Wilton Bullet ???

[LRandolph]

Just bought this vise and I was wondering if the numbers on the sides were the date? What's the model #61076?

 

[flyingblind]

Its birthday is written on the bar on the bottom of the extendable arm. Extend it out as far as you can and look at the bottom.
ETa welcome to the forum and nice find.
Eta eta Vises of garage journal

 

[Fierljeppen]

Your Wilton model no. 400S vise looks barely used? "60176" is the zip code for Schiller Park. Here's some photos of another Wilton 400S vise from your vises era, you'll see where to look on the slide for the date-code. Based on your photos, I'm guessing your date-code will be between (1980-1982).



Could you please post a photo of your date-code so I can add your vise to my Wilton "date-stamp" database? I'm sure I can find you a Wilton catalog ad based on the date for your records.

 

[Roberts210]

That's a nice Wilton Bullet, LRandolf. Care to tell us what you paid for it?

 

[LRandolph]

$50 and thanks everyone for the info. I'm becoming a Vise-guy I guess.

 

[Roberts210]

You stold it! A 4" Wilton Machinist vise in that good of a condition would sell for $450 on ebay, maybe more if the seller wanted to spiff it up with some new paint.

 

[LRandolph]

So painting it will not effect the value?

 

[LRandolph]

Your Wilton model no. 400S vise looks barely used? "60176" is the zip code for Schiller Park. Here's some photos of another Wilton 400S vise from your vises era, you'll see where to look on the slide for the date-code. Based on your photos, I'm guessing your date-code will be between (1980-1982).



Could you please post a photo of your date-code so I can add your vise to my Wilton "date-stamp" database? I'm sure I can find you a Wilton catalog ad based on the date for your records.

8 80?

 

[LRandolph]

Here's some other vise I have. Not sure if their any value?

 

[flyingblind]

So painting it will not effect the value?

Not anymore than the rust has. Paint will probably increase its value at this point.

 

[exmaxima1]

So painting it will not effect the value?

It's already been repainted with some kind of gray paint or primer. You can tell because originally there was no paint on the sides of the jaws. Yes, paint would only increase its value.

 

[Shiftless]

It's already been repainted with some kind of gray paint or primer. You can tell because originally there was no paint on the sides of the jaws. Yes, paint would only increase its value.

I agree
The current top coat looks like what you get from the Rustoleum “Hammered” line of paints.

 

[Fierljeppen]

8 80?

Thanks for the photo of the date-code!

There are two theories going about the Wilton date-code for your particular vise era. The most popular belief is the stamped date-code is the actual date the vise was finished and ready for shipping. The other theory is that it's the actual finished date, plus 5-years to account for the warrantee expiration date. Basically, your vise was date-stamped on Aug, 1975 or Aug, 1980.

It really doesn't matter in this case, as no significant changes were made during this period. Either way, I've included a Wilton catalog scan of 1974 and 1981 respectively.



FYI, all of your other vises are quality "made in USA" vises and certainly have value as good user vises as well as collectibles in the case of the anvil vise.

 

[LRandolph]

Thanks again!