Vintage Craftsman Vise, Japan

[Troyton70]

I have a Craftsman bench vise (391.5180) made in Japan. Looking for someone who might appreciate it more than myself. This vise is in it's original condition, never used. I belive it's somewhere around 40-60 years old but not sure. If anyone can give a more exact date I'd appreciate it.

 

[Terry Keeley]

Ahhh, Japan, the original source of "quality import" tools.

My how things have changed...

 

[Mtndew]

A 60 year old vise, never used and in pristine condition?
Sounds too good to be true.

 

[AndyF]

The vise is probably less than 40 years old. When I purchased my first Craftsman vise as a High Schooler around 1980, they were made in Japan, but did not have the size cast into the dynamic jaw.

 

[Superbowl]

Here's your twin made in the good old USA

Craftsman Vise Made In USA - tools - by owner - sale - craigslist

Craftsman 3 1/2 Inch Jaws, With Swivel Base. Model # 51861. Made In The USA. The Jaws Are Reversible. Very Nice Condition . Perfect For A Home Hobbyist Or Garage. I will meet you in a public...

washingtondc.craigslist.org

 

[Troyton70]

My father-in-law recently passed away, I found it in a box in his basement. It doesn't appear to have ever been used.

 

[Troyton70]

A 60 year old vise, never used and in pristine condition?
Sounds too good to be true.

My father-in-law recently passed away, I found the vise in a box in his basement.

 

[EPAIII]

I have that exact same model number Craftsman. I got many years of use from it before the base swivel locking bolt broke and I purchased a larger Wilton with a 360 degree swivel and dual locks. I repaired the swivel lock and it is sitting on a shelf, waiting for installation in an appropriate place.

Although the model number is the same, the castings appear to be a bit different. And mine, of course, does show the wear and tear of those years. But it is still a perfectly functional bench vise. It only swivels around 135 degrees which makes you think a bit as to how it is mounted.

Mine is marked "Japan" on the bottom of the base. This was before the days of everything being made in China but after the days of everything made in Japan being cheap junk.