Restoring a Family Heirloom: 1954 Wilton Bullet Vise

Today in the shop I am restoring a Wilton Bullet vise from 1954. This vise belonged to my wife's grandfather George. He passed away last year, and my mother-in-law gifted it to me, knowing that I have always loved it, and that I would put it to good use.
I wanted to restore it back to its former glory, but also wanted to keep some of the evidence of its previous life. I disassembled it, removed all the rust and old paint, and cleaned all the parts. I then painted the main body with a Gloss Sage Green spray paint from Rustoleum, and Cold Blued the handle and swivel adjustment nobs. My wife wanted to add a bit to the restoration of her grandfathers vise, so she painted the detail of all the words in black, and the "USA" in red white and blue. I put it all back together, including the copper soft jaws, and installed it onto the bench, in place of my previous Yost vise. The final touch was adding the replica "5 Year Guarantee" sticker that I got from jimsenginedecals on Etsy.
I am really happy with how this Wilton Bullet vise restoration turned out, and I know that George is smiling down with pride, knowing that his beloved vise has a new life and a new home where it will be loved and used.
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[@wf8933]

Great job, those old Wilton vises are beautiful and can be passed on for generations. At 65 years old, your vise looks like new today and ready for service.

[@philipdenner8504]

Well done that man.

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Beautiful job. I’m convinced there is another dimension that contains nothing but small nuts, bolts, screws, single socks and 10mm sockets. Awesome detailing by your lovely wife, her grandfather would be so proud. Cheers Stuart 🇦🇺

[@tonyn3123]

Great job. My only recommendation would be to add a very light layer of grease to the turntable to reduce rust and wear. Thanks.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

That’s a great suggestion. Thanks

[@garethmcmahon9769]

That's one great looking vice, nice history and a good way to remember the old man.....

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

I totally agree. Thanks.

[@honkingdonk3981]

You did an amazing job restoring a family heirloom. The care and consideration put into that project should make anyone proud. Great job!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks so much.

[@umpbumpfiz]

Nice work. I'm sure George is proud!

[@Davey569]

Really nice job on that brother, you did George proud there for sure.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Dave.

[@HoustonR6ryda]

Man ...thats nice. Every time I visit my Grandmother's/Aunts I rummage around and find an old tool, and explain to my son how important it is to hold on to some things and cherish the history .

[@warrenp2022]

I just found your channel, nice job on your vice, wish I had one of those beautiful Wiltons. I have a 100 plus pound General Fire Extinguisher Co. Vise made in Providence, RI around 1900. It has 5 inch wide jaws. I don't know all of it's history but my maternal grandmother gave it to my Father and Mother in the 1970's and a set of law books to her son. Her son wanted the vise and said he would use the law books to get the vise for himself, that didn't work out. It is not a great vise but I use it as my primary. One of the drawbacks is an exposed screw that I cover when using it to keep the screw clean. Someday I might clean and paint it but it is in very good condition and works very well so I just use it. You have a new subscriber. I have a lot of old tools that came from family members, wood working, mechanics and a forge with a hand crank blower. More stuff to care for and happily use.

[@Miguel_ON65]

Hi Dustin! Spectacular work as usual for the number 1 of the workshop. Your grandfather would be very, very proud. Congratulations, my friend. Regards.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Miguel. I know he would.

[@urbanbasementoperator]

Dope. I wasn't sure how the tri-color USA would come out, looks great.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Ben. I saw a few pics of others that had done it and it was cool for sure.

[@sandorkurtan3797]

Lovely work! :-)

[@harlech2]

When I was in my late teens or early twenties, I snapped the movable jaw off the ram removing the gear cluster on a ten speed bike. I am a big fellow and I guess honking on that 27" wheel was too much. Man, how I wish I had gone around and unbolted all the Wilton vises and made off with them when the place closed. There were 15 or 20 of various sizes (all bullet) including 2 3" and one Baby Bullet scattered around the shop. They would be worth a small fortune now. Hell, some still had the original grey paint on them from the 40's. I know two of them were absolutely unused. Ahhh... would-coulda-shouldas...

[@erictrennepohl8212]

I've alway loved the curves of a 1954 wilton bullet

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Me too 😁

[@filiplazich]

Thats one great restorayion. Love the history, the way the vice turned out and the way the story has been told :)

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you.

[@CausticPuffin]

The cleaning and maintenance of this reminds me of how fun breaking down and cleaning a firearms is. Gotta love mechanical puzzles.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Yes! It’s a very satisfying process

[@gregj.gotham4402]

The year of was born 1954. Such a great job preservation of grand dads vice.

[@chewyakarieckenicholas6049]

That old Wilton turned out absolutely fantastic very nice work on it

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Chewy. I agree.

[@michael7324]

Lol. The beer tip had me laughing.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

😁🍻

[@valborchardt3596]

Oh man that really turned out beautiful, well done to you and your lovely wife…..take care as always from South Africa

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Val! It was a special project, and I’m glad my wife had a chance to add her touch.

[@egbluesuede1220]

I've been looking forward to this. It came out great! I have a similar vise without the family history but would still love to restore it.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks EG. Do it.

[@cephasmcpher67peteroutdoorspip]

I never thought I would geek out over a vise but that looks amazing!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Lol, I agree. Thanks Cephas.

[@jimstillwell4668]

Amazing Amazing job. I to like to restore old vises, most of mine are old hobby size. You know the coolest thing I like,is when I peel off the painters tape, to see a new born tool. And then putting it back together. Both you and your wife should be very proud. Enjoyed this video very much. Thanks

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you Jim. Gotta love the tape peeling ASMR😂

[@Justin-xe3uy]

Your work draws everyone's attention. I'm watching from a little far away, but I'm always cheering for you. wonderful to you,,,

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you Justin. I appreciate the compliment, and thanks for watching.

[@RVsbladesnthangs]

Man I really enjoy watching you work... it's really satisfying to watch the process.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks so much. I enjoy showing the work.

[@diannelogsdon6107]

Great job. Love the old vises.

[@garymyers4496]

Good job,I know he will be looking down on you in your shop now.The vice is very cool.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Gary. I think so too.

[@davepomerleau7250]

Nice looks good I have one as well, it was my Dad's. Many a memory as a kid crushing things with it :)

[@mattshaffer5935]

Thank you for sharing this restoration! You guys did an amazing job. Faithful to the manufacturer and most important faithful to the previous owner. All the best!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Matt. It was a fun and special project.

[@Roadkillstew]

gorgeous vise. great shop. thanks for sharing

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@unfi6798]

What an era that vise came from and getting revitalised by family. Only one word to describe the effort - "priceless". It's great to have met the better half mate.! Warm greetings from Christmas Island.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Lol. It was fun to have her in the shop.

[@joycedimaggio3816]

13 years I spent sandblasting/bead blasting, electroplating and heat treating. Love it when the old gets a new finish. Nice job.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Joyce.

[@Rikiiiiiii]

Great journey...thanx to share Dustin.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks for coming along on it with me.

[@jayfoster5756]

Beautiful! Subscribed.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@trevorkenny]

That thing looks to be in very good condition all said. Love that the "guarantee" expired years ago but that thing has held up better then anything built after it.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks. I agree. It’s a seriously good quality product.

[@thaddavis8426]

Great job ! I have my grandfathers old vice and was thinking about cleaning it up. 👍

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Thad. You should. I definitely appreciate it even more now.

[@mayo_moto]

Really well shot video! It’s a nice departure from the wide angle bright lights approach that most folks are using in their shops.

[@eddybear771]

I like the idea of using bluing. It not only has functionality here, but it adds a nice contrast as well.

[@IraDuncan]

Beautiful restoration. Enjoy!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank you

[@Donlewis4683]

Philadelphia checking-in. Another kickass restoration project. Especially a family heirloom gifted to you. I can't say how satisfying pulling off that tape is LOL keep up the good work brother

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Don. Devon had fun adding the sexy flamenco guitar to the tale peeling scene. 😂😉

[@Donlewis4683]

@@TheArtofCraftsmanship I noticed a little guitar sesh there. Was that KZbin compliant 🤪😂

[@PaganWizard]

This was a really nice restoration, and the fact that you brought your wife in to do the fine detail painting on her Grandfather's vise, made it even nicer. If I may offer just one minor change, it would be to add a pipe flange where the support pipe meets the ground for just a bit more stability. I have a very similar vise that I have been trying for YEARS to find a swivel base for. Back in the 1950's and 1960's, LANE TECH High School in Chicago contracted Wilton to give the school everything needed for the metal shop students, to make their own 4 inch vise. Wilton gave them molds to pour the molten steel into, to cast the "frame" as well as all the internal components. There was a slight difference in these vises, in that, they did not bear the Wilton name, they say LANE TECH. Every time I see a video like yours, I always feel compelled to ask if you know where I can find a swivel base.

[@Tektoes1]

Great vise, fine restoration. However, I find that I also like the man doing the work, and especially his dirty, but practical and unpretentious shop. No unending rows of antique wood planes here.

[@mallanac]

Great show! Next project should be the combined Nessmuk knife with sheath - we are many who want to see that :-)

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Mal

[@MCAS1924]

Before you start3d I said my luck I'd lose a screw! You'll find it someday & it would be easy to replace. Such a fun project on a family item!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Lol. I was unfortunately not surprised when it flew. One for the shop gods, 😂

[@mikehamilton9101]

Nice heirloom! Beauty restoration , I definitely like the blueing, I’m gonna have to give a try. 👍

[@bradfordjeff]

Cleaning washers on the wire wheel while your wife is right there? That's confidence.

[@StefCarle]

Came out really nice 👍🏻

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

🙏🙏🙏

[@AFS-2]

Beautiful! I'm getting ready to refurbish one of mine and build a stand for it.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks and good luck.

[@airford13]

this was so much fun to watch. love restoring old tools. need to get back into my shop and do more fun stuff like this. have not been there for a while now. keep making vids like this please. a pleasure to watch. also, love that color myself.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks airford. I’m definitely a fan of the color too.

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

Great job! I have one from the mid-70s that I cleaned up and repainted that I absolutely love. I love the cold blue, I might go back and do that to mine.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Tom. I had the thought to do the cold blue when I watched that plain steel flash rust after just a few weeks in my shop. I’m really happy with the way it turned out.

[@jozsefizsak]

That's really nice.

[@lotharfunke8749]

Great job

[@lpconserv6074]

Great Job!! Looks great. I have my grandfather's vise here with me now, unknown age, but I am 71 now... a very good and trusted friend did a full restore on it for me before I left Texas. As an idea how much I like this vise, It made the trip, in a cargo box all the way to my newly built work shop on a hillside halfway up a mountain on a small island in the Philippines. Use it multiple times every week... ~~~SUGGESTION~~~ Look closely in the pockets of your leather apron you had on when you were on the wire wheel. The angle you were standing would make it possible it flipped right into one of them. My guess looking at the video is the pocket on your Right side as it was gapped wide open. Hope you find it!!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Holy cow, that’s a great suggestion on where to find that screw. I’m pretty sure I saw if fly forward, but I’ll definitely check, thanks.

[@B5Blue1968]

Great job, the only thing I would have done differently would have been to take the jaws off, simply to break the screws loose and clean behind them, and to cold blue the jaws, I also would have put a little grease on the swivel base.

[@donniedickson9353]

Great job, great video! I grew on the family farm and have a few pieces I fixed up myself so I really appreciate the work you put into this. Congratulations to you!

[@Zoso14892]

That's how you remember and honour someone. Not bad for a 69 year old lump of metal eh!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Not bad at all.

[@JamesAWhite]

Guitar, piano, and drums!? The AoC Players really brought it on this one. Looking good.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

😁😁😁. Thanks Jim.

[@GoldmansGarage]

I like the red white and blue. I’m gonna have to do that on one someday

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Yeah, I thought that was a cool touch.

[@MatthewHarrisStudio]

Very cool video and restoration! Hello from Principio Furnace!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Matt! I appreciate the kind words. I’ve got to come over and visit you at the furnace.

[@bradb.4570]

that is so beautiful. I'm restoring a vintage Mercury 4, and I'm going to use this color.

[@1725Izzy]

Beautiful man just beautiful

[@shanehansen2141]

This turned out fantastic! I love that you were able to get the sticker. Sometimes it's the little details. My grandpa was a welder, blacksmith and general fixer of anything but he was also an alcoholic so the vice I inherited from him isn't a great one but I did get the leg vice he had. Alas, one day I hope to find one of these bullet vices that somebody doesn't want an arm and a leg for.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Shane.

[@oneshotme]

Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@johnmclaurin]

Bravo to you both!

[@hardcode57]

There is nothing more depressing than seeing vintage items in need of restoration that aren't as old as I am. 😞

[@hardcode57]

Oh what a relief, it turns out I'm a little younger.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

😂😂😂. We’ll, with a little restoration you’ll be ready for another 59 years too.

[@AndresLicari]

Mint condition! Must have been a pleasure to restore. Cheers it turned out great 😀🙂🙂

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Absolutely. Thank you.

[@joshuadocter2277]

Awesome resto bro. 👊

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Josh.

[@hulkthedane7542]

I disagree with your choice of colors for some of the letters on the wise, but that is just from personal preference. GREAT job. Very interesting to watch. 👍👍👍

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks for watching Hulk.

[@animalmother4904]

Looks awesome.

[@rustynail8484]

Nice job

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thanks Rusty.

[@unavailable-x7q]

that things got class

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Agreed! Thanks Jerry

[@fabiandaroca]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Hjfvvdst]

From what I've been told and what I can find on the date code is the date on your vise is the 5 year expiration date. So your vise was made 5 years prior to your date. So 1956. Looks great. I have one just like yours I didn't get the base, wish I had.

[@RestorationAustralia]

Look solid.😊

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Yes sir.

[@tomcarlson3244]

Great job, I cleaned one up I bought from a friend and I had to go look at it to find mine has a date of 12-49. It doesn’t say exp date so maybe it was made in 49. Great to know thanks

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

I would agree that the 12/49 without the “guar exp” stamp would mean that it was manufactured in the second half of 1949.

[@garageshopminnesota]

Beautiful work! Love those copper jaws, and the paint turned out great. A little grease/oil on the swivel base will do wonders for your vise. Just a suggestion.

[@RightHandShot]

I would have removed the vise jaws, but nice work.

[@thomassymonds6308]

Dustin is so Handsome!

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

🥰😂

[@MrHowieZ1973]

I think some of the original Japanning on these vises was Hammerite , Hammertone, Hammermill paint

[@frankcurley]

From what I understand, the date stamp on the bottom is the date the warranty ran out. So, the date of mfr is five years previous to the date stamp.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Thank for the info. I’ve found the same information since making this vid.

[@DomP1989]

Love it! Where’d you get that sticker? Your looks like the 4 incher. It came out beautiful!! I have the 3.5 bullet that’s my main home shop vise.

[@lotharfunke8749]

We have the same last name Caustic

[@briansayler2511]

On the Wiltons the GUAR DATE corresponds the the 5 yr guaranty. So the 1959 date on the key of the slide is 5 yrs forward from the manufacture date

[@gregnoname3707]

This is correct.

[@T_L_D]

someone didn't watch the whole thing.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

😂😉

[@briandavern8741]

Beautiful work...just beautiful. One question though. Why do you over hang the vice past the edge of the bench? I have never seen that before.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

I do that so I can work around the vise from more sides and angles.

[@CausticPuffin]

“I blue myself.” - Dr. Tobias Fünke

[@T_L_D]

heh, I was thinking "why not put a wire wheel attachment on an angle grinder for the big parts" during that part of it. but lovely work as always. edit: I would also add, bluing the mounting bolts would match up really well, but either way still looks great.

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Yeah, I had that thought too, but I got it done. I still might blue the screws, but I like the contrast also. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@garyhardman8369]

The guarantee expired almost exactly a month after I was born!

[@AliAli-zv5ot]

👍👍👌

[@jimmcfarland3446]

Si by restoring, you mean clean and paint.....

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Exactly. I’ve restored it back to a place of prominence.

[@scottcole7273]

What is the model number of your Delta drill press? My father left one very similar to me.

[@robcarringer4838]

I tried the same bluing on the hold down bolts and nuts on my vise restoration and they rusted the following day... any idea why that would be? Same product... but I didn't rinse the nuts and bolts in water like you did (just rewatched that part)... TIA

[@1991tommygun]

Nice job, now its too pretty to use lol

[@JavaJunky]

Were the original steel jaw caps not removable?

[@johnstone2664]

Can you give me a source for the sticker? Loved the video. The Wilton bullet vice is my favorite .

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Look in the video description 😁

[@rokhedjo]

Where did you purchase the decals ?

[@georgefadous3568]

Your self defense measures are taken gradually 😂

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

😂

[@_BigLife_]

So where did you find the screw?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Between the floor mats between my two benches. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@beardpapa7306]

Wilton’s were first produced in the Chicago location and at the time were only made for the military and their contractors. Once they moved to the Schiller Park IL factory they started producing vises for the public. So you have a very nice original piece of history with that Chicago logo and the original copper add on jaws. Nice job on the restoration.

[@pocobuen]

great job man, but I personally didn't see the need; but I''m still using my grandfather's tools most with original handles and 3 generations of Australian environment on them - might be a matter of taste do ya think?

[@TheArtofCraftsmanship]

Yeah, we all have different preferences. I could have left it the way it was and it would have been fine, but this was a special restoration for all of Georges family. A way to remember and honor a great man.