I bought a new house and this vice was left behind. It has definitely seen some use. It's missing some type of pin that holds the swivel base from moving. I've put a fat bolt in the hole but there is still way too much play to make the vice useable in most cases. Also does anyone know which model this is and possible what it's worth in this condition. It says #940 on the side? Any info would help
Prentiss vice
- Thread starter Joe9731
- Start date
thehorse13
Well-known member
That's part of the Lewis patent series. General accepted date is around 1910. Cool vise. Value is heavily dependent upon where you live. Around here where vises are typically dirt cheap, that would be a 100 dollar item if you had the missing plunger. Without that hard to find part, probably 75 bucks. Others will give you different values but again, it's heavily dependent on your locality.
Thank you for your reply and it gives me some insight on my vice. Is there anyway to keep the base from moving? Are there any fixed pins available? Like you just pull and push it in. I was thinking of putting a bolt through the hole and making it non swivelable if that's a word and at least make it useable. I think if it's worth only a $100 I will keep it and use it. Thanks
Packard V8
Well-known member
Around here, the exposed screw vises don't have much of a following. I know I'm not interested in any of them.
jack vines
jack vines
Have no clue what the exposed screw vice is? The good news is I took a 4" tapered punch and did a little modifying so it's shaped like the tapered hole in the vice and presto, fixed. Drop into the hole and the vice now has no swivel movement anymore until I pull it out. Cost me nothing. I will keep this vice and make use out if it like intended, Thanks.
Cleave
Well-known member
Fix it and use it unless you are entirely un-mechanical.
thehorse13
Well-known member
Potentially a good pile of money. Because it has 7 inch jaws, it will be highly desirable but the devil is in the details. Condition is everything. Show us pictures and we can give you an accurate estimate. Things that will kill the value are:
1) Missing parts.
2) Broken/repaired parts.
3) Condition (Did someone use it as intended or was it an anvil for 70 years?)
4) Location.