Recent content by Mark in Indiana

I enjoy the running gag about 10mm sockets. But I had more trouble keeping 7/16” and 1/2” sockets.

Probably. There was a large bench top buffer on top of it, but loose.

This past weekend I bought a homemade cabinet at the end of an estate auction for $1. I wasn't really interested in it at first because I thought it was a 100% wood cabinet, as wood cabinets don't resell very well. However, I was impressed with the overall quality of build and how the casters...

I’d have to pick the lock to see what’s inside. Even though it might be Capone’s vault.

Hello GJ Friends: Here's my latest restoration, A Rapid 6" bench vise. Circa: 1972. Manufactured in Poland by Bison-Bial, a top quality manufacture of vises, holding tools, clamping tools and machine accessories for the tool & die industry. With a spring loaded spindle and guide pads machined...

More than 40 years ago. I imagine in today’s workplace, they wouldn’t allow me to make my clamp parts on company machinery and time.

Interesting. Thanks.

I stumbled on this Modular vise on FBMP. My guess is that it's an Asian knockoff of a Bison or Rapid vise. Second picture is another Bison KO next to a real Bison vise. Anyone know about Modular vises?

Back in the 1990s, I took a USA made Cman 8" c-clamp in to replace because the pivot foot broke. The only choice was a lower quality, Chinese made one. Same part number. So, I took my broken clamp back home and turned a new foot on a lathe at work.

I avoid any tool from a company with a good name, that puts their brand on cheap, low quality tools in order to increase profits.

Thanks for the information. Looks like these will be fun to use next time my wife wants a picture framed. Been using little die cast miter clamps for years. I got both Stanley 400 miter vises along with a box of metal junk for $35. 😀

Information was a good read. I wish there were videos or instructions on how they were used. They’re currently up for

Hello Vise Friends: Here are my latest auction vise wins: 1.) A pair of Stanley #400 miter vises. They rotate 360• and tilt. 2.) A Rapid 6" bench vise. Circa 1972. It's currently torn down for restoration. I'd like to find out more information & history about the Stanley vises. Can anyone tell...

If you have access to a lathe, make your own out of 1.5" round stock. When I first got into industrial maintenance, the plant I worked at threw out perfectly good Wilton 400 series c-clamps with missing pivot feet. Working night shifts, I rescued those clamps and made new feet. That's how I...

Hello GJ Friends: I won these bolt bins at an auction. They are promotional cabinets from The Associated Spring Co. A manufacturer/supplier of springs, hardware and other supplies. Unfortunately, the original cabinet stands were rusted too bad to save, but the important part was very clean. I'm...