Old bench vise information please

[AirbusFlieger]

Hi, noob here looking for information about this bench vise I saved from the local landfill metal scrap heap.

It was covered in grime and looked like a fun restoration project.

I gave it a quick wash in the kitchen sink with dish soap and warm water to discover it functions perfectly and has much of its original finish!

Now, I'm not sure if I will ruin whatever value with a refurb so leave it or perform a refurbishment.

 

[larry_g]

Not a lot of monetary value there so do as you will. That is a good usable vise for light weight use. I have a few vises mounted in my shop and one similar to that gets a lot more use than some of the bigger hi-value vises.

lg

 

[paulsomlo]

What does a "refurbishment" entail? Like Larry said, that vise is not worth a whole lot - just clean it up and use it.

 

[Shiftless]

If it matters to you, look for markings somewhere that might confirm my suspicion that your vise was made in England.

As others have already said, I doubt that you could find a buyer to pay you much money for that vise either as is or “refurbished” whatever that entails. If you would get some satisfaction seeing that vise with a polished handle and a shiny new paint job in your favorite color or color to match your toolbox or whatever, go ahead and spend the time getting that done.
If it was me and I just needed a light duty vise on my workbench, I would just lube that one up, bolt it down, and go to work.

Having a vise that you salvaged from a scrap pile makes for a great story to tell your buddies who hang around in your shop. I have this one that I pulled out of a dumpster in front of a neighbor’s house when it was being cleaned up for sale. Here it is after I brushed off the loose dirt and rust.

 

[AirbusFlieger]

What does a "refurbishment" entail? Like Larry said, that vise is not worth a whole lot - just clean it up and use it.

Take it apart and restore.

It's not about money, I really like it and will use it.

But since it's not worth much now the decision deep clean, lube, and use vs restoration is really tough!

 

[AirbusFlieger]

If it matters to you, look for markings somewhere that might confirm my suspicion that your vise was made in England.

As others have already said, I doubt that you could find a buyer to pay you much money for that vise either as is or “refurbished” whatever that entails. If you would get some satisfaction seeing that vise with a polished handle and a shiny new paint job in your favorite color or color to match your toolbox or whatever, go ahead and spend the time getting that done.
If it was me and I just needed a light duty vise on my workbench, I would just lube that one up, bolt it down, and go to work.

Having a vise that you salvaged from a scrap pile makes for a great story to tell your buddies who hang around in your shop. I have this one that I pulled out of a dumpster in front of a neighbor’s house when it was being cleaned up for sale. Here it is after I brushed off the loose dirt and rust.

I could go either way.. looks like it's not "valuable" so restoring/repainting would not cause harm.

Sounds like it's a matter of aesthetics at this point.

What markings would I be looking for? I'd love to know the story/history behind this vise.

 

[ChefRex]

Looks to be a decent light duty vice, put it to work.

 

[Shiftless]

What markings would I be looking for? I'd love to know the story/history behind this vise.

I assume there is nothing obvious or you wouldn’t be asking. I have a collection of vises and one of them, a Woden, is marked “Made in England”.
There might be a mark on the underside of the swivel base. Sometimes it’s a symbol rather than words.

 

[jreb10]

Those V markings and "Eclipse" have in the past been associated with Milwaukee Tool and Equipment for these exposed screw utility vises. The information in the Vise spreadsheet for this line of vises is thin, though.

 

[Shiftless]

Those V markings and "Eclipse" have in the past been associated with Milwaukee Tool and Equipment for these exposed screw utility vises. The information in the Vise spreadsheet for this line of vises is thin, though.

That is true.
By the way, what kind of guy uses a picture of a vise for his avatar?