The VISES of Garage Journal

[meatsis]

Found this browsing around local ads. It's got a hefty price tag attached.. Listed as 6" jaws and 18" opening. Any idea what this is worth in its current condition?




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18” opening? Not sure how he came up with that? It only opens 10”.
As far as value goes, I got $500 for the last 3 I sold. I think the most I paid for one was $120.

 

[va.grouseman]

Yea, I have an 800S that only opens to 13 1/2'' before it unscrews completely.---The same style as that 600.

 

[davethorik]

Hello, long time since I posted. Just want to check on a REED 3-1/2" utility vise? Any value?? Before I clean it and paint it? Or should I leave original patina? I did not see any 3-1/2 on ebay. Did see 4-1/2. I want so bad to glass bead the brass plates and paint it. Polish the handle.

Plus my old standard go to Columbian I use every day. Never knew what it was till I sanded paint off it today when I took these pictures.

Thanks for any opinions.

Marty in Buffalo, NY

Marty, I know everyone has been clamoring over your pipe vise, but I have the same Reed 23-1/2 utility vise, only in a weird green color about halfway between aqua and broccoli. Imo, it is what all exposed-screw homeowner vises should be, only it is built like a big vise. No idea on value, but I picked mine for $20 for cute factor.

 

[bluebolt]

Haven't been on the vise thread in awhile, will probably take days to catch up! Figured I would post this comparison of a very early Wilton date code 1-46 baby bullet Model 20 vise with the 2" wide jaws and a 1962 date code Model 20 vise. The 1946 vise has remnants of a sticker on the back .


In pic 1 the 1962 vise is on the left and the 1946 n the right. Not much difference from this angle except for the swivel locks, the 1946 vise locks are rounded on the top and the levers are shorter.


Pic 2, the major difference, the 1962 on the left has a main body base that is machined flat and could be mounted without using the swivel. It is drilled in the center for the swivel plate pivot pin. It uses a cast iron swivel plate and carriage bolts, the swivel locks have female internal threads. The 1946 vise has a rough cast bottom and a machined step that the swivel ring pivots on. Instead of a swivel plate it has a steel bar with female threads, the swivel locks are bolts, not nuts like the later design.


Pic 3, the 1962 vise on the right uses Phillips button head screws to fold on the main screw collar, the 1946 vise on the left uses flush flat head slotted machine screws .

Pic 4, the 1946 base on the left is noticeably shorter than the 1962 base on the right.

 

[AngryBeaver]

Spotted a vise on eBay that has me really intrigued. It's marked as a Columbian 604 which is a standard 4" Columbian model... except this one looks absolutely nothing like a typical Columbian and instead looks more like a Parker 974 but without the special Parker jaws and collar. Never seen anything like this. Does anyone have an explanation or any evidence of this in a catalog?

No affiliation with the seller but here's the link.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Columbian-604-Bench-Vise-/163132001474

Picked this one up last week. It’s marked pat appd for. It’s got the prentiss/rock island style jaws. Otherwise 100% columbian. Model 603. Bad picks. But it’s soaking. Lol

 

[jonshonda]

Picked up my first Wilton vise yesterday, and the seller was nice enough to show me around his shop(s). First shop was a large pole shed with a two post lift, heated, huge compressor, full of really nice stuff for metal working, and lots of big boy toys. Second shop was a really nice wood shop completly finished inside with in floor heat. He had two Delta uni saws mounted in a roughly 8x12' table setup. One saw was a dedicated dado setup, the other a standard ripping setup. Both with Biesemeyer fences of course. The guy was living what I would consider my dream when I get to retirement age.

Anywho, pics of the Wilton 1750. No date code on the bottom of the slide, but instead on the side of the dynamic jaw. 06/88. Thinking I am going to model it after the Snap On version, even though this one appears to we hiding the classic green paint under the grime. Hoping to call Wilton for the tags.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154822526@N03/28762345187/in/dateposted-public/" title="20180726_061856[1]"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/922/28762345187_8e5497b04b.jpg" width="500" height="427" alt="20180726_061856[1]"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154822526@N03/29780374128/in/dateposted-public/" title="20180726_061807[1]"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/843/29780374128_5861b66612.jpg" width="447" height="500" alt="20180726_061807[1]"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154822526@N03/42746905805/in/dateposted-public/" title="20180726_062546[1]"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/839/42746905805_970896ed71.jpg" width="500" height="386" alt="20180726_062546[1]"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>


And for the axe guys....I will preface this by stating I have no clue what a premium quality axe head is. But the seller had a bunch and this one looked the coolest...so I bought it. I am learning the handle might not be the best quality, so maybe I find something better at some point. Its a Shapleigh Hardware Diamond Edge.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154822526@N03/42746910875/in/dateposted-public/" title="20180726_062646[1]"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/925/42746910875_609ec21887.jpg" width="500" height="357" alt="20180726_062646[1]"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Shiftless]

Even a Reed C series has its breaking point.

(Not my vise). Maybe somebody needs parts.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

That one looks like it endured a lot of heating and cooling cycles from a torch

 

[rtvinc]

here is something weird!!
https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/d/antique-work-bench-vice/6653878506.html

 

[chrisnazzy]

Thinking I am going to model it after the Snap On version, even though this one appears to we hiding the classic green paint under the grime. Hoping to call Wilton for the tags.

No need to call Wilton. If you'd like to make this a Snap-on Tradesman the tags are usually available from SO for a very reasonable price.

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[va.grouseman]

Even a Reed C series has its breaking point.

(Not my vise). Maybe somebody needs parts.

And a grown man cried.

 

[va.grouseman]

here is something weird!!
https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/d/antique-work-bench-vice/6653878506.html

Rtvinc, the Stuart Handy Worker Anvil Vise is not that uncommon.---Check this link.



https://www.google.com/search?q=pic...KHaufD24Q9QEwAHoECAYQBA#imgrc=fCiMjQszdJmODM:

 

[jonshonda]

No need to call Wilton. If you'd like to make this a Snap-on Tradesman the tags are usually available from SO for a very reasonable price.

Thanks for the tip. All the info I had read before pointed towards calling Wilton as previous users attempted going through Snap On with no success.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Thanks for the tip. All the info I had read before pointed towards calling Wilton as previous users attempted going through Snap On with no success.

I think the GJ community has overwhelmed Snap-on's backstock of these once or twice. I was able to successfully order a pair through my dealer last year and I've seen others have success ordering some recently.

Edit: I did just check on the Snap-on site and they currently show $1.80 and not in stock when I tried to add a pair to my cart. If you end up not being able to get them send me a PM and I'll send you the pair I've got.

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[rtvinc]

va.grouseman:

Thanks! Id never seen one before! learn something new every day!! what did you think of the price asked for?

 

[Shiftless]

And a grown man cried.

That makes 2 of us.

Before I saw the pics, I thought I might snag a “you ****” deal on a Reed 1C for just $50.

 

[Outlawmws]

Looks like the D jaw has been previously broken and welded...

 

[va.grouseman]

va.grouseman:

Thanks! Id never seen one before! learn something new every day!! what did you think of the price asked for?

Well there is several of the bell and whistles that go along with the complete Stuart Handy Worker package that are missing on that one that would probably be hard to find.---Fellows that have the total package are not going to part with their extra gadgets, like the crank handle, cogs, grinder, drill, etc., from their set-up, and spotting them in yard sales or estate sales, well you would really have to know what you are looking at when you saw it.---The complete package on those things brings a pretty hefty premium, hence the reason I don't have one, and if I ever decide to get one, it will be the whole enchilada.---Me personally, I'd pass on that one.

 

[BeardedOne]

This is my most recent acquirement:
A Wilton Torco 3.5" that had broken pins holding the lead screw to the dynamic jaw.

Fixed with a 10-24 tap and some cap screws.

 

[Shiftless]

Interesting set of pipe jaws on that Torco!

I bet you had a strong bargaining point with the seller when you pointed out that the main screw wouldn’t open the vise!

Too bad you had to spend like maybe 50 cents on the fix.

 

[jonshonda]

Took the 1750 apart for cleaning and curiosities sake, and I really have to admit I'm not that impressed with anything about it. I know its not Wilton's top of the line model, but I just didn't get a fuzzy feeling from it. I will admit though, every fastener came out w/o much effort.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154822526@N03/42954574764/in/dateposted-public/" title="20180727_073932[1]"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/844/42954574764_d0b17da748.jpg" width="500" height="324" alt="20180727_073932[1]"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

To my disappointment, both pipe jaws are cracked. There is an obvious flaw in the casting where they mount, and both pockets mating surfaces are not flat (concave actually), which means the jaws only make contact in the corners. When you tighten down the bolt that is located in the center of the jaws, they eventually crack.

Areas circled in red are the only contact areas for the jaws.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154822526@N03/43670979861/in/dateposted-public/" title="20180726_213748[1]"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/935/43670979861_a2d4600b2a.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="20180726_213748[1]"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I'm guessing this vise swiveled against it's own will a few too many times, which lead to the teeth on the clamps being worn away.

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/154822526@N03/43624371842/in/dateposted-public/" title="20180726_213701[1]"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/914/43624371842_258492bb2c.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="20180726_213701[1]"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[RegeSullivan]

I was privileged to acquire this Craftsman model 5170. It belonged to my 90 year old uncle who recently sold his house. I remember it well in his garage as a youngster and probably was responsible for some of the hacksaw marks on the jaw and chips on the anvil.

It was painted red (over gray) when I got it. It really only needed a little wire brushing, lube and a bit of grinding of the anvil plus paint. I used gray Hammerite but I might try clean up the handles better and match the original color if this doesn't replace my little Wilton and become my daily driver. I like the small foot print of the Wilton but the 5170 looks great.

If anyone knows...
What does the #2 represent stamped on the dynamic jaw?
What does 7821 represent on the base?
Was the raised "Craftsman" logo red?
What color gray most closely matched the orininal?
What year(s) was this sold? (I found the model in the catalog posted on JG but it is not the raised logo and I can't see the date of the catolog.)
Who was the manufacture?

 

[va.grouseman]

Jon, you can just shim behind the pipe jaws to equalize the pressure, and Autopts can fit you with a new set of pipe jaws and lock-down lugs.---And you'll be good to go.

 

[jonshonda]

Jon, you can just shim behind the pipe jaws to equalize the pressure, and Autopts can fit you with a new set of pipe jaws and lock-down lugs.---And you'll be good to go.

He sent me a PM...thanks for the lead. Just curious, but are the machinists line of Wiltons a lot more beefy or better built then the tradesmen line?

 

[meatsis]

He sent me a PM...thanks for the lead. Just curious, but are the machinists line of Wiltons a lot more beefy or better built then the tradesmen line?

They’re better. But IMO still not great. Waaaay overrated if you ask me.

 

[TTLLOGIC]

For being a utility vise, the Columbian D44 M3 is one of my top favorites for general work. Super tough little vise.




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[AngryBeaver]

I’ve seen This in quite a few mid 40’s and 50’s reeds.

At first, I thought they were random stamps. Now, after seeing more than a dozen, and the dates lining up with when reed made changes to the spindles and whatnot, I’m 75% convinced these are date codes.

Everyone I’ve seen has been on both the static and dynamic jaw, on the left side as you are looking at the handle in front of you straight on. This is my first craftsman.

What do y’all think about this? I have 3-4 more at home I can snap pics of also. The 214R is the only one that didn’t have the stamps on the same sides.

 

[BeardedOne]

Interesting set of pipe jaws on that Torco!

I bet you had a strong bargaining point with the seller when you pointed out that the main screw wouldn’t open the vise!

Too bad you had to spend like maybe 50 cents on the fix.

The parts I fixed it with were already on the bench

I showed them it would need repair and they offered it to me for the might sum of $20.

I was happy with that price.

 

[topchedda]

My new Reed 404 1/2. Picked it up at an estate auction for $45. Just needs cleaned up and it'll be ready to go!


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[gman007]

My new Reed 404 1/2. Picked it up at an estate auction for $45. Just needs cleaned up and it'll be ready to go!


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Top Very nice vise. @ $45 you did very well and I would even say that puts you in the you such territory

It looks like it is a transition R model with round meatball nose but other standard R series features. Presumably (if memory does not fail me) the R series were manufactured starting in early 40s so your vise being a transition model and one of the earliest ones might be from early 40s.

 

[va.grouseman]

Top, excellent purchase.---How does one get lucky at an estate sale and cotton on to a deal like that?---Was it raining and you were the only one there, or were you the first one there, or were you the only DYSer there, or was it sealed bid?

Notice the frog-hair tolerances between the Swivel Jaw and the Static.---That's Reed for you.---One of the reasons their my favorite.


What model is your Harley?---Oh I believe that is just a poster, isn't it.

 

[Gerard]

Top, excellent purchase.---How does one get lucky at an estate sale and cotton on to a deal like that?---Was it raining and you were the only one there, or were you the first one there, or were you the only DYSer there, or was it sealed bid?

I got my $20 Prentiss 264 at an estate sale, and even though I was there a few minutes before the start time, it seemed like people were being let in for at least half an hour beforehand, and most of the people there were going crazy for the tools. I guess I was just lucky that there weren't any other vise guys there, or they were just distracted by all the other good stuff. I do think old bench vises are one category of tools that are often overlooked even by people who are really into other kinds of tools. I've seen a ton of people with expensive USA-made tools, toolboxes, amazing workshops, etc. who have nothing but a cheap little Chinese bench vise.

If I recall correctly some guy snagged a USA-made (Amrstrong I think) 3/4" drive socket and ratchet set for something like $20 at that same sale before I got to it, and who knows what other incredible deals were to be had there that were gone before I even showed up. In the pictures for the sale there was a Mac toolbox stack which was probably filled with tons of great tools, but that was long gone before I got there.

 

[gman007]

I got my $20 Prentiss 264 at an estate sale, and even though I was there a few minutes before the start time, it seemed like people were being let in for at least half an hour beforehand, and most of the people there were going crazy for the tools. I guess I was just lucky that there weren't any other vise guys there, or they were just distracted by all the other good stuff. I do think old bench vises are one category of tools that are often overlooked even by people who are really into other kinds of tools. I've seen a ton of people with expensive USA-made tools, toolboxes, amazing workshops, etc. who have nothing but a cheap little Chinese bench vise.

If I recall correctly some guy snagged a USA-made (Amrstrong I think) 3/4" drive socket and ratchet set for something like $20 at that same sale before I got to it, and who knows what other incredible deals were to be had there that were gone before I even showed up. In the pictures for the sale there was a Mac toolbox stack which was probably filled with tons of great tools, but that was long gone before I got there.

One of my buddies recently went to an estate sale that had advertised a large assortment of tools and equipment but no mention of a vise. He said as they were passing through the large pole barn full of snow blowers, rider mowers, drill presses etc etc the Auctioneer notice a vise and said who wants this vise for $20? My friends eyes almost popped out of their socket. It was a Wilton 400s in absolute mint condition (minus a bit of surface rust). My friend raised his hand immediately but another guy said $25 and they bid in $5 increments to $60 when the other gave up. Which tells you that the other guy did not have any idea like the rest of the crowd.

So yes it can happen and one can get lucky but probably not that often.

 

[tool_scrounge]

For being a utility vise, the Columbian D44 M3 is one of my top favorites for general work. Super tough little vise.




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I agree. I used one for several years and thought it was a great vise for most folks needs.

 

[topchedda]

Top Very nice vise. @ $45 you did very well and I would even say that puts you in the you such territory



It looks like it is a transition R model with round meatball nose but other standard R series features. Presumably (if memory does not fail me) the R series were manufactured starting in early 40s so your vise being a transition model and one of the earliest ones might be from early 40s.

Thanks for all your information. I'm excited to put it to use.


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[topchedda]

Top, excellent purchase.---How does one get lucky at an estate sale and cotton on to a deal like that?---Was it raining and you were the only one there, or were you the first one there, or were you the only DYSer there, or was it sealed bid?

Notice the frog-hair tolerances between the Swivel Jaw and the Static.---That's Reed for you.---One of the reasons their my favorite.


What model is your Harley?---Oh I believe that is just a poster, isn't it.

I have a relative who works with an auctioneer and asked him to place a bid for me. He said after he won it a gentleman approached him and told him how good of a deal he (well, I) had gotten. I was amazed at how smooth it turned with almost no play at all.

That Harley poster is probably the closest thing I'll own to a motorcycle. Driving in traffic everyday and passing some of the bad accidents will keep me off a bike. Hopefully one day I'll move to the countryside and be able to enjoy some open roads.


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[gman007]

I’ve seen This in quite a few mid 40’s and 50’s reeds.

At first, I thought they were random stamps. Now, after seeing more than a dozen, and the dates lining up with when reed made changes to the spindles and whatnot, I’m 75% convinced these are date codes.
In
Everyone I’ve seen has been on both the static and dynamic jaw, on the left side as you are looking at the handle in front of you straight on. This is my first craftsman.

What do y’all think about this? I have 3-4 more at home I can snap pics of also. The 214R is the only one that didn’t have the stamps on the same sides.

AB
Are you thinking this is true for all Reeds to just the R series? The reason I am asking is that I have one older 204 and it has two number 249 and 254 which appear to be part number more than date as the older 204 was made pre 1942.

I also have a newer Reed 404 1/2 R and may be because it has not been cleaned yet but I do not see any such numbers period.

My concern is what if Reed was using numbers for part numbers where the last two digits happen to be in 40-50 range and that coincidentally matches the date range when presumably the vise made. It would be interesting to find examples made after 1950s and see if there is still a matching pattern such as 165 etc

 

[bluebolt]

I was privileged to acquire this Craftsman model 5170. It belonged to my 90 year old uncle who recently sold his house. I remember it well in his garage as a youngster and probably was responsible for some of the hacksaw marks on the jaw and chips on the anvil.

It was painted red (over gray) when I got it. It really only needed a little wire brushing, lube and a bit of grinding of the anvil plus paint. I used gray Hammerite but I might try clean up the handles better and match the original color if this doesn't replace my little Wilton and become my daily driver. I like the small foot print of the Wilton but the 5170 looks great.

If anyone knows...
What does the #2 represent stamped on the dynamic jaw?
What does 7821 represent on the base?
Was the raised "Craftsman" logo red?
What color gray most closely matched the orininal?
What year(s) was this sold? (I found the model in the catalog posted on JG but it is not the raised logo and I can't see the date of the catolog.)
Who was the manufacture?

I have 3 of those vises., 2 with a badge, 1 like yours with raised letters. I just looked at it and the letters ARE highlighted in red!


From what I can tell those vises were sold from around 1948 to around 1957. All of them show the badge, not the raised lettering so don't know when the change was. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=149519&highlight=craftsman

The manufacturer is not known for sure but I suspect Rock Island.

 

[justin.d.richards.9]

Can't find any info based on the numbers on this vise.. Any info and what it's current rough value would be estimated at? $450 seems a little steep seeing as it's missing the jaws from what I can tell.

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[454ragtop]

Early Parker, missing its pipe jaws as you noted. $450 would be way too high for me for that vise in that condition, but then I'm a bottom feeder. Catalog says 5-3/8" jaws, 141 lbs. For that kind of money I'd want a swivel base, but I probably still wouldn't buy it.