old wilton 101059 info?

[v7guy]

picked up this old crusty vise today, the only markings are "made in USA", "Wilton" and "Schillinger park IL" with 101059 cast into the dynamic and static jaw.

it weighs a bit over 100lbs according to the bathroom scale.

does anyone know anything about this model? I can't find much on google. Kinda interested in the yr made etc.

 

[DavidB]

Can you post pictures of the vise?

 

[v7guy]

wasn't going to post up pics till I had her cleaned up for a before and after, but what the heck.

 

[evintho]

Yep, it's a Wilton! 5", 6"? Crusty but definitely restorable! On the downside I noted a broken mounting tab on the base, small dent on the bullet end, bent handle and the pipe jaws looked rather used. Nothing major. On the plus side it's solid and complete and those jaws look to be in awesome condition! Remove the moveable jaw and check on the bottom of the drift key for a date code. That's where I found mine.

 

[v7guy]

it's a 5". I was really just looking for an old piece of US Iron that would do the job and retire me. Figured I could straighten the handles and the broken mount piece shouldn't be a big deal I don't suppose. I got it for $50 so I figure I'm good to go. It looks like more vise than I'll have a need for.

just tried cleaning up the key, but I can only sorta make out two numbers, it's maybe a bit more pitted than the one in your pics. Did you sand on the key to remove the rust and expose the numbers?

thanks for the pics and info!

 

[FoMoCoPower]

never heard of Schillinger Park,IL....lol

 

[autopts71045]

I believe that vise is an early C-2. For a time in the 70's and early 80's Wilton went with the long #'s. I never knew Wilton would use the same # on both jaws, thats a new one on me. One way to tell is how the pipe jaws are held in, some have a set screw on the side, and the later ones have a clip holding them in. Very nice buy..

 

[v7guy]

the only two numbers I can make out right now on the drift key is toss up between a 7 and a 4 and a definite 1. lol
Just went out and looked and the pipe jaws are held in with a set screw in the side... maybe it's a 71 vise?

the vise appears to have the same number on both jaws, but I'm also "interpreting" it through lots of caked on paint. the next few days will be conclusive.
it's a real mess aesthetically, several layers of paint, lots of rust. Still clamps solid though. I spent a good while trying to free up the swivel to no avail. it's rusted pretty good and the bent handles on the lock downs don't help.
I was hoping it was a lot older than it probably is to be honest. But in the end, it still looks solid and will do the job.

I have a feeling this thread is going to end up being a restoration thread instead of a "what vise is this" thread.


Any further info or links you guys can provide is greatly appreciated. I'll keep things updated and am not afraid to do lots of reading!

 

[DavidB]

Be sure to look up electrolysis for rust (and paint) removal if you're not already familiar with the process. It'll make your life much easier. I used it in my Prentiss vise restoration: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63428

 

[bgott]

Scrape the paint off around the right side of the fixed jaw and see if there is a marking like this. Your's should have a C2 I think.

 

[evintho]

April '71 or Jan '74?
PB Blaster is your friend, as is Kroil when it comes to loosening up rusted swivels.
Once I had mine apart, I bead blasted everything. Here's the original thread.........
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42888

 

[autopts71045]

If those swivel handles are so badly bent that you can't turn them completey, cut them off with a grinding disc. You can then replace them with 2, 1/2" 20 nylon nuts. Don't throw the swivel handle holders out. You could later make a swivel handle with 5 1/16 steel plated rod.

 

[autopts71045]

Thats Nice!! Bgott!

 

[bgott]

Thats Nice!! Bgott!

Thanks!

+3

 

[v7guy]

lots of good info and good lookin vises here... thanks guys

broke out the wire brush and after a few layers of thick paint came off there is indeed a C2 cast into the side.
Also just so happens I have a battery charger and several big plastic tubs to choose from. Just need to go pick up some rebar.

autopts71045-thats a good idea on the handles. it sounds like the route I'm going to go.

bgott, that's a good lookin vise you got there.

 

[fire truck builder]

I have one but can only read 17 it is a c2 101059 has I set
Screw
But is missing the pipe jaws can you see if you can make out the third number I think it reads 170 but this doesn’t make sense

 

[ChefRex]

Why wouldn't that make sense? Jan 1970.

 

[TheRealZeus]

What I believe I’m seeing.

 

[TheRealZeus]

Why wouldn't that make sense? Jan 1970.

From da Web wrt C series Wiltons:
‘Production period:
While exact dates for the introduction of the C-series are not widely available, the mid-to-late 1970s is generally considered the timeframe.’

There in lay the validity of the question.. However, perhaps .. Just theory for ya noodles… what if the suspected zero , is a lightly struck six ? Again just a thought.

 

[fire truck builder]

That does if that is a 0 I keep looking and just couldn’t decide. Thank you. Now to find some pipe jaws and maybe a swivel base

 

[RoninB4]

"Wilton" and "Schillinger park IL"

does anyone know anything about this model?

-If it's a Wilton then that should read "Schiller Park". I worked there at Wilton for a brief time in the 80's.