Small No5 Athol Vise

[faultymechanics]

Need some help figuring out how to make a new handle for this small vise I acquired. Never actually seen a No5 Athol before, boy is this thing TINY!

No clue of the value, in fact I think I way overpaid but anyhow, looking for some help to make a handle, how long should it be for this size vise (7lbs)?


Link to photo album: https://ibb.co/album/hYiorF

 

[drivesitfar]

Faulty: I don't click on member's links I don't know so maybe other members think the same thing. that said your link is probably ok and your vise it probably rare so how about posting pics here on your thread by clicking on the paperclip and downloading a few?

my guess is that your Athol is maybe pretty valuable so maybe you didn't overpay and ask if you need help in spiffing it up so you don't break it before you decide you want to keep and use it or sell it and buy something else.

 

[Rileysan]

I took the liberty of copying the photos for the OP.

Regardless of what you may have paid, it's a hobby that hopefully brings a little joy your way.

There are many here who make replacement parts for their vises - including handles - so I'm certain you'll find someone willing to point you in the right direction.

Good luck!

Brian

 

[faultymechanics]

Thank you for attaching the photos for me. I’ve been having trouble embedding the photos properly so I just left the link; just happened to forget I’ma brand new member on this forum.

Definitely interested in learning more about this vise. Also whether I should just clean the grime off, or wire wheel and polish it OR paint it.

Any info would be a great help! Thank you all!!

 

[faultymechanics]

Anyone have any info on this? Still trying to find out more about the vise and also how I should go about making a new handle for it.

 

[KMScott]

I made a handle for a Athol #4 one time. It was a 1/4 Diameter x 3-1/2" long with a 7/16 ball. I added my drawing, I like to heat and peen the handle ends in place like the vise company's did years ago. As for the history of these vises someone else will have to chime in.

 

[drivesitfar]

Faulty: your cute little Athol looks like it's had a modification to the base? can you take and post up a few more pictures of it that might be easier to see and some pics of the underside of the base? I saw you posted pictures of some nice Craftsman block grinders so i'm guessing you have the ability.

some of these little vises are worth a lot so even one that has had a rough life and some modifications might be worth saving cause it does have the cool look.

also instead of starting threads that are hard to find as they get their questions answered if you could post up pictures and questions over on the Vise Repair 101 thread you might get more help or it will help others later cause that thread can be found easier.

here's the link: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252830

if you'd like to take your Athol apart it should just unscrew apart. then if you'd like to take the screw out of the dynamic jaw using a pipe with a notch in it to push the spring/washer back while you pull the cotter pin might help you if that little vise is the same as it's bigger brothers.

in case you didn't know Starrett owned Athol and eventually Starrett put their own name on their vises.

also good luck!!