Columbian Vice Info/Repair Advice Needed

[DC73]

I've had a vice for quite awhile that belonged to my Grandfather. Finally decided to tackle a restoration and put it into service. Looking for info about the vice as well as some repair advice.

Vice is marked on one side: Columbian Vice C 4 3 1/2
Other side references Cleveland Ohio
Pictures below.

1) Is there a way to determine the age of the vice?

2) Any idea as to the value of the vice?

3) Vice was apparently painted red to begin with. How might I match that color?

4) The vice is missing one of the jaw screws. As shown in the first photo, that screw hole is bad. No threads at all. What are my options for repairing this hole to accept a new screw? Helicoil? JBWeld drilled & tapped? I don't weld and don't know anyone who does but if that is the best repair, I could probably find someone to do it.

5) Is there a source for the jaw screws? If not, can I just use new socket head machine screws? Existing screws are 1/4-20 x 5/8".

Thanks for the help.

DC

 

[DC73]

Bump

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Right or wrong the little open screw vises don't generally rate very high on the appreciation scale. The fact that it was your grandfathers gives it far higher sentimental value then it will ever have in monetary value. As for the thread repair on that light duty vise I would not be afraid to use JB weld or a similar liquid metal solution.

You could probably coat the threads of a bolt with wax so it would release and have new formed threads in the jaw. As for the tapered bolts they are pretty easy to grind "close enough" starting with a socket head cap screw. A couple pics of one way to hold them for grinding. Ed.

 

[DFB]

I would get the quickset JB weld to hold the screw, And I have actually done that before on jaw screw I had that kept falling because the threads were messed up.

Once its set up your generally not even going to remove it so don't worry about it.

And If an allen head screw mounts flush or slightly countersunk in the jaw by all means just us it, though possibly might find a slotted countersunk flat head screw in those stacks of tool drawers that hardware stores all carry to fit who knows Half the fun of the restoration is the chase...kind of like with women

As for the red paint my little 3-1/2" Columbian isn't far off from my Craftsman stuff. Sunrise red or Regal red should do ya just fine

Nice sentimental reason to keep and restore that vise

 

[DC73]

Thanks to both of you for your posts. Very helpful.

While doing some research, I've discovered this vice is not really worth a whole lot so I may end up repainting it the same color my Granddad had it.

I also discovered it's really a swivel vice and the base plate is missing. I'll have to sort through some stuff stored at my Mom's house to see if I can find it.

DC