Opinions and info on Rock Island #574 vise.

evintho · Aug 22, 2009

Going to look at another vise tomorrow. Rock Island #574. $65. I need as much info on that model as I can get. I Googled it and found this..............
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/tls/1325516731.html

That's not the one I'm going to look at but it looks like the 574 is a quality vise and I know Rock Island is a good brand.

I spoke to the guy by phone on the one I'm going to see and the info he gave me is:
4.5" jaws opening to about 7".
Slides in and out smoothly.
Was in his electrical shop for years and didn't get used much.
Weighs 75lbs.
Very good condition.

There were no pics. Any opinions and info you guys can give me will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv · Aug 22, 2009

I'd inspect it closely, see how smooth it works back and forth, and if everything checks out, ask him if he'll take $50 for it.

evintho · Aug 23, 2009

Apparently there's someone else coming to look at it tomorrow too. I'm also gonna stop and look at this one........................
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/tls/1328835553.html
This guy says the jaws are 4.5", it opens and closes with no problem and there's no play in it. He also says it's well used but still works.
My vise is toast. I need one pronto!

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv · Aug 23, 2009

evintho said:
Apparently there's someone else coming to look at it tomorrow too.

Maybe. People use that line all the time to make their stuff seem that much more desirable.

If you can, I'd go look at the Wilton vise first. If you really like that one, make him an offer for it. But either one should be fine, considering they check out.

Adam McLaughlin · Aug 23, 2009

I have two of those vices in my garage; I can highly recommend them. I would buy them again.

Adam

Flash21 · Aug 23, 2009

Adam McLaughlin said:
I have two of those vices in my garage; I can highly recommend them. I would buy them again.

Adam

x2 ! I have seen Adam's thread on his #574 - I would be all over it if I could find one.

Adam McLaughlin · Aug 23, 2009

YEAH, this is kind of conversation piece and something that is well appreciated by all of my visitors.

I would like to get a behemoth vise like the one found under the rusty pile of railroad **** by another G.J. member here.... That would like DAMN fine in my front yard. I'd love to do a restoration on something like that. That vise was big enough for the grand kids to ride like a horse!

Adam

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv · Aug 24, 2009

evintho said:
My vise is toast. I need one pronto!

So what happened?!? :wtf:

evintho · Aug 24, 2009

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv said:
So what happened?!?

Well, I passed on the Rock Island simply because it was too far away (140 miles). I did pick up a small Wilton though. I paid too much and it's not exactly what I want (I'd like a 6") but I need a vise now and this should do the job until I can acquire (hopefully) the Prentiss monster that I found last year. Here's the old thread on that.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24797

So without further ado, here's my $65 Wilton.................

It's a 4.5" Wilton Cadet. Looks like model #9145. It opens to about 6". Opens in and out freely and smoothly. No play whatsoever. Swivel base. The jaws are a little beat up and the body is somewhat crusty. Mechanically though, it's sound! Plans call for a restoration. I plan to bead blast the body and paint it maybe steel blue, gunmetal grey, maybe even red! Clean and lube everything and if possible replace the jaws.

Here's where I need your guys help!
I Googled the 9145 and didn't get a whole lot of info. Does anyone have solid info on this vise? Year of manufacture, MSRP, specs, etc?
Also, are replacement jaws available for this model and where would I get those? Any and all help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

Rory Bellows · Aug 24, 2009

The jaws face look to be in good condition. I would just clean the top up with a file and flip them over so the base edge is now the top. Getting those screws out will be a pain though.

old salvage · Aug 24, 2009

65 bucks isnt bad at all. :thumbup:

bgott · Aug 24, 2009

Pull the moveable jaw, flip it over and look carefully at the bottom of the key running along the guide. The date will be stamped there, probably in this format, X-**.

evintho · Aug 25, 2009

Well, today I disassembled the entire vise. It's in really good shape! Found the date code exactly where bgott said it would be, thanks bgott! 11/30/56. It was born the same year I was! I guess it was meant to be! I got the jaws off but the screwheads broke off on one jaw. There's about 3/8" of the screw sticking up. I'm letting it soak overnight in PB Blaster and I'll attack them tomorrow with some vice-grips. I plan to take some photos and post a restoration thread on it. I'll have to start a new thread 'cause the title of this one has nothing to do with a Wilton restoration.

I checked McMaster-Carr for prices on replacement jaws and I was appalled! Guess I'm gonna take Rory Bellows advice and file and flip! Does anyone know where I can get things like new jaw screws, pins, swivel handles, things like that?

bgott · Aug 26, 2009

You're welcome!

old salvage · Aug 26, 2009

Screws can be found at hardware store. Take one of the old screws with you and they should have a little gauge in the hardware section so you can match it up.
Personally I wouldnt file down the top of the jaws n flip them, I'd just leave them as is. If you file too much then the holes for the screws wont line up.

Packard V8 · Aug 26, 2009

Screws can be found at hardware store.

Yes, they can.
No, you don't want them, as they'll be soft made-in-China junk and will twist off if you try to tighten them snug.
Maybe, you should take the trouble to look for good made-in-USA screws.

check Practical Machinist, Home Machinist, Home Shop Machinist searches, as once upon a time, someone on one of those fora was making Wilton jaws for less than McMaster prices.

thnx, jack vines

garage in the bayard 1952 · Nov 28, 2010

I have one mounted to a steel table and used it for years. Great vise! well worth $65.

Adam McLaughlin · Nov 28, 2010

Yeah, I think you did OK too.

Adam

fuchster · Jan 6, 2013

Done cleaning up Rock Island 574 but I still need the main nut.
https://picasaweb.google.com/115398011266460113762/RockIsland#5830462303382134130

Mustang_man298 · Mar 29, 2014

Hey all, I'm hoping for a little help with my old vise. It's a Rock Island #574, I bought it very well used 15 yrs ago at a barn sale for $5, and it has taken everything I've asked of it all these years. Sadly my old compadre has fallen ill with a stripped out collar piece inside the main body (main nut?) the screw has also tapered in the center, though I can fab a new one. I'm hoping someone might know where I can get a replacement nut or might have an extra in a broken vise. I do dearly miss my old friend on a regular basis. I have been using a smaller Reed vise, but its not as heavy & I do -use- my vise....

autopts · Mar 29, 2014

evintho said:
I checked McMaster-Carr for prices on replacement jaws and I was appalled! Guess I'm gonna take Rory Bellows advice and file and flip! Does anyone know where I can get things like new jaw screws, pins, swivel handles, things like that?

KMScott has those jaws, handles, pins, etc. for sure!

srboard · Aug 24, 2016

I know this is dragging up a really old post but I just purchased a Rock Island 574 and I was wondering if anyone had a picture of the assembled vise viewed up from the swivel base. Apparently the bolt that holds the base to the bottom has been misplaced and the seller found something that he thinks might be the part but it is a oddly shaped "stud" that is large on one end and small on the other. Without it being in hand I don't know if it is correct.

I thought if someone had an image I could compare.

Thanks,

S

exmaxima1 · Aug 24, 2016

srboard said:
I know this is dragging up a really old post but I just purchased a Rock Island 574 and I was wondering if anyone had a picture of the assembled vise viewed up from the swivel base. Apparently the bolt that holds the base to the bottom has been misplaced and the seller found something that he thinks might be the part but it is a oddly shaped "stud" that is large on one end and small on the other. Without it being in hand I don't know if it is correct.

I thought if someone had an image I could compare.

Thanks,

S

Sounds like a Shoulder bolt, which is correct for that application. If he has it you are in luck, as that pivot bolt would be tough to source.

srboard · Aug 24, 2016

I'll try to attach a picture of the bolt.

Does this look like the shoulder bolt you mention? I cannot see how that would hold the base on without a very large washer and nut.

S

G-ManBart · Aug 25, 2016

srboard said:
I'll try to attach a picture of the bolt.

Does this look like the shoulder bolt you mention? I cannot see how that would hold the base on without a very large washer and nut.

S

No, that doesn't look correct. This is a typical shoulder bolt...it has a large smooth "shoulder" that is larger in diameter than the threaded portion.

http://case-ihparts.com/products/photos/IHS944.jpg

There are several folks here who have 574s and I'm sure you could get one of them to take their shoulder bolt out and give you dimensions so you can find a replacement. Worst case scenario you could have a machine shop make the correct bolt.

drivesitfar · Aug 25, 2016

SRBoard: welcome to the forum first off and glad to have another vintage vise owner join our group. sorry i don't have a Parker broken down to show you the parts, but check the vise repair 101 thread in vintage tools and i'm sure there are a few there.

here's my Reed 404.5 that should show you the bolt and just to let you know some of us have a sense of humor one of the members put eyes on my Reed to give it some style. i think you are calling the shoulder bolt what would be the nose in my picture. or post pictures of what you are talking about. ok?

cheers and keep asking questions as you have them and feel free to post up a bunch of pictures. i use the paperclip just above where we post and click on it and it's sort of like attaching pictures to an email.

good luck

deranged · Aug 25, 2016

Where can I find a socket like that? quick googling yields an Elora from the UK, any domestic carriers?

drivesitfar · Aug 25, 2016

Deranged: those usually came in sets in the pre WWII and i think they might still sell them individually today. where do you live and maybe a GJ member near you has one to trade or sell you or give you if you ask nicely. you can go in your GJ profile and put in your location there. you can also click on Avatar and download one of your favorite pictures that goes under your handle on your posts like i have a Bison made out of old scraps and old tools in mine now. you can also change it if you like, but once you get one you like and establish yourself as a poster here we will recognize your posts almost as much by your Avatar as your name.

good luck and my memory thinks these are called drag link, but not certain and yes i own a few and they work good. also just an FYI to those members that weren't told to use a breaker bar and not your nice ratchet on rusty bolts that is always the best way and it gives you a bit more leverage and not a broken ratchet.

jrobb316 · Aug 25, 2016

You can have one made for about $50 or watch eBay. There are a couple bolts on there for rock islands, potentially the one you need.

stonemason66 · Sep 2, 2023

I have a rock Island 574 , does anyone know where i can get new jaws for it

Opinions and info on Rock Island #574 vise.

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