The VISES of Garage Journal

[GETRIDAONE]

Picked up this vise the other day and was wondering if anyone has any information on it.
It looks lot like an Athol No70 but it has no manufacturer markings.

A little internet searching shows Athol made a 3" #70 * 3 1/2" #71 * 4" #72
My no name is 4" and weighs 27 lbs. They were probably made for a large hardware company to sell as a house brand. Please excuse my 50's paint scheme, your vise looks much better unpainted.

 

[RBarnes]

I don't see anything that would be untruthful in those eBay listings. It's up to everyone what they want to pay on eBay. It's the buyers responsibility to do their research and the sellers responsibility to give a truthful description of what they are selling.

My impression from reading was that they put a sticker on it that was not original trying to pass it off as something it was not. I apologize if I misunderstood.

 

[Shiftless]

Shiftless
The Taskmaster actually received a design patent, even citing a Wilton patent as prior work (It was not the bullet that was cited).

Patent D254835 was granted to Sheldon E. Bass of Los Angeles, CA on 29 April, 1980. Kinda interesting irony here - Vogel rips off York for their design, Bass rips of Vogel's cadet.

Vogl had design patents for the bullet, Torco, Shop King, "Wood", and Triple Duty. Perhaps he felt that the cadet was covered by his bullet patent?

JKB

Thanks a lot for that additional info on the Taskmaster vises. This is the second one I have owned. The first one I got somewhere I gave away to a guy who remembered that his dad had one in the shop as he was growing up.
He was thrilled to get it and it is now treated as a respected tool but is mounted on his bench and does occasional lightweight work.

 

[t4runner]

Picked up this vise the other day and was wondering if anyone has any information on it.
It looks lot like an Athol No70 but it has no manufacturer markings.

Anyone have any information on this vise, thanks.

 

[t4runner]

A little internet searching shows Athol made a 3" #70 * 3 1/2" #71 * 4" #72
My no name is 4" and weighs 27 lbs. They were probably made for a large hardware company to sell as a house brand. Please excuse my 50's paint scheme, your vise looks much better unpainted.

Thanks for the info I thought as much.
Unfortunately someone drilled holes to mount it. Im going to probably braze up the holes and then paint it.

 

[RBarnes]

Thanks for the info I thought as much.
Unfortunately someone drilled holes to mount it. Im going to probably braze up the holes and then paint it.

How is this vise supposed to mount?

 

[zoomieport]

Does anyone have a Parker 3-3/4" jaw/jaws they are willing to part with?
Let me know..

Thank you!
ZOOM

 

[gman007]

How is this vise supposed to mount?

RB
Perhaps this vise was intended to be mounted using the channel under the base (see photo) and therefore it did not need mounting holes. In fact note that the one posted by GETRIDAONE does NOT have mounting holes (see photo 2) in the base but T4's vise has the supposed custom drilled holes in the base (see photo 1). I have also attached a third example which again does NOT have the mounting holes in the base (see photo 3).

I am wondering if the vise had a rail that was mounted and then the vise could slide over the rail using the channel under the base.

 

[va.grouseman]

I think those type of vises were meant to be through the bench with a square head bolt or maybe 2, as the anchor...And tighten from underneath.---JMO


EDIT---One bolt would make it a swivel base, two would make it a stationary.

 

[t4runner]

How is this vise supposed to mount?

It has a keyway on the bottom that some kind of base was attached.

 

[kenc184]

I'm not into the small jewelers type vises, but I couldn't resist this one. Only cost me $21.
The reason I liked it is because it looks like a real machinist's vise with a covered screw and a proper slide, not a couple of rods.
I must say it's an impressive little guy (2" jaws), the slide is nice and tight, no slop. Jaws are nice too. Anyone heard of American Hydraulics? No doubt made for this outfit by a proper tool company. Does it look familiar to any of you experts?

 

[NKlamerus]

Any hints on what this guy is?

 

[MayerMR]

I'm not into the small jewelers type vises, but I couldn't resist this one. Only cost me $21.
The reason I liked it is because it looks like a real machinist's vise with a covered screw and a proper slide, not a couple of rods.
I must say it's an impressive little guy (2" jaws), the slide is nice and tight, no slop. Jaws are nice too. Anyone heard of American Hydraulics? No doubt made for this outfit by a proper tool company. Does it look familiar to any of you experts?

Nice vise. Looks like a Stanley Sweetheart?

 

[Smitty]

Vintage vises in their original habitat.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[davethorik]

Nice vise. Looks like a Stanley Sweetheart?

It does except that clamp knob is all wrong and the Stanley's didn't have holes on the sides, and whole base shaped different. My vote is Luther.

 

[MayerMR]

It does except that clamp knob is all wrong and the Stanley's didn't have holes on the sides, and whole base shaped different. My vote is Luther.

Ok, so definitely a Stanley then? Haha

Any hints on what this guy is?

Ok...I know this one though. Mid-70s-ish Wilton homeowner's grade vise.

 

[NKlamerus]

Reminds me of this?

I can take more photos if needed

 

[t4runner]

Vintage vises in their original habitat.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

Heres another oldie

 

[Smitty]

Heres another oldie

Great pic.

 

[TTMotorsports]

Stamp on my Wilton. Any idea on age?

Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk

 

[PghJKB]

It does except that clamp knob is all wrong and the Stanley's didn't have holes on the sides, and whole base shaped different. My vote is Luther.

The recessed, rounded rectangle on the slide is characteristic of Luther.

Stamp on my Wilton. Any idea on age?

June 1972

Sent from my SM-G965U1 using Tapatalk

 

[wrenchguy]

Heres another oldie

nice seeing this 1 again! i believe that hollands will hold it if the crane operator balances it out close.

 

[gman007]

I'm not into the small jewelers type vises, but I couldn't resist this one. Only cost me $21.
The reason I liked it is because it looks like a real machinist's vise with a covered screw and a proper slide, not a couple of rods.
I must say it's an impressive little guy (2" jaws), the slide is nice and tight, no slop. Jaws are nice too. Anyone heard of American Hydraulics? No doubt made for this outfit by a proper tool company. Does it look familiar to any of you experts?

Ken
That is for sure a cute little vise. And seems to be of high quality and solidly made as well. I have never heard of "American Hydraulics Inc" and there is no listing for it in the vise spread sheet either.

It does somewhat resemble a Luther as davethorik and PghJKB have pointed out (see photo)

 

[BeardedOne]

Ok, so definitely a Stanley then? Haha

Ok...I know this one though. Mid-70s-ish Wilton homeowner's grade vise.

I have a little Wilton of the same style, but with 4.5" jaws.

 

[NC Rick]

Ok folks, I’m blaming the instigators on this forum for this one. I just purchased a Reed Manufacturing 405 vise from a really nice guy on Craig’s list this afternoon. I’m going to put it on my metal working table to replace the Columbian machinists vise I have on there now. I don’t know much of anything about these and likely paid too much. It’s dirty and a little rusty and shows some signs of abuse. It also shows little wear at all on the screw and nut. I was able to pop out the swivel pin with a little persuasion. The former owner had no idea about the swivel feature and the pin had been used as an anvil as was the back of the ram. Fortunately with small hammers it seams. I’d appreciate any tips, or info on age. I don’t think I will repaint it at this time. I like the way it looks. It’s kinda honest.

 

[kenc184]

Ken
That is for sure a cute little vise. And seems to be of high quality and solidly made as well. I have never heard of "American Hydraulics Inc" and there is no listing for it in the vise spread sheet either.

It does somewhat resemble a Luther as davethorik and PghJKB have pointed out (see photo)

Gman,

Yep, I reckon davethorik and PghJKB have nailed it!

thanks to all.

 

[gman007]

Ok folks, I’m blaming the instigators on this forum for this one. I just purchased a Reed Manufacturing 405 vise from a really nice guy on Craig’s list this afternoon. I’m going to put it on my metal working table to replace the Columbian machinists vise I have on there now. I don’t know much of anything about these and likely paid too much. It’s dirty and a little rusty and shows some signs of abuse. It also shows little wear at all on the screw and nut. I was able to pop out the swivel pin with a little persuasion. The former owner had no idea about the swivel feature and the pin had been used as an anvil as was the back of the ram. Fortunately with small hammers it seams. I’d appreciate any tips, or info on age. I don’t think I will repaint it at this time. I like the way it looks. It’s kinda honest.

NC
Welcome to vise world . Can you please post some photos of the while vise for better identification? But in absence of such photos, if the vise model number is just 405 (and not 405 R) then it was probably made before 1940s. There are usually patent dates on the side such as 1910 or 1930 that can be used to narrow the age range further. So do post some photos of both sides of the vise.

 

[Shiftless]

NC Rick:
Welcome to the club of big Reed double swivellers.

Congrats on pulling out the pin. That’s the most common problem with these guys.

I have purchased 2 Reed 406s over the years. Still have one, traded away the other one.
Like yours, both of the sellers I did business with had no idea that the back jaw could swivel.

If you want a bigger size, I’ll trade you even for this one. ...Pin is stuck.

 

[NC Rick]

Thank you guys! I will post more photos soon. Likely tonight. I presently have it 95% disassembled and in the parts washer. Im getting a good look at it. The main Acme nut is pinned in mine. I took the pin out but the nut is tight in the way.

 

[Shiftless]

Thank you guys! I will post more photos soon. Likely tonight. I presently have it 95% disassembled and in the parts washer. Im getting a good look at it. The main Acme nut is pinned in mine. I took the pin out but the nut is tight in the way.

Are you struggling to remove the nut for a good reason? If you’re using a parts washer, I’m sure you can get the old grease and crud out with the nut in place.
That pin is the adjustment method for fore and aft adjustment of the nut to minimize end play. If it works OK, don’t mess with success. Put that steel pin back in before you lose it. Don’t ask me why I’m cautioning you about that!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Anyone heard of American Hydraulics?

I had never heard of it the first time I saw it on GJ today, which was not your post, believe it or not. Gasgt1 posted a photo of a large American Hydraulics roller cabinet he is restoring on drivesitfar's 'Metal cabinets' thread down on the Vintage Board. If it's the same outfit (and I have no reason to suspect it's not) they were located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Or so says the cool-*** decal on the roller, anyway. Your vise appears to be a few decades older than the cabinet. Link here.

 

[Ryan_340]

I'm not into the small jewelers type vises, but I couldn't resist this one. Only cost me $21.
The reason I liked it is because it looks like a real machinist's vise with a covered screw and a proper slide, not a couple of rods.
I must say it's an impressive little guy (2" jaws), the slide is nice and tight, no slop. Jaws are nice too. Anyone heard of American Hydraulics? No doubt made for this outfit by a proper tool company. Does it look familiar to any of you experts?

I have one just like it, found mine at an estate sale last summer for 5 bucks

 

[NC Rick]

I haven’t been able to figure out how to quote or multi-quote.

Gman, Thant you for the encouragement! I have been through this vise (spent the whole evening on it) and know some things, or at least THINK I do. I also learned some stuff to ask about. I’m kinda hooked on this thing. I’m really comfortable leaving it in this state which amazes me because I am not a “patina guy”. The vise was speaking to me as I worked on it. There just isn’t anything wrong with it and cleaned and lubricated, however old it may be it can do it all over again. I hope it will.

Shiftless, while I read your sound advice too late, I came to the same conclusion. I doubt that was intended to come out. It’s back together and way big. Too big likely. I’ll make it work.

Anyhow, a few more photos follow. I hope to get some indication of the age of this thing.

I’m not going to send the static jaws pin home until I drill and tap the back of it for a dowl puller. The pin seems sort of crude, is that normal? The taper is turned, not ground.

Thanks again, this is fun!

 

[NC Rick]

A couple more photos of the 405.

I liked the original machining bur on the pivot bolt.

It’s really too bad Reed didn’t design this vise with removable jaws.

 

[kenc184]

A couple more photos of the 405.

I liked the original machining bur on the pivot bolt.

It’s really too bad Reed didn’t design this vise with removable jaws.

A lot of people seem put off by cast in jaws, and I'm not really sure why. It's unlikely you'll ever wear out a decent set of jaws and yours look pretty good from here? Also, some of the removable jaw sets aren't available as replacements anyway - such as Parker, so unless you're an experienced machinist who can cheaply do heat treating you're out of luck anyway.

And even if you CAN get replacement jaws for these old lumps of iron, they'll likely cost you as much as the vise you purchased in the first place.

 

[gman007]

I haven’t been able to figure out how to quote or multi-quote.

Gman, Thant you for the encouragement! I have been through this vise (spent the whole evening on it) and know some things, or at least THINK I do. I also learned some stuff to ask about. I’m kinda hooked on this thing. I’m really comfortable leaving it in this state which amazes me because I am not a “patina guy”. The vise was speaking to me as I worked on it. There just isn’t anything wrong with it and cleaned and lubricated, however old it may be it can do it all over again. I hope it will.

Shiftless, while I read your sound advice too late, I came to the same conclusion. I doubt that was intended to come out. It’s back together and way big. Too big likely. I’ll make it work.

Anyhow, a few more photos follow. I hope to get some indication of the age of this thing.

I’m not going to send the static jaws pin home until I drill and tap the back of it for a dowl puller. The pin seems sort of crude, is that normal? The taper is turned, not ground.

Thanks again, this is fun!

NC
Congrats, Your 405 is in excellent shape.

I am not surprised that you are hooked on it as it is a great vise.

Personally, among other reasons I find old American vises fascinating is the fact that unlike many other tools they are as useful and relevant today as they were 100 years ago yet these older vises are even superior to the modern ones.

This is not necessarily true for many others tools. I mean while an old Disston hand saw is a nice novelty item, it is much more convenient and efficient to use some kind of power saw etc. In full disclosure I collect other old American made tools ranging from pliers, wrenches to hand saws and even saw sets but vises to me are in category by themselves.

In any case based on the patent dates your 405 was probably manufactured between 1914 and 1930.

 

[Outlawmws]

Rick, are you talking the taper pin for the swivel jaw? I don't think its a factory pin. likely lost and remade on a lathe. IMO you want a clean surface, but too perfect a finish, and its likely to get stuck a lot. Especially if someone raps it in...

 

[Shiftless]

Rick:
The later 40x series Reeds had the same swivel jaw but the jaws were replaceable and the front “meatball” changed to more of a hockey puck shape.

Outlaw is right about the pin. If I was going to make one of these a user vise, I would consider lubing up the pin with anti seize compound. I know it’s messy but that would be good insurance.

GJ member Carla suggested drilling and tapping the pin and screwing in a small forged eye bolt. That would make it easier to pull out if it got stuck and also make it easy to hang the pin on the wall when not in use.

 

[NC Rick]

Ken, on this vise I think your thinking is correct. The other vises I own all have the original jaws removed. I use custom made soft jaws for what I do here. What has really been my favorite vise is a recent manufactured in the USA Yost 3” Machinists vise which I made smooth fairly hard jaws from pre-hardened 4140. I’d like them to be harder still but the smooth hard jaws are really nice for many things. This big old Reed is going to be more at home holding car parts and welding projects.

Gman, that’s just crazy that it can be so old! I was figuring it was from the 50s! It really is in surprising condition.

I’d love some comments on the tapered pin and if it is original to the vise.

Is it normal for the stationary jaw to wiggle with the pin inserted? I’m not sure if it should be a precise fit or need pounding in like a nail to stabilize the jaw. I have it all greased up so it glides with ease once the pin is out.

The radiused ways are a very cool design and a feature that will be worthy of conversation when interested parties come by and look at the “new” vise. I’m not convinced of the utility of the movable vise but I know there have been times it would have been beneficial.

By the way and FYI, I paid $250 for the vise. Did I pay way too much? I feel I got my value because of the utility I will get but am interested in the relative value.

THanks guys for the entertainment and sharing of your knowledge.

Ken, I really appreciate your comments on the jaws and I feel what you offered was valid even though it wasn’t my opinion. I think I know a good bit of practical stuff but am always so happy to learn from others.

 

[NC Rick]

Outlaw, thanks for the pin information. I would love to see a photo of an original, perhaps with some dimensions? I may be able to run a more suitable pin to give the jaw an accurate and stable position without having to hammer it in.