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What Did I Buy?

kentenn

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I picked up a Wilton Bullet Vise today. I think it is a 4" but that's all I know about it. How do I determine type and age? It has 101028 on one side and HD on other side.
 

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skunkape1

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I am in the final stages of a resto this exact vise minus the swivel base and was as confused as you about what the model is. The model number, 7400, is stamped on the nut on my vise. The date of the vise should be found on the key on the bottom of the dynamic jaw slide. A disassembly is in order.
 
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kentenn

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Ducksface: I did a search on that thread for Wilton Bullet and got one hit, which told me nothing. Not sure why, but that's why I asked.

Skunkape1: Thanks, I'll tear into it. Was looking for model to then search for some sort of tear down procedure.
 

CNGsaves

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KS and OK
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kentenn

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I found it on CL for $100. I tried searching those threads but didn't find the bullet info...

Skunkape1: I'm assuming the swivel base is different as I don't see any access to a nut.
 

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skunkape1

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That's a great buy on what looks to be a solid vise. The bullet I'm wrapping up is the first bullet I have restored. I was slightly skeptical about how good these vises are from all the hype they get. My line of thinking was their unique style had automatically earned them a stamp of approval as a top vise.

I was wrong. These are impressive vises built with care and attention to both style and smooth function. They also seem to be a pretty easy and enjoyable vise to dig into. I should say, enjoyable to dig into if they aren't first stuck tight. It took me two years of of trying various measures to get the vise moving again but once unstuck, it's been smooth sailing. Good luck and have fun.
 

kunkernator

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I found it on CL for $100. I tried searching those threads but didn't find the bullet info...

Skunkape1: I'm assuming the swivel base is different as I don't see any access to a nut.

You actually have to take the vise apart to get to the nut. But generally speaking, you can identify it by the stamp on the key, and the jaw width.

Here is an EXCELLENT take apart guide for you. I am on my 3 restoration right now myself. Do yourself a favor and lube it with silver antisieze.....

https://somanyhobbies.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/wilton-bullet-vise-disassembly-guide/

It looks like he uses your exact model Bullet.
 
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kentenn

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Ok...so it appears to be a model 7400, made in 1971. Thanks for all your help. Now I have to decide what color to paint it... Red? Blue/Green? Gray?...
 

sld961

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You can paint it whatever color tickles your fancy. The "most correct" color that's currently available is Rustoleum Hammered Verde Green, if you can find it. I could only find it online in a 6 pack, so I went with the second best, Rustoleum Hammered Light Blue. My local hardware store was able to order it in.
029d4d97a6b9af15f1cdd7cb4e23fc0c.jpg
 
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kentenn

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After shot...
 

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