Is this craftsman vise made in USA?

[chrischew]

Pretty straight forward this popped up for sale near me for $25. Just wanted to know if this was worth picking up and where it was made.

 

[DHS]

American, if you don't have a vise it would serve you well for a fair price. I personally would pass but I have 3 Columbians, 2 craftsman (one like above), 1 Parker, and 1 Dunlap. I just found a 4.5" Columbian for $55 at a local tool shop that I may go and get. I have a soft spot for Columbian vises.

 

[chrischew]

I currently don't have a vise and have been looking quite a bit. This is the first one to pop up in my area in about 2 months.

 

[dirtydogintex]

yes it's a whole lot better than nothing.... actually a pretty good vise (esp as a no. 2 vise)
except
they'll rotate pretty easily - the lock doesn't really lock up solid
and
the handles bend real easy as shown in the pic.

neither is a show stopper.


coo? mainly US and some in Japan iirc.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

yes it's a whole lot better than nothing.... actually a pretty good vise (esp as a no. 2 vise)
except
they'll rotate pretty easily - the lock doesn't really lock up solid
and
the handles bend real easy as shown in the pic.

This^. I'm quite certain that one is older and USA. Mines been through hell and back...from when I was young and would abuse it. They're tough enough. I'd get it for 18/20 bucks, and have some fun restoring it. Paint it how you want...It will be good times and you'll enjoy it.

 

[dumper]

thats a 4" probably made by Columbian. You can tell who made it by the 3 number prefix of the catalog number stamped on the other side of the vise (which also may be stamped, made in USA). I have the 3-1/2" and 5" version of that vise, and they both work great. Check to see if the jaws are in good condition, and that there are no cracks anywhere, especially the rotating base. Parts, if they are still available, are very expensive. IF it checks out okay, see if he will take a bit less, maybe $15-$20, as it looks a bit rough, but will clean up with a little work.

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

If it's USA, it'll say it on the side. They made the same style in Japan, those are marked JAPAN on the bottom of the swivel base.

 

[bobcatdan]

If it's USA, it'll say it on the side. They made the same style in Japan, those are marked JAPAN on the bottom of the swivel base.

This^

 

[dirtydogintex]

Be careful when clamping things approaching mid to max jaw opening
to not put large down or rotational forces on the dynamic jaw
(like from a 5' wrecking bar or 20lb hammer)
because the slide will bend.

This is prolly true for all sub-super tanker anchor sized vises
esp those with fabricated sheet metal/non-cast slides like this Columbian.
~~~~~~~
I bent the slide of my 1st purchased vise - a brand new, in the box,
delivered to the local full service Sears store catalog dept
early 70's 4" red Craftsman branded, made in the U.S.A. marked Columbian vise similar to the pic.

That's when I learned all Craftsman non-electric tools do NOT have a lifetime warranty - the vise wasn't even two years old!!

I've bent several more slides since - including a Wilton or two.

stuff and really stoopid stuff happens....

 

[maddawg1952]

I had one of those in a 5" jaw size on the back of a welding truck for several years, they're ok if you don't twist the snot out of it with a cheater. Rule#1 for tools... you get what you pay for!

 

[1982fxr]

just restored one like that. As said, it will likely say Japan on the swivel base. Decent little vise. Don't abuse it. Can easily be cleaned up if you have a bench grinder and wire wheel...