Everything you need to know about bench vises...

[motoretro]

MOTO: is the one side of the vise you posted empty/blank like it looks or are my old eyes missing something?

more pictures would be great and even if it's not a Jet or Morgan or Milwaukee it looks like a well made vise.

SO while you are taking a few more pictures can you measure the jaw width cause your costs to buy would be different if it's a 4 inch wide jaw and a 5 or 6 inch jaw.

good luck!!

Your eyes are good, it's blank, a bit odd. If you look carefully you can see the dark blue I mentioned at the bottom half of the front jaw. I don't remember Jet using that dark of blue during the late 70's or 80's. The Star I mentioned is on the right side looking from the business end of the vice. I have not made it over to take more pics yet.

 

[motoretro]

Here's another pic with info; The star is in the Star of David style with the letter N in the center,to the left is the number 140, under the vice is raised letters Japan. Any suggestions?
Thanks.

 

[drivesitfar]

MOTO: i'm still pretty sure it's a JET brand vise and the 140 is milimeters of jaw width that I think is 5.5 which makes it a pretty decent size vise. Japan turned out some pretty decent vises cause they do know how to make steel and from what i've seen of Jet vises they all were holding up pretty decently.

your call on whether $125 is a decent deal cause as you might have heard I don't need a vise, but I know if it was $75 i'd probably buy it and set it on a shelf just because if that helps you. i'd say it's worth a bit more than $125, but $100 sure would sound good if that deal could be made and I needed a good vise. I don't usually do pricing, but since you are local to me maybe one day i'll ask you about something I don't have a clue about. if you decide you'd rather have a good old made in USA vise i'm sure i probably have something so just ask and i'll take a looksee.

good luck!!

 

[motoretro]

MOTO: i'm still pretty sure it's a JET brand vise and the 140 is milimeters of jaw width that I think is 5.5 which makes it a pretty decent size vise. Japan turned out some pretty decent vises cause they do know how to make steel and from what i've seen of Jet vises they all were holding up pretty decently.

your call on whether $125 is a decent deal cause as you might have heard I don't need a vise, but I know if it was $75 i'd probably buy it and set it on a shelf just because if that helps you. i'd say it's worth a bit more than $125, but $100 sure would sound good if that deal could be made and I needed a good vise. I don't usually do pricing, but since you are local to me maybe one day i'll ask you about something I don't have a clue about. if you decide you'd rather have a good old made in USA vise i'm sure i probably have something so just ask and i'll take a looksee.

good luck!!

Thanks for the info, I think you're correct about it being a Jet. I'm not sure if the price is firm or not, it's sitting at a little antique store who just opened this summer. My old Craftsman Swivel vice is getting tired(41 years old) and it's considerably smaller than the Jet?. I think I'll make a offer though and see where it goes. BTW, I noticed the additional holes on the swivel part of the vice, can the lock-down bar be transferred to another location? This has been a item of frustration on my Craftsman in the past, this would add some encouragement to the deal.
Thanks.

 

[drivesitfar]

Moto: there are 3 holes in the base of that vises static jaw cause that’s a European design where you eliminate the swivel base which will really help with your vise being solid. Make a stand for it and remove swivel and you’ll have 360 access and a great vise.

 

[1982fxr]

Big box store junk is $79.99+ tax do I'd say $125 for that isn't bad at all.

 

[motoretro]

Big box store junk is $79.99+ tax do I'd say $125 for that isn't bad at all.

Well said, I'm going to make a offer on Friday

 

[wlai]

How are Columbia vises in general? I seem to see a lot of them in my area.

 

[drivesitfar]

Wlai: as a rule Columbian vises are pretty decent. the ones made prior to WWII were made a bit better than today's vises in my opinion, but the company has been in business for over a 100 years.

I think they were one of the first american vise companies to make their vises in Taiwan and Japan and those seem to be ok vises too. they also have a cheaper line and a decent and quality line of vises so just cause the name is the same on all doesn't mean the quality is.

can you post up model #'s or good pictures if you want more help or have more questions? also if can find an old Reed, Rock Island or some other brand that i like better let me know which one you like best.

good luck

 

[wlai]

Thanks! I don't know if this is "vintage" as the seller says, 40#, asking $85. Decent?

 

[drivesitfar]

Wlai: it looks like you've been a member for 10 years and have less than 10 posts which is ok cause you've probably been reading and didn't think you have much to say. there are a lot of members that have more than a few vises like myself sitting on a shelf collecting dust that might need the rust or dirt and grime wiped off that they'd sell for that much that are a lot nicer and better quality.

can you go in your GJ user profile and put in the area or city/state where you live and maybe I could help you find a better vise cause that one isn't all that great and in my area where old vises are selling for quite a bit I could probably find that one for $40-50, but I still wouldn't buy it cause i'd rather spend $100-150 and get something much better. that said i own more than a few vises and I particularly like the ones made prior to WWII.

also while you are in your profile click on Avatar and download one of your favorite pictures that will show up under your name like my bison does that is made out of scraps. i used to have this as my avatar.

if you lived close to me I'd sell you this old simplex vise for $85 that I think is 10 times the vise you are looking at and it just needs some cleaning and grease. or this old columbian that was sitting on this bench.

 

[wlai]

if you lived close to me I'd sell you this old simplex vise for $85 that I think is 10 times the vise you are looking at and it just needs some cleaning and grease. or this old columbian that was sitting on this bench.

I'm near Seattle, so may be close enough? I would enjoy doing a bit of restoration actually. I'll PM you.

 

[bowtie0069]

Does anyone know the date of my Parker 674 1/2 C? I'm pretty sure it must be a newer model from seeing photos of the older ones.
I assume the 'C' is a revision to the original 674?
It's painted with Rustoleum gloss black brushed on because that's what I had on the shelf. Other than the hammer marks on the handle, it is in excellent shape; the jaws have very little wear; it works smooth as butter!

 

[Outlawmws]

BT, that is a fairly rare vise. certainly no newer IMO than first half of the 1900's.

It's a "Filers vise", hence the steeply angled jaws, (for clearance)

Great find, and nice restore!

And Welcome to GJ!

 

[drivesitfar]

Bow: i'm far from a Parker expert cause I rarely find Parker vises in that nice of condition up here in the PNW.

Welcome to GJ and great find. did you restore it?

here's a thread you'll probably get an answer if you post it there:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44782

also just curious since it looks like this is your first post a lot of members ask me how to post pictures what method did you use? i've heard you might need 5 posts to be able to post pictures so are you using Imgur or do tell?

is this your only vise and are you planning on keeping it or trying to get more information so you can find a buyer and maybe fix up another one?

 

[coleman10]

Hey, guys. I think I asked this years ago, but I can’t find the post or response. I have a Columbian D45 M3 vise that I got from my dad and restored. The D45 is the width of the jaws, correct? Mine are 5”. What does the M3 mean? Is it the width is the anvil?

Thanks.

 

[Outlawmws]

Pics? I cant remember if the Athol main swivel bolt had a set screw to anchor it, but that may have been the issue?

 

[Codeman317]

https://flic.kr/s/aHsmQC5G3z

There was no set screw. Other guys have said this one is toast and I guess it is what it is, but now I need to figure out how to replace it.

 

[RTM]

Hey, guys. I think I asked this years ago, but I can’t find the post or response. I have a Columbian D45 M3 vise that I got from my dad and restored. The D45 is the width of the jaws, correct? Mine are 5”. What does the M3 mean? Is it the width is the anvil?

Thanks.

Seems like the M is a revision number, I have a something M3, only a touch different from an M2

 

[Outlawmws]

It's just a model number

 

[TailGunner3000]

BT, that is a fairly rare vise. certainly no newer IMO than first half of the 1900's.

It's a "Filers vise", hence the steeply angled jaws, (for clearance)

That's actually a coachmakers vise. A filers vise has similar jaws, but not as tall and they are serrated. The coachmakers vise has smooth jaws.

 

[indiomonk]

Brought this home yesterday It came with a workbench. I tried searching for Acme Tool Heavy Duty Vise but not really getting any info. It has a big 5 on the side. Does anyone have this vise? I am wondering if it is made in the USA. I don't think it is since it looks fairly new... maybe 1990s ? Thanks!

 

[Outlawmws]

Monk, it's certain to be an Asian made vise. The Big 5 and chrome are dead giveaways.

 

[indiomonk]

Thanks Outlaw! I was guessing that was the case.

 

[GalaxyRat]

NY: post up a few pictures and really the only way to date those Craftsman vises is by changes in designs in their catalogs. some of Sears vises stayed the same without any changes for years so you'd have a range of years it could be.

if it's an old Rock Island made Craftsman vise like this one which i don't think it is Rock Island stamped the back of their slides.

not very many vise companies stamp dated their vises.

I just picked up your swivel-base cousin, the 5212. Traded it for 2 boxes of cheap 9mm ammo.

It was in decent shape, albeit used around a welder. These were clones of the Rock Island No. 73 (swivel) and No. 93 (stationary) vise. Weights are similar, with mine coming in at 55.2lbs. Catalogues show 58lbs and 54lbs. Mine is stamped with "129" on the underside of the sliding jaw and body. Mine has "1933" stamped on the slide. As well as an "X" on the side of the sliding jaw, which I have seen on Rock Island vises of the same era.

The catalogues are from 1932-1933 for the Craftsman and 1929 for the Rock Island.

Sent from my SM-G973U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Ftrpilot]

Hello All,
I'm a newbie to the site (well a 70year old newbie). A couple years ago I needed a vise for my garage shop and bought a vise off Craigslist. All I knew is it was old and heavy!
I've been using it since. Okay, I started looking at it and found the following facts. It's a bullet vise, it's a Colombian vise that rotates on its base and also rotates horizonally.with a degree marker, It has no date on it and I cannot find it listed in any catalog. Those facts suggest it's a pretty rare piece. Any vise guru/expert input would be appreciated. It looks very much like a Wilton bullet vise with the exception that it has no end-cap similar to the Wilton bullet. The operation is as smooth as a babies bottom. (in all axis)
Thx

 

[drivesitfar]

FTR: first off welcome to GARAGE JOURNAL!! yep you are not a spring chicken, but sounds like you've got a lot of life left in you.

i'm not so sure you have a super rare or valuable vise, but would love a picture or two. if you have some pics downloaded to your laptop or phone just click on the paperclip above where you are writing your posts and you should be able to download up to 7 per post.

or since you are a new member you might need 5 or 10 posts before the forum rules allow you to download pictures, but give my method a try.

also there are more than a few old vise and tool lovers here so you should be in the right spot to show off your tools and learn a little maybe too if you'd like to.

 

[steaks&anvils]

Welcome to GJ.

Try posting on the mongo vise thread, more GJ members follow that thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44782

 

[348guy]

I just picked up your swivel-base cousin, the 5212. Traded it for 2 boxes of cheap 9mm ammo.

It was in decent shape, albeit used around a welder. These were clones of the Rock Island No. 73 (swivel) and No. 93 (stationary) vise. Weights are similar, with mine coming in at 55.2lbs. Catalogues show 58lbs and 54lbs. Mine is stamped with "129" on the underside of the sliding jaw and body. Mine has "1933" stamped on the slide. As well as an "X" on the side of the sliding jaw, which I have seen on Rock Island vises of the same era.

The catalogues are from 1932-1933 for the Craftsman and 1929 for the Rock Island.

Sent from my SM-G973U using The Garage Journal mobile app

Interesting that $7.65 in 1933 would be worth $155 today. [emoji848]

Sent from my XT1635-01 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[rob1964]

Does anyone know what brand of vise simply puts a number on the side with no name? I have seen both 100 and 150 on the side of a vise with no other identifying marks. Any ideas??

 

[tool_scrounge]

Does anyone know what brand of vise simply puts a number on the side with no name? I have seen both 100 and 150 on the side of a vise with no other identifying marks. Any ideas??

Generic made in China vises. That is the jaw width in millimeters.

 

[drivesitfar]

Rob: not all vises with 100 or 150 on their sides are or were made in China cause there are nice European vices that have those numbers. Pics will help us help you if you can post a few up. Just and FYI 150 is about 6 inch and I think 100 is 4.5

 

[justintendo]

100mm is about 3 15/16", where 150mm is about 5 13/16"

 

[Mymechanics]

I picked this up the other day. Really interesting, wish I could find out more about it.

 

[Syd]

Anyone ever hear of a Maxitt bench vise? I just picked it up from a garage sale for $15. Lady was selling off all her estranged uncles stuff. I bought a ton of really good misc tools you'd all be so proud.

5" Swivel, Jaw Width is 5"; 3 bolt base, weighs close to 50 pounds Other than cast "maxitt" on the static side and "5" on the dynamic jaw side there isn't any other stamp.

Took it apart and cleaned it up, greased the spline gear. good action.

I have a Maxitt 4 but mine has a broken spindle nut. I’ve been trying to figure out how to replace it but no luck yet. Was wondering who makes this Vice. Let me know if you find out any more about it.

 

[drivesitfar]

Myme: this old thread doesn’t get many views so post up your vise and questions over on the huge vise thread in general tools and maybe they know something. I know a lot of schools used to have their students make vises and a lot were similar to Wilton bullets.

Syd: I’ve never heard of that name but maybe posting pics and your questions over on the big vise thread might help you too.