Bought a Vise Today

[Pardigital]

I've been watching Craigslist and eBay for a while hoping to find a nice old vise for my new garage. I located one on Craigslist last evening. I wasn't sure what it was because the owner had no information on brand, model, etc. The nameplate on the side was missing, though I suspected it was an old Craftsman based on the shape of the cut-out where the plate had been. I called him and arranged to go see it this afternoon.

There are no issues to be found, other than what I believe is a set screw on the side of the dynamic jaw that has a head that's messed up. I wire brushed the cap on the end of the spindle and it reads "MODEL NO. 05191". I've searched and found that this is an old Craftsman (1950-ish). There are numbers stamped on the top of the slide, but they're too light to read. I believe this would be the date stamp. I do know that there's a five and a couple zeroes. The jaw width is 4" and it opens to 8". It's heavy and solid.

I plan on cleaning it up and painting it once I'm finished with the garage.

Anyway, here it is...

 

[Stuart in MN]

Check out this thread, a restoration of a 5198 Craftsman vise that's bigger but otherwise pretty similar to yours: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=291812

 

[Pardigital]

Check out this thread, a restoration of a 5198 Craftsman vise that's bigger but otherwise pretty similar to yours: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=291812

Awesome- thanks! I'll be watching.

 

[drivesitfar]

Pard: you have a keeper there that is for certain. the Craftsman 519x series vises were made to last. you are right the #'s on the top of the slide should be the date if you can clean them up and read them.

nice find and you'll be happy with that vise for a long time.

 

[bluebolt]

Nice score, that's a model #5191.

 

[Pardigital]

Thanks guys

 

[zkling]

Saw that, wished it was bigger. Didn't need, especially at the listed price, condition and location. Glad you got it, should clean up nice. Don't see anything alarming under the rust.

 

[woodswalker]

Hello, I came across this thread last weekend and have returned a few times to follow the links and explore the site in general and, wow. That's all I believe need be said!

I'm beginning the restoration of an 05191 and I have a few questions about the assembly.

I'm wondering if posting in this thread is a good idea, or if you folks would prefer a separate discussion ... first time posting, so thanks in advance.

 

[Will561]

woodswalker...I have found the Vise Repair 101 Thread is the best. I bet you will even find that others have asked your same question on the thread...over 170 pages of good stuff.

 

[drivesitfar]

WW: since you are new to the forum first of all WELCOME to our group. yes this old thread won't get you much in the way of a lot of member's eyes if you have any questions. i like helping new members so happy to provide some if needed and first off here is the link to the Vise Repair 101 thread already mentioned.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252830

the Craftsman 519x's are maybe one of the best old vises made so post up a bunch of pictures over on the 101 thread with your questions and i'm sure some of us will be happy to help you.

first thing you might want to know is the sleeve holding the main screw onto the dynamic jaw is threaded unlike most of the other ones that are just sleeves with smooth insides and maybe a screw holding them in place.

good luck

 

[woodswalker]

Thanks guys. I've been making my way through that 101 section and will continue there before posting up my specific questions.

In any event I will post some pictures of what I've got - it's disassembled now, and I'm seeing there's likely something important missing. More to follow.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Nice find.