Photo Index - Sears | Craftsman - 506.51820 Machinist Vise

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" Jaw Width - 33 LBS
Submitted By:	Curtis Garrett

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	506.51820 Machinist Vise
Date of Manufacturer:	1960 - 1973
Serial Number:	None
Last Updated	9/29/2024 8:03:30 PM

Comments:

This is a mid to late 1960's Craftsman machinists vise that were made for Sears by the Columbian Vise Company of Cleveland Ohio.

1969 Craftsman Tools Catalog:

"Machinists Vises Our finest...Extra-heavy-duty Rugged malleable-iron castings - almost unbreakable"

Replaceable hardened steel jaw faces pinned into place with a "T" jaw tongue & groove fit.
Precision knurled gripping surfaces, no screw heads in work face.
Self-lubricating graphite-bronze bearings to take all the thrust of the steel screw head.
Steel beam protects the lead screw...keeps out dust.
Steel ball-ends of handle forged right from handle stock...can't loosen.

Jaw width: 3.5 inches
Jaw opens to: 5 inches
Weight: 33 pounds
Swivel base kit available for $9.99 (6 lbs 2 oz)
Price in 1969: $38.99 Cash
Vise was in production and USA made from 1960 to 1973.

Craftsman Commercial Logo Designation: the 1969 catalog ad is the first time I can see where Sears used the Craftsman Commercial logo on these vises:
1969 Page 8 Catalog ad copy: "Craftsman Commercial Look for this label. It means top quality"
"A specially-designed tool to meet exacting requirements of industrial use"
"Extra heavy duty to stand up under continuous operation"
"Superb precision construction for extra accuracy"
"And at Sears price that makes it an outstanding buy for the professional and the home craftsman who demands the very top quality in tools"

This vise was purchased from an eBay seller in Denver, CO and restored by myself using the Awl Grip paint system. All marks and scratches were polished out of the bare metal surfaces. All moving parts were lubricated with "Super Lube" full synthetic grease. Original Craftsman crown logo style tag was salvaged after being spray painted in a silver rattle can product.

Photo 1:

Comments: Restored right side view
Source: C.Garrett

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Photo 2:

Comments: Restored left side view
Source: C.Garrett

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Photo 3:

Comments: Front View showing unique bronze washer in place
Source: C.Garrett

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Photo 4:

Comments: Rear View
Source: C.Garrett

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Photo 5:

Comments: 1960 Craftsman Tool Catalog Ad
Source: GJ forumn user

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Photo 6:

Comments: Condition as received after a slight clean up & over spray paint removal.
Source: C.Garrett

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