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Machinery Photo Index
Manufactured/Badged by:
Sears | Craftsman
Chicago, IL

True Manufacturer:
Columbian Vise & Manufacturing Co., Cleveland, OH
Machine Specifications
Machine Class: Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type: Other
Machine Size: 3.5 inch jaws - 29 pounds
Submitted By: Curtis Garrett
Machine Specifications
Description/Model: Bench Vise Model 5176 - 3.5 inch
Date of Manufacturer: 1947-1955
Serial Number: None
Last Updated 6/1/2024 6:32:39 PM

Comments:
Purchased on eBay in March 2024 from a seller in Sarasota Florida.

Craftsman Bench Vise Model 5176
Jaw width: 3.5 inches
Jaws opening width: 5 inches
Weight: 29 pounds
Cold rolled U-Beam slide completely covers lead screw.
Acme 6 threads per inch lead screw.
Oval shaped stops at handle ends.
Knife blade type handle on swivel base hold down in lieu of more common sliding bar type.
Swivel base rotates a full 360 degrees.
Craftsman "Heritage" logo decal plate is shape cast into the side casting and drive pin attached.
Badge reads "Craftsman Guaranteed Highest Quality"
Catalog Price in 1949: $12.95

1949 Catalog Ad Reads: "By far the finest vise of this type we've ever sold! Super new design with exceptionally smooth, easy action. Built for extra heavy duty...packed with rugged brute strength in every part."

Restored in a two part Awl Grip paint system, the top and side jaw facing were light flap wheel ground and the finished with a "Roloc" surface conditioning disk.The anvil surface and all handles were "highly polished" as mentioned in the Craftsman catalog ad posting.

Per my research these vises were manufactured by the Columbian Vise & Manufacturing Company of Cleveland Ohio for Sears Roebuck & Company. They were made from 1947 up to 1955. My last picture is of the 1947 Sears Christmas catalog page which is the first time this Model 5176 shows up. This model vise last appeared in the 1955 Craftsman Power Tools catalog in this exact configuration from what I was able to find out.

Craftsman Model 5169 with 4in. wide jaws:
Sears also offered a 4 inch wide jaw opening Model 5169 of this vise that weighed in at 36 pounds and sold in 1949 for $15.50
I have both my Model 5176 and 5169 pictures next to each other below.

Photo 1:

Comments: Restored right side view
Source: C.Garrett
Direct Link
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Photo 2:

Comments: Restored left side view
Source: C.Garrett
Direct Link
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Photo 3:

Comments: Front View
Source: C.Garrett
Direct Link
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Photo 4:

Comments: Rear View
Source: C.Garrett
Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 5:

Comments: Craftsman Model 5169 (left) and Model 5176 (right) in restored condition.
Source: By C. Garrett
Direct Link
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Photo 6:

Comments: 1947 Sears Christmas Catalog Ad
Source: Garage Journal contributor posting
Direct Link
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