog page for the smaller Shepards made by Prentiss, more vises I need to find pic:s of. Those are sweet vises.

Will do KMS.---I have 3 sizes of the Shepherds.---I'll give you pics and specs on all three.

 

[gman007]

Looks pretty rough to me...

Cheers

 

[ganymede]

Does anyone here have an Athol vise in which they replaced that stupid spring tension arrangement with a set screw collar.
I think I remember some one doing it and it was a pain because standard size collars dont fit.
Im considering trimming the spring on mine .

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here are a couple photos from WWII of a vise on the back of a Signal Corps K-43 trailer. What's the make and model? Parker?

 

[Maui]

Gman, here is a photo of the Parker 206 that I bought a few years ago. It was rough, but there was nothing broken, and no weld repairs. I am in the process of restoring it now, and just reassembled most of it a few days ago. Just a few more details to take care of a I'll post some photos of the completed project.

Maui

 

[trijeff]

Here are a couple photos from WWII of a vise on the back of a Signal Corps K-43 trailer. What's the make and model? Parker?

Reed, probably a 204

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[WhoWhatNow]

Here are a couple photos from WWII of a vise on the back of a Signal Corps K-43 trailer. What's the make and model? Parker?

That looks like a Reed to me.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Reed, probably a 204

Thanks.

 

[rusty65]

Agreed on that being a Reed vise maybe perhaps it’s even a 204a or 204 1/2a model. My favorite personal favorite style of reed vise.


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[dutchgray]

Been at the £11 Something 6" post vice with the wire wheels, whoever said it looked like a Peter Wright was right.
View media item 84747View media item 84748Its obviously seen plenty of use but is otherwise fine, screw threads nicely along the whole length, nothing broken on it.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

If you guys would indulge me one more and final query (no intention to keep barraging the thread...), here is another one for the experts, this time a smaller vise in a Signal Corps TE-6 tool-set. You can see the vise sitting in the top compartment in Pic 1. Pic 2 is a zoom. (Nothing I can do about the monotone and clutter, sorry.) There appears to be a hardie hole in the anvil. Is the make and model identifiable?