Old Vise, Worth It?

[funflyer]

I've seen this old vise sitting in an antique store for the last three years now and was hoping that someone would buy it just so I could stop thinking I want it but, every time I go back, there it is. They're asking $395 for it which isn't bad considering it's age and the shape it's in. What do you guys think? Worth it? Maybe offer less and see if they'll bite?

 

[FJ 432]

Not worth the asking price but a nice vise. Offer half. My .02.

 

[Rileysan]

Oh my ... that is a big boy! I think a 289 1/2 is a 6" (or bigger) vise. If in good condition, it's probably worth the asking price. Have you tried making an offer? See if they will bite on $200. You could always negotiate from there ...

Brian

 

[chrispyny]

Thats a rediculous price. Like others said, $200 tops. It's a simple holding device. Yes, its a charles parker (my favorite) and its a rare one and a big one at that, but ultimately, its still JUST a holding device.
Whos gonna pay $400 for it? And do what? Put it on a fancy pedestal under glass to ponder over? The sellers are nuts. $200 tops. Its been there that long and no one in their right minds will spend more than a couple hundred.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 to above . . . . over priced.

Start your negotiating at $150 . . . . .and let us know if you get. Good luck.

 

[thehorse13]

If I came across that, I would start at $100 fully expecting them to say no. I would go $150 tops if you really want it but be sure that there are no broken, welded or cracked parts before you shake on the deal.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

In my part of the country, I probably would not give more than $100 for it, if it had no cracks or weld repairs. I noticed it's missing a pipe jaw. Also the overall condition would take a lot of work to make it a $400 Vise. Yes it's a Parker, which is one of my favorite vices. However the rust, wear and tear on it concerns me.

 

[notlob]

Here's a catalog page that shows the Parker 289 1/2 to have 6" jaws and weigh 185 lbs (left column, 2nd from top). Note that the vise is described as a "Superior Combination Pipe Vise."

Ignoring for now the arguably high asking price, do you really need a huge pipe vise, especially one that's missing at least one of its pipe jaws? I'm not sure that would be a great vise for most folk's needs.

 

[Rileysan]

I am shocked at how many people are arguing that a (nearly) 200lb, 6" vise is only worth $100-$150. Where the hell do you people live that huge vintage vises are worth less than modern Chinese junk?

I can't speak to values in the SW US, but up here in the Pacific NW, the asking price is not unreasonable.

Brian

 

[Rileysan]

Here's a catalog page that shows the Parker 289 1/2 to have 6" jaws and weigh 185 lbs (left column, 2nd from top). Note that the vise is described as a "Superior Combination Pipe Vise."

Ignoring for now the arguably high asking price, do you really need a huge pipe vise, especially one that's missing at least one of its pipe jaws? I'm not sure that would be a great vise for most folk's needs.

The key word being "combination". This is a perfectly viable every day shop vise as-is

 

[thehorse13]

I am shocked at how many people are arguing that a (nearly) 200lb, 6" vise is only worth $100-$150. Where the hell do you people live that huge vintage vises are worth less than modern Chinese junk?

I can't speak to values in the SW US, but up here in the Pacific NW, the asking price is not unreasonable.

Brian

We've been over this before. lol.

Out here in farm country along the mid Atlantic, vises like that are all over the place. Geography does have a significant impact on pricing. I actually find that more fascinating than the vise itself.

 

[funflyer]

Thanks guys,

It is in a store that asks more than most others so I figured it might be overpriced, especially since it's been there for at least 3 years that I know of. I think I'll give them an offer of $150 next time I'm there and see how it goes. It is missing the pipe jaws(thanks notlob for the info) so they might be willing to come down.

 

[Rileysan]

We've been over this before. lol.

Out here in farm country along the mid Atlantic, vises like that are all over the place. Geography does have a significant impact on pricing. I actually find that more fascinating than the vise itself.

IIRC, the Michigan guys find 4" & 5" vises strewn about the countryside like fast food wrappers. If only that were true out here on the Left Coast ...

Brian

 

[thehorse13]

Yea, you can find 3.5 - 6 inch vises like empty soda cans out here. There are 3 major former industrial cities nearby as well. Tons of stuff turns up for sale in DC, Baltimore and Phili.

 

[Rileysan]

Yea, you can find 3.5 - 6 inch vises like empty soda cans out here. There are 3 major former industrial cities nearby as well. Tons of stuff turns up for sale in DC, Baltimore and Phili.

Oh, to live in the rust belt!

 

[Mickey O]

What does a commonly found 6" jaw vise made in the USA sell for new these days?

 

[WWShop]

Maybe this has been said but it seems like they got the $395 price off of ebay.

 

[Rileysan]

What does a commonly found 6" jaw vise made in the USA sell for new these days?

In order to compare apples to apples, you need to look at vises of similar weights. A 6" vise from Harbor Freight is around $100 - but weighs around 60lbs. A good American made 6" vise van easily cost $600 and not be as heavy as the vise pictured.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

I am shocked at how many people are arguing that a (nearly) 200lb, 6" vise is only worth $100-$150. Where the hell do you people live that huge vintage vises are worth less than modern Chinese junk?

I can't speak to values in the SW US, but up here in the Pacific NW, the asking price is not unreasonable.

Brian

Brian,

Your thought is correct that a vintage American vise is well worth the money, compared to a new Chinese vise. However, there are good deals on vintage American vises, if a buyer has patience.

Granted that it's a Parker vise, and a rare one. However, I only pay wholesale prices. Also, the time and materials that it would take for me to make a pipe jaw and find a swivel lock wrench (I forgot to mention that the wrench was missing in my previous post). Then there's the work that's involved with a restoration, as long as it's a clean/paint/polish.

I wouldn't ask that kind of a price unless the vise was completely restored.

Based on my experience, I would guess that the seller paid 100$ or less. Flea market prices can be over the top. Good luck to him if he gets his price.

I also acknowledge that prices vary by location.

Cheers.

 

[1982fxr]

I am shocked at how many people are arguing that a (nearly) 200lb, 6" vise is only worth $100-$150. Where the hell do you people live that huge vintage vises are worth less than modern Chinese junk?

I can't speak to values in the SW US, but up here in the Pacific NW, the asking price is not unreasonable.

Brian

Same story in AZ. That would bring full asking price out here and probably pretty fast. Even with the missing pipe jaw probably.

 

[Packard V8]

I am shocked at how many people are arguing that a (nearly) 200lb, 6" vise is only worth $100-$150. Where the hell do you people live that huge vintage vises are worth less than modern Chinese junk?

I can't speak to values in the SW US, but up here in the Pacific NW, the asking price is not unreasonable.

Brian

Agree, Brian, large vises are rare up here in the frozen northwest.

OTOH, a used 6" Chicom vise brings $25-35 here on craigslist or a garage sale. I was recently given one for hauling away several heavy things which didn't sell at any price.

Also agree, not everyone needs a 6" 200# bench vise.

Also agree, any used vise should be carefully inspected for cracks, welds, worn screw or nut and especially on Parkers, wear of the horseshoe collar and where the collar engages the screw.

If I needed that big honker, I might go $250, just because I've never, ever seen one for sale up here.

jack vines

 

[Tomthumb717]

My two cents - If you want it as a keeper and it is mechanically sound buy it. Fix it up and restore if you want to or just take the rust off and put some BLO on it. You wont make any money most likely if you would attempt to resale it and its most likely overkill for most home applications but hey its a big old well made vise that can not be duplicated today without great expense.

 

[funflyer]

My two cents - If you want it as a keeper and it is mechanically sound buy it. Fix it up and restore if you want to or just take the rust off and put some BLO on it. You wont make any money most likely if you would attempt to resale it and its most likely overkill for most home applications but hey its a big old well made vise that can not be duplicated today without great expense.

Currently, I use an old Rock Island 674 but find I can use a larger vise at times.

After reading all the replies, and doing some research online, I think that $150 is max I'd pay for this one. However, something tells me they won't come down much, if at all, on the price but, we'll see.

 

[zkling]

Half, if even that.

Missing pipe jaws
Main jaws are not easily replaced
The swivel bolt handle is missing. (WTF)
I'd be willing to bet it has other issues.

Vises have become collectors item, fact.

What does a commonly found 6" jaw vise made in the USA sell for new these days?

Wilton C3, BRAND NEW USA MADE, TRUE LIFETIME WARRANTY, NEEDS NOTHING. $1500

Wilton 600s $1200

Wilton 800s ~$2500, depending on how you work it with the supplier.

 

[sonoronos]

What does a commonly found 6" jaw vise made in the USA sell for new these days?

A brand new Made in USA 6" Jaw vise? Or a 50 year old, wobbly, rusted, beat to heck and back Made in USA 6" Jaw vise?

 

[Rileysan]

A brand new Made in USA 6" Jaw vise? Or a 50 year old, wobbly, rusted, beat to heck and back Made in USA 6" Jaw vise?

Right or wrong, I believe most of us here would choose the 50 year old vise ...

 

[Maui]

I picked up a Hollands No 56 vise a few years back here in the northeast for $50. It probably weighs in the neighborhood of 150 lbs. It has 6" wide jaws and is built like a tank. I have done no work on it whatsoever. Once we mounted it up to the work bench a few weeks ago and sprayed some lubricant in the right places I found that I could easily spin it open and close it with one finger. Amazing quality in such an old American vise.

Maui

 

[Corndoggeh]

I am shocked at how many people are arguing that a (nearly) 200lb, 6" vise is only worth $100-$150. Where the hell do you people live that huge vintage vises are worth less than modern Chinese junk?

I can't speak to values in the SW US, but up here in the Pacific NW, the asking price is not unreasonable.

Brian

SW US is just as bad when it comes to prices on old iron. Mostly because a lot of resellers trying to make a quick buck inflate the prices. They scour all the yard and estate sales and pick up the best items to resell for double the price. So when i make good finds its usually a very good day.