Wilton Vise History
- Thread starter kc-steve
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SWA Guy
Well-known member
Steve,
I just found this listing in Wilton Catalog #1100, no date on the catalog though.
Guy
Ok guys, Wilton used that straight line jaw in the 1st production bench vises from their opening until the early 50's. Then they inroduced what they called them "Steel Diamond Jaws" which are the serrated as we know today. Those straight line are original to that and any vise 1952 and older. The hex type lock downs with the 5/16" swivel handle also were used very early on and bent easily. By around the late 50's into the 60's they strengthend the handle and made the hex type with a 3/8" bar. By the middle later 60's, Wilton started phasing out their hex handles replacing them with the typical handle they are using today. Today's handles were made here until the 70's and are now inported and are made in China. You can tell the difference between US and China Handles. Wilton, Probably over produced that handle in China to cut costs so I'm guessing those handles will be around for a long time.
spongerich
Well-known member
You might find the Columbian acquisition date by starting at the beginning and tracing breadcrumbs...
http://www2.sos.state.oh.us/pls/bsqry/f?p=100:1:1209763309717294::NO:1:P1_TYPE:NAME
A search of Columbian Hardware shows them starting up in OH in 1926.
http://www2.sos.state.oh.us/pls/bsqry/f?p=100:1:1209763309717294::NO:1:P1_TYPE:NAME
A search of Columbian Hardware shows them starting up in OH in 1926.
Thanks Spongerich, I checked it out and found that Columbian Vise & Mfg Company died a quiet "death" the 31st of December, 1972, when it was legally merged with the Warren Tool Corporation of Ohio.
There is no mention of Wilton and that makes me think that Wilton's management must have offered to purchase the trademark rights at some point later from Warren Tool. (see copies of attached docs)
Thanks again,
Steve
Attachments
Just found some new info about the Wilton/Columbian connection. I was just talking to the owner/manager of Harry Epstein Company and heard that they were a major dealer of the Columbian vises back in the late 1980s early 1990s, in fact they were at one time prior to the Meier Co ownership, THE parts distributor for those east of the Mississippi river. Meier Company then decided not to allow Epstein that distinction later though, leaving them with a pile of unsold Columbian parts. Meier Company seems to have stepped on a few toes in the past and that might explain why they don't wish to openly discuss Wilton's history. They are always welcome to refute the info here though. 
Therefore, the Warren Tool Corp continued selling the Columbian vises from 1973 to well into the 1980s if I recall what he said correctly. It was around the late 1980s or early 1990s that Wilton "merged" with Warren Tool Corp, and Wilton was the dominant company of the two. This was approximately when Wilton started manufacturing their version of the "Columbian" vise.
And needless to say, while at Epstein's I couldn't resist buying some new tools.
Steve
Therefore, the Warren Tool Corp continued selling the Columbian vises from 1973 to well into the 1980s if I recall what he said correctly. It was around the late 1980s or early 1990s that Wilton "merged" with Warren Tool Corp, and Wilton was the dominant company of the two. This was approximately when Wilton started manufacturing their version of the "Columbian" vise.
And needless to say, while at Epstein's I couldn't resist buying some new tools.
Steve
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Nice find on that site spongerich! I wish Illinois had a site to find past business filings.
airbuff101
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This might help clarify Columbian/Warren connection in the 80's-early 90's somewhat.
87 Catalog (Ken-Tool Warren Tool group)
93 is the latest price list I have and it appears that all vises are still offered at the time. US made models pictured. They had 2 light import (Taiwan) vises at the time also. Wilton has no connection at this time.
Rob
87 Catalog (Ken-Tool Warren Tool group)
93 is the latest price list I have and it appears that all vises are still offered at the time. US made models pictured. They had 2 light import (Taiwan) vises at the time also. Wilton has no connection at this time.
Rob
This might help clarify Columbian/Warren connection in the 80's-early 90's somewhat.
87 Catalog (Ken-Tool Warren Tool group)
93 is the latest price list I have and it appears that all vises are still offered at the time. US made models pictured. They had 2 light import (Taiwan) vises at the time also. Wilton has no connection at this time.
Rob
Well thats a major piece in the history of Columbian Vises. In just a few days you all have found out they opened their doors in 1926, assets bought by Warren Tool in 1972, and went on to be distributed by Ken Tool thru the 80's. In just a few days you've put together the time line of a major player in the 20th Century vise Mfg. Great work. Oh, how did Wilton come about getting their name?
Thanks Rob (airbuff101), that helps us with the dates.
I found something in a new search of that Ohio site but I'm not sure it means anything. The ONLY thing that is recognizable in the attached document is that Warren Tool GROUP (notice the name change) has filed documents to do business in Ohio as a foreign corporation, BUT near the bottom it says they manufacture vises. Very confusing since there isn't anything telling us more.
Speculation: It could be Warren Tool Corp was bought up by a foreign company, changed its name, and now wants to legally conduct business in Ohio.
This has an October 1994 date on it. And it also mentions that CT Corporation System of Cleveland is the "statutory agent," whatever that means.
Steve
I found something in a new search of that Ohio site but I'm not sure it means anything. The ONLY thing that is recognizable in the attached document is that Warren Tool GROUP (notice the name change) has filed documents to do business in Ohio as a foreign corporation, BUT near the bottom it says they manufacture vises. Very confusing since there isn't anything telling us more.
Speculation: It could be Warren Tool Corp was bought up by a foreign company, changed its name, and now wants to legally conduct business in Ohio.
This has an October 1994 date on it. And it also mentions that CT Corporation System of Cleveland is the "statutory agent," whatever that means.
Steve
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90roadster
Well-known member
this is a very interesting thread, im currently restoring a wilton my self, haven't been able to find another like this, although it does seem to be pretty basic. Vise is stamped Schiller Park ILL, any info would be appreciated
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airbuff101
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Roadster,
That looks to me like a 645 Utility Vise. I've had one for 25 years of pretty heavy/frequent use and it has been a fine vise (just doesn't have the panache of the more well known series).
Mine says made in USA and has the same WILTON cast in.
I've had C-series and refurbished a 1750,1760 and older U.S.745 Mechanics vise but have never felt "under-vised" with the plain jane 645.
You'll get good service for decades.
Rob
That looks to me like a 645 Utility Vise. I've had one for 25 years of pretty heavy/frequent use and it has been a fine vise (just doesn't have the panache of the more well known series).
Mine says made in USA and has the same WILTON cast in.
I've had C-series and refurbished a 1750,1760 and older U.S.745 Mechanics vise but have never felt "under-vised" with the plain jane 645.
You'll get good service for decades.
Rob
90roadster
Well-known member
thanks for reply, you are right there is 645 stamped on it. Any idea what year this could be from? I will post pictures later of it all done,
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Lump
Well-known member
I have an uncommon Wilton vise item. (Or at least, I haven't seen another one like it). 
It's an original cardboard box for a Wilton Shop King vise. It shows the Schiller Park address, which should help a bit with determining its age. Also, the shipping label on the other end lists the addressee as Dayton Hardware & Supply on Irwin St (that's Dayton, Ohio). It shows a pre-zip-code address for Dayton Hardware (pre-1963, therefore). So it becomes possible to narrow down the age of this box a bit with those two pieces of evidence.
The box is dusty, dirty, and distorted with age and abuse. I don't have a Wilton vise, though. Anyone want it? How 'bout $5 and shipping costs? Anyone?
It's an original cardboard box for a Wilton Shop King vise. It shows the Schiller Park address, which should help a bit with determining its age. Also, the shipping label on the other end lists the addressee as Dayton Hardware & Supply on Irwin St (that's Dayton, Ohio). It shows a pre-zip-code address for Dayton Hardware (pre-1963, therefore). So it becomes possible to narrow down the age of this box a bit with those two pieces of evidence.
The box is dusty, dirty, and distorted with age and abuse. I don't have a Wilton vise, though. Anyone want it? How 'bout $5 and shipping costs? Anyone?
airbuff101
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Well, mine was new in probably 87-88 I think. It does not say Schiller park though so yours is likely a bit older.
Rob
this is a very interesting thread, im currently restoring a wilton my self, haven't been able to find another like this, although it does seem to be pretty basic. Vise is stamped Schiller Park ILL, any info would be appreciated
I have what appears to be a very similar vise as you have that I just currently restored.It's nothing fancy but it works fine for me, Mine also says Schiller Park ILL on it as well. But I think mine was made late 70's early 80's. But any info I can get on this vise is welcomed thanks.
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spongerich
Well-known member
Anyone else notice this Wilton on eBay this week?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200574216860&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Seller says it's "Magnesium or Aluminum"
It's a 4" Bullet and weighs only 13.5 lbs.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200574216860&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Seller says it's "Magnesium or Aluminum"
It's a 4" Bullet and weighs only 13.5 lbs.
spongerich
Well-known member
I thought it might be for non-sparking environments.
I was tempted even at $180... it's a pretty unique piece and with ordinary 4" Bullets going for $200 it didn't seem like a terrible deal.
I was tempted even at $180... it's a pretty unique piece and with ordinary 4" Bullets going for $200 it didn't seem like a terrible deal.
Lump
Well-known member
I too find this thing interesting. I don't really think the "non spark" environment would be the best explanation. It seems to me that the steel jaws would be the most likely place for a spark to occur anyway. I wondered if the weight might be the chief consideration. Perhaps it was designed to be used on some kind of large military aircraft for emergency field repairs, or some lightweight repair boat or something? Who knows?
Interesting, nevertheless.
Yes, it could have been a salesman model. The jaw style dates it back to the 40's, maybe up to 52.
PinkLinc
Well-known member
Not sure if it's relevant to this thread, but here's a shot of my relatively new Wilton. It's probably about 3 years old and I got it for about $60. There's no COO marked that I can see, but I'm pretty sure it's foreign made.
I have no complaints. I've done plenty of pounding on it and I'm sure the bench will break before the vise does. I really like the ability to swivel the jaws and the base. That feature comes in very handy.
I have no complaints. I've done plenty of pounding on it and I'm sure the bench will break before the vise does. I really like the ability to swivel the jaws and the base. That feature comes in very handy.
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airbuff101
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Well here's a little more on the 640 series.
First yellowish pic from a 1970 WD catalog showing the same early casting as Dirtriders above.
Next pics from a early to mid 80's Wilton Catalog that shows a definite change in style and casting from the 1970 version. I have this style 645 and it still says made in USA cast on side. Looks like this change took place between 1970 and 1985.
The 1970 version also has the replaceable stamped pipe jaws while the later has cast in.
Rob
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90roadster
Well-known member
thanks for that last post, looks like mine is the earlier 70s model, i wish it had the features of dirtriders. I will take a closer look, it could be possible that the pipe jaws on mine disappeared along with the rotating base, it had a hard long life at the dealership. Will post pictures this weekend of it all assembled with new jaws made
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90roadster
Well-known member
not too happy with this color, but it will do for now
It still looks GOOD all cleaned up and purdy.
I like the color "dirtrider" used on his at the top of the page though.
I just left an estate sale this morning with a "Craftsman" vise in hand and didn't really look at it closely because it was a mad house of people grabbing stuff to buy. On closer inspection at home, it turns out to be a dead-ringer for the Wilton Torco. I'm sure Wilton made it for Craftsman because Craftsman doesn't manufacture tools. But I am pleased to say it was $12 and the 4" vise opens smoothly and closes properly.
It's a keeper.
Steve
Attachments
Thanks airbuff101 it looks like mine is one of the earlier models thank you for that info. I inherited my vice from a family member and the vice had been sitting in a drawer in the garage for probably close to 30-35 years. So it needed some work the jaws still don't go together perfectly even but it's good enough I only use it for light work. Although I'm still working on getting the handles perfectly straight as well, any ideas besides replacing them?
Kc-steve, - yeah I wanted to clean the vice up and make it look clean but at the same time keeping a somewhat original look.
Kc-steve, - yeah I wanted to clean the vice up and make it look clean but at the same time keeping a somewhat original look.
Just a quick note, and sorry if you already know this but there are 2 kinds of patents. Utility and design. A utility patent is for a process, or the way something gets done, and a design is simply that, and they start with a "D". I vise could get a design patent just because of it's unique zebra stripes. A utility patent is harder to get, and "stronger" in a court of law to protect your invention. You can tell I'm not a patent attorney, but I do own a utiity patent.
SWA Guy
Well-known member
Well, I have the Wilton bug! I just love these vices!
I found this little baby 2" Wilton vice and PowrArm Jr. on another forum's For Sale section and was able to buy it. I was going to leave it all original, but the rust had taken it's toll.
As "found"
Here she is sitting on top of my all original 5" machinist vice made in 10/45.
A little closer:
From above:
A little closer yet. Notice the rust:
Ouch!
Notice "Chicago USA", yet the date stamp on the keyway is "172" (which I presume is Jan, 1972?). Yet a little more confusion here:
All cleaned up:
With her new clothes:
I may use this little vice for very light work, but as you can see, she's not all beat up, and in her blue paint she really stands out. I will probably mount it on the end of one of my workbenches and use her as a conversation piece.
I am now restoring the PowrArm Jr. to mount it on. More pictures later.
Guy in Sacramento
I found this little baby 2" Wilton vice and PowrArm Jr. on another forum's For Sale section and was able to buy it. I was going to leave it all original, but the rust had taken it's toll.
As "found"
Here she is sitting on top of my all original 5" machinist vice made in 10/45.
A little closer:
From above:
A little closer yet. Notice the rust:
Ouch!
Notice "Chicago USA", yet the date stamp on the keyway is "172" (which I presume is Jan, 1972?). Yet a little more confusion here:
All cleaned up:
With her new clothes:
I may use this little vice for very light work, but as you can see, she's not all beat up, and in her blue paint she really stands out. I will probably mount it on the end of one of my workbenches and use her as a conversation piece.
I am now restoring the PowrArm Jr. to mount it on. More pictures later.
Guy in Sacramento
Lump
Well-known member
It's gorgeous, guy!
Awesome vise there Guy! Yeah, we never REALLY have determined how those date codes are deciphered yet, but I think everyone agrees if it has "Chicago" in the casting then it was made prior to 1957.
Some date code differences include the hyphen or dash. In other words, if the date code is "1-49" then it usually matches the casting better than a date code of "149."
Just Guessing: We don't know the specific history of a specific vise, so I guess it is possible that a vise has been sent in for repair at a later date. That could easily explain the differences if it is true that the dynamic jaw was replaced later. Back in the day, people were more likely to repair something than replace it.
Steve
Awesome vise there Guy! Yeah, we never REALLY have determined how those date codes are deciphered yet, but I think everyone agrees if it has "Chicago" in the casting then it was made prior to 1957.
Some date code differences include the hyphen or dash. In other words, if the date code is "1-49" then it usually matches the casting better than a date code of "149."
Just Guessing: We don't know the specific history of a specific vise, so I guess it is possible that a vise has been sent in for repair at a later date. That could easily explain the differences if it is true that the dynamic jaw was replaced later. Back in the day, people were more likely to repair something than replace it.
Steve
Steve, Wilton made so many of those 2" castings when they had their factory in Chicago that they ended up taking them to Schiller Park. The keyways were unmarked and the they stamped the date when it was actually sold and boxed at their Schiller Pk. plant.
SWA Guy
Well-known member
Yeah that's kind of what I thought. I don't recall ever seeing a baby 2" Wilton with a Schiller Park casting, only "Chicago".
Thanks for the info! I love this thread!
Guy
Thanks for the info! I love this thread!
Guy
old salvage
Well-known member
That makes sense. I occasionally see Brown & Sharpe micrometers with both Providence and North Kingstown stamps.
SWA Guy
Well-known member
Frank, that's a sweet little vise! I will probably use mine as well, but only for very light duty and nothing that will threaten it's condition. I have other vises that I can beat on and not worry about. In my mind my little baby Wilton is like a piece of workshop jewelry. While everything around it is gray and grungy, the little Wilton shines!
Guy
Guy
Sweet!
I use junior all the time.
