School me on vises.

[bareass172]

If it helps, I just put up this post last week similar to yours.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=235261

These guys were great to educate me and I even ended up buying one at a great deal from these guys.

Heck, someone even offered to buy my old broken one!

I learned a lot from skimming that monstrous thread that was linked. It was long, but I learned a LOT about value, condition, what to look for, etc, etc. It opened my eyes to what is out there and I never would have realized the value of such old iron.

I ended up getting a non-vintage Yost for daily use, but am now on the hunt for something old at a great deal. If you wanted to do the same, someone mentioned Tekton Tools as a great alternative. Tekton sells inexpensive vises, but offers lifetime warranty on them:

http://www.tektontools.com/All_Tools/Clamps_Vises/Vises

I was amazed, they have near HF prices except they warranty them.

 

[X1 Mike]

Well the disappointing part first, I filled up when I left the house and as soon as I got back at the closest station to my house. Total gas for the round trip was $25.78 for 125 miles.


Actually that really wasn't disappointing because my truck that rarely gets over 13 mpg got over 15 mpg.

I picked up the Simplex for $60.00 and I tell you what the guy was such a nice guy I felt bad for asking for a better price. I asked $50.00 and he countered with $60.00 which I was happy with.

As for the vise, holy **** this thing is smooth. The screw is well oiled and it looks like someone has cared for the vise. You can tell it wasn't just lubed to sell it because it wasn't new oil he just takes care of it. I really could not be happier. Total cost was $85.00 even if you include the cost of gas which is a bargain for a tool that just may outlive me.

Did I mention how smooth it is? This thing is butter!!!!!

My original plan was to bring any vise home and tear it down for a coat of paint and general rebuild but I will most likely just bolt it to my bench tomorrow and call it a day.



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[drivesitfar]

does that vise have a nice smooth action???? glad you were able to pick it up and I think you have a keeper.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yeah that really is a classic old finish. Take the slide out and clean out whatever gunk with an oily rag. Maybe clean the jaws with a wire brush. Wipe it down with oil and call it a day.

I have a couple simplex vises and they open & close like butter.

Congrats on a new family heirloom.

P.S. You ****!

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice score! How wide are the jaws?

Before you drill any holes: the static jaw flat should clear the edge of the bench!

If you are on a corner, see if you can get it to clear both edges!

 

[X1 Mike]

Yeah that really is a classic old finish. Take the slide out and clean out whatever gunk with an oily rag. Maybe clean the jaws with a wire brush. Wipe it down with oil and call it a day.

I have a couple simplex vises and they open & close like butter.

Congrats on a new family heirloom.

P.S. You ****!

From everything I'm seeing you know your vises so if you say I **** that makes me

I do appreciate all the info you gave here and in the other threads you made.

Nice score! How wide are the jaws?

Before you drill any holes: the static jaw flat should clear the edge of the bench!

If you are on a corner, see if you can get it to clear both edges!

The jaws are 4.250" and the opening looks like around 8".

It does look like it will clear both ways on the corner. I was planning on thru bolting it but it will be going right into 2x4's standing on edge so looks like I will just use lag bolts.

 

[fullthrottle24]

Congrats, nice vise. Put some paste wax on the slide and put it to use.

 

[Rick.moore]

I'm new to the vise game. I have a lead on a Prentiss Bull Dog #45. I believe the jaws are 5 inch and it weighs in at a around 75 lbs. It is in really good condition...is $100 fair?

 

[Outlawmws]

For a 5" bulldog I would say yes. It's not a huge "usuck" deal, and "I can make a huge profit on this one"... But its a decent price if you are looking for one for yourself.