Simplex vise info please.

[06lbzgmc]

I purchased an old Desmond-Simplex vise from a guy at work. I have only looked at it while its on a pallet in our crowded storage trailer at work. The only numbers I have been able to see are 53 cp on the left side as you face the vise. Just wondering what I have? It is very big-way bigger then my 1780 Wilton. I will post lice when I dig it out and get it home. Thanks

 

[b7labelle]

Way bigger than a 1780? Jeez. I just picked up a Desmond too.

Little smaller though.
http://m.flickr.com/photos/91404471@N03/8360371012/

 

[rusty65]

I cant provide much towards history but simplex made vises for ridgid back in the day and simplex vises are extremely tough.

 

[06lbzgmc]

Actually the pads are narrower then the Wilton but overall size(bulkiness for lack of a better term) is much larger. I do know the Simplex will open atleast 12 inches and I'm sure more.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I purchased an old Desmond-Simplex vise from a guy at work. I have only looked at it while its on a pallet in our crowded storage trailer at work. The only numbers I have been able to see are 53 cp on the left side as you face the vise. Just wondering what I have? It is very big-way bigger then my 1780 Wilton. I will post lice when I dig it out and get it home. Thanks

Sounds like a 5.5" jaw combo vise (w/pipe jaws), with swivel base, if I remember the numbering system correctly. Sounds like a nice piece, looking forward to the photos!

 

[blazemaster83]

Here is a chart I used when I restored my 43s, don't see a 53cp. I do know that the "s" stands for swivel, not sure about "cp".

 

[gatewaysysop]

Any update from the OP? Would love to see pics of the vise, if it's a combo jaw vise, that's not very common from Simplex.

 

[06lbzgmc]

No pictures yet. Its still in the storage trailer. I did look at it the other day though. It does have the place for pipe jaws but they are long gone. Also it says steel slide on it. The model is for sure 53cp and is cast into it on both half on the left side. Is it possible to post pictures on here from an ipod? My phone is a pos.

 

[06lbzgmc]

Pictures I hope!!

 

[rusty65]

That's a pic of a reed? Wrong picture?

 

[06lbzgmc]

Try again

 

[06lbzgmc]

More. I can only do one at a time

 

[06lbzgmc]

Another

 

[06lbzgmc]

The reed 204 1/2 is there to show size comparison. I was using my daughter's ipod.

 

[rusty65]

Holy cow thank you for sharing that thing looks like its pretty darn big.

 

[oldldh]

Definitely a full grown vise you've got there...

 

[gatewaysysop]

Beautiful, thanks for getting the pics!

 

[Uncle Rudy]

Have you found any info on the Desmond Simplex? I have purchased a Desmond Simplex 43SJ which has a pivoting rear jaw and, like you, am having a hard time finding info about it.
Thanks for your help.

 

[blazemaster83]

My guess is a 43sj is just like a 43s, but with a swivel rear jaw. I am a big fan of these vises, but there is not a whole lot of info out there. The chart I linked a few years ago at the top of this thread is pretty much all I've seen. I have a 43s and a 61s. The 43s gets used daily and is a great size for this. The 61s still needs a spot in the shop to be used, its pretty big.

 

[RRmech]

LOL.....I have a 4" Desmond Simplex as my....big....work bench vise.
It is significantly larger than my 3" Dunlap vise though.

Steve

 

[Thumper68]

Here are a few pics of my restored 61s I just used it today to take apart a few plumbing fittings, had a 4 foot cheater on the 24 inch pipe wrench, the fitting moved not the vise or stand.

 

[drivesitfar]

06: all the Desmond vises i've owned and own are well built.

Pipe jaws are nice to have but without them it really opens up the area under the jaws for bigger items to put in the jaws.

just an FYI. if you don't have a heavy bench or stand you might want to screw into the studs in your garage to keep the vise from tipping over your bench when you are using it.

 

[bl00]

Rudy, info is a bit scarce on those. Here's a couple catalog pages that I snipped from an eBay listing awhile ago.

 

[Uncle Rudy]

Thanks guys for the support and the great pictures. Does anybody out there know how I can find out when my 43SJ was made or how many were made? The vise is in real good condition with no signs of damage (other than some light rust) but I cannot find any stamped numbers like other members have reported finding.
The former owner of my vise shared that he remembers his dad using the vise during the 1930's. They sure took good care of this old beauty.
Thanks again for your help.

 

[woody 73]

Simplex was made in my home state, they were made in Urbana, Ohio.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: there has been some discussion about whether Simplex was an actual company or was it Desmond Stephen's name for their vise line before they sold to Rigid?

anybody have any company information to share please do?

Blaze: do you have pictures of the 61s i sold you? i'd love to see the stand or bench that 150 pounder sits on in your shop. i'll have to stop by one day in the near future to say hi if you have any time for a visitor to see some of your big iron. i don't regret selling you the 61s, but i do regret not still owning it or one like it cause i think those were some of the best vises ever made.

 

[454ragtop]

Simplex was made in my home state, they were made in Urbana, Ohio.

There is definitely a lot of confusion with this brand. Looks like the Desmond Stephan Simplex were made in Ohio, while other Simplex were made in Woonsocket R.I. I have one of the R.I. models, a nice 5" I posted in the vise mega thread a couple months ago.