Craftsman 5163 questions

[schzx14]

I’m new here. Wow, had no idea about this site. I’m overwhelmed. I hope I chose the right forum. I just bought my first vintage bench vise. I’m 59 and have a lot of mechanical experience but not much on vises. This appears to me to be in nice condition. It does take 3/4 turn before moving the jaw but I don’t know if that’s excessive. Before I start disassembly for cleaning, painting, etc, could any of you amazingly knowledgeable vise guys tell me what any of these numbers or markings indicate? I’ll post pics. Any information is appreciated as I feel like a kid with a new toy. Thanks!!!

 

[IMCA38]

I don’t know anything about it, but if you decide you don’t want it, I’ll take it off your hands!

 

[fullthrottle24]

What you have is a Craftsman vise made by Rock Island. The 3/4 turn to move the dynamic jaw can be addressed by adjusting the collar on the lead screw and/or checking the nut and pin at the rear of vise screw. Numbers you posted are likely manufacturing numbers to identify matching units. The top of the slide should have a manufactured date just behind the stationary jaw tower.

 

[schzx14]

Thanks so much. I’ll look for that date marking.

 

[schzx14]

I did a quick and gentle pass with cloth and WD40 and to me it looks like 8 4 5. I assume August 1945. If further cleaning reveals that third digit to be something else, I’ll post it. Thanks for letting me know that fullthrottle24.

 

[schzx14]

What you have is a Craftsman vise made by Rock Island. The 3/4 turn to move the dynamic jaw can be addressed by adjusting the collar on the lead screw and/or checking the nut and pin at the rear of vise screw. Numbers you posted are likely manufacturing numbers to identify matching units. The top of the slide should have a manufactured date just behind the stationary jaw tower.

Thanks again. I don’t think I responded directly to your post earlier, sorry. Looks to be 8 4 5. August 1945 I assume. Thank you.

 

[Maui]

You may find some useful information about the Craftsman 5163 vise here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/craftsman-5163-bench-vise-restoration.392284/

 

[schzx14]

You may find some useful information about the Craftsman 5163 vise here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/craftsman-5163-bench-vise-restoration.392284/

Thank you.

 

[thehorse13]

You have a highly sought after vise, second only to the 5197/98s. Looking at the pictures, your vise seems to have seen minimal use/abuse. You can easily restore this vise, including the issue with 3/4 turn slop. Congrats on your forever vise purchase.

 

[schzx14]

You have a highly sought after vise, second only to the 5197/98s. Looking at the pictures, your vise seems to have seen minimal use/abuse. You can easily restore this vise, including the issue with 3/4 turn slop. Congrats on your forever vise purchase.

Thanks so much thehorse13! That’s exciting to hear. Thank you!

 

[FJ 432]

OP

Welcome to GJ. Before you go you should add your location and also mention what you paid for the vise.

 

[M. Blue 240]

Some polish and paint should bring it back working condition quick. I have the 5160 and love it.

20220505_191316 by M. Blue 240, on Flickr

 

[schzx14]

OP

Welcome to GJ. Before you go you should add your location and also mention what you paid for the vise.

OP

Welcome to GJ. Before you go you should add your location and also mention what you paid for the vise.

Thanks FJ432. Don’t worry, I’m overwhelmed but intrigued by this website. Gonna take me a while to see what all is here. I live in Fort Mill, SC. I got the Vise from a very nice guy who lowered the price for me to $100. It was a 4 hour round trip for me (that’s why he lowered) but we’ll worth it. I have an Athol 614 coming as well from eBay which I bought before the Craftsman guy replied. So I’ll soon have gone from a crappy China made Irwin (which snapped in half) to two pretty cool vintage vises. Sweet!

 

[schzx14]

Some polish and paint should bring it back working condition quick. I have the 5160 and love it.

20220505_191316 by M. Blue 240, on Flickr

Looks killer MBlue. Hoping mine will turn out half as nice.

 

[FJ 432]

Well for a price of $100 you are awarded a "you ****". Good Job.

 

[schzx14]

Well for a price of $100 you are awarded a "you ****". Good Job.

Haha, I take it that’s a badge of honor. Haha. Thanks.

 

[schzx14]

Not to press my luck with everyone’s patience but….. I’ve soaked a few parts in evaporust and there’s some actual color emerging. And, it’s blue. Is this more likely to be the original paint or a possible repaint? Please note the paint in an obscure location on the tip of the bolt shank seen in pics. Thanks again all.

 

[Shiftless]

Looks like the color used on those back in the day. Nice find!

 

[schzx14]

Looks like the color used on those back in the day. Nice find!

Thank you!

 

[SweetD]

Welcome to the "Super Nice Vintage Craftsman Vise Club", and to the forum. Plus, you're 8 years older than me and just getting into the vise world, so thanks for making me feel young!

Seriously though, really nice vise that will clean up well. I have it's older cousin, the C-Man 5187 made by Reed circa 1942. Great price you paid.

Keep us informed on your progress!

 

[Jayman17]

Nice score on that vise, those jaw serrations look untouched! I never see those in my area.
Congrats.

Jay

 

[schzx14]

Welcome to the "Super Nice Vintage Craftsman Vise Club", and to the forum. Plus, you're 8 years older than me and just getting into the vise world, so thanks for making me feel young!

Seriously though, really nice vise that will clean up well. I have it's older cousin, the C-Man 5187 made by Reed circa 1942. Great price you paid.

Keep us informed on your progress!

Thanks SweetD. Would love to see a pic of yours please. And yeah, I do what I can for all my friends who are younger than I am. Sigh.

 

[schzx14]

Nice score on that vise, those jaw serrations look untouched! I never see those in my area.
Congrats.

Jay

Thanks Jay. I thought they looked really nice as well.

 

[schzx14]

Here’s my result. I’ll try to polish up that screw end and handle better in time. Right now I just want to rearrange my bench and bolt this puppy down for use! It looks good to my kids so it’s good enough for me. Haha. Thanks to all of you for the info and nice words.