Wilton Bullet Vise Information

[DavidB]

I'm trying to make a timeline of Wilton's vises and I'm primarily focusing on the bullet style vises. Some of the things I'm trying to figure out are when the print on the sides of the vises changed, meaning of the date stamps ( manufacturing date vs warranty date), why some early vises have numbers that aren't dates where the date stamp should be (mine has "171" but is clearly an early vise), etc.

Anyways, I'm collecting data and building the timeline in Open Office. I've found a couple threads on here and OWWM to start with but I'd like to get some more info to add in. I'm looking for pictures and information. I'm noting who owns the vise and where I found the information so others can check it out as well.

I've attached what I have so far as a pdf file. I'm looking for pictures of your Wilton vises where I can see the printing on the sides and a picture of the date stamp. I'm calling the vises "Vise #" in the timeline in the order I'm adding them. If you scroll down to the last page in the pdf there is a list of who owns these vises and where the pics were sourced from.

I'm also trying to keep a log of the following data on the vises:

Owner:
Jaw Size:
Model:
Number(s):
Weight
Date Stamp:
Left Body Text:
Right Body Text:
Source:

If you have anything to post I'd appreciate it. I'm collecting the info out of curiosity only. I have and will make the timeline available to others. If you have any Wilton info to add feel free to post it up as well. I know we've got a lot of vise fans and Wilton owners here so hopefully I can get a lot of replies.

Thanks,
David

The pdf for the timeline can be found here: Updated 8-28-12
https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B1SLQ-bU1rvBZWdkYXJVTjhieEE

 

[spongerich]

There's something familiar about that 4" Bullet in the PDF

I'll try to get a pic of the bottom of the slide for you tomorrow.

I've also got a 2" mini and a 5" monster. The big one is disassembled and half primered so I don't have pics of both sides of that one, but I should be able to get some soon.

 

[autopts]

Most of my Wilton info vanished when my drive crashed along with 100's of Wilton photos. Somehow, along the way, I should have something to add to it.

 

[mjozefow]

Wow, you guys sure do love your Wiltons! Wanna do one for Reed or Parker?

 

[DavidB]

There's something familiar about that 4" Bullet in the PDF

I'll try to get a pic of the bottom of the slide for you tomorrow.

I've also got a 2" mini and a 5" monster. The big one is disassembled and half primered so I don't have pics of both sides of that one, but I should be able to get some soon.

Hmm, yeah you might have seen that one before. Thanks I'll look forward to the pics.

Most of my Wilton info vanished when my drive crashed along with 100's of Wilton photos.

That *****!

Wow, you guys sure do love your Wiltons! Wanna do one for Reed or Parker?

Heh, I don't own one of those...yet. I tried to find out some history on Prentiss but that's like a black hole.

 

[kc-steve]

Most of my Wilton info vanished when my drive crashed along with 100's of Wilton photos. Somehow, along the way, I should have something to add to it.

Sorry to hear about that.

Just some helpful info here . . . I always have two hard drives. One for the program files (C drive) and one for my personal files, photos, etc. (E or F drive).

Doing it that way ensures when your C drive crashes, as it is the one usually targeted by viruses and spyware, you can just replace the C-drive and still have all your personal files. Then just reinstall your program files.

Or you can buy a separate drive and use a backup software system to store your files there, but if the virus is present then it won't do any good though. Also, virus security suites are helpful but not bullet proof, pun intended.

Steve

 

[kc-steve]

Here's my Wilton Bullet photos. Good luck on this Dave.

Owner: JunkyardTools.com, aka kc-steve
Jaw Size: 3-inch
Model: (unknown, guessing either a Tradesman or Machinist) no pipe jaws.
Number(s): 930
Weight: approximately 15-16 lbs.
Date Stamp: 9-46
Left Body Text: "Wilton Chicago USA, 930"
Right Body Text: "Wilton Chicago (L-circle) USA"
Source: Garage Sale, $18 in 2009.

<p><img src="http://junkyardtools.com/catalog/images/Wilton_Bullet-01.jpg" width="660" height="393" /></p>

<p><img src="http://junkyardtools.com/catalog/images/Wilton_Bullet-02.jpg" width="660" height="420" /></p>

<p><img src="http://junkyardtools.com/catalog/images/Wilton_Bullet-03.jpg" width="660" height="461" /></p>

 

[autopts]

Wow, you guys sure do love your Wiltons! Wanna do one for Reed or Parker?

I think Parkers numbering system is alot worse then Wilton. Parker was all over the place in their numbering system depending on when they were made. Am I right?

 

[mjozefow]

I think Parkers numbering system is alot worse then Wilton. Parker was all over the place in their numbering system depending on when they were made. Am I right?

I think I remember reading that at the height of production Parker was making 30+ models of vises. They had the most extensive line-up of any company. IIRC that is why the models started going alpha-numeric and other sorts of crazy.

 

[gilbo]

Owner: Gilbo
Jaw Size: 3 1/2
Model: 9350
Number(s): 835 (Left Body side) 13 350B (underside swivel base) N (dynamic jaw)
Weight 35.5
Date Stamp:6-30-64
Left Body Text: Wilton Schiller Park, ILL USA
Right Body Text: Wilton Schiller Park, ILL USA
Source:












Wilton 9350 Vise

 

[rwhite692]

This is my 4" Wilton "bullet" style vise, Model 9400-A, 1959 (or earlier).

It looks as though the original paint color may have been a solid, bright medium blue, close to what I'd call "Miller welding equipment blue".

Interesting is the “GUAR EXP” stamped above the 12-31-59 date stamp… I'm guessing that it is the warranty (GUARantee? expiration date, ie, "GUARantee EXPires on 12-31-59?

 

[kc-steve]

This is my 4" Wilton "bullet" style vise, Model 9400-A, 1959 (or earlier).

It looks as though the original paint color may have been a solid, bright medium blue, close to what I'd call "Miller welding equipment blue".

Interesting is the “GUAR EXP” stamped above the 12-31-59 date stamp… I'm guessing that it is the warranty (GUARantee? expiration date, ie, "GUARantee EXPires on 12-31-59?

That makes sense because your casting says "Chicago" but the 5-year warranty expired when they were in the Schiller Park plant by 1957-58. Maybe that was also the beginning of the transition of going to the actual date of production as well. Just a thought.

Steve

 

[DavidB]

Thanks for the info. I'll try to update my timeline tomorrow and post a new version of it. Keep it coming!

 

[Catalyze]

On later Wilton vises, they list Schiller Park Illinois 60176 in the raised letters. Since Zip Code did not achieve useage until 1963, this might be a point in your time line. Before 1963, there were only zone codes like Chicago 7 Illinois. I am refurbishing a 450 Wilton now and still have it apart. I will photo the date on the keyway and the sides. It is a 1993 model. When I called Wilton today to order a hold down nut (one side is missing), I was asked by the operator if it was made prior to 1998. She said that the part was changed in 1998 and took a different number. Nice effort to document the Wilton line!
Craig

 

[autopts]

It is a 1993 model. When I called Wilton today to order a hold down nut (one side is missing), I was asked by the operator if it was made prior to 1998. She said that the part was changed in 1998 and took a different number. Nice effort to document the Wilton line!
Craig[/QUOTE]

The Wilton number of the old hold down was replaced by the current No. 1000771 which includes the bolt. That way they could double the price.

 

[pfbz]

Owner: PFB
Jaw Size: 4-1/2" x 1"
Model: 9450 w/ swivel base
Number(s): 9450 (UPC 101033)
Weight: 60 pounds with swivel base
Date Stamp: 670 (June 1970)
Left Body Text: 101033 / 9450 / WILTON (curved) / SCHILLER PARK ILL / USA
Right Body Text: WILTON (curved) / SCHILLER PARK ILL / USA
Source: eBay, $96 shipped.

Before freshening:

After:

No dowels on the jaws:

Date:

Compared to a newer 400N:

 

[pfbz]

To get it under the size limit messes up the pictures some so I'll try to fine another way to host it in the future.

Might try google docs...

 

[DavidB]

Owner: Gilbo
Jaw Size: 3 1/2
Model: 9350
Number(s): 835 (Left Body side) 13 350B (underside swivel base) N (dynamic jaw)
Weight 35.5
Date Stamp:6-30-64
Left Body Text: Wilton Schiller Park, ILL USA
Right Body Text: Wilton Schiller Park, ILL USA
Source:

Wilton 9350 Vise

Nice looking vise! I've added it to the timeline.

This is my 4" Wilton "bullet" style vise, Model 9400-A, 1959 (or earlier).

It looks as though the original paint color may have been a solid, bright medium blue, close to what I'd call "Miller welding equipment blue".

Interesting is the “GUAR EXP” stamped above the 12-31-59 date stamp… I'm guessing that it is the warranty (GUARantee? expiration date, ie, "GUARantee EXPires on 12-31-59?

Another good looking vise! Yes, I believe that is what GUAR EXP means. Since you're states GUAR EXP, I'm listing it as being manufactured in 1954. Which makes since since it says Chicago on it and they were still making them there in 54 but not in 59. Also added to the timeline.

Owner: PFB
Jaw Size: 4-1/2" x 3/4"
Model: 9450 w/ swivel base
Number(s): 9450 (UPC 101033)
Weight: 60 pounds with swivel base
Date Stamp: 670 (June 1970)
Left Body Text: 101033 / 9450 / WILTON (curved) / SCHILLER PARK ILL / USA
Right Body Text: WILTON (curved) / SCHILLER PARK ILL / USA
Source: eBay, $96 shipped.

That vise cleaned up very well. This is another one of the "confusing" vises like mine. I'm not sure that 670 is a date code. My 6" pat pending vise has a 3 number code (171) on it like that but it the Pat Pend on it means it has to be an early vise not one made in the 70s. Can anyone shed light on these 3 number codes? I have not added this vise yet since I'm unsure where to place it.

Might try google docs...

Brilliant! I'll do that.

I've added a link to the first post.


To all, I'm calling the vises "Vise #" in the order I'm adding them. If you scroll down to the last page there is a list of who owns these vises and where the pics were sourced from.

 

[kc-steve]

. . . That vise cleaned up very well. This is another one of the "confusing" vises like mine. I'm not sure that 670 is a date code. My 6" pat pending vise has a 3 number code (171) on it like that but it the Pat Pend on it means it has to be an early vise not one made in the 70s. Can anyone shed light on these 3 number codes? I have not added this vise yet since I'm unsure where to place it.

My "light" is rather dim, and we might need to get some more examples before I would say this is conclusive, but it might be that the "X-**" dates are the guarantee expiration dates and the "***" date stamps might be the actual date of production that came about later.

I still think your vise might have been repaired at a later date, replacing the dynamic jaw and came with the newer date code because that's what they happened to have in inventory. Just guessing though.

Steve

 

[DavidB]

That's a possibility. I'm not 100% sure on what I said before but am questioning it hoping someone here can shed some light on the issue.

 

[pfbz]

This is another one of the "confusing" vises like mine. I'm not sure that 670 is a date code. My 6" pat pending vise has a 3 number code (171) on it like that but it the Pat Pend on it means it has to be an early vise not one made in the 70s. Can anyone shed light on these 3 number codes? I have not added this vise yet since I'm unsure where to place it.

Autopts is pretty much the guru of Wilton Vises... here is what he said on the original thread I posted when I picked up this vise:

I think that is a 1970. In 1968 I believe Wilton had that same vise but it did not have the UPC (101033) stamped into it like that. It was just a 9450. That was made when Wilton was changing numbers. They put both 9450 & 101033 on the body. Wilton did have two generations 9450. The early one had 4 1/2W X 3/4" H jaws, then in the early 60's they went to the 1"H jaw, that was a great vise and still is.

PS: I corrected an error on my description... I have 1" jaw height, not 3/4"!

 

[Catalyze]

Here is a newer Wilton 450S. Mine was made in 8-93 according to the stamp in the key.

Owner: Catalyze
Jaw Size: 4 1/2 inch
Model: 450S
Numbers: 450 left side static, 101162 static right, 101163 dynamic right
Weight: 69 pounds
Date Stamp: 8-93
Left Body Text: Wilton Schiller Park ILL 60176, Made in USA, 450, Wilton decal in inset
Right Body Text: Wilton Schiller Park ILL 60176 Made in USA
Source: purchased from private individual locally $80
Craig
View media item 8152View media item 8151View media item 8145

 

[autopts]

My "light" is rather dim, and we might need to get some more examples before I would say this is conclusive, but it might be that the "X-**" dates are the guarantee expiration dates and the "***" date stamps might be the actual date of production that came about later.

I still think your vise might have been repaired at a later date, replacing the dynamic jaw and came with the newer date code because that's what they happened to have in inventory. Just guessing though.

Steve

Steve, when Wilton moved out to Schiller Pk. They took 100's of "Chicago" castings with them, mostly 2", 2 1/2" & 3". Many 2" Chicago casting sat in the Schiller whse. until they were sold and have dates into the 70's marked on the bottom. The 9400 and up remained fairly consistant with the dates stamped. Some of the numbers around the body are foundry ID numbers. They had a foundry up in Wisconsin and for quality reasons they also stamped the castings

 

[autopts]

Fellas, if you ever run into a Wilton Bullet that is seized, the 1st thing you want to do is to remove the front collar and unscrew the handle out of it. Trying to force the jaws open by cranking the handle out is a no no. It takes very little outward pressure to shear off the heads of the screws holding that collar, then your in for a job.

 

[TozziWelding]

Want to help me out with mine

6" jaws, opens over a foot
only numbers are 101066 and UX

 

[Catalyze]

This is an autopts type of question. I just see a big Wilton and am glad I am not lifting it onto a bench.
Craig

 

[pfbz]

Want to help me out with mine

6" jaws, opens over a foot
only numbers are 101066 and UX

Looks like an older C-3. Maybe '70's. Pull the movable jaw and there is probably a date stamped on the bottom.

I have it's "little" brother, a C-2.

 

[Swan]

Here is my freshly restored Wilton C1 1845 vise
Before:

After:

Here is the information you requested:
Owner: Swan
Jaw Size: 4.5"
Model: 1845 C1
Number(s): 1845 and 11943
Weight: 66.1 lbs
Date Stamp: 12/31/60 Guar Exp (c. 1955? pre-Schiller Park)
Left Body Text: Wilton Chicago USA
Right Body Text:C1 Wilton Chicago USA
Source: Friend, FREE!
Note: it has two pins holding the large interior threaded tube.

Read and see more about my restoration.

 

[georgegab]

The Wilton Vise I purchased last Friday (23 Sep 11) has a date stamped on the bottom key, which reads "277". Someone on another thread identified it as a 450N model. It's stamped with a 60176 after Schiller Park, Ill. Jaw with is 4.5". It will open to 7.75". It does not have a swivel. Could it it be that someone removed it or did it just come that way? See pics.

george

 

[pfbz]

The Wilton Vise I purchased last Friday (23 Sep 11) has a date stamped on the bottom key, which reads "277". Someone on another thread identified it as a 450N model. It's stamped with a 60176 after Schiller Park, Ill. Jaw with is 4.5". It will open to 7.75". It does not have a swivel. Could it it be that someone removed it or did it just come that way?

Comes both ways... and unlike some vise manufacturers, Wilton model numbers actually make sense!

450N (4.50", No swivel)
450S (4.50", Swivel)

I have both swivel and non-swivel Wiltons, and prefer the non-swivel as it mounts more cleanly and compactly.

Date code is Feb. 1977, sounds right. About the same year as my 400N.

 

[Ryanps8]

Hello All,

I picked up this wilton vise this weekend at a yard sale for 5 dollars. I am not sure what the model number is. It has 101167 on the side and on the key is has 3 87. The jaws are 3 1/2in wide
I am trying to find some parts for it that were missing. It needs the dust cap and the nut that the shaft screws in and out of. Any idea on where to get the parts and what I have?

I would really like to restore this very nice vise for my shop.

 

[pfbz]

Nice score!

Wilton C-0, as cast on the fixed jaw... Built in March of 1987, It's the smallest of their "Combination" vises, still has the pipe jaws in place which is good.

Maybe Autopts will chime in on a source for the the end piece. The vise is still made, and Graingers sells replacement parts though it might be pricey. A new C0 is over $500, so it's worth restoring!

 

[autopts]

Hello All,

I am trying to find some parts for it that were missing. It needs the dust cap and the nut that the shaft screws in and out of. Any idea on where to get the parts and what I have?

I would really like to restore this very nice vise for my shop.

Very nice find! Whats wrong with the threaded assy. inside? Its missing? For dust caps, get a steel freeze plug at a auto parts store.

 

[georgegab]

Hello All,

I picked up this wilton vise this weekend at a yard sale for 5 dollars. I am not sure what the model number is. It has 101167 on the side and on the key is has 3 87. The jaws are 3 1/2in wide
I am trying to find some parts for it that were missing. It needs the dust cap and the nut that the shaft screws in and out of. Any idea on where to get the parts and what I have?

I would really like to restore this very nice vise for my shop.

You did well for only $5. I paid $50 for mine last Friday (23 Sept 11), which I'm very excited about.


pfbz, I'm thinking of restoring my Wilton. Where can I get the original color green paint and new jaws?

george

 

[Ryanps8]

Yes the threaded assy is missing. any idead on where to find one. Also any thought on wht model it is.

 

[Ryanps8]

Nice score!

Wilton C-0, as cast on the fixed jaw... Built in March of 1987, It's the smallest of their "Combination" vises, still has the pipe jaws in place which is good.

Maybe Autopts will chime in on a source for the the end piece. The vise is still made, and Graingers sells replacement parts though it might be pricey. A new C0 is over $500, so it's worth restoring!

So are the C-0 parts the same today as they were in 87.
Thanks for the info so far.

 

[autopts]

Yes the threaded assy is missing. any idead on where to find one. Also any thought on wht model it is.

It looks as if Wilton used the same spindle on the 350S and the C-0. Go to the Grainger site and look at the parts list for their C-0. Wilton only shows the complete rear assy for it. Write that number down and call all2ools.com. Have Steve get you a price quote. If its ridicilous high or NLA, then opt to get the threaded collar for the 350S which they still show seperately. Being a $5 dollar investment, spending $50-$75 to make it right is still worth it I think.

 

[Harvey Melvin Richards]

Here is my Wilton.


Owner: Harvey Melvin Richards

Jaw Size: 4.5"

Model: C-1

Number(s): see photos

Weight 72 pounds

Date Stamp: 3 76

Left Body Text:

Right Body Text:

Source: Retiring machinist neighbor

 

[stormking]

Although I wasn't looking for another Wilton vise, couldn't pass this one up when I found it last Sunday at an estate sale for $20. Looks to be original paint. Based on the jaw configuration and the "patent pending", I'd say it's an early model. The reading I've done has conflicting information on dating these. The question is: what is the approximate build date on this vise?

By stormking3 at 2011-09-26

By stormking3 at 2011-09-26

 

[Ryanps8]

It looks as if Wilton used the same spindle on the 350S and the C-0. Go to the Grainger site and look at the parts list for their C-0. Wilton only shows the complete rear assy for it. Write that number down and call all2ools.com. Have Steve get you a price quote. If its ridicilous high or NLA, then opt to get the threaded collar for the 350S which they still show seperately. Being a $5 dollar investment, spending $50-$75 to make it right is still worth it I think.

Well I got my parts ordered. I will update on the restoration when I get the parts and start in on it.
Thanks Again for the help this far.