are these vices worth the asking price?

[sanya]

found an ad on craigslist for an old truck repair shop going out of business and they had a few vices for sale. went to look at them today but the prices seem kind of high to me and the owner is pretty firm on them. what do you think garage journal?

these 2 columbians

the one on the left:
works good, looks good, jaws are good. asking 150 with the stand

the one on the right:
seems to be about the same as the first one but with taller jaws and swivel base. about the same condition

asking 175 with the stand

the last one he has for sale is this one. i could not identify it. the side read: AMERICAN RED SEAL GUARANTEE #64 (might be a different number. i remember 64 though)

this one feels pretty good too except when the jaws are mostly open, i can feel it "catching" or getting stuck a bit in the same spot on every rotation of the handle. the handle is bent a bit too. this one has aluminum jaws.

asking 150 for this one too and will provide me a huge truck drum to make a stand

i wanted the anvil in the first picture too but he wants 500 bucks for it. i cant swing that.

 

[MrMark]

THat Columbian 204 1/2 is worth way more than the others. That is an expensive vise.

A good deal would be anything under 100 for that one. I imagine it weighs about 80 lbs.

Depending on condition it might be worth 150. I have seen this listed for 400-500 on CL and ebay.

But, I see on this one it is missing the pipe jaws. And, remember that you can't get the main jaws anymore (don't know about the pipe jaws) I wouldn't pay more than 100 with it missing the pipe jaws.

 

[whelenfan]

i would almost kill for that columbian 204 1/2.

 

[MrMark]

A columbian 205 would be my ideal vise.

 

[autopts71045]

I think viseparts.com will have replacement pipe jaws. Columbians are my vise of choice also. I was fortunate to find this one on CL for $100 and I think it was hardly used. After I got tied of admiring it, I sold it.

 

[autopts71045]

I forgot, I think he's a bit high on all of them..

 

[MrMark]

I can't find anything decent in So Cal.

Is that a 205?

How much did it go for if you don't mind telling.

 

[autopts71045]

I can't find anything decent in So Cal.

Is that a 205?

How much did it go for if you don't mind telling.

That was a 206 and I sold it to my buddy 3000 away for $450. It was a prize find and if I wasn't as old as I'am, I would have kept it.

 

[Skin]

i wouldnt pay $150+ for vises smaller than 5" but thats me. Quality 3-4" for $100-$150 are too common so i dont think anyone asking 150-175 is doing you any favors. My 2 cents.

 

[sanya]

thanks guys. ill offer him 100 for the second vise but i doubt he'll go for it. might try to pick this one up next. do you think its worth a 1.5 hour drive one way to pick it up for the $65 asking price?

no real info about it other than its big and heavy and not for garage use. shop only haha

 

[Skin]

again would depend on the size. 4-5" Reed is worth that yes. Just make sure it has replacable jaws or if they're fixed that the jaws arent all bashed in, its hard to tell from the pictures.

Also confirm there are no issues with the casting, like stress fractures or cracks, before you make the journey.

 

[MrMark]

I hear you can't replace jaws on the Reed, that is the downside.

I agree with Skin on price, etc.

Make sure the jaws close together evenly too. Look to see if it has been beat on or otherwise abused - a bent handle would be a sure sign of abuse.

Where are you finding these cool vises?

 

[sanya]

craigslist. i wish i could "find" one stashed away in some barn for 70 years.