Vintage Wilton 5” fixed base bullet vise

[lwgana]

I bought this big 5” Wilton fixed base bullet vise but it has no number or ID info on it.

Anyone recognize this model and approximate age?

Thanks

 

[gimpyrobb]

Pull it apart and on the bottom should be a keyway. Sometimes they are dated there.

 

[paulsomlo]

Looks like someone's been in it, replaced one of the pins with a bolt.

 

[Beerhippie]

Looks more like a "missing the swivel base" to me.

 

[RTM]

Looks like someone's been in it, replaced one of the pins with a bolt.

Or both of them

 

[paulsomlo]

Or both of them

I wouldn't count on that level of diligence.

 

[lwgana]

Looks like someone's been in it, replaced one of the pins with a bolt.

hmmm I'm not sure if it ever had lockdown pins? Couldn't this simply be a fixed base model? I see quite a few that look like this--with the square shoulder on the mounting holes? I wonder if this could be considered a 500 model? Even though its not stamped as such?

 

[lwgana]

Looks more like a "missing the swivel base" to me.

If its missing a swivel base then that has happened to a lot of these. I've seen a dozen online that have the same square shoulder holes and no swivel. Mostly they are listed as fixed base models. Maybe that's the case here. I'll check the catalogs.

 

[paulsomlo]

hmmm I'm not sure if it ever had lockdown pins? Couldn't this simply be a fixed base model? I see quite a few that look like this--with the square shoulder on the mounting holes? I wonder if this could be considered a 500 model? Even though its not stamped as such?

I'm referring to the bolts near the rear of the vise - those were originally pins. You'll probably want to replace those with set screws.

 

[Shiftless]

I'm referring to the bolts near the rear of the vise - those were originally pins. You'll probably want to replace those with set screws.

Yes
The factory used quarter inch steel pins to fasten the long tubular nut in place inside the vise body.
It is my understanding that those vises were sold with and without the swivel base. With a base, the model number is 500S. Without the base, the model number is 500N

But that doesn’t matter. If you think you need a swivel base, be on the lookout for a used one or contact autopts on eBay. Of course you can just put some bolts through those 2 holes and fasten it to your workbench and get busy. That’s a fantastic vise. I have one (no swivel base) that I used to use as my daily driver before I replaced it with a Wilton C1 combination vise.

 

[lwgana]

Yes
The factory used quarter inch steel pins to fasten the long tubular nut in place inside the vise body.
It is my understanding that those vises were sold with and without the swivel base. With a base, the model number is 500S. Without the base, the model number is 500N

But that doesn’t matter. If you think you need a swivel base, be on the lookout for a used one or contact autopts on eBay. Of course you can just put some bolts through those 2 holes and fasten it to your workbench and get busy. That’s a fantastic vise. I have one (no swivel base) that I used to use as my daily driver before I replaced it with a Wilton C1 combination vise.

ahhhh those pins at the rear. I understand now. Thanks !

 

[pfbz]

Haven't looked at the date on mine in a while, if I recall it was mid '70s. this is an older picture, but it has given me 10+ years of service since I refurbed it. Factory non-swivel.

 

[lwgana]

wow thats a beauty......I'd almost hate to use one that fine. Appreciate the info.

 

[Shiftless]

Here is a pic of my daily driver vise, (Wilton C1 with 4 1/2 inch jaws) after its rehab 8 years ago. It sure doesn’t look this nice anymore. I love old vises but I’m not gonna touch up scratches on a vise that sees regular use.
If a guy wants to brush off dust and apply wax to his workbench mounted vise on a regular basis, go right ahead.
Wilton sent me a sticker to put in the recess on the front of the dynamic jaw.

 

[lwgana]

Beautiful vise —I’d love to find a C1