The VISES of Garage Journal

[Shiftless]

Another WOW
That bolt head is even bigger than I had guessed.

Thanks for the pic with the can. That helps put things into perspective.

 

[RTM]

Thanks.

How do I identify precisely what it is?

It looks like it says 645 under the jaws, which looks like this guy in the middle. Those numbers might lead elsewhere tho. Also, I don’t know their years at Schiller Park vs elsewhere.

https://archive.org/details/WiltonClampingToolsCatalogNo131/page/n13/mode/1up

 

[RTM]

I can,t figure out how to look at the spreadsheet on this new IPad

I have the Google Sheets app on mine. Even less convenient than on a PC

 

[Shiftless]

Kevin:
To view the spreadsheet on my iPad I just go to this address. (Link posted)
FYI I’m running software iOS 14.3

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...YI7UKRpUd3aheAE86KBQRBGb9s/edit#gid=666157805

Once you get to that site, use the little up arrow at the top of your screen to store that address in your favorites. After that, you’ll only have to do one tap and you’ll get to the spreadsheet.

 

[KMScott]

Thanks shift, this new technology sure has me baffled. I am not an Apple fan yet.


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[Shiftless]

Thanks shift, this new technology sure has me baffled. I am not an Apple fan yet.


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You’re welcome. I’ve been using iPads since they first came out in 2010

 

[GForceJunky]

As requested, here’s a 12 oz can with the 408.
Also here’s the measurement on the bolt. The threaded area is 1.25”-10.





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I could stare at this picture all day. She's beautiful! Also, that's a LARGE bolt. Damn.

 

[alcorelli]

As requested, here’s a 12 oz can with the 408.
Also here’s the measurement on the bolt. The threaded area is 1.25”-10.





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I do believe that is the coolest vice I have ever seen. Thank you for that picture. Wow!

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[wrenchguy]

As requested, here’s a 12 oz can with the 408.
Also here’s the measurement on the bolt. The threaded area is 1.25”-10.

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Some awesome there 4sure! Got a idea what the package will gross out at?

 

[jonshonda]

I see there is a Prentiss No22 on ebay for $1400. Added to my watch list to see if it sells!

 

[Burn1]

Anyone recognize who might be the maker of this little vise?
Ebay auction ending in 30 minutes.
1-1/8 jaw width.

 

[Vise]

Thanks guys,

wrenchguy- I think the total weight will be north of 700lbs.

 

[PghJKB]

Anyone recognize who might be the maker of this little vise?
Ebay auction ending in 30 minutes.
1-1/8 jaw width.

Don't know the maker, but my guess is that it is not cast iron. It looks to me to be made of diecast - whoever buys it should check it with a magnet. Diecast and acid do not mix well.

JKB

 

[Burn1]

Great catch JKB. I opened the auction from a laptop and it mentions non-ferrous.
Did not catch that from my mobile phone viewing.

 

[va.grouseman]

I've got one of these, but if I put it up for bid it wouldn't bring $50.00.---Just be one of those times when everyone just happen to miss it and one person bids a $1.00.---And do you think that would surprise me, not for a second with my luck.---I'm glad these fellows are picking up some serious buck for their little Baby Bullets and Prentiss's.---These are some hard times and eBay takes a pretty good chunk.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilton-Bab...Clamp-mount-Colorado-miners-shed/402645844300

 

[Shiftless]

I've got one of these, but if I put it up for bid it wouldn't bring $50.00.---Just be one of those times when everyone just happen to miss it and one person bids a $1.00.---And do you think that would surprise me, not for a second with my luck.---I'm glad these fellows are picking up some serious buck for their little Baby Bullets and Prentiss's.---These are some hard times and eBay takes a pretty good chunk.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilton-Bab...Clamp-mount-Colorado-miners-shed/402645844300

Don’t worry about not getting $50 for a baby bullet with the rare clamp mount. I’ll double that and pay shipping.

 

[GForceJunky]

Everyone wants an arm and both legs for the Baby Bullets and any of the C# vises, Wilton or Reed. It's ridiculous...I want one to actually use but I can't justify paying more for my 600S for a 2 or 2.5" little nothing of a vise. And who is going to pay new prices on a 40 year old, beat to hell Wilton C3? No one is *that* stupid. Never see any good deals around these parts!

 

[Gigem]

Saw this on another forum I frequent. Outside of Houston if you are interested.

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[bagged89s10]

So I finally get to be in the 8 inch club. Got my first 8” vise. 245 lb Parker 958. The brass tag says it must have spent most of it’s life at Bethlehem steel company. My Ford Fusion was not happy though. It probably thought there was a body in the trunk. I degreased it at the car wash and then gave it a coat of boeshield. I cleaned up the Bethlehem Steel Co. brass tag and painted the model no white for now.

 

[davethorik]

Everyone wants an arm and both legs for the Baby Bullets and any of the C# vises, Wilton or Reed. It's ridiculous...I want one to actually use but I can't justify paying more for my 600S for a 2 or 2.5" little nothing of a vise. And who is going to pay new prices on a 40 year old, beat to hell Wilton C3? No one is *that* stupid. Never see any good deals around these parts!

Honestly any 2" or 2.5" USA vise that is built like a large vise will cost you unless you randomly find a smoking deal. Vises are expensive at either end of the size spectrum, most likely due to lower numbers being made at the size extremes. Where as you see 4" or 4.5" sizes posted here daily. And yes, Wiltons and Reeds do seem to command a premium, but there are a lot of other "sleeper" brands out there, like Columbian.

If you NEED a 2" or 2.5" vise, you could always find a Stanley clamp-on, there are tons of them out there and prices are rising but you can more easily locate one for a modest price.
Another thing to consider, if you could deal with a slightly larger vise, 3" and 3.5" are more common and cheaper than 2 inchers.

 

[bagged89s10]

Honestly any 2" or 2.5" USA vise that is built like a large vise will cost you unless you randomly find a smoking deal. Vises are expensive at either end of the size spectrum, most likely due to lower numbers being made at the size extremes. Where as you see 4" or 4.5" sizes posted here daily. And yes, Wiltons and Reeds do seem to command a premium, but there are a lot of other "sleeper" brands out there, like Columbian.

If you NEED a 2" or 2.5" vise, you could always find a Stanley clamp-on, there are tons of them out there and prices are rising but you can more easily locate one for a modest price.
Another thing to consider, if you could deal with a slightly larger vise, 3" and 3.5" are more common and cheaper than 2 inchers.

I 100% agree. You can find other brands that will do the job like an only Stanley clamp on and they are built well.

I had a baby bullet and a Wilton c3 I was not going to sell but the price I was offered for each was too good to not take. People love to pay for wiltons. Also just think about a Wilton c3 price. A new one is over $2000 so a used one in good shape is worth at least half of that in my opinion.

 

[bagged89s10]

Here’s the newest vise in my collection, and the one that now sits at the top of the list: a Reed 408 in fantastic condition. Have been chasing this one for awhile.

It has a couple casting flaws, but is extremely clean: nearly flawless meatball, glassy slide, and very tight, with almost no backlash. While I wait for the steel top plate, I couldn’t resist hoisting it up on the stand to see how it looks.











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I have to say, that’s an awesome vise!!!

 

[wrenchguy]

So I finally get to be in the 8 inch club. Got my first 8” vise. 245 lb Parker 958.

Some awesome there! Baltimore i assume.

 

[GForceJunky]

Honestly any 2" or 2.5" USA vise that is built like a large vise will cost you unless you randomly find a smoking deal. Vises are expensive at either end of the size spectrum, most likely due to lower numbers being made at the size extremes. Where as you see 4" or 4.5" sizes posted here daily. And yes, Wiltons and Reeds do seem to command a premium, but there are a lot of other "sleeper" brands out there, like Columbian.

If you NEED a 2" or 2.5" vise, you could always find a Stanley clamp-on, there are tons of them out there and prices are rising but you can more easily locate one for a modest price.
Another thing to consider, if you could deal with a slightly larger vise, 3" and 3.5" are more common and cheaper than 2 inchers.

I 100% agree. You can find other brands that will do the job like an only Stanley clamp on and they are built well.

I had a baby bullet and a Wilton c3 I was not going to sell but the price I was offered for each was too good to not take. People love to pay for wiltons. Also just think about a Wilton c3 price. A new one is over $2000 so a used one in good shape is worth at least half of that in my opinion.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll keep an eye out for those Stanley clamp-on vises.

I know there's a premium for some of the brands like Wilton, Reed, Prentiss, etc. I'm not set on them for a little vise, and I have 1 or 2 nicer smaller vises (3-3.5" range) that do the job - but I would love to find a baby bullet to complement my 600s.

With regards to the C3s, locally people are asking $1200-1500 for what's obviously a very well-used example. Around $1k or so for a clean vintage example seems fair and reasonable to me given the new price on them. Still waiting for a barely used 800s to pop up for $50

More than the baby vises, I really want an 8" monster. Not unlike the one shown above. I have never even seen one listed for sale within a couple hundred miles of me, though I don't check too often.

 

[Shiftless]

Great score, Bagged. Seek and ye shall find.

 

[tig]

It looks like it says 645 under the jaws, which looks like this guy in the middle. Those numbers might lead elsewhere tho. Also, I don’t know their years at Schiller Park vs elsewhere.

https://archive.org/details/WiltonClampingToolsCatalogNo131/page/n13/mode/1up

Yep, that's it! A 645. Thanks a ton!

Now off to build a hitch-receiver-based mount for it.

I'll use it for a while as-is, then restore it.

Is there a good thread that focuses on techniques for restoration? E.g. paint v powder, grinding rough spots, etc...?

 

[GForceJunky]

Tig, it's really a matter of preference. Some guys will degrease, evaporust, sandblast, grind down/smooth out roughness in the casting, use body filler, etc. - go the whole 9 yards like they were doing a concours show car. Other guys will simple degrease, neutralize any rust, and rattle can it. Some just straight rattle can it.

Depending on how regularly exposed it'll be to the elements will partially determine what makes sense in your case, since you plan to make a hitch mount for it.

Also, if you know you're gonna be putting it through it's paces, you may be less inclined to go all-out and instead just focus on a nice, durable finish that looks good but isn't a museum piece.

 

[zoomieport]

I've got one of these, but if I put it up for bid it wouldn't bring $50.00.---Just be one of those times when everyone just happen to miss it and one person bids a $1.00.---And do you think that would surprise me, not for a second with my luck.---I'm glad these fellows are picking up some serious buck for their little Baby Bullets and Prentiss's.---These are some hard times and eBay takes a pretty good chunk.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilton-Bab...Clamp-mount-Colorado-miners-shed/402645844300

Keep 'em coming!

 

[RTM]

Yep, that's it! A 645. Thanks a ton!

Is there a good thread that focuses on techniques for restoration? E.g. paint v powder, grinding rough spots, etc...?

This is the best place to start

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252830

 

[Smitty]

I finally put the set together for the Stanley Sweetheart 740 series. The model numbers are 741-746 and the sizes are 1 1/2 - 3”


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[Shiftless]

Smitty:
Thanks for posting that picture of your little clamp on family. Even better is that they sure look to be all in original paint. Well done, sir!

On the topic of smaller vises, I just last night finished a major rehab of this 100 year old Columbian 143

I realize that spending so much time on an exposed screw vise might be thought insane in the minds of many, but I just wanted to preserve a vise that’s almost 100 years old. I didn’t use any filler at all. I didn’t wire wheel or sandblast so anybody in the future can strip off my paint if they don't like it. There were 2 tiny patches of the original Japanning finish still present after I removed the paint that some previous owner had applied. All 4 jaw screws were original and not badly damaged. There were only some dings in the anvil area. In my mind, this was a real survivor.

Thanks again to my friend and fellow GJ member CRSINMICH who found this vise and mailed it to me all the way from Michigan.

 

[GForceJunky]

I finally put the set together for the Stanley Sweetheart 740 series. The model numbers are 741-746 and the sizes are 1 1/2 - 3”


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Amazing little collection. Until I saw the wrenches on the wall I was seeing these as about 4 times bigger than they actually are. That really put things into perspective. Love 'em!

If they're taking up too much space, let me know. I'll PM you my address and even pay for shipping to send them my way!

 

[CRSINMICH]

Shift: You are welcome. It happened to be raining 143's here for a few days. What became of the other vise?

 

[Shiftless]

Shift: You are welcome. It happened to be raining 143's here for a few days. What became of the other vise?

The one CRS is referring to is the 2nd vise that he sent me along with the Columbian.
It’s right now in the cleaning process. It’s a Little Giant 103.

Let me put out a call to anybody who knows the inside story of the Little Giant vises. There have been a few mentions of them on GJ with some questioning whether the Little Giants were somehow put into a witness protection program.

There are a few different Little Giant models listed on the big vise spreadsheet but this seems to be the first 103 to have surfaced. It’s the only one with the dynamic jaw in the back. The traces of bluish green match some dribbles of the same green color under the base.
The blue green area seen here under the lettering “GIANT” is the color exposed after I rubbed off some of the black paint. I can only assume that the blue green is the factory paint.

Check out the handle...it might be a little vise but like the other LG’s on the spreadsheet, the handle has big balls.


.

 

[Boatman53]

Here is my Little Giant vise. A bit different configuration. Hopefully the pics show up. It’s a #23.
It’s been a couple years since I posted but I have been keeping an eye once in a while and recently it’s talen a couple months to fully catch up.
Jim

 

[Shiftless]

Thanks for posting, Boatman.

On my screen, the paint on yours looks black or really dark blue green? Is there any green somewhere?

 

[Boatman53]

None that I recall but I can check tomorrow morning. I believe it is black but I’ll check.
Jim

Ok just went out to shop, the Little Giant is definitely black. No hint of any other color.
Jim

 

[Shiftless]

None that I recall but I can check tomorrow morning. I believe it is black but I’ll check.
Jim

Thanks.
I’ll either make mine bare with BLO or paint bluish green.

 

[Smitty]

Thanks Shift and you’re right, these all have the original brown lacquer. I like what you did with the Columbian, it came out great.
GeForce: thanks, these little vises are fun to collect. The good news is that they don’t take up much room.

 

[Boatman53]

Speaking of small vises, I found my unicorn vise. Even though I was closing my shop and moving to Maine giving away and selling tools right and left (yes I parted with several large vises and an anvil) when a friend asked me to go with him to look at and possibly buy some tools from a friend that had passed away. Long story short, I came away with this little guy and many other hand tools.
Jim