Wilton 1765 vise information

[JohnM45]

Hey fellas,

Bought a new home this past Fall and I've been slowly working my way through and getting things setup...first floor of garage (truck and motorcycles) and 2nd floor is the wood shop.

I've been keeping an eye out for a new-to-me bench vise to keep downstairs to assist in automotive repairs, bending stuff with a hammer, etc...I can't bring myself to spend 4 or 500 bucks on a new one, so figured I'd keep looking for an old used one that's USA made...Columbian, Wilton...something good.

I spied on CL today a Wilton 1765 for $300. Looks in great shape, but has been refinished. Base looks good, jaws look like new...it is missing the pipe clamps, but those are $25 at grainger. This model goes for close to $600 new. Does it sound like a good deal? Anyone know how old these vises could be - has the 1765 been made for a long time?

I emailed the seller today to get some more info - figured I'd see what the GJ had to say. In searching the forum, I kept reading about guys falling into deals for similar vises for like 50 bucks. That is crazy! I never find deals like that...my wife and I always joke: "We pay our way, every time...no discount for you!"

Overall research says its a great vise. If its available yet, hope to see it this weekend. If it looks good, I might snag it...maybe I should offer $250...300 was my top limit.

Thanks,
John

 

[meatsis]

We have a 1765 at work. Its OK. But Ive never really been a fan of the wilton vises. They are VERY over rated if you ask me. Ive owned (and sold) quite a few of their machinist bullet vises. The only thing I like about them is how much $ people are willing to pay for them. I wouldn't pay $300 for it but that's just me. I would hold out for an old Parker or Reed or something similar. theres plenty to be found in PA.

 

[Davefr]

The Tradesman 1765 is a great vise but they can be bought brand new for closer to $400-500 if you watch for the Zoro or Enco sales.

I think $250-300 is too high for a used one that's been refinished and missing the pipe jaws.

I'd keep searching unless you need one immediately.

You might also look at the Ridgid 6". It's just as good as the Wilton IMHO and you could probably get it for around $300-350 next time Zoro issues a coupon. (the Ridgid is made in Germany using forged steel vs cast iron)

 

[JohnM45]

Man guys - great info. I appreciate the advice. My dad worked on / with vises over the years in the repair shop and always thought Columbia and Wilton were decent.

I'm a joe-homeowner user, so it sounds like it would be good enough for what I need, just not at that price.

I've seen others mention the Ridgid as well. I think its a really good looking vise (if vises can look good - I can probably say that on the forum, but nowhere else). There is one local on CL listed as "new" for $300.

I'll keep on looking...not something I need to buy today, for sure. Just thought I came across a good deal.

Thanks!
John

 

[JohnM45]

We have a 1765 at work. Its OK. But Ive never really been a fan of the wilton vises. They are VERY over rated if you ask me. Ive owned (and sold) quite a few of their machinist bullet vises. The only thing I like about them is how much $ people are willing to pay for them. I wouldn't pay $300 for it but that's just me. I would hold out for an old Parker or Reed or something similar. theres plenty to be found in PA.

What don't you like about the 1765? Does it wear and loosen over time? Does the swivel base stop clamping well? If I do go and check this used one out, just trying to determine things I could ding on the price.

I thought the double-screw swivel base was a little heavier duty type feature that I liked.

They're ductile iron as well vs. standard grey cast, which is a plus.

 

[zkling]

I think they are quite a nice user vise. Good proportions, easily removable jaws, pipe jaws for the occasional tube work.

 

[JohnM45]

I think they are quite a nice user vise. Good proportions, easily removable jaws, pipe jaws for the occasional tube work.

Doing some more research, there could be "better" vises out there, but nobody can really say why. Is it strength? accuracy? I think it comes down to Ford vs. Chevy in a way...

But for heavy-duty "joe-homeowner" use, I think its better than most and leaps and bounds over a big-box store Chinese vise. The Wilton is 100% serviceable and lifetime warranty.

Lowe's the other night, they sell Irwin/Record brand which looked really, really nice. 80 bucks, made in china...Record sure used to be a good name and Made in England.

The dude on CL didn't email me back yet, so it might not even be available. He's asking 300....if I get chance to look at it, I might him-haw around and offer 200. We'll see.....I don't want to offend the guy with a low-ball offer, either.

The search will continue for now.

 

[1930]

I think it comes down to Ford vs. Chevy in a way...

And Dodge always wins

 

[JohnM45]

Do you mean RAM ? Or, wait, is it FIAT these days? I get confused pretty easily...

 

[dr_clyde]

I have a 1765. It's a very good general purpose vise. I want to buy another one for my bench at work. I wouldn't pay more than $200 for a repainted one off craigslist though.

I prefer Wilton over other vises. I like the enclosed screw, the action, proportions, and the general high quality. Sure, other makes are well built and worth having, but I like wilton just a bit more.

 

[JohnM45]

Thanks, dr_clyde. If this guy gets back to me, that's going to be my max offer...after I've seen it to verify the real condition, of course.

If not, yard sale season is coming - I'm in a farming area - lotta people with shops/garages/etc...I'm bound to stumble across a 'find' somewhere along the way.

 

[flmng42]

I asked this same question and was swayed to the ridgid f60. I was looking at the wilton 1780, but based on many recommendations from the forum and my own research, the f60 is probably the way i will go personally. I am just waiting on another zoro sale myself.

 

[skipnay]

John I was actually thinking about picking that vise up for that price because I thought it was a price that was worth buying. I tell you what. Since I haven't emailed the guy yet have at it. Good luck and enjoy!!!

 

[zkling]

Doing some more research, there could be "better" vises out there, but nobody can really say why. Is it strength? accuracy? I think it comes down to Ford vs. Chevy in a way...

Eh, you have to read between the lines on some of those, as many opinions can come more from the collector/hoarder/re-seller crowd that refuse to acknowledge any modern tool as equal or dare I say superior for end use work.

Are they the most heavy duty thing out there? No, but just a good mix of usable vise for the average person.

 

[JohnM45]

John I was actually thinking about picking that vise up for that price because I thought it was a price that was worth buying. I tell you what. Since I haven't emailed the guy yet have at it. Good luck and enjoy!!!

Are you competing with my quest for a vise? I appreciate you giving me dibs. I'm honestly not sure what to do yet...I was going to offer him less, but he emailed and has a decent offer that he didn't take. I think he just posted it a few days ago, though. So, I'd hold out too, I suppose.

I might try to go see it this weekend if he is around - I'm in Lebanon county, just north of Brickerville...not sure where he is...

Eh, you have to read between the lines on some of those, as many opinions can come more from the collector/hoarder/re-seller crowd that refuse to acknowledge any modern tool as equal or dare I say superior for end use work.

Are they the most heavy duty thing out there? No, but just a good mix of usable vise for the average person.

I appreciate your comment, zkling. Everyone looks at this stuff from a different angle. I think it would make a good, hard-working vise for a homeowner for many years to come.

 

[JohnM45]

I asked this same question and was swayed to the ridgid f60. I was looking at the wilton 1780, but based on many recommendations from the forum and my own research, the f60 is probably the way i will go personally. I am just waiting on another zoro sale myself.

I've been looking at them as well - great looking vises for sure!

 

[exmaxima1]

I've been looking at them as well - great looking vises for sure!

But please remember that the jaws are not replaceable, so the options for non-marring soft jaws are somewhat limited. Otherwise, it looks like a very nice vise.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

They make tons of magnetic soft jaws covers, including: aluminum in various styles, plastic, rubber, etc... I used them on our SO bullet vise.

 

[JohnM45]

But please remember that the jaws are not replaceable, so the options for non-marring soft jaws are somewhat limited. Otherwise, it looks like a very nice vise.

The full jaw or the steel inserts that actually clamp the work piece? All the pics of the 1765 show that the steel inserts can be replaced.

 

[1982fxr]

The full jaw or the steel inserts that actually clamp the work piece? All the pics of the 1765 show that the steel inserts can be replaced.

think he means the ridgid

 

[1982fxr]

1765 is a pretty damn awesome vise

 

[JohnM45]

think he means the ridgid

Ah, yeah, I see that now. That's a great point...

1765 is a pretty damn awesome vise

I'm probably going to regret passing on it - he's got a buyer coming on Sunday for the full $300 asking price. I've only been looking for a couple weeks...something will come along again.

 

[JohnM45]

So I made it down to the hardware store today to pick up a few odds and ends. I strolled over to the vise section and behold..........there before me were three Tradesman vises...4.5, 5.5 and 6.5.

I have to admit - I did not realize the 1765 was such a MASSIVE vise. I had no idea. The pictures I've been looking at never really did give a good perspective on how large this vise is. So completely unnecessary.......I LOVE IT.

In reality, the 1755 is probably perfect....but, wow. The big 6.5 is mighty cool. That being said...$300 used is seeming more and more like a better deal. The store wanted $565 new...which is about 100 bucks less than zoro...

Guess I'll wing it - if the the used one that's available locally is available after Sunday, I might have to check it out. The seller emailed to tell me someone was coming by to check it out tomorrow.

So completely unnecessary at this point.

 

[1982fxr]

time to step up to the 1780

 

[Tinner]

I just picked up a 1755 on the Enco 25% off with free shipping sale for $337. It's a beautiful thing.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Or buy the Wilton at Enco or Zoro with the 25-30% discounts and free shipping. With anything used, I like to target 50% of new, unless it no longer made to make it worthwhile for myself.