The VISES of Garage Journal

[fullthrottle24]

How about this one, can’t say I’ve seen one before, it does look like the new rigid vise or other European ones.

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/d/schulz-6-bench-vise/6696589086.html

 

[Legion Prime]

So I started looking at the vise that was been on my dad's workbench for longer than I've known him. The good news is it's a Wilton. The bad news is that it's mounted too far back on the benchtop and I think the screw hole in the the sliding jaw is not aligned properly. It's approximately a 4" vise IIRC, the handle is long gone from the swivel lock and the swivel bolt just bounces around in the base. Yeah, it's got issues.
So I pulled it off the bench and I found the head of the swivel lock bolt had been bent/worn which I attempted to reverse without any perceptible success with a hammer. The swivel bolt was loose so I pulled it, cleaned it, antiseized it and reinstalled it. Minimal improvement.
So why do I think the screw hole in the sliding jaw is out of kilter? The first ~2" opening goes real easy, then the rest of the way you don't have to crank on it, but it takes some effort. When I pulled the screw I could see the outside of the sliding jaw was worn above the hole, but not below. Then when reassembling it I had to close the jaws most of the way in order to get the screw to enter the nut, otherwise it just wanted to go between the nut and the sliding jaw beam. I've found lock nut assemblies online for a reasonable price but I don't know about the swivel nut. Will I have to order a new base to get one that will fit the center swivel bolt? Should a washer in there tighten things up? There doesn't appear to be any excessive wear on the base or center swivel but then again I know I don't know what I don't know. Anyway onto the pictures (Imgbb has changed since last time I used it so bear with me here).
So here's the vise on the bench, it's opened up all the way with the screw out of the nut.

Here are the markings under the jaws.

Here's the underside of the base. You can see the damaged swivel lock nut and the center swivel nut which looks fine but has a bunch of play.

Now these here are odd, they fell out of the sliding jaw. Are they some sort of shim? Are they negative material cut from something that got stuck in there? I just don't know! LOL But knowing I don't know what I don't know I'll play it safe and ask.

There it is, for all its faults it's not bad. It's a decent vise from a good manufacturer that just has issues. Little will make me happier than to get it to the point where it's able to be used effectively, I just don't really don't know where to go from here.

 

[va.grouseman]

Fullthrottle, there's one on page 304, post 6075.---They are made in Brazil, also called Nodular, referring to the nodular type of casting material they use.

That's a good buy for a 6''.

 

[LNKMK8]

Picked up this old Wilton 4" HD Chicago casting vise a couple of months ago and found a little time to clean it up. Its been well used with lots of hammer strikes and a little abuse. The handle is straight (although very pitted), and it is complete and free of cracks or significant damage. The one jaw insert doesn't sit quite flush, but it operates beautifully. My guess is mid 1940's as it is Chicago cast and doesn't have a date on the key, but it could be one of those left over castings once they moved to Schiller Park where they failed to date it. Either way, I thought it was worth bringing home for $40

 

[Ryan_340]

Just finished up this Wilton that originally belonged to my wife's grandfather, who was a machinist. I tried matching the original paint as close as possible.

 

[chrisnazzy]

LNKMK8 & Ryan_340

Congratulations to you both on very well done, successful restorations. Both Wilton vises look sharp and I'm sure you guys are brimming with pride knowing that a little bit of time and effort brought a quality made USA tool back to its former glory. I'm pretty sure that's a primary reason why this thread, and vintage vise collecting in general, is so fun and appealing to all of us.

Chris.

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[Mark in Indiana]

How about this one, can’t say I’ve seen one before, it does look like the new rigid vise or other European ones.

https://cleveland.craigslist.org/tls/d/schulz-6-bench-vise/6696589086.html

Very interesting. Looks like a Bison-Bial 1250 series. I wish it was closer to me. Thanks for sharing.

 

[RoamingCoastie]

My Wilton 111092. Shes been used and abused, but still solid as a rock. one of these days ill take it all apart and get some paint on it.

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[AngryBeaver]

My Wilton 111092. Shes been used and abused, but still solid as a rock. one of these days ill take it all apart and get some paint on it.

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the 111092 is nothing but a casting number. that is a 744/745/746 mechanics vise.

the model will determine whether it has 4", 5" or 6" jaws. appears to be a 745 from first glance. they are pretty decent vises. bought mine in 1998 and she's still kicking. the current models are made overseas now. yours might have a date stamp on the top or side of the square slide when you take it all the way out. mine was 10 97 and I bought it in early 98..

 

[va.grouseman]

Roaming, just curious as to what you usually use the vise for, seeing that it is set so far back on the bench.---Does that restrict you from some jobs that could otherwise be advantaged by bench clearance?

 

[RoamingCoastie]

Hey, i mostly use it for welding projects and beating rusty parts loose from my toys. I havent run into any clearance issues yet, but since this pic was taken i did bring it about 2" closer to the working side if the bench.

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[FMC1959]

Any of the UK guys, or any Record experts; a couple of questions on a couple of models.

In my area the typical Record mechanics vise are plentiful. I know the open screw 74 or 75 are a bit lighter duty, there is also a model, something like 1800 or 2100 that is lighter duty than the mechanics vise.

Then on the other side of the spectrum, the 30 series (34, 35, 36), the 500 series and 630 combo series are more heavy duty.

A couple of vises I see occasionally and am curious about are the VS series ( I have seen 3VS, & 5VS) and the "TON" series ( I have seen the 1 Ton, 3 Ton, & 5 Ton). How do these compare to the mechanics and other series?

 

[dutchgray]

I would say the VS and Ton series Records are all lesser vices then the standard mechanics series, they are both relatively modern patterns built in an era of cost cutting, still worth having over a Chinese made vice, if you can find an English made one.

 

[6pony6]

Just picked up this vise for $30 today. It’s my first Prentiss Bulldog. I know there is a “weak point” with these vises, but I couldn’t resist for the price. It looks like it’s lived a pretty easy life.


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[FMC1959]

I would say the VS and Ton series Records are all lesser vices then the standard mechanics series, they are both relatively modern patterns built in an era of cost cutting, still worth having over a Chinese made vice, if you can find an English made one.

Thanks Dutch...I kind of figured you or Fretters would know.

"if you can find an English made one" on this, from what I know, if it says "Sheffield England", these are Irwin made and in the transition period when some were made in England, but most were made in China once the moved manufacturing there. Some have a silver sticker affixed stating made in England; have seen these or are they frauds. I figured the Sheffield embossed models that were actually made in England, Record/Irwin may have put this sticker on and models made in China, no sticker?

Also, where the vise is bolted to the bench, older models always have a closed "ear" where the bolt goes through, newer models have an open slit. Any definite comments here, such as:

• closed ear are all made in England and open slit, some are England and some are made in China

.

• closed ear are mostly in England, with some made in China. While all open slit are made in China

Or no consistent method to determine where it was made by the hold down bolt area?

 

[lis2323]

Any of the UK guys, or any Record experts; a couple of questions on a couple of models.



In my area the typical Record mechanics vise are plentiful. I know the open screw 74 or 75 are a bit lighter duty, there is also a model, something like 1800 or 2100 that is lighter duty than the mechanics vise.



Then on the other side of the spectrum, the 30 series (34, 35, 36), the 500 series and 630 combo series are more heavy duty.



A couple of vises I see occasionally and am curious about are the VS series ( I have seen 3VS, & 5VS) and the "TON" series ( I have seen the 1 Ton, 3 Ton, & 5 Ton). How do these compare to the mechanics and other series?

I’ve used my Record No 5 and 6 daily for almost 40 years.

 

[BMWBOB]

Nothing really special here, but I found this 4" Allied in a pawn shop for $20!

 

[z-edition 006]

Today i got an old pipe vice. I will restore it and paint it red. Let the restoring time begin

 

[Carquest]

Lis2323, I’m amazed! How on earth do you have that much workspace around your vises, and it’s CLEAN! Nice vises and shop


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[lis2323]

Lis2323, I’m amazed! How on earth do you have that much workspace around your vises, and it’s CLEAN! Nice vises and shop


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Thank you! [emoji16]

 

[Outlawmws]

Z-ed, Hmmm Zed!

What make is that pipe vise? Never seen a PV with round columns.

 

[z-edition 006]

I don’t know what brand or who made it.

 

[1/2 Cup]

I’ve used my Record No 5 and 6 daily for almost 40 years.

I luv my Records

 

[joe.striper]

Here is an unusual brand. Acco, made in Bridgeport CT. Yes that bronze nut is original. The color is also original.And yes I know one letter is screwed up but to fix it i need to give the paint a couple more days to cure

The jaws on this one are only 2.5" wide.

 

[jonshonda]

Saw this ad on FB and thought it was interesting. I messaged the seller in case he didn't know it was broken. Said he had been using it for 30 years that way.

 

[Jaydb07]

Here is an unusual brand. Acco, made in Bridgeport CT. Yes that bronze nut is original. The color is also original.And yes I know one letter is screwed up but to fix it i need to give the paint a couple more days to cure



The jaws on this one are only 2.5" wide.

That is a very cool vise. Great find.


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[Jnmario]

One is unknown. One is a Reed 203, and the other is a Columbian.

 

[trijeff]

the unknown is also a reed, later model

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[va.grouseman]

Z-ed, Hmmm Zed!

What make is that pipe vise? Never seen a PV with round columns.

These have the columns but are not vintage.


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-Duty...838210?hash=item2147d194c2:g:qHgAAOSwwERbnC6j


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Heavy-Duty...762697?hash=item2147eef249:g:1rIAAOSwvkZbnjvx

https://www.ebay.com/itm/vise-for-pipes/183355520033?hash=item2ab0d73421:g:XXwAAOSwopFbYf1z

 

[gsryder]

Looking for a swivel base for this old Oswego....it was flea market buy rusted locked up

 

[gsryder]

See if this works on the images....

 

[Jaydb07]

Finally completed my American Scale 79. Disassembled, stripped, painted, lubed, reassembled. Next owner can fix the blown-out rear dovetail portion. See how it dwarfs the Reed 106.



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[WittHay]

Any of the UK guys, or any Record experts; a couple of questions on a couple of model

A couple of vises I see occasionally and am curious about are the VS series ( I have seen 3VS, & 5VS) and the "TON" series ( I have seen the 1 Ton, 3 Ton, & 5 Ton). How do these compare to the mechanics and other series?

Thanks Dutch...I kind of figured you or Fretters would know.

Also, where the vise is bolted to the bench, older models always have a closed "ear" where the bolt goes through, newer models have an open slit. Any definite comments here, such as:

• closed ear are all made in England and open slit, some are England and some are made in China

.

• closed ear are mostly in England, with some made in China. While all open slit are made in China

Or no consistent method to determine where it was made by the hold down bolt area?

The VS vises I have seen are swivel and open at the bolt holes, seemed lighter duty than the mechanics vise

Good question about the open vs closed bolt holes on the mechanics vises. I dont know the answer. The latest made in China vises have the Irwin Record cast into them and a different lighter color.

The English models seem to have a groove in the main screw where the handle goes through, have a small lip at the front of the vise and a oil hole. Different lettering also

Made in China

Made in England

Assume made In England but not sure

 

[Josh C]

Jayd- That American Scale 79 makes quite a statement! Wow. Nice piece of hardware and good looking job to boot.

Viceman- The ACCO is a sweet looking vise. I like the old school “bling “ they gave it with the brass nut . Makes me think of the Reed 104 I have that had (currently it’s off as I removed it for clean up) a ACCO tag riveted to it and where in historys timeline do these to pieces fall in relation to the ACCO Co.

Thanks to all for posting all the pictures and information on the vintage vises for all to enjoy I find it addicting and a pleasant way to “check out “ and immerse myself in some heavy metal that causes many smiles . Josh

 

[westcoastkevin]

I picked this up yesterday after work.

Chas. Parker 103
At face value it looks to be in very good condition.
It is not all beat up. The jaws are not sawed, ground, welded or broken.

The screw for the little keeper piece in front was finger tight so I took a peek.

I wish it was a bit bigger than 3 1/2" jaws but for $30 it is okay I guess.

Is there a procedure for stripping or servicing these?
After seeing all of the nice painted ones on here, I might do it. (Or I might just use it as a bench vise as intended)

Did they have a color scheme from the factory?

 

[MayerMR]

I picked this up yesterday after work.

Chas. Parker 103
At face value it looks to be in very good condition.
It is not all beat up. The jaws are not sawed, ground, welded or broken.

The screw for the little keeper piece in front was finger tight so I took a peek.

I wish it was a bit bigger than 3 1/2" jaws but for $30 it is okay I guess.

Is there a procedure for stripping or servicing these?
After seeing all of the nice painted ones on here, I might do it. (Or I might just use it as a bench vise as intended)

Did they have a color scheme from the factory?

Oh Kevin, you're in for quite the dilemma... You could avoid this whole addiction, mount it as-is and move on with your life of single-vise ownership normalcy, OR you can tear that one apart, spend hours cleaning and prepping it for paint and then step back and admire your new, beautiful vise... Realizing that it's just too pretty to put to heavy use and begin shopping for another "user". After acquiring said user, realize that you feel you need too restore it to and then fast forward 12 mos and you have 12 gorgeous vises scattered around your shop, with only 1 cheap Chinese beater vise mounted that the don't care if you break.

At least, that's what happened to me... But it's not my fault, it's these vise guys here in this thread...

 

[Shiftless]

Here is an unusual brand. Acco, made in Bridgeport CT. Yes that bronze nut is original. The color is also original.And yes I know one letter is screwed up but to fix it i need to give the paint a couple more days to cure

The jaws on this one are only 2.5" wide.

Joe: Those ACCOs are pretty rare. Besides you and me, who has one? Is there any other vise with 2 1/2 inch wide jaws that weighs 60 pounds?

I bought this one, (according to his story) from the grandson (a guy in his 50’s I’d guess) of the original owner. I didn’t expect you to say that the original color was red.

 

[Jaydb07]

Oh Kevin, you're in for quite the dilemma... You could avoid this whole addiction, mount it as-is and move on with your life of single-vise ownership normalcy, OR you can tear that one apart, spend hours cleaning and prepping it for paint and then step back and admire your new, beautiful vise... Realizing that it's just too pretty to put to heavy use and begin shopping for another "user". After acquiring said user, realize that you feel you need to restore it to and then fast forward 12 mos and you have 12 gorgeous vises scattered around your shop, with only 1 cheap Chinese beater vise mounted that the don't care if you break.



At least, that's what happened to me... But it's not my fault, it's these vise guys here in this thread...

Meyer just described the last 6 months of my life. Run away!


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[Jaydb07]

Okey dokey Kev, here’s the deal...

You will find and buy one or more a month now. They’re commonish and affordable. You’ll keep wanting one bigger or smaller or older or rarer or different. You’ll find they are easy and fun to disassemble and strip and finish and lube and reassemble and then keep it gift or sell.

You’ll find it fun to spray paint some, hand paint others, simply oil others, or use boiled Lindseed oil to harden on others.

Parkers seem to have come in various colors. For fun try one of the Rustoleum “Hammered” color spray cans. You’ll like it.

When you do a restore, post pictures here so we can encourage and praise you. That’s fun too.

Vaya con Dios.

Jay


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[chrisnazzy]

June 26th, 2017 I bought this Columbian D45 off a local CL ad.
Now look at me. Not that I'm complaining. I didn't pay more than $80 for any of these and most were $40-50, but as the others have said, it's an addiction. In fact the only vise I've sold is that D45.

Here's a funny story I'm not sure I've ever shared. I bought my Prentiss 53 from a guy who lives near my family in Socal. While talking to him as I was checking it over I mentioned that I had just recently gotten into collecting and restoring old vises. He looks at me and simply says....."Garage Journal?" I shook my head and we both kind of smiled and chuckled.

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