Record 52 & 52A Vices

[Capitol 203]

Hi there,

I'm looking to buy a decent veteran Sheffield made Record Nr. 52 vice sometime soon. I've noticed that they also made a Nr. 52A which, from photographs looks very similar to a 52. Could someone who has a bit more knowledge about these things tell me what the difference is between the two models please.

Thanks in advance

 

[Vann]

From the Record Tools catalogue No.15 (1938):

No.52P - Plain Screw Type;
No.52 - Quick-Grip Type (fitted with release lever);
No.52A - With Patent Screw & Nut Cover "This Patent Cover extends the entire length of the Screw. It protects both the Screw and Nut from damage, and prevents sawdust and shavings dropping on to the threads and choking working parts."

Since then other versions have emerged. The No.52D is a No.52 (quick release) fitted with a metal dog in the moving jaw. And the No.52E has a different way of protecting the screw from debris (I think).

HTH.

Cheers, Vann.

 

[Capitol 203]

That's excellent. Many thanks Vann for the very useful information and quick reply.

Best wishes

Tim

 

[Dovetaildave]

Have you considered the 53?

Loads bigger!

 

[Capitol 203]

Think the Nr.53 is a little too big, it's got 10½" wide jaws! I don't think I'll be needing anything that size. Anyway, I've had another look and I think the Nr.52½ is a far more practical vice for me. There seems to be plenty of that model on the second hand websites, so just a case of keeping my eye out for a decent quality one.

Cheers

Tim

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Don't look out for a decent quality one. Buy a Record cheaply that looks a dog - it'll clean up just the same. Save the £s.

 

[devonwoody]

One for sale here on the forum today.

record-52e-vice-t72563.html

 

[custard]

Don't look out for a decent quality one. Buy a Record cheaply that looks a dog - it'll clean up just the same. Save the £s.

I agree that there are plenty of rough looking Record vices that still have years of great service ahead of them, but I've also seen some that have been well and truly knackered. It's easy to see how, in a communal workshop someone uses the corner of the vice to press fit a bearing, they slot a pipe over the handle for extra leverage and put their full 17 stone into the job, unfortunately the vice is never quite the same again.

And the problem is you can't separate the wheat from the chaff in an Ebay photo!

 

[Dangermouse]

There are a lot of other old makers for sale on ebay , just as good, some better, than Record. But they usually make a lot less money.

 

[Dovetaildave]

Forgive my ignorance, but any chance of telling me/us some of the better brands....and why they are better.

I always thought record were the one as I now own three, but only have room for one on my bench!