Wilton 1755 Vise

[LG63]

In the process of cleaning up my new Wilton 1755 vise (grrrrr!) I ran across something that seemed odd to me but maybe it’s normal. The step that registers the body of the vise in the base is only about .090” deep. The base has a chamfer of about .050” so that only leaves about .040 of actual contact between the two pieces. It’s probably not a big deal since the two clamps are holding everything firm but I was surprised they cut it this close. Wondering if anybody else has noticed this on their vise.

The second pic is of the grease/chip mix I found where the lead screw meets the nut. I realize these chips probably wouldn’t ever affect anything, I was just expecting better from Wilton.

 

[Catalyze]

Wait for Autopts to show up. You might even PM him and link the photos/thread to him and see what The Wilton Whisperer has to say.
Craig

 

[pipsters]

Mine had the same issues I'm going to completely take it apart and use anti-seize on the threads after completely cleaning it up. Really pisses me off that we have to do that on a brand new vise. I mean...really...this is a $400+ vise not some $50 POS Chinese one. That sticker is ghetto would it have killed them to cast "wilton" into the side like they do on the slightly higher end vises?

I'm still on the fence, might still return it. But the issue is the used ones on ebay go for $175-$200 and this one wasn't much more for a brand new one with no issues and cheap replaceable jaws...I dunno what to do.

It's also smaller than I thought it would be and the handle is quite a bit shorter than it should be IMO. I have to say I really like my Columbian, more so than this Wilton.

 

[dirtydogintex]

There is something to be said for the 'older' ones.... other than the fact they're heavier....

 

[Southern]

Wow, for $400 (or the $240 you gave Zoro last week) you could buy any number of way overpriced restored antique vises on eBay AND pay for shipping and STILL be ahead of the game.

Why on earth would you guys buy a new one, especially one where they put the name on the side of it with a sticker instead of a casting?

Just wondering.

 

[mjozefow]

Wilton vises are not what they once were, but they still make a good vise. The clamping force is what really does the job.

On some vise designs there is no registration at all around the circumference of the base.

 

[PT Doc]

That 1755 will provide years of great service to you.

 

[Ironhorse]

In the process of cleaning up my new Wilton 1755 vise (grrrrr!) I ran across something that seemed odd to me but maybe it’s normal. The step that registers the body of the vise in the base is only about .090” deep. The base has a chamfer of about .050” so that only leaves about .040 of actual contact between the two pieces. It’s probably not a big deal since the two clamps are holding everything firm but I was surprised they cut it this close. Wondering if anybody else has noticed this on their vise.

The second pic is of the grease/chip mix I found where the lead screw meets the nut. I realize these chips probably wouldn’t ever affect anything, I was just expecting better from Wilton.

Ohh..yea..I bought two of the $800 bullets and one side of my clamp would not even work...unreal...I called wilton and ordered a new base and clamp after trying to modify them to work on the base...brand new vise..the whole base was not level from the factory so when you moved it 90 degrees the clamp would not hold..fixed now..but really WTF wilton...and I am with everyone on the cheap stickers that get dinged up from tighting up the vise. I would guess that wilton had the little stickers so when you order a snap on one..wiltion just put the snappy sicker on it and ships it out...I am trying to get the snappy stickers from my truck so I can change some at the shop to snappy ones..lol

 

[camarotoolman]

The new ones look chinese, are they make here? Realy ****** compared to the old usa ones.

 

[ganymede]

There is something to be said for the 'older' ones.... other than the fact they're heavier....

And this applies to more than just vises too.

 

[pipsters]

From my understanding you've got a couple different types of Wilton vises.

Here is a summary of what I could find of the 4-4-1/2" vise models:

The "C" models US Made 60,000 psi steel high end. This one is 4" $899 78 lbs

This one is a 4.5" jaw $525 63 lbs

The "Tradesman" 1700 series US Made 60,000 psi middle of the road
4" weighs just 33 lbs $499

Chinese Wilton $189 weighs 37 lbs

Looking at ebay the top two typically go for $300-$400 on eBay in good condition. There aren't any used Tradesman vises that I found on eBay that told for a value range. I would think they would be going for roughly $140-$150 would be a "fair" well used value in good condition just judging on price, maybe $200 tops for great condition, although one did sell for $370+ in several month old condition.

The Tradesman is nice because it has pipe jaws, but seems quite a bit smaller in comparison to the huge monstrosity that is the first vise.

Any Wilton folks wanna chime in here?

 

[rusty65]

I have a Wilton c1 that is from around 2008 and i have compared the vise to vintage Wiltons and it seems to be just as tight if not tighter. So if you can get past the fact that the newer ones are not as pretty you will see that they are on par in terms of action and strength with the Wiltons of yesterday and the newer ones weigh about the same as the vintage ones if you compare the machinist styles.

 

[64Trvlr]

I would guess that wilton had the little stickers so when you order a snap on one..wiltion just put the snappy sicker on it and ships it out...I am trying to get the snappy stickers from my truck so I can change some at the shop to snappy ones..lol

I have a Wilton 1760 vise with Snappy stickers on it. Paid $125 for it in the mid 90's, well worth the money in my book.

 

[autopts]

Fellas, knowing ahead what you want from a vise will also help you in buying one. If its strictly a home environment, cutting wood, maybe copper or smaller steel pipe or rods, gluing, hacksawing, holding pieces maybe 30-40 lbs for cleaning etc. home related stuff, the 1755 is ideal and I'm not saying it could not handle more. For you weekend warriors that want that 1755 to hold your differential so you can hammer off the side carrier bearings and then used it to beat out a bearing on a front hub or control arm, its not going to outlive you. It will break sometime down the road. All the Tradesman's have that milled edge around the base except the 1780 which sits on a base ring and base from a 600S. Actually, I like that design. The base ring that centers the machinist vise is **** and cheaply made but not cheap $60. I think Wilton should mill all their bases and completely do away with that ring
In my world, the Wilton machinist vise had never been made better for the last 30+ years. Outside of a minor change inclosing the threaded assy, the machinist vise today is the same identical vise they made in 1975. Compared to the early 50's, 60's and early 70's, this machinist is bigger, heavier, has larger surfaced jaws, bigger dia handle etc. We've had a 400S in our auto parts shop for more then 20 years. Its held hub assemblies, drive shafts, and it has taken us thru 100's of jobs, many using a 3 lb sledge and its still ready for more.
What I'm getting at is to find a vise that fits your needs. Oh, and I have stickers should you want to freshen yours up. Contact me.

 

[64Trvlr]

I have stickers should you want to freshen yours up.

Cool, but do you have the Snappy stickers?

 

[autopts]

Cool, but do you have the Snappy stickers?

Sorry, but no, I don't.

 

[Jdman]

Do you still have the metal plate shown on the front of this vise that says wilton made in the usa?

 

[1982fxr]

wow that was an ''interesting'' thread.