Did I crack the (Vise) code?

[Outlawmws]

In another thread I noted the Columbian C43 had a 3" wide jaw. OK common knowledge that many vise model No's use the last digit for the jaw width.

Since I had one, I opened it up and, 4" max opening 4 and 3, 43! (Click!)

My Parker 974 is right there: 4" jaws, 7" opening! (74)

I also have a Parker 974 1/2 74 1/2, 7" opening, 4-1/2" jaws!

A Reed 403 is sitting nearby: 4" opening 3" jaws! (Skip the 0...)


A Columbian No. 63 Red Arrow.. Nah 3" jaw sure enough, but only 4" opened...

Well how 'bout it Vise collectors? How many vises do follow this possible code?

 

[Catalyze]

Outlaw - I love you like a Union Brother.....but I may have some bad news for you. For a lot of the makers, you have the right idea on the last digit being the jaw width. Let's take a look at Parker to show you how funny they numbered things.

800 series of vises made after 1930 until about 1940
804 - 4" jaw 7" opening Stationary base
824 - 4" jaw 7" opening Swivel Base

Then came the popular 900 series from about 1940 on
954 - 4" jaw 7" opening Stationary base
974 - 4" jaw 7" opening Swivel base

On Reeds the 100 series were stationary and the 200 series were swivel bases. The 400 series were swivel jaw and swivel base. That all changed later when Reed made 100 series vises with swivel bases and added an "S" at the end. So an old 104 was a 4" jaw solid base but later you had a 104-S which was a swivel base item. It's crazy to be sure. Keep on watching those numbers...they are fun.
Craig

 

[autopts]

Outlaw - I love you like a Union Brother.....but I may have some bad news for you. For a lot of the makers, you have the right idea on the last digit being the jaw width. Let's take a look at Parker to show you how funny they numbered things.


Craig

When is your book going to be released?

 

[TreePointer]

A Reed 403 is sitting nearby: 4" opening 3" jaws! (Skip the 0...)

I thought Reed model codes are as follows:

104: 1 = stationary, 4" jaws
204: 2 = swivel base, 4" jaws
404: 4 = swivel base w/swivel jaw, 4" jaws

But does anyone know what "R" means in some Reed models? Example: Reed 105R is stationary with a 5" jaw, but so is a Reed 105. Hmmm....

 

[Rico.]

I thought Reed model codes are as follows:

104: 1 = stationary, 4" jaws
204: 2 = swivel base, 4" jaws
404: 4 = swivel base w/swivel jaw, 4" jaws

But does anyone know what "R" means in some Reed models? Example: Reed 105R is stationary with a 5" jaw, but so is a Reed 105. Hmmm....

It probably stands for something as boring as "Revised" or "Reworked" if it's a model
that just had a minor production modification.... Could mean "Red" if they made them
with different colours.... Ahhhh... The mysteries of model numbers....

 

[Outlawmws]

Yeah I knew it couldn't be that simple. but with a tiny sample to pull from, it was as good a guess as any.

 

[Catalyze]

Funny quote of the day: Outlaw saying tiny sample......he has more vises than Las Vegas. Cancel that.....I mean vices.
Craig

 

[TreePointer]

Funny quote of the day: Outlaw saying tiny sample......he has more vises than Las Vegas. Cancel that.....I mean vices.
Craig

Hey, now! What happens in Outlaw's garage, stays in Outlaw's garage.

 

[Outlawmws]

Funny quote of the day: Outlaw saying tiny sample......he has more vises than Las Vegas. Cancel that.....I mean vices.
Craig

Yeah, but those vices only involve tools...

Hey, now! What happens in Outlaw's garage, stays in Outlaw's garage.