I found an old vise of my uncles that I would like to restore. on the vise it has "Torco" made by Wilton Chicago USA. The only other markings on it are "ST 40" and "MF 40". I would like to find replacement jaws since the serrations on them are quite worn. The jaw size is 4 *@#$x 3/4 x 1/4 serrated and held on by one screw in the middle of the jaw. It also has a pipe jaw which I would like to replace . I have no idea what model it is which makes hard for me to search. I'm not even sure what model this vise is. Any insight would be appreciated.
Old Torco vise
- Thread starter Rswitzer
- Start date
The Torco Wilton was made in 1947-1957 approx. There are a couple members in this forum that may have jaws for you. First member (autopts) who deals in oem Wilton parts. Both new and old. Second member (kmscott)who is a hell of a machinest that can pretty much make any vise part known to man. Contact either of these members and youll get setup. Both members are very reliable and trustworthy.
413dan
Well-known member
great info bcom.
I was curious about new jaws for an old colombian vice I got from my grandfather. partly why I clicked on this thread. might have to contact kmscott. thank you sir.
and nice find op, gotta keep those old sentimental tools working!
Member (autopts) may have some NOS jaws for you since i believe he has some columbian parts as well or im sure (kmscott) can make you a set.
413dan
Well-known member
thanks for the tip. I'll have to figure out exactly what model mine is, I have it written down or ccan just go look at the thing. but new jaws would be killer! appreciate the tip
It is considered a mechanics/shop vise.Yours says chicago on it and not schiller park so it is one of the earlier ones.Usually when you see these,the pipe jaws are missing. Surprised you still have yours
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from a post by Autopts in this old GJ thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79204
I don't know that your vise jaws are particularly worn; I believe they were not deeply serrated when new. You may be surprised at how well the jaws and pipe jaws will clean up. You will likely be surprised at how much replacements (if available at all) would cost.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79204
I don't know that your vise jaws are particularly worn; I believe they were not deeply serrated when new. You may be surprised at how well the jaws and pipe jaws will clean up. You will likely be surprised at how much replacements (if available at all) would cost.
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This vise has peeked my interest for some reason. Does anyone of any instructions that exist on taking this apart. I want to clean it all up and repaint it. Does anyone know perhaps what the original color would have been? Any suggestions on any of this (I am a novice, for sure), would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance
That vise looks to be in great shape under all that crust. I'd suggest just cleaning up the pipe jaws and filing new serrations instead of trying to replace them. The jaws actually don't look worn either, they're just not a very aggressive cut. Unless there's some damage not shown in the pictures you actually have a real gem there. As for color, hell man take your pick and run with it. Hammer tones in my opinion seem to look the best regardless of color choice.
fatfillup
Well-known member
I stripped the paint off, cleaned and repainted with Rustoleum hammered gray and silver. I decide to keep the serrated jaws. All I need to find now is a swivel base for it. Unfortunately it wasn't with the vise and I haven't been able to locate one yet. If anyone knows of a base for sale, let me know.
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KMJ Const.
New member
Hello;
I'm new here. Don't know if I'm posting this correctly.
I have a TORCO Wilton Vise I want to restore. I need jaws and I can not figure out how Jack Screw is attached to Moveable Jaws. Can anyone Help?
Thank You
I'm new here. Don't know if I'm posting this correctly.
I have a TORCO Wilton Vise I want to restore. I need jaws and I can not figure out how Jack Screw is attached to Moveable Jaws. Can anyone Help?
Thank You
BreeStephany
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Thanks to everyone for the useful information! It is greatly appreciated!
A couple of months ago, I was gifted a 4" Torco / Wilton vise that had been in my grandfather's shop for as long as I can remember. I wanted to bring it back to its 'original' glory, so I stripped it down, polished it up and sent it off to the powder coaters.
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Its missing one of its pipe jaws and the flat jaws have definitely seen better days, so I will definitely be contacting autopts and kmscott to see if they can source me new jaws.
A couple of months ago, I was gifted a 4" Torco / Wilton vise that had been in my grandfather's shop for as long as I can remember. I wanted to bring it back to its 'original' glory, so I stripped it down, polished it up and sent it off to the powder coaters.
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Its missing one of its pipe jaws and the flat jaws have definitely seen better days, so I will definitely be contacting autopts and kmscott to see if they can source me new jaws.
I guess I’m joining the torco club. Mine wasn’t cast in Chicago though. So as far as I’ve been able to find out the earliest it could have been made was 1957. I can’t find any date stamp on it. Does anyone know how long these were in production for? Thanks I’m advance
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Fierljeppen
Well-known member
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- Jan 26, 2018
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(1947-1967)
These are the earliest and latest dates of a Torco vise I have, shown in an advertisement and Wilton price list.
Thanks!
Blackstripe
New member
I have a 4 inch Torco vice that I picked up years ago and it’s works perfectly. Does anyone know where I can get the screws that hold the jaws on. Mine says ST 40 and MF 40 and the jaws are held in place with two screws each. My screws are mostly stripped. I would be interested in the pipe jaws too.
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BreeStephany
ALLIANCE MEMBER
If the threads on the vise are still in good condition, I would take your screws into a fastener store (Copper State, Fastenal, etc.) and I'm sure they would be more than happy to help you find new replacements. If the threads on the vise are stripped, I would drill, tap & helicoil them and use new screws matched to the helicoil saw.
Just my two cents.
wengerdj17
New member
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- Mar 23, 2024
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- 1
I have and old Torco Vise ST40/MF40 that I need new jaws for. Any help is appreciated. Also, can pipe jaws be added? It appears they have a place to install them. Thanks again!
fishwatcher
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- Jan 26, 2023
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I know this is an older post, but I have the same exact thing going on. One of the screw holes is stripped, the other is fine, but the screws that came with the vise don’t look stock. In fact they look like wood screws that have been cut to fit. When I tighten the screw, the action is smooth. Opening the vise, the action is a little rough against the wood screws.
My take on the vise is the tolerance is pretty good, even though this is a hone utility grade or light mechanics vise at best.
If I drill out holes and tap them, it’d be the first time for me. Do I need to install helicoils? I’m measuring approx 10-32 x 5/8”.
My take on the vise is the tolerance is pretty good, even though this is a hone utility grade or light mechanics vise at best.
If I drill out holes and tap them, it’d be the first time for me. Do I need to install helicoils? I’m measuring approx 10-32 x 5/8”.
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RTM
Well-known member
Trivial point, I think those are sheet metal screw, but it makes me think that maybe the holes were never tapped, maybe there was a pin thru there.
This picture from above makes it look like the protrusion left of the cheek is a rivet or pin. Also, if there is a notch in that exposed part of the main screw that is shown pulled out, the pin may sit there. Guessing this guy had a sheared pin. Follow the quote to get to a picture you can blow up.
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fishwatcher
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I agree. I’ve seen a variety of screw collar fasteners for Torcos posted online. Some smooth, in a couple of shapes, and various screw heads.Trivial point, I think those are sheet metal screw, but it makes me think that maybe the holes were never tapped, maybe there was a pin thru there.
This picture from above makes it look like the protrusion left of the cheek is a rivet or pin. Also, if there is a notch in that part pulled out, the pin may sit there. Guessing this guy had a sheared pin.
I may visit a hardware store and see what might fit. I have a couple of 3/16 pins, and they were too big.
RTM
Well-known member
Roll pins, or spring pins in some areas, would be a quick fit if not perfect OD. Since the pin only works on opening, not a major stress point.
fishwatcher
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fishwatcher
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I went with set screws and they look good. It also runs pretty smooth, not perfectly smooth but acceptable. I’ll chuck them in a drill and make the ends smoother to further improve the opening action.
Late breaking info suggested the use of dowel point or dog point set screws with smooth ends that might be better. However, these are expensive to buy just a few and I ordered these a few days ago.
The #21 drill bit that came with my tap and drill combo kit slid into the existing hole easily. Then, a 10-32 tap made quick work of creating threads. (Ignore the 1/4” tap in the picture, that’s for another one vise).
Now.. as time permits.. I’ll clean up, prime and paint this vise.
Late breaking info suggested the use of dowel point or dog point set screws with smooth ends that might be better. However, these are expensive to buy just a few and I ordered these a few days ago.
The #21 drill bit that came with my tap and drill combo kit slid into the existing hole easily. Then, a 10-32 tap made quick work of creating threads. (Ignore the 1/4” tap in the picture, that’s for another one vise).
Now.. as time permits.. I’ll clean up, prime and paint this vise.