Craftsman 5198 vise restore

[econotrk]

When I decided it was time to find a more suitable vise to replace my tired old Dunlap, I kept my eye on Clist trying to find an older and larger one that would handle some heavier work. What I found and brought home was a Charles Parker 974.

Not knowing anything about the Charles Parker vise I had just purchased, I started searching the internet, which led me to the GJ vise thread, which fueled my desire for more vises, which led me to believe that one of the vises I NEEDED was a Craftsman vise from the 51xx series.

For those of you who haven't visited the vise thread, there is quite a following for this particular series of Craftsman vise. All the sizes of the 51xx series had been found with only the largest one, a 107lb. 5" jaw clamper that still remained to be located.

The first one was located on the West Coast and is owned by BigCaddy, this is the second known 5198 which I found in Western Pa. early this year. My plan is to turn it to back into a useful functioning tool.

Here's a couple pics, in the dirt was the Clist picture, one at the pickup in the back of my van, beside a smaller Prentiss, and a view of the jaws.

 

[JeremyBurke]

I am looking forward to seeing how this one comes out. I have subscribed.

One quick question can you read the date stamp on the slide by chance?

 

[jrobb316]

I like it. Its on my short list of vises I wouldn't part with, ever.

 

[econotrk]

One quick question can you read the date stamp on the slide by chance?

Sure can Jeremy, it's stamped 3-54.

 

[drivesitfar]

Econ: i'm in my recliner and getting ready to make some buttered popcorn and enjoy the 5198 show so bring it on. it looks like it wasn't abuse and barely used so spiffing might not include rebuilding it like some vises need to be. still it does take time so take lots of pictures and post when you can.

again congrats on your purchase of a really great vise.

 

[econotrk]

I had initially hoped to get away with keeping the original paint, but on closer examination (After hosing the mud off) I found that not enough was left to salvage.

On that account after disassembly, the first order of business was to remove the Craftsman badge. The badge is held on with 2 drive screws, one a blind hole, and another thankfulley drilled through which allowed me to tap it out from inside the body. With one end of the badge free, I was able to get behind it and slide a couple of tools I made out of hacksaw blades to slowly lift the other drive screw. The first tool has a bevelled edge to lift the screw slightly, the second tool I made like a pickle fork that I tapped underneath the bevelled tool when it was in place. Being very careful the badge came off with no damage.

Time now for the parts washer to remove the grease in preparation for the sponge tank.

 

[JeremyBurke]

Thanks for the detail on removing the badge I am just getting started on my 5196 and was wondering how I would do that.



Sadly I think I am going to have to replace it as it is badly faded.

 

[econotrk]

Thanks for the detail on removing the badge I am just getting started on my 5196 and was wondering how I would do that.



Sadly I think I am going to have to replace it as it is badly faded.

Nice looking 5196 Jeremy. I know you were on the hunt for a particular date, is this the one?

Good luck getting your badge off, I fiddled with mine for a couple days walking away when I got frustrated. Used a lot of PB Blaster letting it soak and just kept tapping. I had it lifted but couldn't get it to come out. When I made the pickle fork the drive screw lifted enough to get a hold of it.

 

[JeremyBurke]

No this one has a date of 5-48 so I haven't found the '56 I was looking for but I did find another little Rock Island from the right time frame so I may be goign with that one and updating this one for my own use. Since you can't save the original paint have you given any thought you what color and type you are going with?

 

[Smokeshow69]

Man this vise is gonna be nice! I am on the hunt for a nice old craftman vise but no luck yet.

 

[econotrk]

Since you can't save the original paint have you given any thought you what color and type you are going with?

It won't be red like BigCaddy's although I love them red. I'm thinking not flashy, more industrial, like it's here to do some work.

 

[fullthrottle24]

Nice looking 5196 Jeremy. I know you were on the hunt for a particular date, is this the one?

Good luck getting your badge off, I fiddled with mine for a couple days walking away when I got frustrated. Used a lot of PB Blaster letting it soak and just kept tapping. I had it lifted but couldn't get it to come out. When I made the pickle fork the drive screw lifted enough to get a hold of it.

The easiest way to get the badge off is to take a Dremel with cut off wheel and cut a slot in the drive rivets that hold it in place. Then simply back out the rivet with slotted screwdriver. Piece of cake.

 

[econotrk]

The easiest way to get the badge off is to take a Dremel with cut off wheel and cut a slot in the drive rivets that hold it in place. Then simply back out the rivet with slotted screwdriver. Piece of cake.

Thanks Fullthrottle, good point, and my usual method. I've twisted the head off at times and simply moved the badge a bit and drilled new holes. I was afraid if that happened I wouldn't have room to move the badge as it has a pretty small area for placement. But you're right, when it works it works really well.

Great avatar by the way, is it yours, and is there a thread on it somewhere?

Got the handle cleaned up, mostly wire wheel and a little emory cloth.

 

[Lu-Max]

Damn that ^ thing is huge, can you put a size reference (beer can or tape measure) next to it please?

 

[econotrk]

Damn that ^ thing is huge, can you put a size reference (beer can or tape measure) next to it please?

All I have right now is this pic of it in the jaws of a Charles Parker 974, a nice size vise itself. I'll get something later beside a familiar can. But yeah, it's pretty heavy and impressive to hold.

 

[Lu-Max]

I love that Sears put a taper and engraved the rings on that piece. They even made the end knobs look good. Pretty cool styling for a vise.

 

[drivesitfar]

Lu: the tapered ends on the handles are similar to Starrett vises hence some thinking that Starrett was the manufacturer of the 519x series vises. also the way the vise nut is held in place is more like a Starrett or possibly a Reed. the vise date stamp and jaws look like a Rock Island.

just saying it's a really cool vise and would be great to know who made them.

 

[econotrk]

Lu: the tapered ends on the handles are similar to Starrett vises hence some thinking that Starrett was the manufacturer of the 519x series vises. also the way the vise nut is held in place is more like a Starrett or possibly a Reed. the vise date stamp and jaws look like a Rock Island.

just saying it's a really cool vise and would be great to know who made them.

I'd love to have a definitive answer myself Drives.

The base is the first part out of the sponge tank. A mouse had packed it full of corn!

While it was cooking I took the time to clean all the small parts. Everything inside was coated with grease making it all rust free. The base lock I simply soaked in CLR, cleaned up real nice. Close up of the jaws speak to low usage.

 

[econotrk]

Damn that ^ thing is huge, can you put a size reference (beer can or tape measure) next to it please?

Lu-Max, here's a couple items everyone is familiar with, beer bottle and a spray bomb cap.

 

[econotrk]

Everything is out of the sponge tank, if you haven't tried electrolysis hopefully this will encourage you to. I'm hooked. Couple of before-after pics.

 

[zeet]

That vise is a great find and you're obviously treating it right! Kudos!

 

[econotrk]

Man this vise is gonna be nice! I am on the hunt for a nice old craftman vise but no luck yet.

Keep looking Smokeshow and good luck. I was fortunate and found this right out of the gate. Before I found the vise thread I wouldn't have paid it any attention.

That vise is a great find and you're obviously treating it right! Kudos!

Thanks zeet, trying to do it justice.

I love that Sears put a taper and engraved the rings on that piece. They even made the end knobs look good. Pretty cool styling for a vise.

Crazy to think that they tried to give it some character, imagine any company doing that today.

Did a bit of cleaning on the badge today, can't get too involved cuz I gotta do some grillin, and have a couple beers.

Thanks to all our Vets!

 

[econotrk]

Got everything painted, I've been bringing the parts outside to bake for the last couple days.

 

[drivesitfar]

Econ: i have a couple questions if you don't mind.

1) did you paint the removable jaws black or is that that patina of the steel?

2) can you post plenty of pictures and details how you put the Craftsman badge back on?

3) didn't you like the design these 519x series vises use to remove and replace the vise nut (spindle)?

last of all you are doing a great job on a fantastic vise and i for one am jealous and i own his little brothers.

 

[econotrk]

Econ: i have a couple questions if you don't mind.

1) did you paint the removable jaws black or is that that patina of the steel?

2) can you post plenty of pictures and details how you put the Craftsman badge back on?

3) didn't you like the design these 519x series vises use to remove and replace the vise nut (spindle)?

last of all you are doing a great job on a fantastic vise and i for one am jealous and i own his little brothers.

Thanks for the compliment Drives.

The jaws are not painted, I just left the patina as is after a bit of wire wheeling.

Sorry, didn't take pics of the badge installation. I simply reused the original drive screws by tapping them in with a ball peen and a drift punch. Was only a few seconds worth of work.

I like the method they used to secure the nut, thought it was a simple solution.

Do you know if any other manufacturers used the same method to secure their nut?

 

[McBrownie]

Econ,

I really like the industrial look of color and the light resto on the exposed metal. That is going to be an awesome tool for years to come. Whomever made those for Sears didn't only make two. Can't wait to see who finds the next one.

 

[drivesitfar]

Econ: post more pictures of your finished vise because as McB mentioned it's one of two known to us. i'm still wondering which vise company made these awesome vises.

ALL: so as you look at the vise nut holder on the Craftsman do you see anything that looks close on my Reed 1C?

WHO MADE THE CRAFTSMAN 519X SERIES VISES ?????????
1) so the date stamp on the back of the slide and replaceable jaws are a Rock Island vise company trademark and they built vises for Sears under the craftsman name.

2) the main handle's ends are very similar to Starrett's as is the revised vise nut (spindle) holder is something a machinist tool company might design.

3) the oil hole and vise design has the Reed look

4) not sure where Columbian became the vise maker of choice for the 519x's, but i'm sure they were capable of making all those modifications to a vise if they had the patents or rights too. They also made some of the less quality made vises that Sears sold under the Craftsman name during the years the 519x's were sold.

5) anybody want to make a firm assessment as to who made these Craftsman 519x series vises??

 

[jakemac]

5) anybody want to make a firm assessment as to who made these Craftsman 519x series vises??

I think it was the same guy who designed the Platypus.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jake: so GOD designed the Craftsman 519x series vises? that was my first thought, but then just wondering which company he had assigned to do the actual work.

Will we ever know?

 

[econotrk]

Econ,

I really like the industrial look of color and the light resto on the exposed metal. That is going to be an awesome tool for years to come. Whomever made those for Sears didn't only make two. Can't wait to see who finds the next one.

Glad you like the look McBrownie. I really like the way metal ages and try to keep the patina whenever possible.

 

[JeremyBurke]

Econ: I too would like to request more pictures. What you have shown is great, but I would like more please. I am working on a 5196 right now and more details on yours only helps me. Plus it is a great looking rare vise who doesn't like that.

 

[econotrk]

Thought I'd add these pics of the various numbers either stamped or cast into the parts with the hope it may help identify the manufacturer one day. Surely someone marked their vises in a similar fashion.

 

[econotrk]

Econ: I too would like to request more pictures. What you have shown is great, but I would like more please. I am working on a 5196 right now and more details on yours only helps me. Plus it is a great looking rare vise who doesn't like that.

What would you like pics of Jeremy? I'll try to get what you need, dry enough to put together today.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

mmmmm.... hop devil

I need to find one of these beasts, wow!

 

[econotrk]

mmmmm.... hop devil

I need to find one of these beasts, wow!

One of my go to favorites! While visiting my SIL in Downington we visited their brewpub, looks like it's not too far from you. Cool place, great beer, have you been there?

 

[JeremyBurke]

What would you like pics of Jeremy? I'll try to get what you need, dry enough to put together today.

Thank Econ. Mostly just finished pics of the tool from all the usual angles. And if you have close ups of the base and main screw and collar assembly. I would also love the details on the color you chose I am still trying to decide what color to paint mine.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

One of my go to favorites! While visiting my SIL in Downington we visited their brewpub, looks like it's not too far from you. Cool place, great beer, have you been there?

Not in years, the ex used to go to school 15 minutes from there, so for awhile we were there once or twice a month. Love their lager, up there with Yuengling and Brooklyn Brewing.

 

[econotrk]

Thank Econ. Mostly just finished pics of the tool from all the usual angles. And if you have close ups of the base and main screw and collar assembly. I would also love the details on the color you chose I am still trying to decide what color to paint mine.

Got it together, don't have a Balane stump but I do have a pallet of scrap wood handy. I didn't use any filler, do any repair work, filing of hacksaw marks, no repair work at all. Sure made things easy. Couple small marks in the jaw tops, and a couple marks in the anvil that I left.

Jeremy I will probably have the slide back out as there is a tight spot that I want to look at the screw for straightness. I'll definitely get pics when/if I do. I'm going to post a question on this over on the vise thread. If anyone has a suggestion I'm all ears.

The paint is Benjamin Moore Super Spec urethane alkyd gloss enamel. The color is Delta dark machinery grey, an older color Delta used (30's-40's) that I had mixed. I don't know if it shows right but it has a slight blueish cast to it. No primer, 2 coats applied with a brush.

I didn't paint the ledge on top behind the jaw, and the machined side (kinda half round looking part) behind the jaw sides. Originally they were painted but thought I'd like it bare. I also painted the rear of the slide as was original.

 

[Pardigital]

Great job!

 

[JeremyBurke]

Thanks for the details on the color. It looks awesome.