Alternative bench vice handle

[Fretters]

Just wondered if anyone might have replaced the standard bar type handle on their bench vice with something a bit more compact, so that a vice can be used over a bench rather than at the edge, for example, without having to constantly slip the handle through for tightening/untightening.

I've tried one alternative which fits the compact functionality requirement well, but it just looks so damned weird, so after possible ideas/suggestions.


Cheers,

Matt

 

[drivesitfar]

Morning Matt. don't throw that old handle in the skip in case you change your mind later. I was wondering if a small wheel or crank type like they built on some of those awesome machines in the 1800's.

I haven't figured out the details yet because i'm not as handy as some, but I do like the way they look. i'm thinking a shorter version of the one on this old vise I own or if you can find a way to get one of those 4 or 6 inch wheels on the main screw.

have a great day

 

[PugetDude]

Weld on a nut and use a ratchet (or a speeder).

 

[454ragtop]

How about a yoke over the screw, with a pin where the handle used to be. Then the handle sticking out of the yoke could be swung side to side, sort of like a mill vise handle?
HTH, Jim

 

[rsanter]

I was thinking the weld a nut on trick as you can then use a hand wheel with a socket, a wrench, or a ratchet to tighten thing up

Bob

 

[Packard V8]

the weld a nut on trick . . . sort of like a mill vise handle?

Yep, why re-invent the wheel? Machine vises have been made with removable yoked handles for 150 years.

jack vines

 

[drivesitfar]

here's one i'm thinking of buying for my drill press that has a handle that can be removed.

Puget: nice idea with the welded nut and ratchet. have you done that and any pictures?

 

[EOC_Jason]

here's one i'm thinking of buying for my drill press that has a handle that can be removed.

Yeah a lot of the machinist vises have the hex ends so you can use various types of handles, ratchets, etc... Very handy.

 

[bl00]

I have seen two or three that had the handle replaced with something like this:

 

[Fretters]

Cheers for the suggestions. Welding a nut on is something I'd prefer not to do if possible, (plus I can't weld for toffee ). Wanting to do it in a way so that I can return it to original with very little fuss. A weld would be a devil to cover over. Drilling a hole in the end of the ball, tapping and bolting I'd probably be fine with. A tapped hole I could live with. That should work just as well, provided the bolt is obviously secured in a manner which would stop it unscrewing? Would anyone happen to have a photo of how that looks on a vice?

don't throw that old handle in the skip in case you change your mind later.

No worries on that front. I'll be keeping it good and safe incase I decide to return it to original.

How about a yoke over the screw, with a pin where the handle used to be. Then the handle sticking out of the yoke could be swung side to side, sort of like a mill vise handle?
HTH, Jim

Funnily enough, that's vaguely the type of setup I've got at the moment. Just a shackle as a yoke/handle, but without an additional handle/rod protruding from that. Can't put my finger on why exactly, but it looks somewhat out of place. Not sure if it's because the shackle is quite chunky or what, but it looks a bit quirky. It could just be the design of the vice which I'm testing it on which isn't helping, visually, but seeing as I already have the handle off the Swindens, it seemed the prime candidate for testing with.

Thanks for all the suggestions so far chaps.

 

[Packard V8]

This is the machine vise and handle I referenced.

Easily adaptable to a bench vise.

jack vines

 

[zkling]

The only two that I would consider would be a wheel type machine handle or a ratchet. You'll probably loose clamping force though.

I have seen two or three that had the handle replaced with something like this:

I have a little vise that I did that to. You don't get much clamping force, but it is handy.

here's one i'm thinking of buying for my drill press that has a handle that can be removed.

Puget: nice idea with the welded nut and ratchet. have you done that and any pictures?

That is a standard style swivel mill vise. A mill vise and a bench vise are two completely different things. On a mill vise you pretty much have to be able to remove the handle for clearance and safety reasons.

 

[Harrison2]

adapt it to take a 3/8 soft grip breaker bar. nothing worse than cold vise handles in winter.

 

[zkling]

adapt it to take a 3/8 soft grip breaker bar. nothing worse than cold vise handles in winter.

Candy.....

wait for it.....



wait for it.....


a$$.

 

[Fretters]

For the moment, going to try the yoke/shackle design. It's not fitted with an extension bar, (I rarely tend to lean on a vice handle, so don't need to apply shedloads of grunt to the handle), but I should be able to slip a bar/rod through the shackle if I do occasionally need an extra bit of grunt on there. Went with the yoke suggestion to try as it needs no alteration to the leadscrew ball, so a doddle to remove and reinstate the original handle if necessary, without leaving it looking anything other than standard.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions. Still taking some getting used to the look of it, but it definitely seems to have the functionality I'm after, combined with a nice feel to it.

 

[drivesitfar]

pretty slick Fretters. let us know how it works after you use that method for a while or post new pictures if you make any further changes.

I really like those 4 and 6 inch wheels like the ones that are on a mill or old machinery and not quite sure how to make that style work so i'll give it a think.

cheers.

 

[mtesh73]

For the moment, going to try the yoke/shackle design. It's not fitted with an extension bar, (I rarely tend to lean on a vice handle, so don't need to apply shedloads of grunt to the handle), but I should be able to slip a bar/rod through the shackle if I do occasionally need an extra bit of grunt on there. Went with the yoke suggestion to try as it needs no alteration to the leadscrew ball, so a doddle to remove and reinstate the original handle if necessary, without leaving it looking anything other than standard.

Thanks again for all of the suggestions. Still taking some getting used to the look of it, but it definitely seems to have the functionality I'm after, combined with a nice feel to it.

pull the jack handle out of a "jack package". just like if you were to jack up your car.

 

[Fretters]

pretty slick Fretters. let us know how it works after you use that method for a while or post new pictures if you make any further changes.

Will do.

I really like those 4 and 6 inch wheels like the ones that are on a mill or old machinery and not quite sure how to make that style work so i'll give it a think.

cheers.

Must admit that I like those handwheels and crank handles too. It was just making one fit without making permanent alterations which I couldn't figure. If I had adapted without altering, they would have stuck out at the front by a large amount. Permanently altering a new vice I wouldn't have given it a second thought, but with this vice being just shy of eighty years old, it would have been criminal.

pull the jack handle out of a "jack package". just like if you were to jack up your car.

One of those handles with the hook on the end? Hadn't thought of those. I'll have a dig round as I think I might have one or two of those knocking about somewhere, and see if it fits the shackle. Cheers.

 

[rsanter]

How about you remove the original handle and put a piece of round stock through the original hole with a light press fit.
Then you make a slip over sleeve ( like a clutch drive) that will grab the cross pins.
Then you can have several different handles you could slip on when you want

Bob

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I've seen a few tricks.
1. A couple O-rings will keep the handle centered.

2. Get an old socket that's just large enough to fit over the main screw. Cut a U in it deep and wide enough to fit around the handle. Use your drive tool of choice.

3. A revolving handle (like on the wheel shown above) attached at one end of the sliding handle.

 

[Fretters]

Cheers chaps. Those suggestions have got me thinking now. I just thought I'd settled on my choice of handle too.

 

[drivesitfar]

since you are changing for the look if you keep the clamp on the screws head how about a paint job on it?? also I don't think some of these guys have seen that awesome vise you are making these changes to and we can never get too many nice vice pictures. show it off because it's a beauty if you would like to.

 

[kazlx]

I modified my vise with a replacement handle out of 303SS and turned a notch in the center. Then, I drilled and tapped a hole in the center of the end of the screw and installed a ball nose spring plunger. Now the handle stays centered unless I need to offset for more torque.

 

[drivesitfar]

Kazlx I'm pretty sure Fretters knows what you are saying, but I and maybe others would love a picture of your actual vise you put the tap and screw in so we can see it how it works?

 

[kazlx]

Not the best shot, but here's the general idea. Still working on the vise. I will post up more about it when I finish. It is a Hollands that I got for free. Just cleaning up, re-greasing to put into service. It won't be a show queen. Maybe one day when I get some more time, I'll re-do it.

You can see the end of the screw sticking out from the lead screw. Not sure exactly how I want to finish it off. Might see if I can find a short plunger. Thought about cutting, but I think they are hollow and I would just ruin it.

 

[drivesitfar]

so you are locking the handle in place and if you want it on top of the bench just make a shorter handle? funny because I just bought an old Morgan that had a bolt in the exact spot where you put that piece of thread.

great idea and thanks for the picture.

now with a bigger hole and beefier screw you might be able to attach a little 4 or 6 inch wheel to the big screw?

 

[EOC_Jason]

I modified my vise with a replacement handle out of 303SS and turned a notch in the center. Then, I drilled and tapped a hole in the center of the end of the screw and installed a ball nose spring plunger. Now the handle stays centered unless I need to offset for more torque.

Oh sweet jesus, I can't believe I didn't look for something like that sooner. Much more elegant and compact of a setup than a set-screw, spring, and ball bearing! I know what I'm going to be purchasing tomorrow! You learn something new every day!

Another idea, this is what we use on machine vises, you can find them under a bunch of brands, this just happened to be the first image I came across. It has two holes, the one in the center you can open/close much quicker, but you can also shift to the outer one to get more leverage.

 

[kazlx]

so you are locking the handle in place and if you want it on top of the bench just make a shorter handle? funny because I just bought an old Morgan that had a bolt in the exact spot where you put that piece of thread.

great idea and thanks for the picture.

now with a bigger hole and beefier screw you might be able to attach a little 4 or 6 inch wheel to the big screw?

Negative. That little screw thing is a detent. It's basically a ball bearing with a spring in a threaded housing. I turned a groove in the handle on the lathe. If you don't jerk it, it will stay centered. But if you pull on the handle it will move.

 

[EOC_Jason]

^^^ A lot of parkers have that setscrew/spring/ballbearing setup, I know mine did. It is super nice when you can open and close the vise with one finger and not have the handle flying all over the place.

 

[drivesitfar]

got it. thanks and a great idea

 

[mtesh73]

Will do.

One of those handles with the hook on the end? Hadn't thought of those. I'll have a dig round as I think I might have one or two of those knocking about somewhere, and see if it fits the shackle. Cheers.

yes, precisely. simple and cheap.

 

[srmofo]

Broach a .5" square hole in the end. Reinstall handle

 

[Outlawmws]

Heck, if you are going though all that, go pneumatic!

 

[oldldh]

Or a whacking DC stepper motor...

or an air ram....

or that old Harley motor (you'd have to use chain drive to keep the proper vibe...)

How far should I take this, Outlaw????

 

[Outlawmws]

As far as you want Larry, as far as you want...

 

[454ragtop]

Perhaps weld a handle on, to end up with something like this?
HTH, Jim

 

[zkling]

Heck, if you are going though all that, go pneumatic!

Broaching that is out of the means of so many folks. Would be cool but.

Hum, now you got me wondering. How about a butterfly impact? Works good on my DIY draw bar. Poor man's Wiltomatic?

got it. thanks and a great idea

Sounds like the way a sliding T bar is setup.

Perhaps weld a handle on, to end up with something like this?
HTH, Jim

What is that ragtop?

 

[Outlawmws]

Pipe vise chain and cinch screw.

 

[Fretters]

since you are changing for the look if you keep the clamp on the screws head how about a paint job on it?? also I don't think some of these guys have seen that awesome vise you are making these changes to and we can never get too many nice vice pictures. show it off because it's a beauty if you would like to.

Last time I painted a handle, I got an earful about how a vice handle should never be painted, so that'll be staying bare metal. Here's a photo:

Not the best shot, but here's the general idea. Still working on the vise. I will post up more about it when I finish. It is a Hollands that I got for free. Just cleaning up, re-greasing to put into service. It won't be a show queen. Maybe one day when I get some more time, I'll re-do it.

That vice looks quite tidy from what I can see in the photo. Nice work. Regarding the detent ball, I was going to drill for one of those the other day, just incase it was ever needed. Chickened out though. This is one of the few leadscrews I've come across where it hasn't been centre drilled, so left it be rather than get it off centre. It'd bug the life out of me if it wasn't perfectly central.

Another idea, this is what we use on machine vises, you can find them under a bunch of brands, this just happened to be the first image I came across. It has two holes, the one in the center you can open/close much quicker, but you can also shift to the outer one to get more leverage.

That's a neat design of handle. Not seen that type before.

Broach a .5" square hole in the end. Reinstall handle

Not got the capabilities, currently, for doing something like that.

Perhaps weld a handle on, to end up with something like this?
HTH, Jim

Can't weld for toffee, plus welding's a bit too permanent for my preference. Nice handle though. Like that design.

^^^ A lot of parkers have that setscrew/spring/ballbearing setup, I know mine did. It is super nice when you can open and close the vise with one finger and not have the handle flying all over the place.

It's a royal pain in the **** when the handle is sliding around, isn't it. A standard handle frequently seems to get in the way of something too.

 

[srmofo]

Las

Not got the capabilities, currently, for doing something like that.


.

drill a .5 hole and square it up with a file. If you cant do that then what do you need a vice for?