Simplex Grey 43S Bench Vise

[Warhammer]

Hello,

I picked up this vise a few years ago and have not been able to find much information on it. I was wondering if somebody could tell me how old this vise is and if the jaw inserts are still available. It is a 5" Simplex Grey 43S vise made by the Simplex Tool Company in Woon, Rhode Island. Any information on this would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[mjozefow]

Is there another half? See the link in my sig for what I have gleaned on Simplex.

 

[Warhammer]

Thanks,I'll check it out

 

[mjozefow]

Thanks,I'll check it out

Wait so do you only have half a vise?

I can make inserts. PM me. And potentially a new drive nut.

 

[old salvage]

Simplex was a manufacturer but they also specialized in design. A Google Books search will reveal some old advertisements. Simplex vises would eventually come to be made by The Desmond Stephan Co of Urbana Ohio and those are very common. Simplex Tool Co/ Woonsocket vises are a little more rare.

 

[Warhammer]

Here's a couple of pictures of the vise before disassembly. I noticed that people were weighing their vises, and this one weighs in at 52.25 lbs.

Probably will be a little lighter after all the dirt is removed.

 

[Warhammer]

Thanks for the info ... I'll check it out as soon as I get some time.

 

[Warhammer]

Can anybody give me a ballpark on what this Vise is worth before restoration and after restoration? I've been looking on ebay and haven't seen any vises like this one.

Thanks,

Warhammer

 

[ZRX61]

In that condition, maybe $50....

Restored.. could be around $200... at least where I live

 

[mjozefow]

I'd say about $70, since there has been a repair.

Edit: I'd just keep it. You know the repair is solid, but a third party likely wouldn't spring for a repaired vise for $70.

 

[blazemaster83]

i picked up its slightly bigger brother on CL about a year ago for $50. Model 41s, weighs 79 lbs. I love this vise, and i would have spent $100 on it. Mine came with a siezed jaw screw. Once i finally got it out, i went to look for a replacement. Turns out it is a custom screw, with a different tapered head than most.

 

[ZRX61]

Where's the repair? don't have my glasses handy...

 

[Warhammer]

Thanks for the input. I've been lugging this vise around for close to a decade ,two moves, waiting to get a place where I can set it up. Now I can finally get to it.

 

[ZRX61]

In that case, we expect *after* pics by Monday

 

[mjozefow]

In that case, we expect *after* pics YESTERDAY

Fixed it for you!

 

[Warhammer]

Where's the repair? don't have my glasses handy...

Here's a picture of the repair.

 

[rideride2396]

noticed you make replacement jaws...restoring #51 simplex..the ridge tool company..need jaw for movable side....thanx

 

[giovanni8]

hey bud, do you still have the Simplex vise? I got a huge one, had to have a machine shop make one jaw, but the vise is in fantastic shape. Made in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, near where I grew up.
I'm researching the company now, I never heard of it.

 

[bl00]

JM, welcome back.

There were two Simplexes of Woonsocket. Simplex Tool Company had already been around for some time when they came to market in 1923 with the "Simplex Gray" bench vise. The claimed improvement was the all steel slide which would eliminate breakage. In 1931 the company was taken over by the similarly named Simplex Corporation who continued production of the vises.
The vise line (and maybe whole company) was later sold to Desmond-Stephen and eventually to Ridge, but I don't have any dates for those.

More below with reference info.

-Fred


SIMPLEX BENCH VISE A bench vise known as the "Simplex Gray" is made by the Simplex Tool Co., Woonsocket, R. I. The particular feature of this vise is the fact that it is provided with an all-steel slide for the purpose of eliminating breakage.
1923 Machinery - Volume 30 -- Page 485

The square thread screw is machine cut and is retained in place by a cap in front of the sliding jaw, which eliminates the necessity of coring the inside of the vise for a collar. The Simplex Gray, as it is called, is made in sizes of from 3 to 7 in.
1924 Motor Transport - Page 103

Vise Has All Steel Slide The Simplex Tool Co., Woonsocket, R- I- has placed on the market a vise having an all steel slide. The body of the vise is cast of special crucible metal and the jaws are made of fine grade steel hardened and ground.
1924 The Iron Trade Review - Volume 74 - Page 426

Simplex Corporation, Woonsocket, R. I., has taken over the Simplex Tool Co. The new company will specialize in the manufacture of the Simplex line of steel slide vises developed by the old company in 1924.
1931 Machinery - Volume 38 page 80

 

[giovanni8]

Fred, thank you for the follow up information. Absolutely amazing history lesson, you sure did follow up on the details. Simplex sold to Desmons Stevens, then to Ridge ... incredible pedigree.
I noticed the Simplex retractor assembly uses the front mounted collar, similar to the old Parkers. Wilton uses this style also. That makes sense, avoiding surgery on the inside of the slide.
That Steel Slide sure did hold up - it looks like it was used as an anvil on my vise, but no cracks or deformity.
I could not lift the vise when it was assembled. Massive piece of iron.
Thanks again for the follow up information. Much appreciated, JM

 

[mikedr]

Hi guys,

looking at rebuilding a Simplex gray 416. how would i go about getting the jaw replacements?