Rock Island Vises - History/Info?

gatewaysysop · Nov 8, 2011

I mentioned this in my vintage vise score thread, but that didn't seem to get much response, so I'm trying a separate thread to ask about the history of the Rock Island vises. I realize they are quite stout, but I don't know much about the company and have no idea how they stack up age-wise with my other vises.

Tried searching and didn't find much, so forgive my ignorance if I missed it (and please post a link!).

Any info from the vise gurus would be much appreciated! :beer:

D9H 90V · Nov 8, 2011

I cant offer any help, im interested in knowing more about Rock Islands myself, id really like to stumble across one

Dale B · Nov 8, 2011

I'm not much help , but I have 3 , a big 'un , and it's twin made for Sears and marked Craftsman , and a little 'un. I'll post some p/n's tomorrow

bl00 · Nov 8, 2011

This is all I have, so if you have anything else post it up and fill in the blanks. I'd like to learn more about them.

1906- The Rock Island Tool Co., Rock Island Ill., recently organized, has taken over the business of the Jacobson Machine Mfg Co., Warren, Pa., and will manufacture a full line of vises and other tools. The company states that it expects to build next fall, but is at present occupying temporary foundry and machine shops and is in the market for foundry equipment, machine tools, electric motors and power plant equipment.

Another announcement:
The Jacobson Machine Mfg Co., of Warren, Pa, has completed all arrangements with a new corporation organized in Rock Island, Ill, incorporated as the Rock Island Tool Co., providing for the complete transfer of the Jacobson Machine Mfg. Co. vise business. The Jacobson people have built up a good trade on these automatic vises, and as they are taxing their capacity with gas and gasoline engine work they consider it advisable to divide the business in this way. The Jacobson Company will retain a considerable interest in the new concern, and as those engaged in the management of the new company are accustomed to manufacture of this kind the Jacobson vise business will be well take care of. The new concern expects to be under way by April1.

At some point they were bought by the Birtman Electric Company. Vises from this era had a label attached that read BIRTMAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, ROCK ISLAND DIVISION, ROCK ISLAND ILLINOIS.

porphyre · Nov 8, 2011

Visually, later Rock Islands are distinguishable from Reed vises only by the shape of the sides of the dynamic jaw. Otherwise, they're identical - including the forged-in jaws.

I don't know if that speaks to RI buying Reed's old manufacturing tools when they switched molds in the 50's or what.

I've just always found it interesting.

CRTDI · Nov 8, 2011

Here is my Rock Island model 577. I still haven't gotten around to the restoration due to an ongoing floor jack project.

If you look closely at the pics you can make out the outline of a missing metal tag from one side of the vise. I am sure there must be others but, for me, this is the only model Rock Island vise that I've seen that I know is supposed to have the Britman Electric Company label.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71487&highlight=rock+island

slipjointed · Nov 8, 2011

CRTDI said:
Here is my Rock Island model 577. I still haven't gotten around to the restoration due to an ongoing floor jack project.

If you look closely at the pics you can make out the outline of a missing metal tag from one side of the vise. I am sure there must be others but, for me, this is the only model Rock Island vise that I've seen that I know is supposed to have the Britman Electric Company label.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71487&highlight=rock+island

I have that vise in excellent condition with the metal tag intact and fully legible. I can shoot a picture of it when I get a chance.

gatewaysysop · Nov 8, 2011

Lots of good info in this thread, really appreciate the replies and especially the pics!

As far as age, does anyone know when the jaws became forged-in? Mine has removable jaws, similar to my Prentiss. Does that help to date it at all?

jjjrmx5 · Nov 12, 2011

I've got one of these in my basement right now.

ROCK ISLAND No. 50
3 1/2" jaws.
Other side of vice is cast with ROCK ISLAND, ILL

No removable jaws sadly but bought by my grandfather likely sometime in the 40's or 50's.
If he bought it used, it could pre-date those figures.

Sadly still missing the secondary swivel clamp ball/rod lock but IIRC someone on GJ can make on for me.

Can post pic of the vice if interested.

ZRX61 · Dec 14, 2011

Were these painted yellow originally? That 574 I just picked up has yellow paint on the inside, but the outside appears to have been dark gray?

Packard V8 · Dec 14, 2011

I've seen several RIs with the remnants of medium green paint on them.

jack vines

gatewaysysop · Dec 14, 2011

My 595 has what was clearly red paint on it. Looks to be original, but that's only a guess of course, given its age.

ZRX61 · Dec 14, 2011

Think this one may end up hammertone black as I already have a can of that & the vise I used it on was sold a while back...

fishfarmer · Nov 1, 2012

I just picked up a Rock Island 505A yesterday. It appears to be in fairly good condition.

Catalyze · Nov 2, 2012

My only Rock Island has the old cast in jaw inserts. The tops of the jaws have a distinctive ridge that circles down and around. I have seen several of the older Rocks that have this ridge on them as well.
Craig
View media item 15458

fuchster · Jan 7, 2013

Here is my Rock Island 574. It is all done except it needs a main nut.
https://picasaweb.google.com/115398011266460113762/RockIsland

Too_Many_Tools · Mar 24, 2013

I have seen a 6" Rock Island vise that looks identical to the Reed equivalent.

Were those companies the same once upon a time?

Jeep Monkey RTR · Jun 28, 2013

bl00 said:
This is all I have, so if you have anything else post it up and fill in the blanks. I'd like to learn more about them.

1906- The Rock Island Tool Co., Rock Island Ill., recently organized, has taken over the business of the Jacobson Machine Mfg Co., Warren, Pa., and will manufacture a full line of vises and other tools. The company states that it expects to build next fall, but is at present occupying temporary foundry and machine shops and is in the market for foundry equipment, machine tools, electric motors and power plant equipment.

Another announcement:
The Jacobson Machine Mfg Co., of Warren, Pa, has completed all arrangements with a new corporation organized in Rock Island, Ill, incorporated as the Rock Island Tool Co., providing for the complete transfer of the Jacobson Machine Mfg. Co. vise business. The Jacobson people have built up a good trade on these automatic vises, and as they are taxing their capacity with gas and gasoline engine work they consider it advisable to divide the business in this way. The Jacobson Company will retain a considerable interest in the new concern, and as those engaged in the management of the new company are accustomed to manufacture of this kind the Jacobson vise business will be well take care of. The new concern expects to be under way by April1.

At some point they were bought by the Birtman Electric Company. Vises from this era had a label attached that read BIRTMAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, ROCK ISLAND DIVISION, ROCK ISLAND ILLINOIS.

A little update. Found online at the "Quad Cities" web page that Birtman Electric acquired Rock Island Manufacturing Company on January 12, 1930.

Additionally, some 23 years later they Birtman Electric got involved in the below

"Birtman Electric Company, Rock Island, is adding to America's arsenal of defense. A special assembly line in its plant at 1533 1st St. is turning out 3.5 inch rocket launchers in quantity. This is the weapon that on July 20, 1950, knocked out seven out of seven Communist tanks in its first Korean test, according to an announcement by Gen. Douglas MacArthur's public information officer."

Just wanted to post what I found.

askunow · Jul 13, 2013

I also have a Rock Island vise # 677. It has a 12" opening with a 3/4" handle jaws are still good. I love this vise have owned it now for 20 years it was my dads and he salvaged it out of a junck yard in 1944. The vise weighs every bit of 75 lbs ( i think) its heavy as heck. From the litle bit I do know about it dad told me that it was made sometime in the 30's. It has a lot of value to me everytime I use it reminds me dad and all the pinched skin on my hand when the rod (handle) would bite my hand.

pondrun · Oct 14, 2013

bl00 said:
This is all I have, so if you have anything else post it up and fill in the blanks. I'd like to learn more about them.

1906- The Rock Island Tool Co., Rock Island Ill., recently organized, has taken over the business of the Jacobson Machine Mfg Co., Warren, Pa., and will manufacture a full line of vises and other tools. The company states that it expects to build next fall, but is at present occupying temporary foundry and machine shops and is in the market for foundry equipment, machine tools, electric motors and power plant equipment.

Another announcement:
The Jacobson Machine Mfg Co., of Warren, Pa, has completed all arrangements with a new corporation organized in Rock Island, Ill, incorporated as the Rock Island Tool Co., providing for the complete transfer of the Jacobson Machine Mfg. Co. vise business. The Jacobson people have built up a good trade on these automatic vises, and as they are taxing their capacity with gas and gasoline engine work they consider it advisable to divide the business in this way. The Jacobson Company will retain a considerable interest in the new concern, and as those engaged in the management of the new company are accustomed to manufacture of this kind the Jacobson vise business will be well take care of. The new concern expects to be under way by April1.

At some point they were bought by the Birtman Electric Company. Vises from this era had a label attached that read BIRTMAN ELECTRIC COMPANY, ROCK ISLAND DIVISION, ROCK ISLAND ILLINOIS.

I have a Model 851 that I bought this past week from an estate in Huntsville, Alabama. I've searched the net and can't find anything on the 851. It is in almost perfect condition with as new original jaws and the rear jaw swivels It weights about 50 lbs. (not weighted it, just guessing) it looks like one of the automatic ones. Best part is I only paid $24 for it. I'd like to know what year it was made and the original cost if anyone knows.
Thanks So Much
Danny
Athens, AL.

Saiga · Oct 14, 2013

Saiga · Oct 14, 2013

Saiga · Oct 14, 2013

racer32 · Nov 16, 2013

I picked up a decent 572 today at a farm auction ($30+ tax). Has the "Birtman" tag on it. Looks like it has battle ship gray paint under a coat of red. When I had it apart to clean off about 10 pounds of old grease and dirt I noticed some numbers stamped on the top of the beam....32. Suppose that's 1932?

racer32 · Nov 19, 2013

https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1463163_10202514981816755_864603003_n.jpg

Packard V8 · Nov 19, 2013

This is my Rock Island 577. It is missing the swivel base, but I don't use them anyway. It is mounted via the two swivel lock holes on the side and a 1" bolt through the center hole; not going anywhere.

The Rock Island has the most accurate fit between the slide and the fixed jaw opening of any of my rectangular slide vises; better than the Athol, and that's a good vise.

Anyway, I got this one for $15 and no, it's not for sale.

jack vines

mcoz · Apr 15, 2014

Add a model 74a to the list. 4.5" jaws, probably 65-70lbs. I can't find a thing on this particular vise.

Gunpilot · Aug 4, 2014

racer32 said:
I picked up a decent 572 today at a farm auction ($30+ tax). Has the "Birtman" tag on it. Looks like it has battle ship gray paint under a coat of red. When I had it apart to clean off about 10 pounds of old grease and dirt I noticed some numbers stamped on the top of the beam....32. Suppose that's 1932?

Hey Racer32,
I'm trying to find info on my 572 also. Yours is the only other 572 I've stumbled across in my search. Did you validate your age suspicion? Also, do you have pictures of your jaws? Both mine are missing.

It does appear that battleship gray may have been the original color on mine also.
Thanks for any feedback.

slimbird33 · Dec 14, 2014

my rock island 572 was red it has the number 342 stamped on the slide

bagged89s10 · Jun 14, 2015

Here is my Rock Island 594 I picked up a few weeks ago. 4.5" un-screwable jaws. Date stamped 12/53. This is a beast for a 4.5" vise.

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1434322459.351175.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1434322484.165249.jpg

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1434322542.353410.jpg

jrobb316 · Jun 14, 2015

Nice thread revival. Since i'm a huge rock island fan, here is my first. Its a 94, same size (4.5") as your 594, but with cast in jaws and older. This vise is on my top 5 list of vises that I own.

bagged89s10 · Jun 16, 2015

jrobb316 said:
Nice thread revival. Since i'm a huge rock island fan, here is my first. Its a 94, same size (4.5") as your 594, but with cast in jaws and older. This vise is on my top 5 list of vises that I own.

Nice vise. Yeah I definitely like rock island vises now that I own one. At least I know the 594 is solid. The mounting base is so much thicker than that of my Wilton 9-500.

Maui · Jun 16, 2015

Here's my Rock Island 241. It weighs in around 80 lbs, and will be a solid workhorse once I put a pin in place to keep the nut housing locked down.

Maui

bagged89s10 · Jun 21, 2015

Maui said:
Here's my Rock Island 241. It weighs in around 80 lbs, and will be a solid workhorse once I put a pin in place to keep the nut housing locked down.

Maui

That's a big boy! What size jaws on it?
:beer:

Maui · Jun 21, 2015

The jaws measure 4" wide. It looks like it is supposed to have pipe jaws too, but those are missing.

Verg · Jun 21, 2015

I had posted this in the "vises of GJ" but the info has a better home in this thread:

in 1957 the Britman electric company merged with Whirlpool. Apparently whirlpool wanted to extend their line of consumer electronics. I imagine the information on the fate of Rock Island manufacturing is some place in whirlpool.
See down to the 1950-1960's paragraph:
http://www.fundinguniverse.com/compa...ation-history/

advertising book on Rock Island Ill, not sure of the publish date talks alot about the heavy industry in rock island lots of cool old america.
https://archive.org/details/industrialsurvey00cham

Parabellum · Feb 16, 2016

How do you remove the balls on each end of the lever on a #192?

bl00 · Feb 16, 2016

Thanks for the good info guayabito. Rock Island vises were advertised in trade magazines through the 1940s and 1950's. They may have been under ownership of Birtman during this period, though, and no longer a stand alone company.

Searching google books shows a snippet view from 1959 of: "purchase of the Rock Island Vise Co." The rest of the article doesn't show, so I can't tell who bought them or what they did with the company.

bl00 · Feb 16, 2016

Some good history here:
http://trowelcollector.blogspot.com/2015/07/history-of-rock-island-manufacturing-co.html

Birtman Electric Co. of Chicago acquired Rock Island Manufacturing Co. on January 12, 1930. Birtman Electric made vacuum cleaners, irons, toasters, and other household electric products until merging with Whirlpool-Seeger Corp. in 1957. The Rock Island plant continued to make vises and other tools until closing in 1959. The "Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record", Volumes 103-104, 1959 states, “Production Tool Supply Co., of Warren, Michigan, announces the purchase of the Rock Island Vise Co. The entire inventory of the Illinois firm will be moved to Warren, said D. D. Kahn, Production Tool president.”

I wonder if Production Tool Supply ever made any vises or just sold off the assets.

guayabito · Feb 16, 2016

bl00 said:
Some good history here:
http://trowelcollector.blogspot.com/2015/07/history-of-rock-island-manufacturing-co.html

Birtman Electric Co. of Chicago acquired Rock Island Manufacturing Co. on January 12, 1930. Birtman Electric made vacuum cleaners, irons, toasters, and other household electric products until merging with Whirlpool-Seeger Corp. in 1957. The Rock Island plant continued to make vises and other tools until closing in 1959. The "Michigan Manufacturer and Financial Record", Volumes 103-104, 1959 states, “Production Tool Supply Co., of Warren, Michigan, announces the purchase of the Rock Island Vise Co. The entire inventory of the Illinois firm will be moved to Warren, said D. D. Kahn, Production Tool president.”

I wonder if Production Tool Supply ever made any vises or just sold off the assets.

Hi, I was doing some deep research today and I was not able to find a single ad for Rock Island Vises passed the Great Depression. I bought a Rock Island 505A online and I am restoring it and would like to know more or less when it was made. I have ben able to find ads for similar looking vices from the 1930's.

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Rock Island Vises - History/Info?

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