Thoughts on these Vises

[NYBODYMAN]

I'm in the market for a good solid vise without breaking the bank and I don't mind going used. I'd really like a USA made vise and found these on CL:

Powr Kraft

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/5875230555.html

Wilton

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/5924023895.html (looking at the red Wilton)

Just looking for opinions on these two. Thanks.

 

[ajchien]

Sorry, I know you didn't want to hear this.... I prefer the Prentiss over the Wilton or the powerkraft. Although I think all 3 are overpriced.

 

[exmaxima1]

I'm in the market for a good solid vise without breaking the bank and I don't mind going used. I'd really like a USA made vise and found these on CL:

Powr Kraft

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/5875230555.html

Wilton

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/5924023895.html (looking at the red Wilton)

Just looking for opinions on these two. Thanks.

The red Wilton is a decent vise, and possibly made in USA. But it would only be worth about $40-50 in the Chicago area. The PowerCraft vise looks very much Asian-made, and would also be a decent vise at $40 or less.

If you are serious about spending over $100 for a vise, I'd look elsewhere including the auction site. In the general area there is also a very nice vintage Columbian vise that would blow away either of your choices (and includes a nice maple-top bench):

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/tls/5879766727.html

 

[62blue]

You will be surprised at what you can find at yard sales and used tool outlets for a reasonable price. Just keep your eye out if you are not in a big rush. Wilton, Columbian etc. are all good vices I saw some good buys on craigslist a while back. Most Wilton, Reed and Columbian vices my area of Ca. go for $150 to $500 bucks.
62blue
Don

 

[NYBODYMAN]

I'm not in a huge rush but would like something soon. I scour CL every day and this guy always sells vises. I'm just not sure if they are over priced or not. Seems like they are based on the above replies.

 

[meatsis]

PM sent

 

[G-ManBart]

I was just going to say that it's likely a GJ member in your area would have something that would fit the bill perfectly, and see meatsis just said he sent you a PM, so my guess is you're going to be all set soon!

 

[Richard Cranium]

of the two, I would of went with the Wilton

 

[Tomthumb717]

I would agree with G-Man or keep searching online or at local auctions. I can find older machinist style vises around here that may need some refurbishing but are mechanically sound for the same price or less than what those are going for.

 

[fatfillup]

If the guy is regularly selling vises on CL, he is a reseller and knows his market. He is likely getting close to what he is asking for the vises. I sell a fair amount vises and while he is asking more then I do, he isn't that far off and has some CL wiggle room.

Note, the PowrKraft looks foreign to me.

So if you are in a hurry, those are the prices you will pay. If you have time and no life like me you can save some money and go to auctions and yard sales.

 

[Bcom]

Sorry, I know you didn't want to hear this.... I prefer the Prentiss over the Wilton or the powerkraft. Although I think all 3 are overpriced.

Agreed with this

 

[Bcom]

Heck dude id prolly ship you a 3" wilton bullet for $100. The bullet has a crack on the bottom but doesnt affect use. Its in great shape. Handle is straight and jaws are very good.

print screen windows 7

 

[bob15]

If you ever head North towards Cobleskill, NY....they have a used tool store there. They will have vises of all different sizes and makes. Some prices good....others, not so good.......

 

[NYBODYMAN]

If you ever head North towards Cobleskill, NY....they have a used tool store there. They will have vises of all different sizes and makes. Some prices good....others, not so good.......

I don't get up that way much, but I work for the state and do get around sometimes. Any idea what the name of it is?

 

[bob15]

Plash Tool on Rt-10, a mile or two north of Cobleskill. Will be on your left when headed north. They do have weird hours in the winter, so if traveling to go there on "your" time, call in advance.

 

[1982fxr]

If that red WILTON is a USA one that's a good price. A 6" import piece of **** at lowes or wherever is $79.99 + tax and not in the same league.

 

[NYBODYMAN]

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/5892419910.html

Also found this one. Looks decent.

I posted a want ad and have a few leads from this post.

 

[1982fxr]

A 4 1/2" non swivel at 100 pounds? Skeptical...

Do you need pipe jaws at all or no?

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Nah I shouldn't need them.

 

[Tomthumb717]

NY - There is usually an abundance of older quality vises on CL in my area, south central PA. In searching your area you should be able to find a decent Parker, Reed, Athol, Yost etc... that is mechanically sound and will last you for years to come

 

[1982fxr]

Nah I shouldn't need them.

Then I would say hold out for an old machinist vise. Will be real heavy duty and open extra wide...

 

[bob15]

Take a trip to New Haven, CT: http://newhaven.craigslist.org/tls/5912898712.html

Ask this person for more pictures of the vise: http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/5897428102.html

Amsterdam: http://albany.craigslist.org/tls/5909026479.html

Or buy new: http://www.wiltontools.com/us/en/p/special-edition-black-1755-tradesman-vise-b-a-s-h-20416-sledge-hammer/63200A

 

[Maui]

1982fxr, I've got a vintage fixed base bench vise with 5" jaws that weighs well over 100 lbs. It is a beast. See attached.

Maui

 

[1982fxr]

I mean, from my experience on the old vises, there is a big overall size and weight difference when going from the 4/4.5" up to 5". 5" + is getting into the big stuff. Not every brand of course.

I can't think of any prentiss, athol, yost, etc that I've seen where a 4" or 4.5" was near 100 pounds. Especially without a swivel base. But 5", yes.

I'm talking the more common brands not rarer stuff like yours. I've only seen pics of those big open screw vises like yours. Yet to see one in person

 

[Maui]

I didn't mean to put you on the spot, and yes, I agree it's very unusual to see a 4" - 4 1/2" vise that weighs over 100 lbs. Most of mine with that jaw width are in the 50 - 90 lb range.

 

[Whiskeymike]

I had been looking for a vice on CL for about a year and every decent US made good brand vice was in that price range and never did buy one through that method. Spending a couple hours each saturday going to garage sales I've found 4 great US made vices from Prentise, Columbian, etc.. and they were not listed as items being sold on their garagesale ad on CL.

So as mentioned, if you have time, finding them at garage sales can net great vises if you have the time and go to garage sales that you aren't expecting to find these things.

Generally the purchases I've made is where they weren't advertised, because inevitably, other folks scouring CL get their first when there is a good brand name for a decent price.

 

[meatsis]

A 4 1/2" non swivel at 100 pounds? Skeptical...

Do you need pipe jaws at all or no?

That Parker 804 1/2 weighs 90 pounds, so he wasn't that far off. The Parker superior vise Line was a lot bigger and heavier than the more commonly found eclipse series. The guy selling it is a real nice guy. He lives about 10 minutes from me. I've actually bought several vises from him. He doesn't have ridiculously high prices. And he'll usually work with you a little on the price.

 

[macgee]

This one may seem expensive but I doubt you'll find a better vise than this one although it's not exactly around the corner for you but it can certainly serve your needs and then some. This one will last several lifetimes as it's in beautiful shape.

http://longisland.craigslist.org/tls/5927594931.html

 

[1982fxr]

Oh yeah ^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[G-ManBart]

This one may seem expensive but I doubt you'll find a better vise than this one although it's not exactly around the corner for you but it can certainly serve your needs and then some. This one will last several lifetimes as it's in beautiful shape.

The smooth jaws are the only real negative for that one. I'm not sure if anybody offers serrated replacements in that style.

 

[1982fxr]

Last pic looks like it has a set of serrated covers, at least

 

[bob15]

Smooth jaws aren't always bad. All depends on what you're working on. About 75% of our vises are at work are smooth jaws because we cannot be leaving marks in the items we're working on.

 

[macgee]

The smooth jaws are the only real negative for that one. I'm not sure if anybody offers serrated replacements in that style.

Since the Craftsman guy has opted to delay selling it to you, you now have more options to choose from.

I wish I was on the wrong coast and near that vise as I would buy it in a heart beat, it's pricey but I think well worth it. I have the same vise but older, what makes this one better than my old one is that the jaws are replaceable; that's a huge plus. The older Reeds have fixed serrated jaws and are non replaceable.

Yes the present jaws are smooth but usually I would welcome those for the exact reasons Bob15 has stated. You could always get a new hardened and serrated jaw set from fellow member KMScott if you need them. Personally I like to use lead jaws and oak wood jaws for a lot of the time, they hold the item really well without marring it and super easy to make. I'll use my Reed for the nasty jobs that need all the holding power I can use.

The condition looks excellent and the patina on the paint is beautiful, the slide looks untouched; it doesn't get much better than this one.

This one is a keeper and worth getting.

 

[meatsis]

I believe that's a fellow GJ member selling that reed. Even though it's in in great shape, that's a real far drive for a 4 inch vise. The OP is 2 hours away from there. And that's with no traffic. Which is unheard of in that area.

 

[Tomthumb717]

NY - I live in PA and can share with you what vises i currently have if you are interested. They are all in various states of refurbishing but all operate as they should. I'm sending you a PM.