The VISES of Garage Journal

gman007 · Oct 28, 2017

Hi All
I think (but I am not sure) some weeks back there might have been a question raised regarding who manufactured this craftsman. The seller claims it is "Wilton or Reed" and somehow has determined that it was made in 1952. Was there a final definitive conclusion here on this question?
Thx much
007

gman007 · Oct 28, 2017

TinkTinkForge said:
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Tink
Is that an alligator head or a vise or both ?

. This is for sure one pretty darn neat vise.
007

TinkTinkForge · Oct 28, 2017

Thank ya!

Rileysan · Oct 28, 2017

gman007 said:
Hi All
I think (but I am not sure) some weeks back there might have been a question raised regarding who manufactured this craftsman. The seller claims it is "Wilton or Reed" and somehow has determined that it was made in 1952. Was there a final definitive conclusion here on this question?
Thx much
007

I have never read any definitive proof on who made that vise for Sears, although I am one of those who leans towards Columbian. Any seller who makes such a claim is doing so 1) out of ignorance, or 2) in an attempt to sensationalize their ad.

As for the date, the 519x series has date stamps on the slide.

Brian

Outlawmws · Oct 28, 2017

gman007 said:
Hi All
Check this out (read sellers description)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/112610178613?rmvSB=true

Novel idea, even though it might not be very practical using a vise as an anvil (nice for display though).
007

Someone here on GJ has done this, and also filled the open cavities with lead.

He did a nice job with that one. Good for someone doing soft metal, maybe in jewelry.

gman007 · Oct 28, 2017

Rileysan said:
I have never read any definitive proof on who made that vise for Sears, although I am one of those who leans towards Columbian. Any seller who makes such a claim is doing so 1) out of ignorance, or 2) in an attempt to sensationalize their ad.

As for the date, the 519x series has date stamps on the slide.

Brian

Cheers
007

crane operator · Oct 28, 2017

Went down to the shop this afternoon and wanted to see what I really had. The handle would barely turn, just dry and dirty. I kind of lubed it down and have got it to turn with one finger now.

It was a handfull to pick off the ground and set it up on the pallet/bench. Next time I'll let the forklift down, it didn't look that heavy.

So what's the deal with the swivel? I have a nut on one side, the other side just looks like a "button". Do I have a broken off stud there? or is this how they're made?

I also took some more pictures with a reference for size, I see most guys put a pop can in the picture, I couldn't find one, but the 1 gallon paint can, maybe is more size appropriate.

Just because I'm curious, how old would this be? Is there a serial # anywhere on these?

A E Numan · Oct 28, 2017

They had a wrench held on with a cir-clip.

drivesitfar · Oct 28, 2017

Tink: you sure have and or find some unique vises and thanks for sharing pictures and information about them.

007: more than likely ROCK ISLAND vise company made the 519x's for them in the late 40's and 50's. a couple reasons we are leaning to Rock Island is the date stamping on the back of the 519x's slides, the quality of the 519x's is far better than any Columbian vise i've ever seen and the end of Rock Island as a vise company sort of coincides with the end of the 519x's. here's a thread i finally started if you want to read more about them and if you want my opinion the 519x's might be the best 4 and 5 inch vises you can buy for most homeowner and small garage use.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=351100&highlight=made+519x's

454ragtop · Oct 28, 2017

crane operator said:
Went down to the shop this afternoon and wanted to see what I really had. The handle would barely turn, just dry and dirty. I kind of lubed it down and have got it to turn with one finger now.

It was a handfull to pick off the ground and set it up on the pallet/bench. Next time I'll let the forklift down, it didn't look that heavy.

So what's the deal with the swivel? I have a nut on one side, the other side just looks like a "button". Do I have a broken off stud there? or is this how they're made?

I also took some more pictures with a reference for size, I see most guys put a pop can in the picture, I couldn't find one, but the 1 gallon paint can, maybe is more size appropriate.

Just because I'm curious, how old would this be? Is there a serial # anywhere on these?

As to the swivel base, Parker uses a unique brake shoe type swivel lock. The pin opposite the bolt is the pivot point for the 2 brake shoes, I have the same vise, mine also came without a wrench, and that larger Parker wrench is a little tough to come by, and probably expensive if you do find one. I made one out of an offset box wrench for mine, just cut it down.

Bcom · Oct 28, 2017

crane operator said:
Went down to the shop this afternoon and wanted to see what I really had. The handle would barely turn, just dry and dirty. I kind of lubed it down and have got it to turn with one finger now.

It was a handfull to pick off the ground and set it up on the pallet/bench. Next time I'll let the forklift down, it didn't look that heavy.

So what's the deal with the swivel? I have a nut on one side, the other side just looks like a "button". Do I have a broken off stud there? or is this how they're made?

I also took some more pictures with a reference for size, I see most guys put a pop can in the picture, I couldn't find one, but the 1 gallon paint can, maybe is more size appropriate.

Just because I'm curious, how old would this be? Is there a serial # anywhere on these?

Awesome vise! I love these old whale hump vises! As previoily stated it just missing the Parker wrench and circlip. The missing wrench is typical. I think Parker makes the coolest swivel brake than any other vise. Theres a set of drum brakes hiding under all that. You can put any wrench you want on it and it will work but if you're wanting and oem Parker wrench, you're looking at about $50 if you can find one. I have an extra No2 Parker Wrench here that may fit it if you have to have an oem style. Great vise though and the jaws look awesome. Snag that thing up if you haven't already bought it!

454ragtop · Oct 28, 2017

The #2 wrench is too small for that Parker 436, I have a spare here, it's a no go.

gman007 · Oct 28, 2017

crane operator said:
Went down to the shop this afternoon and wanted to see what I really had. The handle would barely turn, just dry and dirty. I kind of lubed it down and have got it to turn with one finger now.

It was a handfull to pick off the ground and set it up on the pallet/bench. Next time I'll let the forklift down, it didn't look that heavy.

So what's the deal with the swivel? I have a nut on one side, the other side just looks like a "button". Do I have a broken off stud there? or is this how they're made?

I also took some more pictures with a reference for size, I see most guys put a pop can in the picture, I couldn't find one, but the 1 gallon paint can, maybe is more size appropriate.

Just because I'm curious, how old would this be? Is there a serial # anywhere on these?

QUOTE]
Crane
That is a one good looking vise.

As ragtop explained the "button" is part the very effective and neat brake mechanism that parker used (akin to a drum brake in a car- see the photos which should help visualizing this mechanism). I have a Parker 204 (Pat 1910) which has a single split shoe with a prominent fixed bolt to anchor the shoe to the static housing (see photos) . In the latter models the shoe is double split with a hinge on one side (see photo from my 974).

So again as ragtop explained your vise is in good shape and there is nothing wrong with it. By the way I think CP 436 weights around 185 lb so you did good lifting it .

As for the age, I have seen CP 436 with Pat 1930 but yours does not seem to have the Pat date, so it might be from late 1940, early 1950s (my guess).
007

crane operator · Oct 28, 2017

Thanks for the offer of the wrench, but I think I'll be fine without it. I store wrenches on the wall right above where it will be located, so they're right at hand.

Thanks for the info on the brake also, I'm assuming to dismantle and clean it up, you need to remove the big nut on the bottom?

Gman- I was attaching a picture as you posted- thanks for the clearer pictures...

Bcom · Oct 28, 2017

454ragtop said:
The #2 wrench is too small for that Parker 436, I have a spare here, it's a no go.

Thank 454ragtop. I wasn't sure which wrench he needed. Maybe you can give me some info. Was there different sizes of NO2 wrenches or were all the NO2 wrenches one size? I was told once that there were various size NO2 wrenches but i could never confirm this.

gman007 · Oct 28, 2017

drivesitfar said:
Tink: you sure have and or find some unique vises and thanks for sharing pictures and information about them.

007: more than likely ROCK ISLAND vise company made the 519x's for them in the late 40's and 50's. a couple reasons we are leaning to Rock Island is the date stamping on the back of the 519x's slides, the quality of the 519x's is far better than any Columbian vise i've ever seen and the end of Rock Island as a vise company sort of coincides with the end of the 519x's. here's a thread i finally started if you want to read more about them and if you want my opinion the 519x's might be the best 4 and 5 inch vises you can buy for most homeowner and small garage use.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=351100&highlight=made+519x's

drives
Thanks for the 411 and your thread on this subject. You know this might be my early senior moment. I think I had stumbled and seen your thread some weeks back and for some reason I was thinking I had seen the discussion on this thread. Life should be good from this point on :lol:

.

Therefore, I have to tell you this joke which is not only bad but also in bad taste but might be appropriate for my situation now. I heard it from someone who claims he is in early stages of dementia. He said well there are obviously a lot of bad things about dementia but there are THREE good things too, namely:

The second good thing is that you think you sleep with someone new every
night!
The third good thing is there are three good things about dementia and these are ....

Cheers
007

crane operator · Oct 28, 2017

gman007 said:
So again as ragtop explained your vise is in good shape and there is nothing wrong with it. By the way I think CP 436 weights around 185 lb so you did good lifting it .

In my younger days, I figured about anything I could get my hands on, I could pick up. (I go about 6' 6" and 230lbs, so I ain't exactly little).

But-- I'm in my mid 40's now, and I find myself using forklifts and the crane's more often than I used to.

gman007 · Oct 28, 2017

crane operator said:
Thanks for the offer of the wrench, but I think I'll be fine without it. I store wrenches on the wall right above where it will be located, so they're right at hand.

Thanks for the info on the brake also, I'm assuming to dismantle and clean it up, you need to remove the big nut on the bottom?

Gman- I was attaching a picture as you posted- thanks for the clearer pictures...

crane
I would first remove the swivel bolt. And then on do the big bolt in the bottom. Otherwise the swivel bolt and its "nut" and shoe mechanism will still hold the the swivel base attached the static housing.
007

Unruh · Oct 28, 2017

Went to some garage sales today. I set out looking for a small clamp on vise. Found this little Wilton at the first stop for $2!! I asked him how much and he said oh that little Harbor Freight vise?

chrisnazzy · Oct 28, 2017

I've been talking to a super nice lady about a vise she had on FB marketplace. It belongs to her 83 year old dad who used to work for Northrop. The obstacle we've been trying to overcome is I live in SW AZ and she is in CA above L.A but I was able to meet her and her dad last night. We were coming to CA for the weekend to visit family and they were going to be near there for the evening.

The best part was getting to meet her dad and shake his hand. He told me that he worked on the F-18 Hornet and later went on to work for a contact company and made airplane parts in his garage. I could have spent a couple hours with him just to hear some more stories but we will stay in touch and I'm going to share the results of restoring the vise. His daughter told me prior to us meeting that he was happy his tools were going to a good home. It was just an awesome opportunity to buy some great old American tools and meet some really sweet people.

So here it is, an Athol 624N in well used but obviously well cared for condition. Cool vise as it has the newer style handle, swivel lockdown and base but still the older pre "LS Starrett" style. About 67 lbs based on a catalog page I saved off here at some point. Can't wait to get it home and start stripping it down.

Oh yeah in talking to her about what else he might have for sale I also bought this old Craftsman 1/3hp grinder with an original stand. She couldn't find the wheel covers, tool rests and eye shields but I'm going to set it up as a buffer and keep my eye out for another complete one just like it to use as a grinder. She also gave me a box of new Craftsman stones and a bunch of old buffing accessories and 4 matching Cincinnati Tool C-clamps.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Outlawmws · Oct 28, 2017

Bcom said:
Thank 454ragtop. I wasn't sure which wrench he needed. Maybe you can give me some info. Was there different sizes of NO2 wrenches or were all the NO2 wrenches one size? I was told once that there were various size NO2 wrenches but i could never confirm this.

They were half right: there ARE different sizes of Parker Vise wrenches. They have different numbers...

I know there are #2 and #3; there are probably #1's and 4's for the biggest vises.

Pretty sure CO's vise needs a #3.

Bcom · Oct 28, 2017

Hahahaha! Outlaw has a pumpkin head! LoL &#55356;&#57219;&#55356;&#57219;

Shiftless · Oct 28, 2017

This Parker 954 followed me home this morning from a local estate sale. Should clean up nicely. Not my first Parker, but the first one I have had with an operable tensioner to keep the handle in place when you want to quickly spin it open or closed. Nice feature.

jrobb316 · Oct 29, 2017

CP 436 takes a #4 wrench. Those are very hard to find but sounds like the OP doesn't care and will just use an open end on it.

Spent a little time today with a mag drill I borrowed setting up my workbench. Top is 1.25" thick. Drilled and tapped 1/2-13 holes and mounted my Morgan Milwaukee 150. Also drilled and tapped 2 holes for eye bolts so this thing is easy to move the next time! Thinking on it overnight, im thinking of drilling and tapping holes to mount a Prentiss 20 and Rock island 577 on the other side. I would only use one at a time, bench isn't that big, but I would have the option available whenever I want to switch out, or could clamp something extra long in 2 vises.

trijeff · Oct 29, 2017

Not a unicorn but maybe a circus pony? Replaceable jaw Reed 1C. Sure a few of you Norcal/Bay viseheads were wondering who got this one

sandman54 · Oct 29, 2017

My latest power arm purchase, i owned the vise. Tried to get Crotalus to use shoe polish on it but he painted it instead! oh well Sandman

wrenchguy · Oct 29, 2017

Shiftless said:
This Parker 954 followed me home this morning from a local estate sale. Should clean up nicely. Not my first Parker, but the first one I have had with an operable tensioner to keep the handle in place when you want to quickly spin it open or closed. Nice feature.

is this the 1 zoomie is looking for? that a nice looking vise for its age! :thumbup:

Shiftless · Oct 29, 2017

wrenchguy said:
is this the 1 zoomie is looking for? that a nice looking vise for its age!

I saw that Parker bolted down to a well worn wooden workbench as soon as I entered the garage at the estate sale. I had to suppress my excitement. I went around for a minute or 2 checking out the usual garage junk and finally asked the guy in charge about the "old vise over there". After a little back and forth, we settled on $50

trijeff:
Nice score on the 1C :beer:

Username already in use · Oct 29, 2017

This interesting 4" ERIE vise followed me home today. $15 :willy_nil

Marked EMPIRE No 40

Outlawmws · Oct 29, 2017

that Erie is cool looking! I like it Its very similar to the Colton Patent.

Is it just the pic, or does the D jaw have some settling going on?

Username already in use · Oct 29, 2017

Outlawmws said:
that Erie is cool looking! I like it Its very similar to the Colton Patent.

Is it just the pic, or does the D jaw have some settling going on?

Thanks Outlaw! Yeah, the tongue has a slight downward bend to it. Not really sure of the best way to straighten that back out? Any ideas?

Outlawmws · Oct 29, 2017

If the support is down, what about the D-jaw/Slide junction? Can you tell is its cast or forged? lastly is there ANY sign of metal separation at the bend stress point?

ps: Can you post pics of both ends please? I'd like to see how close it is to the Colton design.

Username already in use · Oct 29, 2017

Outlawmws said:
If the support is down, what about the D-jaw/Slide junction? Can you tell is its cast or forged? lastly is there ANY sign of metal separation at the bend stress point?

ps: Can you post pics of both ends please? I'd like to see how close it is to the Colton design.

The tongue looks forged to me. I don't see any metal separation or cracks, it's just bent..

Here's a few more pics.

trijeff · Oct 29, 2017

My bet is that Erie is cast. Was Erie knwn to make any forged models? Not sure how the tongue got bent.

Private Lugnutz · Oct 29, 2017

One of the vises in this Friday flea haul...

View media item 76187
…is this little Rock Island 503A. Exposed screw, swivel base, brass swivel clamp and spindle, with a stamped "3" on the body, a stamped "3" and a "3V5502" tag on the bottom of the swivel base, and a stamped "PATENTED MAR 14 1933" on the slide. Nothing special, but I get a kick out of the tiny hardie hole in the tiny anvil area.

drivesitfar · Oct 29, 2017

TJ: if you might be heading up here and want to trade that 1c for something else feel free to ask. nice find and it's a great vise.

ALL: for some of you that like unique and different vises a brand new member is posting some of his 6 Wilton bullets on the date stamping thread and here's the link: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=269079

he thinks one of them is made out of magnesium or maybe it's BECU.

hope you all had a great weekend.

lis2323 · Oct 29, 2017

I found this made in Canada 5" Maple Leaf. 66 pounds. Cleaned up okay. I've used Record and Woden vises on the farm my entire life, so this one is nothing special quality wise.

I got a new Reed 4CA a month or so back. Got carried away and ended up with four. [emoji23]

Terry

Outlawmws · Oct 29, 2017

If you do decide to try to straighten that up, I'd use Heat and a press...

Interesting design. The Colton does not have that tab/ledge into the slide receiver, or the "backbone".

drivesitfar · Oct 29, 2017

LIS: i bet you don't live close to me, but i'd love to compare your new Reed 4c's to my 1940's Reed 4c.

yes it does look like you went a little crazy on the purchase so you must like them. did you have a workbench already strong enough to mount them to or are you going to build a couple?

i like your MADE IN CANADA VISE TOO!

lis2323 · Oct 29, 2017

drivesitfar said:
LIS: i bet you don't live close to me, but i'd love to compare your new Reed 4c's to my 1940's Reed 4c.

yes it does look like you went a little crazy on the purchase so you must like them. did you have a workbench already strong enough to mount them to or are you going to build a couple?

i like your MADE IN CANADA VISE TOO!

I'm unable to edit my profile without a computer, but I MAY be nearby. (Victoria, BC)

I already built a pedestal for one, but after seeing Royce's In earlier posts I'm feeling woefully inadequate.

I've already built a couple of benches lately that will work.

Pic above is my 2' X 8' with 3" steel top

Another 2' X 8' with 6" glulam beam top.

Terry

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