And no, they don’t mean the Miami kind. The long-time vise manufacturer is holding a sweepstakes in which they’ll select their favorite story and bestow its teller with five grand. All “qualified” entrants will receive a “free Wilton C-clamp.” We’re not sure what “qualified” means, but after our quick read of the press release, it looks like you just have to be over 21.
Some of the stuff you’ll be competing with for the grand prize includes a guy from Canton, Ohio, who’s owned his Wilton for 40 years and a gunsmith from Georgia who scavenged his off the rear bumper of a service truck.
So hey: Story = free clamp. The sweepstakes closes September 14th, and you can find out more about the whole thing at the link below.
Submit Your Story [Wilton]
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
20 Responses to Wilton Wants Your Old Vise Story
Leave a Reply
TM on Flickr
Recent Comments
{ Did mine 10-years ago & it held up pretty good over the years... so good that I just did it for a 2nd time (even... } – May 19, 9:50 PM
{ I own a Toro Dingo, and I'll tell you these things are much more versatile then you think. With my 4-1 bucket I can just... } – May 19, 7:00 AM
{ Useful info. Fortunate me I found your web site accidentally, and I am surprised why this accident didn't happened in advance! I bookmarked it. } – May 18, 10:40 PM
{ Excellent post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I'm impressed! Very helpful information specially the closing part
I care for such... } – May 18, 8:10 PM{ I have built several systems that do everything listed above and more.... Currently we use my system for critical resin applications and general spray painting... } – May 18, 1:00 PM
Too bad this only applies to Wilton vises, I have an ancient Massey Vise in the shop that was my grandfather’s, reclaimed from the scrap pile at the NCR . The limited info I have been able to find on the company is that “The company was formed in 1891 in Chicago by Thomas C. Massey” , but it is still doing admirable duty here in the shop.
I love the old tools I have inherited, there is something about the quality that was inherent in good tools back in the days, that transcends time, and still is evident today.
Not that I’m against progress, or new innovations, far from it, but I do enjoy working with the older tools in my spare time, and learning their history, I hope Wilton publishes some of the stories on their site, I would love to hear them!
I wish I had an old vise. I’ve had to repair and modify my Harbor Freight vise several times over the past few years. It’s a real drag when I’m in the middle of a project and I have to take an hour to repair the stupid thing!
Recently, a friend came over, saw my vise from a distance, and said “Wow, that’s a nice vise!” He stepped closer and said “Oh wait. No it’s not.” Truer words have never been spoken.
Can you, or anyone else, recommend a general-purpose bench vise that *is* worth having for under $100 new?
How about good brands to look for used?
cl
I own and have gotten numerous heavy duty uses out of this one:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-6-in-bench-vise/p-00951856000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
Around six years later now and not a single complaint. I use it a lot with the smooth side of the jaws for wood working but also have been known to pound on it as hard as I can with a sledge to bend some copper piping.
I have that same Sears vice and beat the crap out of it, and it just keeps coming back for more, for about 1/10th the price of a comparable sized Wilton.
No complaints here.
Note the similarity to the Wilton:
http://www.amazon.com/Wilton-11127-Opening-Utility-Workshop/dp/B0008JF9PO/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1337607288&sr=1-2
@ $100.30
Guess I’ll go for the Sears. The Amazon price is beter then a lot on E-bay because Wilton’s have become collectable of all things. Other brands can be had, but you have to pay close attention to the shipping. I got a good used fixed vice cheap and shipping was only $15.
If you need an old vice, there are many on ebay!
That’s just because Wilton is just a bunch of Vise Guys.
Anybody have any experience with old Olympic vises or with ProGrade vises?
I have an old Wilton, unsure of its age but it came out of a school being remodeled in the mid 90′s. I guess the shop room was getting new equipment. I’d guess its a 40′s model. Its been good, I did not pay anything for it so that is the right price too.
I once sold a vice to finance my vices.
I have a couple old base/leg vices were going to be scrapped didn’t know much about them I do now can’t destroy them I guess they were made back when things were ment to last
Are you out of business or on a vacation? Come on back, we miss you.
I have been wondering the same thing. I have loved this website for a number of years now. I hope everyone is OK and all that and that toolmonger does not fall victim to our crappy economy.
Be strong!
I wouldn’t worry about it. There have been large gaps between posts before. I’m sure that there is lots behind the scenes that we don’t know about, and the last few years have been the chuck and sometimes sean show. When you only have two writers with day jobs and numerous projects it is easy to understand why toolmonger can fall by he wayside. I suspect that we will see a series of chuck posts soon.
All i have to say is that almost every story
i have heard is about where to get a good vise! Does nobody see what web site we are on! Lol! We have had our wilton vise n our family for 52yrs! It’s a 60 model and is still working better than any other Brand! This is a vise that started off as my grandpa’s then my dad’s then my bros andnow my 12 yr old son. He is a “pro mechanic” for every bicycling 12 yr old n our neighborhood!this vise has stood up to the test of time!and the great outside weather of Texas for the last 20 yrs.and is part of our Texas family tradition!I wouldn’t have it any other. Way!!!!
My Vise store:
Me and Roscoe use the vice to crack walnuts at the Boar’s Nest.
p.s. – The Duke Boys jumped over it with the General Lee
‘dem Dukes! ‘dem Dukes!
Hey where is everybody? No new posts? This site could really use a forum…
Seems like everybody is on vacation?? I rarely check the site anymore since there’s not much going on
http://toolguyd.com/