Well ****. I broke my vise!!!

[WILD-BILL]

Admitadly, I knew it was a cheap import when I picked it up at the swap meet but it has served my needs for the 10 yrs I've owned so i guess I got my monies worth.

It is (was) a MIT 6"

One of the things I really liked and found very usefull was the large anvil plate it had. It's 5 1/2" square.

Now, I will say that I may have been "abusing" it just a little and yes, I put a pipe over the handle to try and get more clamping force. Hey, I do it all the time with the big Colombian we have at work so........

I nsearching for replacment, I find it difficult to find anything I can associate with quality that has a comparable anvil plate on it.

I did fnd this Wilton....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilton-6-He...lamps_Vises&hash=item1e69f53639#ht_1709wt_610

Is this evern a real Wilton and is it quality? Aside from it having Wilton cast into the side it looks like the came cast steel that I just broke.

Then there is this Olympia 13 006.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Olympia-13-...rk_Holding&hash=item51b7137901#ht_3429wt_1013

Aside from it havig a crappy pait job thrown on it it appears to me at least to no be cast and it also "looks" like it may be an older vise wich may mea it has some quality and strenght but I admit I have never heard the name before.

 

[1982fxr]

all the vises I've seen of that style (with the big anvil section) were imported ****. Including 1 wilton. I don't know if there is a good one out there...

 

[Filson]

I'll be the first to get this out of the way, and shake my head at you using a pipe on your vise. The engineers that designed the thing, took into account the amount of leverage/force it could handle when selecting a length for the handle. They're shorter/smaller on smaller vises for a reason. Better than breaking your work's vise though I guess.

Anyway, enough of all that - glad you didn't get hurt, and on to the new vise.

It's China.

Re-branded Wilton's are the same as re-branded anything else. With the way you treat vises though, I might not be as objected to seeing you beat up something from China.

The Olympia vise is probably about the same, and already has had the swivel lock handle bent. And what's up with the bottom of the slide to the left?

 

[wrenchguy]

go to ebay or cl and get a good used traditional usa one

Lets us know what u get here;

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44782

 

[longlivepunk]

Honestly, if that one lasted you 10 years and was cheap and you plan on snipe-ing it I'd probably just watch Kijiji or swap meets and grab another.

 

[drivesitfar]

just a thought. grab a piece of short RR track for your anvil and many number of ways to attach it to a bench or just leave it loose so you can bring it to your work. that said the anvil part didn't break but if you get a decent vise that works like a vise the anvil portion is only for light work even on the big ones.

love the pipe on the handle, but spend $200 and get a 75-150 pound vise and you won't ever need a piece of pipe again. you can't just go to the store to buy this vise so you'll have to watch Craigs and ask a few friends or maybe one of the GJ members has one for you to restore that he doesn't have time to. put an add in the wanted section and see what happens.

by the way some good US vises might have broken when the user put a nice size pipe on the end of the handle. I bet even when the Chinese one broke it had a nice feel until you found out you busted it.

good luck

 

[WILD-BILL]

by the way some good US vises might have broken when the user put a nice size pipe on the end of the handle. I bet even when the Chinese one broke it had a nice feel until you found out you busted it.

good luck

It did indeed. Even now the screw feels smooth.

If this is made of cast steel can it be welded? I know I don't have the skill set to tig cast iron but if welding cast steel is similar to bar stock and tubing I could do that.

 

[uart]

Admittedly, I knew it was a cheap import

Probably out of the same factory in China that mine (4") came from. Apart from the smaller size mine looks very similar and broke exactly the same way!

Mine broke without using a pipe cheater, but I was cranking on it pretty hard at the time. I didn't take a picture of it after it broke, but it did break almost identically to the OP's vise. Here is what it looked like new.

 

[drivesitfar]

It did indeed. Even now the screw feels smooth.

If this is made of cast steel can it be welded? I know I don't have the skill set to tig cast iron but if welding cast steel is similar to bar stock and tubing I could do that.

best to start searching for a replacement. some of the best welders and vise guys in the US have tried and failed on that sort of break. sure it can work for light stuff, but you like things nice and tight. one option I will tell you to do is to buy a pair of 6 inch copper jaws from a seller on Ebay that only charges $30 and free shipping. the item in your vise will be protected from the teeth on your jaws and have a better chance of not slipping. i'm just saying you might not ever need to use a pipe again unless you need one for a plumbing project.

check in your local Craigs for Vise, Vice, and vises and maybe even a few other areas you wouldn't mind driving to and you'll have a decent vise soon. also pick up a small section of RR track maybe a foot or two long because anvils are only meant for hot metal pounding.

if it was a US made vise i'd tell you to put the parts in the parts thread, but maybe the scrap pile is best for that one or some interesting yard art.

good luck

 

[gm54210]

How about getting a good replacement vise without an anvil, then toss the dynamic jaw on your existing vise and use the anvil as-is?

 

[Rico.]

How about getting a good replacement vise without an anvil, then toss the dynamic jaw on your existing vise and use the anvil as-is?

Haha... A Frankenvice..... Now that would be worthy of a GJ thread...

The only rules are it must be a different colour...

 

[Danglerb]

What is it made of steel or iron?

I'd try to fix it, why not?

 

[Bigplum]

If you see a English made Record vise , snap it up , look for a No4 or higher model number

The Olympia brand in England is just Chinese junk , dunno about elsewhere

 

[bigcaddy]

Do yourself a favor and toss that thing in the scrap pile and pick up a heavy duty piece of American iron. I took a look on craigslist for Cleveland and there is a rather large selection of nice looking vises at all price ranges. From Parkers to Columbians, take your pick. Just make sure to post pics

 

[CNGsaves]

Do yourself a favor and toss that thing in the scrap pile and pick up a heavy duty piece of American iron. I took a look on craigslist for Cleveland and there is a rather large selection of nice looking vises at all price ranges. From Parkers to Columbians, take your pick. Just make sure to post pics

^ ^ ^ This. Get yourself a monster 6" old school American vise.

Also, if you're putting long cheater bar on a vise, you are using it the WRONG way . . . . thus, wrong tool for the job !!

Your picture shows a PRESS next to the vise . . . . WTF ??? Why are you using the vise as press when you actually HAVE a press ???

 

[DenisG]

It did indeed. Even now the screw feels smooth.

If this is made of cast steel can it be welded? I know I don't have the skill set to tig cast iron but if welding cast steel is similar to bar stock and tubing I could do that.

For what it's worth, here's a sampling of vise repairs I've found:
Brazing (OA):
http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=68.0
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=113357
Stainless rod (GTAW):

Nickel rod (SMAW):

 

[fronceyangf]

The engineers that designed the thing

 

[WILD-BILL]

About making a Frankenvise, How would I know what jaw from what vise would fit mine? It's an interesting idea to say the least.

In the for what is worth column, it wasn't a "long" cheater pipe. Only added about 18"s to the handle lenght. (Obviously more then it could take though). And I wasn't using it as a press at the time. We had just replaced the rack and pinion in my dads minivan and had to remove the outer tie rods so the core would fit back in the box. Trying to clamp the inner tie rod in the vise so I could break the jam nut loose and it wasn't holding on the second side. (It did hold on the first one). Tried to give it a little more clamping force and SNAP.

I've never really done anythning "heavy" on the anvil so not sure if it's worth it to me to have a hunk of RR track laying around taking up space. Most of what I've used it for has been pretty light sheet metal type stuff but I've found I really like the size of that anvil face fror the stuff I do.

 

[uart]

About making a Frankenvise,

Bill, I believe the Frankenvise suggestion was based on a misunderstanding of gm54510's post. He wasn't suggesting that you try to replace the dynamic jaw with that of another vise. He was merely suggesting that you keep the static part of your current vise for use as a small anvil (throwing away only the broken dynamic jaw). This way when you buy a new vise you don't need to include the anvil area as a "must have", and thus you may have a larger selection of quality vises to choose from.

 

[HoosierBuddy]

The vise is scrap. Throw it away.

Get on Craigslist and start looking. It took me a couple of months to find my Morgan. Never did find a decent Wilton. The problem with eBay is shipping. You need to find something local.

Good Luck!

Phil

 

[EOC_Jason]

If you clamp irregularly shaped objects, look into the old vises where the rear jaw can swivel. Otherwise a regular "old" vise that is 5" or 6" (maybe as small as 4.5") would give you more than enough clamping power, you would be amazed how much beefier they are compared to your little shop vise. My Reed 4C has a handle that is 20" long and when I'm tightening something down it can hold my 250lb fat *** up in the air.

I would just take the broken part out of your current vise, spin the housing around and use that anvil area as-is.. Why spend the money for something else if that part is still okay?

For the "less that gentle" crowd I would suggest one of the following:

Athol, Reed, Wilton, Hollands, Morgan, Rock Island, Prentiss, Yost

Check your local CraigsList for vises (and vices)...

 

[WILD-BILL]

I had thought that keeping the anvl part of this one and getting a good quality vise might be the only way.

Thanks for the names to look for. I definatly, (if not all the time then on ocasion) fit into the "less then gentle crowd"

I'm on page 25 of the vice thread. Lots of pages there though

Guess I just gotta keep my eyes open and hope a deal comes along. The search begins.

 

[djjsr]

Find a vise that's a 60,000 psi casting. The cheaper vises, 30,000 psi and lower aren't made for heavy duty use.

 

[WILD-BILL]

Find a vise that's a 60,000 psi casting. The cheaper vises, 30,000 psi and lower aren't made for heavy duty use.

Thanks. Good info to know

 

[skybar]

i bought a blacksmith anvil on craigslist for $125. several in my area but range in price from $100-$1000. just have to be patient just like on ebay and find a good deal. i have 20 brands of vises and don't beat on any of them

 

[Fireball027]

If it's a MIT/Tekton vise check into the warranty. I had an older model (5+years) crack the same way and I received a replacement from them.

I know they are a cheaper vise but if you get another 5 to 10 years out of a new one, so be it.

 

[WILD-BILL]

If it's a MIT/Tekton vise check into the warranty. I had an older model (5+years) crack the same way and I received a replacement from them.

I know they are a cheaper vise but if you get another 5 to 10 years out of a new one, so be it.

Even if bought at a swap meet almost 9 or 10 yrs ago???

What kind of warranty do they carry on these??

 

[drivesitfar]

check Craigslist and ask for advice if you find a big, old, US made one for a price you want to buy or just buy it and use it. keeping the anvil part of your old vise is a great idea if you are only using it for light duty.

just an FYI warranty doesn't usually last that long or if they see you used a cheater bar and sounds like the vise company gave you and the other guy that owned it more than your money's worth.

good luck in your search and sounds like somebody already saw a few Craigslist buys for you. there are a lot of great old vise companies so grab one and try it and i'm sure you will like the quality difference. they still break if you use sledges and cheater bars.

 

[djjsr]

If you can't find anything else, check Sears.

From the ToolGuyd website:

"Our recommendation for a new vise in the $100-$120 price range is the Craftsman Professional 4-1/2″ vise. This 60,000 PSI vise is built for general purpose use and features 4-1/2″ jaws with 3-1/4″ depth and 4-inch travel. It also has a 360° swivel and pipe clamping jaws.

Except for being manufactured overseas, the Craftsman Professional vise appears identical to Wilton’s USA-made bullet-style 1745 tradesman vise. So you get a tried and true design but at less than a third of the price.

Its regular price is $130, but you can usually find it on sale for anywhere between $110 and $120. Free in-store pickup is usually available, but it’s also occasionally eligible for free shipping promotions."

 

[Dave.R]

Even if bought at a swap meet almost 9 or 10 yrs ago???

What kind of warranty do they carry on these??

Sent you a PM, Check it out. We have a lifetime warranty on our vises. This isn't exactly a regular use break, but I'll get you taken care of.

But no more pipes!

Send me an email if you missed my PM.

[email protected]

 

[drivesitfar]

Dave you probably just sold a lot of vises with your gracious warranty with not exactly normal purchase or use.

I like the old US vises just because I like their look and they work for all my needs, but Chinese ones from your company just made the short list for me to recommend to the guys that want a shiny new one.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Sent you a PM, Check it out. We have a lifetime warranty on our vises. This isn't exactly a regular use break, but I'll get you taken care of.

If only Ridgid was that generous with their pipe wrenches! LOL...

 

[WILD-BILL]

Sent you a PM, Check it out. We have a lifetime warranty on our vises. This isn't exactly a regular use break, but I'll get you taken care of.

But no more pipes!

Send me an email if you missed my PM.

[email protected]

I did get your PM and I will shoot you the info when I get home.

This is very gernerous of you and I promise, NO MORE PIPES.

 

[kams1973]

Sent you a PM, Check it out. We have a lifetime warranty on our vises. This isn't exactly a regular use break, but I'll get you taken care of.

But no more pipes!

Send me an email if you missed my PM.

[email protected]

This is yet another example of why I love this site.

 

[WILD-BILL]

This is yet another example of why I love this site.

Agreed.

I never would have dreamed of this turn of events.

I'm truley floored

 

[Shadowdog500]

Sent you a PM, Check it out. We have a lifetime warranty on our vises. This isn't exactly a regular use break, but I'll get you taken care of.

But no more pipes!

Send me an email if you missed my PM.

[email protected]

I just figured out what my next vise will be!


Put this photo behind your vise

Chris

 

[WILD-BILL]

My replacement vise came in yesterday but unfortuantly I had to work late so I didn't get to get out to chack it out untill today.

The new one is quite a bit smaller in over all size and missing a couple features I like about the old one such as the pipe jaws inside and the ability to swivle 360. The new one swivles 120 deg.

With a Pepsi can for refrence

With the new one bolted to the bench I got to thinking why not try to repair the old one. A fitting first job for the new vise

I figured what the hell, if it doesn't work I'm not out anything and it gives me some under hood time with my tig.

As we all know, any product is only as good as the sompany and people behind them and I have to say Dave and his company went above and beyond on this one.

 

[uart]

Looks good Bill. You'll have let us know how the repaired vise works and show some pictures when you get it back together.