bench vise question

[volkstony]

hey guys,

i just got a vintage bench vise for $20. i am trying to get some info on it so i can restore and repaint it. the vise says chicago heavy duty in a triangle with a lightning bolt in the middle and the number 100 also. any help will be great

thanks

 

[Filson]

Pics in this situation are a requirement to help you much. I'll keep an eye on your thread for when you get some pics up.

 

[silentpoet]

A quick google search suggest Morgan Chicago. And should be a good vise if it is indeed one. But not getting anything on the 100 number, well it sets up for too much other stuff to show up in the search.

 

[volkstony]

sorry it took so long here are 4 pics of the vise. i hope this helps. i am at loss on the company who made it.

 

[cclfn]

That might be Chicago Brand which might be HF product. Not sure but similar in design and not like any Morgan I have seen.

Wes

 

[bigcaddy]

Looks chinese to me. The far east brands like to use names like Chicago and Pittsburg to evoke a certain sense of durability in the minds of consumers. Since both cities were large producers of iron and steel, people inexplicably connect their product with a well made USA tool.

If i were you Volkstony, I wouldn't waste my time attempting to make it shiny again. Another giveaway to the country of origin is the chrome operating nut. I can't think of one USA mfg that used chrome parts on vises. Cad plated? Yes. Chrome? No.

 

[neophyte]

Does the "100" indicate a 100mm jaw width, or does it indicate 100lbs. ?

 

[kenfain]

Does the "100" indicate a 100mm jaw width, or does it indicate 100lbs. ?

Why not measure the jaw? Doesn't seem likely it's a hundred lbs. At a guess, I'd say model #

 

[autopts]

Looks chinese to me. The far east brands like to use names like Chicago and Pittsburg to evoke a certain sense of durability in the minds of consumers. Since both cities were large producers of iron and steel, people inexplicably connect their product with a well made USA tool.

If i were you Volkstony, I wouldn't waste my time attempting to make it shiny again. Another giveaway to the country of origin is the chrome operating nut. I can't think of one USA mfg that used chrome parts on vises. Cad plated? Yes. Chrome? No.

+1 all the way.

 

[SweetD]

Chrome on a vise = Chinese.

 

[I van putski]

Chrome on a vise = Chinese.

I could prove this wrong five times over with a trip out to my garage.

But anyway op yea yours is Chinese. Probably should of asked before you spent the twenty dollars.

 

[balane]

I get a generally indescribable icky feeling when I look at Chinese vises. On the contrary I will get a warm and fuzzy sensation while looking at a vise manufactured in the USA.

Looking at the photos of this vise have caused me a small bit of nausea. To me there is no greater indicator available than my gut feelings on vises. I highly advise that you avoid purchasing this vise.

Things I see that I don't like.

1.) Chrome
2.) A large number indicating jaw width cast into the dynamic jaw.
3.) The name of a major american city as the manufacturer.
4.) Large anvil area built into top of slide.
5.) Photo 1, lower left corner; vise body is rusted all the way through.
6.) The logo and manufacturer name is shallow and poorly formed indicating a low casting pressure.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

I'm gonna go with the rest here and say I'm 99.999999% sure it's Chicom. They must have used the UK style vises to rip off. It looks VERY similar to a Record especially with the plate integrated into the slide.

The newer ones seem to have the jaw size embossed on the dynamic jaw. I say newer, but I mean within the last 20+ years or so. I just gave one to a co-worker along with some other **** tools for a case of beer. I made out on the deal.

 

[nikh]

pull one of the jaw retainer screws, check if it is metric thread, but for $20 how far wrong can you go.

 

[toomanytoyzz]

check if it is metric thread, but for $20 how far wong can you go.

I fixed it for you.

 

[CNGsaves]

I get a generally indescribable icky feeling when I look at Chinese vises. On the contrary I will get a warm and fuzzy sensation while looking at a vise manufactured in the USA.

Looking at the photos of this vise have caused me a small bit of nausea. To me there is no greater indicator available than my gut feelings on vises. I highly advise that you avoid purchasing this vise.

Things I see that I don't like.

1.) Chrome
2.) A large number indicating jaw width cast into the dynamic jaw.
3.) The name of a major american city as the manufacturer.
4.) Large anvil area built into top of slide.
5.) Photo 1, lower left corner; vise body is rusted all the way through.
6.) The logo and manufacturer name is shallow and poorly formed indicating a low casting pressure.

+1 all the above. Also the tell-tale sign is that funky curved chunk on the lower portion of static jaw. A large % of the Chinese vises have that swoopy edge. Weird square shape of jaws that seem "glued on" the rest of vise body.

BIG TIME warning is the Rusted Out Hole in the vise !! (see pic below) How can that even be possible?? I'm sure there are quality old Made in USA vises that have been neglected laying in the dirt for years and not rust out like that.

The 100 is indicator of jaw width in millimeters . . . . so 100 mm = 3.94 inches.

Sorry OP, that $20 got you a 4" jaw Chinese vise. Use it and abuse it, but not a collectible.

 

[volkstony]

well i look at it this way i also got a usa built ridgid for the same price. and even if it is china made. it has been used alot without problems and it looks like it has held up very well

 

[toomanytoyzz]

well i look at it this way i also got a usa built ridgid for the same price. and even if it is china made. it has been used alot without problems and it looks like it has held up very well

Agree 100000%. Throw it on a bench and use it whenever you can. I have a sacrificial vise I use to beat and fire up the sparkle wrench on. I just wouldn't spend any time making it look purddy. Be like puttin' lipstick on a pig.

 

[volkstony]

well i got tons of paint that just sits around so i want it to look half way better. as for the hole it doesnt bother me i am gonna use some metal filler putty on it. i am always looking for more vises. my feeling is i got 2 vises for $40 that is not bad

 

[Brad54]

For $20, you can't go wrong. (or wong.)
Seriously, you'll have to abuse the ever lovin' **** out of it before you turn it to junk.
Then take it to the scrap yard and get a couple bucks for it.
But I'll be it'll be years before that happens.

As for that "rust hole," I'm surprised nobody figured out that's simply a void in the casting, not a rust hole.
American-made machine tools or anvils frequently have voids in the castings.
Some surprisingly large.

-Brad

 

[volkstony]

that is my feeling about it also. i have a usa built ridgid for the heavy stuff when needed. i will clean this up give it a quick coat of paint and use it and enjoy for how long it will last.

 

[volkstony]

well i bought new screws and hardware for the vise and found it was standard size not metric did the chinese use standard hardware back in the day?

 

[toomanytoyzz]

well i bought new screws and hardware for the vise and found it was standard size not metric did the chinese use standard hardware back in the day?

What screws/hardware were standard? Show us some pics. Lead screw screws????

 

[volkstony]

the 4 screws that mount the jaws to the vise.