Replies

1. 
   EdHarrison | Jul 15, 2003 04:06am | #1

   Thanks Tooldoc. I'm rolling in hot on this one. I already bought one Record bench vise for less than half price when Lowe's was taking them off the shelf (the two Lowe's associates had to call the Under Assistant Chief Head Assistant Tool Department manager at home to get permission to sell it to me, but they did!) Now I'm going to see if I can snag another one cheap.

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 15, 2003 04:37am | #2

   ED : Good Luck I hope you find one at your local Big Lots,there a Bear to find but if you want to save mucho $$$ its well worth the effort..its a nice vise,guess Record isnt making them anymore??

                     ToolDoc

1. 
   EdHarrison | Jul 15, 2003 05:49am | #3

   What's up with Record, Tooldoc? They're doing all kind of wierd stuff - saying they're in business, out of business, being reorganized, not makeing vices or cast iron or steel stuff anymore, then you read that nothing has changed, then you see their stuff being removed from inventory at the big box stores, and you see their stuff at the discount inventory clearance places like Big Lots. Some kind of major corporate upheaval, product-line reshuffle deal going on with them.

   Those vices like the 52 and 52 1/2 may wind up being collectable some years from now.

   FWIW, that quick-release cast iron vice that is a copy of the 52 1/2 that is made in India and sold through Garrett Wade is a good deal. I have one of those on my first bench and it is sweet.

   Ed

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 15, 2003 06:50am | #4

   Ed: Thats a mystery to me too,IM thinking that Home Depot may have jumped the gun on dumping those vises & Big Lots jumped at the chance to grab em before anyone else got em,cause IM sure there not going to have any problems moving them out for $29.99ea.funny that HD didn't just put em on clearance like they do everything else..if you keep your eyesopen at these discount/liquidation places some pretty Bizzare stuff shows up,Localy we have Ollies another discount/liquidation gip joint..LOl  they get neat stuff too,just picked up Nicklson tool bags for $12.00 ea. reg sellin price was $35.00,they had tons of Nicklson tool belts & misc tool pouches for less than $10.00,I loaded up for xmas presents..they had Irwin speed bore spade bit sets 6pc set for $5.00,you can't touch em else where for less than $12.00.. soo it pays to browse them stores..

                                     ToolDoc

2. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 27, 2003 06:16am | #25

   ED: Just found out today that Record is now owned & operated by Irwin who inturn is owned by RubberMaid.. Lennox saw  who makes varrious saw blades was also acquired by this same outfit..

      http://www.irwin.com                                             ToolDoc

   Edited 7/26/2003 11:19:47 PM ET by TOOLDOC

1. 
   EdHarrison | Jul 27, 2003 05:49pm | #26

   Thanks Tooldoc. Looks like they were buying up market share.

   For those building workbenches or other wise looking to find a cheap Record quick release woodworking vise, Tooldoc left a great tip about finding them at "Big Lots" stores on this thread.

2. 
   JeffKurtz | Jul 15, 2003 04:00pm | #5

   ...Under Assistant Chief Head Assistant Tool Department Manager.... 

   Oh Lord, that's even better than a title that the government could come up with!!!!!!!

   Edited 7/15/2003 9:01:46 AM ET by Jeff K

1. 
   EdHarrison | Jul 15, 2003 04:53pm | #6

   It's funny how someone who is being "groomed for a management Posistion" in the Lowes organization can have a position of authority in the tool department (enough of a position of authority to have the ultimate go/ no go decision on whether or not to sell me a vise that they are taking off the shelf for half price) and know nothing, absolutely nothing, about tools.

   I guess I shouldn't pick on them. My brother worked at Lowe's when he put himself through college and he ranked that job near the top, along with slaving away making cheese blintzes at IHOP, as one of the jobs where he worked the hardest and got paid the least. Myself, I held several positions in the retail fast food industry during my college years.

   Ed

2. 
   jimmyk | Jul 15, 2003 07:58pm | #7

   I just went during lunch and got the last one here. Thanks so much for sharing that with us! You saved me mucho $$.

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 15, 2003 08:37pm | #8

   Molten: NO Problem,only doing my civic duty to help out a fellow KnotHead..<G>

   Besides deals like that are too good to pass up..

                                                                         ToolDoc

3. 
   CheekyMonkey | Jul 16, 2003 03:52am | #9

   Thanks for the tip, Tooldoc. I picked up one of the record vices a couple of hours ago.

   For anyone else in my area: The Phillipsburg, NJ store still has two of them left (as of 7PM on July 15th).

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 16, 2003 04:06am | #10

   Boy I hope I get a comission from Big Lots now that you fine Gentleman have purchased those record vises,hmm lets see what else I can find thats a bargain for you Gents,LOL...

                                       ToolDoc

4. 
   KevinLBS | Jul 18, 2003 04:50am | #11

   Tooldoc-

   I thank you, and my wife thanks you, for saving us so much money on something I was ready to buy anyway. I picked up the last #52 at the Big Lots here in Galveston, TX tonight.

   The box was wide open , and there wasn't wnything else in there like instructions or anything, but that's no problem by me. I figure I can find that stuff on the web when I'm ready to install it.

   Again, thanks! I can't say it enough...

   THANKS.

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 18, 2003 06:46am | #14

   Kevin: your wifes going to thank me too?? She isn't coming over my shop is she?? LOL...  Hey your both quite Welcome.. enjoy your Vise..

                            ToolDoc

5. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 18, 2003 05:48am | #12

   Doc

      Good thing I'm not mad because my store was sold out. I was planning on going to Big Lots just before your post. I always go on July 17th every ten years. I would have found three Record vises as most of the folks that go there are not tool oriented an looking for something under $10.

      When I got to the store, there were none. I asked about them an they told me that Tom, Dick an Harry got the only three they had just before I got there. They mentioned that someone named ToolDoc on a WW forum had alerted them to the steal.

      Well, I guess I'll have to settle with trying to hold my stock by hand or with a cheap C clamp since I missed the big kill. Oh well, I still got my friends. he..he..

   sarge..jt.

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 18, 2003 06:44am | #13

   SARGE: ROFLAO, its always a pleasure coming home from a tough shift at work & reading one of your posts...Between you & Jamie,I never know what to expect next..LOL... Sorry to hear that your local Big Lots was out of stock there Buddy, But Hey Sh-- Happens..ha ha.. I was able to pick one up & have it safely stashed for a project in the shop, but when thats going to happen is anyones guess IM tied up doing 12 hr shifts at work on that gut & remodel that were doing..

   If I see any more Bargains,You will be the first to Know!!

                                           ToolDoc

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 18, 2003 05:22pm | #17

   TD

      I'm still looking. There are around 50 Big Lots in the Atlanta area. I'll call in sick an go on a Record search. Could be gone for days. ha..ha..

   BTW, what size jaws does the 53 have?

   sarge..jt

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 18, 2003 11:15pm | #19

   SARGE: There not a #53, I do beleave its a #52 which is just a tad smaller than the 53s,IM at work right now soo can't really tell ya the size.. But its no little Hobbist vise,Just jump in your car,better yet gaser up & Don't come home until you get one..ok.. Too bad I mentioned these vises at work cause 2 of my fellow workers just bought the last ones at my local Big Lots or I would of picked one up for ya & ups to ya,just cause were Buddy Ol Pals.. Now I wouldn't do this for Just Anyone...Hey if it turns out you can't find any in your neck of the woods just yell & I will form a Search party & Go on a Road trip & see if any out lying area Big Lots has one for ya.Might be tough because it being posted here & over at Woodnet..you know how these WW loves bargains.. you should of jumped on this as soon as I posted.."You Snooze~You Lose!!"

                          ToolDoc

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 19, 2003 06:17pm | #20

   TD

      Like I said, I still got my friends. That's more important than vises, IMO. ha..ha..

   sarge..jt

2. 
   yotonyb | Jul 20, 2003 05:38am | #21

   What were once "vises" are now habits...

   At 30 bucks, that record vise is a real value.  Went to biglots.com to find a local store and I can't find a Big Lots close to Chicago...gotta go Downstate or into Indiana.  Decatur, Bloomington, Pekin/Peoria...yikes!

   Pekin...the high school with perhaps the most politically incorrect team name until they changed it to the Dragons.

   Road Trip!

   tony b.

   Edited 7/19/2003 10:41:46 PM ET by YOTONYB

3. 
   wendy | Jul 28, 2003 04:27am | #27

   Hello,

   I need some advice when it comes to purchasing vises. I know Record is one of the better brand names. What's the best size to buy? Could you recommend any other brandnames just in case I can't find any Record vises.

   Are the flat bar clamps better than the round bar clamps? I wouldn't want to dent the wood. What brandnames should I be checking out? and What size clamps do I need for small woodworking projects? I'll need a few when I go to build my bookshelf, nightstand and table. The only clamps I have in my workshop are C clamps .. (2) 4 inch clamps and (2) 6" clamps.  so as you can see I am in desperate need of clamps.

   Wanda

4. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 28, 2003 04:51am | #28

   WANDA: Bar clamps vs pipe clamps= hey buy some cheap pipe clamps or bar clamps from Harbor freight there just as good as the Ponys IMHO.. you will also need some spring clamps,can get themat HF too.. use black iron pipe for your  pipes pick some up in diffrent lengths then you should be aok for most of your clamping needs,hey if there is a Big Lots near you check em for clamps they had Ponys on sale cheap.. Vises~ ~ Record,Wilton,columbian & a few others that escape my feable mind at the moment all will work out for ya a 7" jaw size would be ok..such as the Record they had at Big Lots for $29.99.. Heck of a deal..

   if you get real more serious about WW & do furniture etc. a few cabinet makers hand screw clamps are going to come in handy also ~ ~ C Clamps can be used but place pads under them soo they don't dig into the wood..

    any more info needed just holler ~      ToolDoc

5. 
   wendy | Jul 29, 2003 02:16am | #29

   Hi Tooldoc,

   Thanks for the info. Next time I'm at my local hardware store I'll have to check out their pipe clamps. See what kind of deals they have. Unfortunately I don't have a Bit Lots near me.

   Thanks

   Wanda

6. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 29, 2003 06:51am | #30

   Wanda; the pipe clamps aren't overly expensive soo it won't break the bank,start out with atleast 4 sets, like I said in the other posts pick up some pipe in diffrent lengths & your set,oh ya your better of gettin the clamps for 3/4" pipe instead of the 1/2"..

   good Luck....      ToolDoc

7. 
   EdHarrison | Jul 29, 2003 07:46am | #31

   I was doing an inventory of my clamps a few weeks ago and I noticed a couple of my clamps have other people's names written on them. These are from back in my sailboat building days ten years ago and I guess I borrowed them and never returned them.

   Oh well, I guess that's one way to acquire clamps. I feel bad about it, now, but these are Navy friends I had ten years ago and who knows where they are now. Oh well, a couple of my guitars have been "loaned out" to needy guitarists over the years and, by mutual consent, never returned, so I guess it all evens out.

   Mark Gyorgy, if you're out there, I have one of your six inch "C" clamps. Thanks for the loan. It came in handy when I needed about 600 of them at once. Ed

8. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 29, 2003 04:26pm | #32

   ED: Becareful the "Clamp police" might pick you up for not returning those clamps.. LOL.......

                                        ToolDoc

9. 
   RoyinMD | Jul 29, 2003 07:59pm | #33

   Wanda,

   Tooldoc has good advice for a 'FIRST' set of clamps. Think about the projects you have in mind in determining pipe length, yes! (4) each. You can always add to your black pipe collection. Rockler has a nice new design for pipe clamps, they have support feet built in.

   Quick Grips are handy too, not as strong as pipe clamps but fast and easy. Grab with Quick Grips and then add pipe clamps for mussle.

   Oh! The 'SECOND' set of clamps are Bessey K-Body's. The best for big bucks. But that doesn't fit into the thread topic, do it.

   Enjoy, Roy

10. 
    RANGERP75R | Jul 30, 2003 08:27am | #34

    Roy

       Glad you mentioned the new Rockler wide feet clamps for 3/4 pipe. I bought 4 sets for 60" bars an they are an improvement over the Pony's I've used for years. The "big foot" does you good.. Leaves great tracks in the snow too. ha..ha..

       The Jorgenson cabinet clamps are winners also. Square and you could squeeze an Abram's tank to the size of a tin can with the pressure you can exert.

       Well, I'm going back to sleep now, that's enough energy exerted for the nite.

    sarge..jt

11. 
    yotonyb | Jul 30, 2003 06:10pm | #35

    I keep a couple of lengths of black pipe threaded at both ends and use a coupler to make longer lengths if necessary.

    Aren't clamps a perfect example of "you get what you pay for?"  I have some cheap Made in China 3/4" pipe clamps which refuse to thread onto my pipe.  $5 bucks each on Maxwell Street early one Sunday morning.  I thought I was getting a bargain.  It seemed like a good idea at the time.

    I'll take my orange Jorgensens, Made in Chicaog on North Ashland, at just about any price...kinda wish they had an outlet store!

    tony b

12. 
    RANGERP75R | Jul 30, 2003 07:06pm | #36

    Tony

       Great idea on the connectors for longer clamps. I just added the 6' clamps. I had longs lenghts of pipe I had to connect the way you mentioned as I built a 50' custom parts counter for my part-time job. I had to make clamps 20" long to tie two separate 20' sections together. Another round 10' counter is tied at one end.

       I figure it will be awhile if I need them that long again, so I cut the pipes down an made some lenghts I don't have. The good news is my company bought the pipe an clamps. I came out OK.. I did try the wide foots from Rockler. They are good. I have a ton of Jorgensen. It's the only cabinet clamp I will buy an it's a few dollars cheaper than Bessey cabs.

        I have 22 12" Quik-clamps. The other day I had them all in use and needed 4 more. I have accumulated over 80 various clamps over the past 31 years. The bad news you always come up one short!

       How many is enough?? One more than you need. ha..ha..

    sarge..jt

13. 
    ETG | Jul 30, 2003 08:16pm | #37

    You are right about off shore, 3rd world clamps - a waste of money.  Some of the Eurpoean clamps are quite good but be careful where they are made.  Jorgenson is quite good and still made here (although I am begining to wonder about some of their products like the miter box).

    I like to visit commercial shops and see what they use - and while there are some shops that use pipe clamps, more often than not, I run across Wetzler clamps.  I have bought them for over 10 years and they are excellent - basic, solid bar clamps that are made in Pennsylvania.  And they will custom cut the bar to the length you want - say 50 inches instead of 48 so you can get cawls and clamp on a 48 inch assembly.  And their prices are competitive with Jorgenson.  Try them.!  Forgot the web site - http://www.wetzler.com.

    Edited 7/30/2003 1:28:51 PM ET by EDGREGG

14. 
    AlanTurner | Jul 30, 2003 08:57pm | #38

    I have recently made purchases from 2 closing businesses, and from each got some "Hartford Clamp Co." clamps.  Excellent quality.  Wonder if they are still made.

    Alan

15. 
    rslatm | Jul 30, 2003 11:19pm | #39

    Hartford Clamp company in Connecticut is still in business but they don't make much except pipe clamp fixtures and a unique miter clamp for carpenters and no... they aren't ever going to be on the web.

    Edited 7/30/2003 4:20:07 PM ET by Rick at Arch. Timber and Millwork

    Edited 7/30/2003 9:07:58 PM ET by Rick at Arch. Timber and Millwork

16. 
    ETG | Jul 31, 2003 03:48am | #40

    I have some Hartford also - great stuff - I'll do a search and see if I can find them.  Also, I have some Hargrove and Cincinnati - not sure either of those are made any more but great, heavy duty bar clamps.  Again, Wetzler is making that same quality product now in PA.

17. 
    AlanTurner | Jul 31, 2003 04:50pm | #41

    I saw athe Wetzler line at a woodworking equip show in Nov. in Eastern Pa., and they were OK, but a bit rough on the castings.  They were fairly priced.

    For the Hartfords, I paid $5 for the 8" and 12", and $10 or so for the 24's.  Nice and heavy acme thread on these guys.

    From the patternmaker's shop, I also got a few cam activated, heavy duty bar clamps.  Put them on, tighten by hand, and give the iron lever a smark whack.  Haven't needed them yet, but couldnt resist.  They were even cheaper.

    Love that old iron.

6. 
   Len | Jul 18, 2003 07:29am | #15

   Shoot! I went to two Big Lots and they didn't have any. I asked and they never got any. I guess it did'nt make the west coast.

   But I did get a fancy fishing rod that makes bubble noises. Sweet...Comes with it's own fish too.

   LOL

   Len

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jul 18, 2003 08:07am | #16

   Awwwe Len,Sorry to hear they didn't make it to a store near you..

                                  ToolDoc

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 18, 2003 05:28pm | #18

   Len

      Glad to see you came out OK with the bubble rod after getting skunked like I did. I was thinking of going fishing this week-end. Is that rod a loaner, or is it destined to be passed down as a family heirloom from generation to generation? If so, I understand completely. ha..ha..

   Have a great week-end an keep smiling... ha..ha..

   sarge..jt

1. 
   Len | Jul 21, 2003 05:33pm | #23

   Hey Sarge,

   Now that my 3 year old nephew has it. Your going to have a tough time prying it out of his hands. Last I saw, he was headed off to night-night with it. That boy can set a hook. lol.

   Have a good week.

   Len

1. 
   RANGERP75R | Jul 22, 2003 05:35am | #24

   Len

      I suspect he can set that hook. Hopefully not so hard he falls out of the back side of the crib. Send him down Atlanta way for a few days. We'll teach him to set the hook and spit "chawing tobacco" at the same time. Now, that's talent.

      Just kiddin' of course. Don't tell his mom I said that or I'll have to hide out for awhile. For that matter, don't tell my wife I said that or I'll have to move out for awhile. ha..ha..

   Regards for the evening...

   sarge..jt

7. 
   rslatm | Jul 21, 2003 04:03pm | #22

   Thanks for the tip. Picked up the last 52E at my local Big Lots for $29. Probably save it for trading purposes. Certainly won't replace my Emmerts.