The VISES of Garage Journal

[txlonghorn1989]

That is a part number. The manufacture date as suggested in another thread is on the bottom of the keyway. From the looks of the bent pins, the new rear piece you got has to have the holes broken out ?

Get, you'd think so right? Here's what they look like...(see pics). I think they look great considering those pins weren't removed. In fact, I'm at a loss to fathom how the holes aren't broken out. To my untrained eye it appears these original parts (end cap, vise nut) are reusable but I'll defer to those with more experience. ???

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Perusing the results of my search for info I see another 9350 posted with the same "7-40" on the vise nut so I'm guessing that's likely a part number not a date.

Wilton was established in August 1941 and the early bullets didn't have any stamps on the slide key. Earliest stamps were mfging dates in 1945. Yours is a Schiller, not a Chicago, so much later anyway, 1956 at the earliest. I believe some of the Schillers had guarantee expiration date stamps and others had mfg date stamps.

 

[Shiftless]

Tex:
I too am amazed that those holes weren’t broken out. I wonder if your extra pieces were from another parts vise and never installed by the previous owner. That might explain why they were only found later.

I don’t see any reason those parts aren’t useable. Just get new pins. Probably 1/4 inch diameter. Some guys replace the pins with screws to make disassembly easier for cleaning.
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[GETRIDAONE]

Get, you'd think so right? Here's what they look like...(see pics). I think they look great considering those pins weren't removed. In fact, I'm at a loss to fathom how the holes aren't broken out. To my untrained eye it appears these original parts (end cap, vise nut) are reusable but I'll defer to those with more experience. ???

Those holes look like they have been repaired. Wire brush in that area and see if the metal is a different color. Hopefully all the holes align for the new pins. Good luck with the repair.

 

[NukeMech]

Those baby bullets sure are pretty. Do you make extra bases sell? I have a couple at work and one I have reconditioned. My team plays with my emotions when they use my parade vise!

 

[wrenchguy]

Tex:
I too am amazed that those holes weren’t broken out. I wonder if your extra pieces were from another parts vise and never installed by the previous owner. That might explain why they were only found later.

I don’t see any reason those parts aren’t useable. Just get new pins. Probably 1/4 inch diameter. Some guys replace the pins with screws to make disassembly easier for cleaning.
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What caused damage like that? I have a wilton static with busted out holes. Somehow, someway the tube with screw has to get driven to the rear, the opposite action of over tightening? Right? Dropping it with the jaws open?

 

[Shiftless]

Yeah,
Dropping the vise on its nose with the jaws open is the only scenario I can think of.

How about if the vise was well bolted down, and open a few inches, and then ram into it with a truck or better yet, the back end of a forklift?
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[wrenchguy]

Yeah,
Dropping the vise on its nose with the jaws open is the only scenario I can think of.

How about if the vise was well bolted down, and open a few inches, and then ram into it with a truck or better yet, the back end of a forklift?
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I guess so? Just wondering if pounding on the work with the dreaded large hammer could cause this. Hammers have taken out a few clampers i imagine. Thanks.

 

[22george]

Ms Oswego came out beautiful; mount it to a stand and keep the monarch on the bench?

Kevin Oh yea, you're gonna love working for you

txlong nice stroke of good fortune!

I agree. Putting a vice on a moveable stand is one of the best things l ever did. It is surprising how convenient it is and how often it ends up being your go to vice.

 

[Smitty]

WEATHER ALERT!!!
WARNING: It’s raining Starrett vises (with original paint) in Southern California. Shelter in place...


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[matt_i]

I thought this was kind of funny, I was moving things around and not really paying attention, then came back to see by coincidence that Baby was taking shelter under Big Daddy. (Baby Bullet and Reed 4c). No other value to the community

 

[Smitty]

Wrench Guy, found this bad boy the other day.


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[WickedJP]

Well, I guess these finds come home in bunches. This made the trip home with me today. Original C1, dated from 1991. Had some over spray on the base that cleaned off nicely with acetone. Left it looking cleaner than the rest of the vise though. Not sure what I’m going to do with all these. But I like having them

 

[WickedJP]

Matt: I need to find one of those 4c’s. One of the coolest looking vises ever made. Especially with the flat nose. Can’t find any of the real big guys around me.

 

[Smitty]

Wicked, you’re on a roll right now, that C1 looks like it’s in great condition. Keep your eyes peeled, they always come in bunches.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Wrench Guy, found this bad boy the other day.


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I got one like that recently too! I'll admit, I was straining a bit to hold it and take the pic at the same time. 2nd pic for better size reference. It's 2 5/8" and 2 1/4".

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[Productbob]

Tex your bullet is turning into quite the adventure

Smitty wow, nicely done on another Starrett!

Chris & Smitty big wrenches! are we starting another club? 36" long and 2 1/4" on the big end

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Tex:
I too am amazed that those holes weren’t broken out. I wonder if your extra pieces were from another parts vise and never installed by the previous owner. That might explain why they were only found later.

I don’t see any reason those parts aren’t useable. Just get new pins. Probably 1/4 inch diameter. Some guys replace the pins with screws to make disassembly easier for cleaning.
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Shiftless, are you saying I should put larger pins in when I repair it as the current pins aren't close to being that large?

 

[Shiftless]

Shiftless, are you saying I should put larger pins in when I repair it as the current pins aren't close to being that large?

Tex: Not at all. Quarter inch steel pins have a tremendous shear strength. In my opinion, the only reason to vary from the original pins is if you plan to remove the nut for periodic cleaning. Personally, I don’t do that. My user vise is a Wilton C1

Smitty:
I can’t believe how those great vises just fall into your lap!
(I know how much time is required for monitoring all the sale sites)
Nice scores on all of those Starretts and also that huge wrench. Is that gonna be a wall hanger?

 

[Smitty]

Chris, yeah, I had the same problem extend my arm and holding the camera back far enough.

Bob, Thanks, that’s a great wrench you’ve got there. It looks like something an engineer would use on a locomotive back in the day.

Shift, Thanks, it was a real treat finding three Starretts in two weeks. That wrench is just fun to have sitting on the bench. It’s pretty heavy to hang.

 

[Outlawmws]

TX, If that end nut isn't the original, you may need to do something different as the holes are not likely to line up. I'm in agreement that its a replacement as I cant picture the old nut being intact if popped out. - unless the guy tapped the pins back in place after removal (to prevent loss?) you may need to go larger or to a set screw as Dr Scott (and others) have done...

 

[EchoBravoSierra]

The BF is an identifying mark for one particular foundry in Japan. I can’t remember the name of the foundry but the BF marks appear on the high quality Craftsman homeowner grade vises that Sears sold in the 1970’s and maybe other times. I don’t know the whole history of those but I used to have one as a user and it was just as good as many USA made vises of similar design.

No BF on the bottom anywhere that I could see.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

TX, If that end nut isn't the original, you may need to do something different as the holes are not likely to line up. I'm in agreement that its a replacement as I cant picture the old nut being intact if popped out. - unless the guy tapped the pins back in place after removal (to prevent loss?) you may need to go larger or to a set screw as Dr Scott (and others) have done...

Outlaw, I hear you guys re: the nut and end cap not being original to the vise. At first, I was trying to convince myself the likelihood of a replacement end cap having the same old chipping puke yellow paint on it and coming from another vise was very low. And I still feel that way but I just cannot see that end cap being pushed out without getting busted up. And I know you guys know a lot more about this stuff that I do. I'm going to move forward expecting that it is from a different vise.

All: Do I need to hit the sides of the body with a wire wheel brush to expose exactly where the center of those pins are? Is anyone aware of a previous thread here or elsewhere where removing these and replacing the vise nut and end cap are documented?

I appreciate the comments/feedback from everyone.

 

[KMScott]

All: Do I need to hit the sides of the body with a wire wheel brush to expose exactly where the center of those pins are? Is anyone aware of a previous thread here or elsewhere where removing these and replacing the vise nut and end cap are documented?

I appreciate the comments/feedback from everyone.

It's not that hard if you have a heavy duty drill press or better yet a Mill. You need to assemble the nut at 90 degrees where there is no holes and tie it down with the spindle. Then clamp it sideways with a angle plate and level it to the hole on your machine. Pick up the hole with a indicator or your best method and drill undersized by a 64th then ream the hole for a 1/4" pin. Buy some Knurled pins from Mc-Master Carr Look HERE. If you have to do it by hand then be careful to keep as straight as you can. I wrote a blog on how I did a badly damaged/welded pin setup in this 5" Wilton. Look HERE. Repairing vises taks some equipment and it sure makes the job easier, less stressful and better results. Good Luck and let us know how you did.

 

[Smitty]

I never thought I’d say this but I’ve been playing with my nuts all morning


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[exmaxima1]

Was home as painters were refinishing my kitchen cabinets so decided to paint my Morgan Chicago 304 double swivel. Not sure how old it is, but Morgan left "Chicago" around 1946, so over 70 years would not be a stretch. All original as best I can tell, and works fine. Paint is the new Krylon Fusion with primer/paint all in one---color is "Patriotic Blue" (LOL).

 

[Loydski29]

Since big wrenches came up I figured I’d post a pic of the one I have. I found it at a army/navy surplus. It’s 37” long weighs 40lbs and the size is 3 3/4” pic is with a baby bullet for size comparison.


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[chrisnazzy]

I never thought I’d say this but I’ve been playing with my nuts all morning


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Hard to even justify leaving the house when one can be easily entertained with his huge nuts.

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[Vise]

Received a pallet of vises yesterday. Mixed bag, but very excited about the minty Rock Island 543B and some nice Athols.

 

[KMScott]

That is a prize Pallet of vises Vises. I especially like the 543B, they are beasts, uses the 577 jaws.

 

[Productbob]

Chris how the hell do you "receive" a pallet a great vises?? wow, congrats on some great additions to your workshop!

Lloyd impressive beast

Smitty playing with your nuts all morning? did you retire too?

 

[Smitty]

Pallet of vises? That Big Rock Island it a beautiful piece of hardware, congrats.

 

[Vise]

That is a prize Pallet of vises Vises. I especially like the 543B, they are beasts, uses the 577 jaws.

Thanks very much KMS. I really liked the 544B you restored.

 

[Productbob]

had big paint plans for this one but after 1/2 day of getting it apart (poor little guy had apparently been swimming at some point) and getting all the rust out of the inside; decided to clean off the dirt, do one paint strip and oil over the patina. Reed 203 1/2 with a 7/37 date of birth.

 

[Vise]

Pallet of vises? That Big Rock Island it a beautiful piece of hardware, congrats.

Appreciate that Smitty. I bought the whole pallet for the 543B.

 

[harley jim]

New guy to this thread, someone saw my vise and said I should post it here. Didn't know this thread existed before so I have been reading there are some really nice vises here. Here are a couple of mine the last one I made in school around 1971 thanks, Jim

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[txlonghorn1989]

It's not that hard if you have a heavy duty drill press or better yet a Mill. You need to assemble the nut at 90 degrees where there is no holes and tie it down with the spindle. Then clamp it sideways with a angle plate and level it to the hole on your machine. Pick up the hole with a indicator or your best method and drill undersized by a 64th then ream the hole for a 1/4" pin. Buy some Knurled pins from Mc-Master Carr Look HERE. If you have to do it by hand then be careful to keep as straight as you can. I wrote a blog on how I did a badly damaged/welded pin setup in this 5" Wilton. Look HERE. Repairing vises taks some equipment and it sure makes the job easier, less stressful and better results. Good Luck and let us know how you did.

Well, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point as I have none of the machines/tools that you mention and show at the link to the job you did with that 5" Wilton. Have to see what I can do caveman style. :0(

 

[nutjob]

Well, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at this point as I have none of the machines/tools that you mention and show at the link to the job you did with that 5" Wilton. Have to see what I can do caveman style. :0(

Someone a few pages back had thought that the endcap looked like it had been repaired. After looking at your pics again I agree. I think the endcap/nut was pushed out and this bent the pins and broke the endcap.

You need to use a wire wheel with a hand grinder or wire wheel on a bench grinder or just a hand wire brush and cleanup the endcap down to the bare metal inside and out and see what the deal is.

The pins should be knocked out from the inside. The pins could be tapered and if you push them in you can break the end of the vise. Again, clean up the outside of the vise around the pins and look at it for any signs of cracks.

Kevin

 

[kenc184]

Lowballers.

I sold a nice Wilton 1750 on CL recently with brand new jaws plus it had the pipe jaws present for $225. Sold straight away, full price. Now I'm advertizing another 1750, without pipe jaws and with used but OK jaws for $175. So far I've had lowball offers of $120, $110 and $100.
Just waiting for my first two digit offer .....LOL! Is it just me? I would never have the nerve to offer $100 for a $175 vise that's been on CL for one day!



BTW, there are two others on CL/Facebook for $300 and $335. Rough looking too.

 

[Productbob]

ken sometimes it just a matter of the stars lining up...right item, right buyer, right price and bang it sells! other times the combination of factors just don't come together and you get tire kickers, 'super' bargain hunters, and folks who are looking for something to do with their time Hang in there!