So what is a Wilton bullet "Really" worth?

Craptain · Jan 17, 2014

I went to look at a "tool box" this morning. What I actually found when I got there was a rolling bench/chest with a 3 1/2" Wilton bolted to the top. We could not get close enough on the price at the time, however the deal is not yet dead. But a big part of the value is in the Wilton. So I started checking prices and of course they are all over the charts. The vise does have a set of Bronze jaw protectors. :thumbup:

So what are your thoughts on a fair value for vise, with or without the chest.

Sorry but the pics are crappy from my old cellphone.

I did pick up a Kennedy cantilever tool box and a few tools with it. More on that in the appropriate thread.

Exceller8 · Jan 17, 2014

It is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay. :lol:

zkling · Jan 17, 2014

Exceller8 said:
It is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay.

^ This, which can be affected by location, time, market, luck, etc.

What are they asking for the combo?

Filson · Jan 17, 2014

Exceller8 said:
It is worth exactly what someone is willing to pay.

+1

A lot of people like them, they definitely have a collectors value. Personally, I don't understand why people want a vise that is hollow inside the jaws, compared to say a Reed, but that's just me :lol_hitti

For people that love Wiltons (and there is a lot out there) they fetch a premium. I'm not a wilton guy - but you'll have some chime in here soon to give you a good idea.

drivesitfar · Jan 17, 2014

Craptain,
need a few more details. how much was the person asking for that awesome metal cart with that nice old Wilton bullet vise on it? also I think those are copper jaws and a great addition to any vise.

did you happen to know what the width of the jaws on the Wilton are? before you hand over the cash you can unscrew out the dynamic (moving one) jaw all the way and make sure not to drop it. if you wipe off the slide you will see a date it was made. also check to see if there is any damage to the parts you can now see that were not showing before. it is a good old US made vise by the labeling on the outside of the vise.

just an FYI and in a completely different part of the country (Seattle), but that cart and vise would easily sell for $300 here. the picture on the cart is blurry, but if anywhere as solid as the top of it looks under the Wilton the price could easily be more. i'm guessing the wilton if it doesn't have any defects is worth $100-150 as is.

thundermug · Jan 17, 2014

I like the $1 per pound rule, if it's in ok shape and will suit your needs. If I find a Wilton from the 40s-50s that suits my needs, I'll pay $2 per pound.

It's arbitrary. Pay what you can without losing sleep.

straightcut · Jan 17, 2014

The problem with purchasing a "package" is that you need to want all of it. I'd want the vise (only) if it has 4.5 -5" wide jaws and wouldn't be very interested in the cabinet. The cabinet has value, but I wouldn't have the room or interest in it. If you want the cabinet, but lack interest in the vise, you won't pay full market value for both items.

I would explain to the seller what I want to pay. If it's less than full market value that he may be asking, you can explain the above to him. Personally, I don't care for package deals - especially when the seller assumes the buyer want each item as much as the seller wanted them.

dkroth · Jan 17, 2014

If I needed a 3.5" vise for use in my shop I'd give $100 for that one.

If I wanted that vise for my collection and I was going to put it on the shelf with the others, I'd go $50.

wrenchguy · Jan 17, 2014

Filson said:
+1

A lot of people like them, they definitely have a collectors value. Personally, I don't understand why people want a vise that is hollow inside the jaws, compared to say a Reed, but that's just me

Me 2.

justanengineer · Jan 17, 2014

JMHO, but the "cart" is worth more than the vise, its an equipto cabinet drawer stack and equipto steel top, each drawer section bolts together. The cart may have been cut down and "rearranged" from a larger workstation similar to mine, thread below. Id guess the vise is worth $30-40 around these parts, the cart probably $50-75.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3625343

Craptain · Jan 17, 2014

If I can get him down to $300 then we will be making a deal. The cart is indeed as solid as it looks. The metal on top is about 3/16" thick. He dated the vise as early 80's though I did not pull it out to check, it seems reasonable. the measurement across the jaws is 3 1/2". In his own words he worked for Proctor and Gamble, maintaining the lines for various products. He was part toolmaker and part general mechanic according to the need. When he retired they gave him all the tools.

Actually I spent quite a time just chatting with him and helping to value some of the tools that I do know about. He let a load of Snap On stuff go yesterday for a song, due to his ignorance of current values. Against that he had some Chinese power tools at high retail prices and wondered why they didn't sell. He is old and not all together "with it" any more.
I don't want to screw him on the values but I don't want to overpay either. He is one of those we won't see around much longer. His equally aging wife placed the badly written ads. They told some crazy stories about each other, but with humor not malice.

drivesitfar · Jan 17, 2014

probably should take the Wilton off the cart before moving it if you do get the deal. both are quality items and not sure if you can use one or both or just like the combination. I bet a lot of welders out there would die to have a cart like that and i'm not one and I still like it.

moving it might be a challenge by yourself. if you have a ramp and can roll it up on a trailer and strap it down would be the easiest option. if you don't own a trailer a Uhaul with a ramp rents up here for $20 per day so if you don't have a hitch or i'm sure you probably know somebody that does. tipping that heavy cart up on to a pick up with wheels on it could be a disaster or easy as pie. my guess of the weight of that cart with that heavy plate on top might be 300 to 400 pounds or more. can the drawers come out to lighten the load?

bee careful.

Craptain · Jan 18, 2014

Well. I pulled the trigger on this deal. We finally came down to $200. Yeee Haaa!
more info in garage sale thread in a few minutes.

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv · Jan 18, 2014

$100 for the vise alone.

drivesitfar · Jan 18, 2014

NICE!!!!!!!

just curious what you think the cabinet actually weighs after you have to move it to your home? any other pictures with a little better focus would be appreciated if you have a few minutes to catch your breath after talking them down to that price.

Craptain · Jan 18, 2014

drivesitfar said:
NICE!!!!!!!

just curious what you think the cabinet actually weighs after you have to move it to your home? any other pictures with a little better focus would be appreciated if you have a few minutes to catch your breath after talking them down to that price.

I guess it weighs in at about 150- 200#. It is indeed modular. It has 2 drawer units, a base with castors, and the steel top. I just put up something on garage sale thread, but still not perfect, I will have to try again later.

drivesitfar · Jan 18, 2014

I did see the garage sale picture and it looks great. does each drawer have it's own lock too? like toomany says if you have more pictures with the drawers open if you have time we are here to enjoy.

that one would be a keeping in my shop/garage and move something of to Craigslist. also wanted to let you know I think you did a great thing helping those folks price their other stuff fairly and to move. :thumbup:

Outlawmws · Jan 18, 2014

zkling said:
^ This, which can be affected by location, time, market, luck, etc.

What are they asking for the combo?

Etc. includes; weather, phase of the moonn and the amount of alcohol in the blood stream of bidders if on Eprey.. :evil:

So what is a Wilton bullet "Really" worth?

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