Wilton Vises: Worth fixing up?

Beowulf · Sep 18, 2013

I was going to get a Cman Pro, but since they seem to be sold out, I started to look for vises on Craigs List and Ebay.

Here are two wiltons that need some work. Are they worth it with the resto that would be needed.

$99 for a 1745. Needs jaws and swivel base kit.

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$150 for a 1765. Needs the Swivel base

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autopts · Sep 18, 2013

That's a tuff call. It seems that he knows what he's got and his prices on both seem borderline. I would offer $150 less $38 for a new base. Tradesman's have a milled outer edge and the base could crack if it wasn't on its swivel base. The 4" he's high on considering what's its missing. Don't get too excited over these. If they were a 400N or a 500N it would be a totally different scenario.

1982fxr · Sep 18, 2013

try to get the 1765 for $100.

1982fxr · Sep 18, 2013

if the base for the 1765 is $38, then that aint bad

1982fxr · Sep 18, 2013

ducksface said:
No.
Those are scrap.
No need to begin to pay working tool price for PARTS.

If we stop paying the stupid prices for vices and anvils the prices will go back where they belong.
Wiltons are not magic.

how can you possibly say that 1765 is scrap?

Farmall450 · Sep 18, 2013

ducksface said:
No.
Those are scrap.
No need to begin to pay working tool price for PARTS.

If we stop paying the stupid prices for vices and anvils the prices will go back where they belong.
Wiltons are not magic.

They're actually in decent shape...but on the high side as others have mentioned. :beer:

87Pomona · Sep 18, 2013

The 1765 can still be used without the swivel base. I don't see how some would consider that a turd or scrap.

1982fxr · Sep 18, 2013

I respectfully disagree with the 1765 being scrap, or turd. Googling around i see the 1765 (I think the current imported one?) for $450-600. This one is USA made and it looks like the base can be bought new for $40-$50. I don't see how you can compare a USA made Wilton 1765 to (literally) a *************. :eyecrazy:

So if he got it for $100 and bought the base new he's $150 deep on a quality Wilton that cost probably at least 3 times that much new, maybe even more. Would you scrap a car because it got a flat tire?

Here's a 1760 I had from beginning to end. It was complete when i got it, I just didn't take a picture until it was disassembled. I do not think that vise belonged in a junkyard where someone would have been paid 10 cents a pound.

BUT, if you are able to find a bunch of these, like the 1765, bring 'em my way and i will put a bunch of cash in your pocket. I would pay at least 10 times scrap price for them.

Davefr · Sep 18, 2013

Get the 1765 if you need one in the short term.

Swivel bases aren't as critical as you think. I find it pretty rare that I need to rotate a vise but YMMV.

RatchetMan · Sep 18, 2013

When you are looking for one, a Wilton vise seems impossible to find. But, in reality, those things are everywhere. Over the last few years, I have run across lots of them. I use a 4 inch Wilton at home and it's a good vise but, as others have stated, it's not magic. Don't buy into the hype.

But, if a Wilton is what you must have, you could just buy a new one. Yeah, you're dumping $400-500 on a new one (unless you go really big) but you'll have it forever and you're starting with a new tool vs. one that you'll end up spending another $25-50 in supplies to redo. If you get a used one and you want new jaws it's another $50 on top of what you pay. Plus, your time is worth something.

jakemac · Sep 18, 2013

By the same logic, you'd turn down a classic mustang because the seat had a tear in it. Sure there are a lot out there, but if that is what someone wants, then the cost to repair it is subjective.

Some of us don't put a price on our time because it's a hobby, not a business. The journey is more important than the dollar signs. If I were in the business of selling tools, then your points would be valid. I would have to tally every expense in order to keep an eye on profits. However, the majority of tool enthusiasts aren't trying to pay their bills that way. So it's just about the initial payout, and looking for "the deal". Any other expenses are just part of the journey.

Fyrme · Sep 18, 2013

ducksface said:
No.
Those are scrap.
No need to begin to pay working tool price for PARTS.

If we stop paying the stupid prices for vices and anvils the prices will go back where they belong.
Wiltons are not magic.

1982fxr said:
how can you possibly say that 1765 is scrap?

ducksface said:
If it's not complete, it's parts. Parts to break down and sell as smaller parts. The parts that don't sell get scrapped.

If you need to complete a collection, even a ***** sample is valuable.

I see no reason to buy a turd at collector prices.

Because ducksface is know for being very opinionated and usually on the side of negativity. Much of an extremist. BTW duck, who do you think BUY those parts that YOU break down and sell? Maybe some one that has a good vise that just needs a base. If it weren't for vises like this, YOU would not make jack on you parted out vise....just sayin

As far as price, compare it to a new 1745 or 1765 andprice the new parts. If you come in at 50% or less of new, I say it's not a bad deal. For reference, in my part of Oklahoma, I paid $50 for a 1755 that needed new jaws and was missing the cap in the back. But I also paid $40 for a C4 2 weeks later. Put an ad on CL looking for a US made vise. You'd be surprised what you'll come up with.

Fyrme · Sep 18, 2013

ducksface said:
Someone else, who says I'm very negative, states that complete, they're under $100 per the pair.

There is a 'greater fool' theory.
I'm not calling names, I'm asking you to look it up and then tell me where/when/how bad a part is before I'm that guy.

Huh?

Fyrme · Sep 18, 2013

ducksface said:
Three bullet wiltons for me, $5 each complete.

One yost 165lb 36c? $125 as new.

You go ahead and buy broken/incomplete for whatever price you like.

Someone just stated he would only give $1 per pound....

Duck, you and I both know those are extremely rare cases and not realistic to expect to see regularly. Even my C4 at $40 was lucky.

Fyrme · Sep 18, 2013

As did I. But I bought both vises that were not "complete" with no mind set that they were only good for "parts", but just the opposite, that I can replace the parts they need. Where as you implied, a incomplete vise is good for only parts to resell.
The OP gave two examples of vises that need something. The asking prices are higher than I'd pay, but I've seen them sell for much more. A good rule of thumb to spend on ANY tool is, will the price after the item is in complete working condition 50% or less of new. If you enjoy restoring tools, your labor is void in the equation. If you do it for a living, the value changes.

justanengineer · Sep 18, 2013

ducksface said:
Someone just stated he would only give $1 per pound....

Ill state that I dont pay $0.50/lb and end up with several every year. My last Wilton cost me $5.

1982fxr · Sep 18, 2013

Sounds like everyone gets better deals than me. I have yet to come across a really good vise for 5 or 10 bucks. More in the 40 to 100 range almost everytime.

Fyrme · Sep 18, 2013

1982fxr said:
Sounds like everyone gets better deals than me. I have yet to come across a really good vise for 5 or 10 bucks. More in the 40 to 100 range almost everytime.

Don't worry, these $5 jobs happen maybe one out of every ten sold, maybe less.

thundermug · Sep 18, 2013

I'm going to a huge community garage sale next weekend. I'm hoping to snag a small Wilton.

autopts · Sep 19, 2013

Did I miss a combo Wilton C4? A C4 is indeed rare!!

Wilton Vises: Worth fixing up?

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