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Thread: Looking for bench vice jaws

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Looking for bench vice jaws

    I have this Craftsman 5 1/2-inch bench vice, product numbered 51871. One of the jaws is broken. It came to me that way, and I’m guessing it has been around for decades and decades.

    One place online said jaws are available for that number vice, but the company lists its jaws as 4 1/2-inch.

    Where can I find jaws for it? I have no idea who made it for Sears.

    Craftsman-bench-vise-51871.jpg

  2. #2
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    One source says most Craftsman vises were made by Wilton and the ones that weren't were made by Columbian.

    jtk
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

  3. #3
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    Thanks, Jim, I will go searching there.

    I just sent a note off to Wilton.
    Last edited by Tony Zona; 06-14-2019 at 7:53 PM.

  4. #4
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    Zoro has "replacement vise jaws". Worst case you will have to drill one new mounting hole and cut any extra length off. They are considered a consumable item. You can also buy soft jaws.
    Bil lD

  5. #5
    Tony that looks like an older columbian.
    Dean

  6. #6
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    Thanks, Dean

  7. #7
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    Failing a direct replacement, consider Brass?

  8. #8
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    [Double post]
    Last edited by Tony Zona; 06-17-2019 at 9:52 PM.

  9. #9
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    Nice idea.

    Would brass jaws hold a metal workpiece as tightly as steel jaws would hold it?

  10. #10
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    Good question. Brass is soft (so you can drill your own holes) and will deform under pressure against harder metals.

    I lined my vise dedicated for metal with heavy leather.
    It leaves no mark and has some "grip".

    Cheapo rubber jar opener sheets or drawer liner work just as well if metal rotates in soft jaws.

    I recommend brass because you should find it locally.

  11. #11
    Join Date
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    If you do a search for replacement vise jaws in the garagejournal forms then you should be able to find some good sources. They will also be able to tell you who made the vise and when.

  12. #12
    It might be worth an inquiry at the nearest Sears or Craftsman outlet. Hand tool replacement has always be pretty painless... not sure if a vise qualifies as a hand tool... i doubt they have replacement parts but you might get lucky and have them replace the vise for you. You surely don't have much downside in asking. I worked with a driller who managed to snap the handle on a 36" pipe wrench (yes that takes some real effort) and the nearest Sears replaced it on the spot. I don't think he bothered to tell them he had put a 10' cheater on it.

  13. #13
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    It might be worth an inquiry at the nearest Sears or Craftsman outlet.
    Didn't Sears sell the rights to the Craftsman name?

    https://money.cnn.com/2017/01/05/inv...ker/index.html

    jtk
    Last edited by Jim Koepke; 06-18-2019 at 8:06 PM. Reason: added link
    "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."
    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

  14. #14
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    I bought that exact model of vise brand new back in the early 90s iirc. Still have it, it's served me very well. I would make a set of jaws if/when my jaws fail. Even if you get it replaced the new vise won't be as nice as what you have.

    I understood the Craftsman lifetime warranty ended with the sale of Craftsman. That's what happened with Schwinn's lifetime warranty when it was sold in the 90s.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by Eric Danstrom View Post
    I would make a set of jaws if/when my jaws fail.
    That was my thought too. Know anyone with metal working capability? - would be a quick and easy project. Starting with the right size of bar stock jaws could even be made with hand tools and a drill press.

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