Wilton Bullet vs Tradesman

[pelletman]

I ran across a guy calling his 1765 Tradesman a Bullet Tradesman. I always figured the machinist vise is the bullet and the Tradesman is the mechanics vise. Is it correct to call the Tradesman a bullet? It seems to me the one that looks like the bullet is the bullet. Wilton presently lists both under bullet vises on their website.

 

[Shiftless]

Call it what you want. Tradesman models are good vises. The machinist ones are made to a higher standard, but lack pipe jaws. IMHO, the best Wiltons for general use are the C series combination vises. I have a C1 on my bench for a user. But the new prices are too high for me. I found a used one that was in decent shape.

 

[1982fxr]

If Wilton calls it a bullet then it's a bullet. It's the same basic shape.

Also for decades there was an actual "Mechanic" line, square bodies.

 

[Packard V8]

On craigslist, every round Wilton is a Bullet; just as every Snap-on top box is a Road Chest.

jack vines

 

[NFH2740]

If Wilton calls it a bullet then it's a bullet. It's the same basic shape.

Also for decades there was an actual "Mechanic" line, square bodies.

The Mechanics line is still offered. There is also the Mechanics Pro, a Chinese made version of the Tradesman.

 

[pelletman]

Anyone know if the Tradesman called a bullet when it was introduced? I think the one that actually LOOKS like a bullet is the bullet vise! I know they are both good. I also know the bullet (machinist) is better. I am, however of the opinion, that most Wilton stuff is overpriced and overrated, I just picked up a Reed 3C that will be on my bench. I do have at least one bullet mounted on a bench and a few others floating around, including a 1765 Tradesman.

 

[pelletman]

Call it what you want. Tradesman models are good vises. The machinist ones are made to a higher standard, but lack pipe jaws. IMHO, the best Wiltons for general use are the C series combination vises. I have a C1 on my bench for a user. But the new prices are too high for me. I found a used one that was in decent shape.

I would call a C1 a bullet, and it is certainly not lacking pipe jaws, unless they are missing!

 

[Shiftless]

Yeah, the Wilton C series have fantastic pipe jaws..way better than the Tradesman pipe jaws. I use the pipe jaws on my C1 regularly.
Your Reed 3C is a fantastic vise. I have a couple of 1 C Reeds in my collection and I used to have a 4C.
Many vise aficionados consider the Reed C series to be the ultimate users.

 

[decableguy2000]

I have a 1765, I would not consider it a bullet or a mechanic's. It's more of a happy medium. Well built and has done every thing I've needed. If you think it's fair price for the the condition, then get it.

 

[Packard V8]

I have a 1765, I would not consider it a bullet or a mechanic's. It's more of a happy medium. Well built and has done every thing I've needed. If you think it's fair price for the the condition, then get it.

Agree, for a home shop, a Tradesman bullet will do anything which needs done. An orangutan with a cheater bar or a BFH can break a Tradesman, but then he'd deserve what he got.

jack vines

 

[GeoBruin]

I have a C2 I would consider trading for a tradesman in good shape. That's how much I like them.

 

[shawhite]

I ran across a guy calling his 1765 Tradesman a Bullet Tradesman. I always figured the machinist vise is the bullet and the Tradesman is the mechanics vise. Is it correct to call the Tradesman a bullet? It seems to me the one that looks like the bullet is the bullet. Wilton presently lists both under bullet vises on their website.

I’m pretty sure Wilton refers to anything with the enclosed channel and spindle/nut as a bullet. The machinist, tradesman, and combo all share some design similarities being they all have the spindle nut at the rear and it is all enclosed to keep debris out. They are all marketed at different trades but all fall in the bullet family.

 

[jonshonda]

I had a 1765 and wasn't at all impressed. The C series appear to be much more robust.

 

[shawhite]

I had a 1765 and wasn't at all impressed. The C series appear to be much more robust.

Yes at 3x the price the combo is pretty robust but the tradesman are plenty capable for most users. I have one of each. Tradesman, machinist and combo

 

[jonshonda]

Yes at 3x the price the combo is pretty robust but the tradesman are plenty capable for most users. I have one of each. Tradesman, machinist and combo

The used market doesn't appear to command 3x the price....or does it? I'm not up to snuff on used Wiltons.

 

[shawhite]

In my experience the used market comes down more to location. Some places are rife with old American steel and others are a desert. But like everything else if you want to put in the work and are willing to travel or pay shipping there are deals out there.

 

[pelletman]

I guess I am still gonna go with the bullet is the one that LOOKS like a bullet, and the tradesman is the tradesman. I know it is a very good vise and have a couple (1765, 1750) presently. I would never represent them as bullets. I am aware of all the physical differences of all the vises mentioned above. Appreciate all the input above. I think the C series Reeds are about as good a a vise gets, and I include Starrett/Athol in that opinion, although they are awesome too. To each their own.