Need some advice on Wilton vise

txlonghorn1989 · Jan 10, 2020

I have 2 poor and partial pics of what I believe to be a Wilton bullet vise. The owner refers to it as a Wilton torpedo vise. He says the vise is broken. The handle turns freely but the dynamic jaw does not move at all. Here's where I need your help and advice...1) from the pics what type of vise does this look like? Yes, I know there isn't much to see but do your best please. 2) From what I've said how likely is it that the vise can be fixed? 3) What would it be worth as a parts vise?

Thanks!

txlonghorn1989 · Jan 10, 2020

The vise is not in town but he's willing to bring it into town. I let him know I'm probably interested so based on what he previously told me I expect to be able to see the vise tomorrow. In addition to my questions above, can you guys tell me how I can determine why the dynamic jaw isn't moving?

Thanks!

drivesitfar · Jan 10, 2020

TEX: I'm far from a Wilton expert, but i've owned maybe 20 so i'll bump up your thread with a little information that might helpl It does look like a Wilton bullet vise and most likely a 50's to 70's model is my guess.

main reason why a the screw isn't pulling the dynamic jaw could be that the horseshoe retainer is missing, but it looks like its on the vise from what I can tell so i've heard some of the old Wiltons that were in schools were turned so much they work the groove smooth so the horseshoe retainer wouldn't work.

or the vise nut inside or screw is broken?

it looks like you have the swivel's base and nuts with levers which has some value and if the dynamic and or static is in good shape there is some more value.

since the pics don't show the back of the vise to show the dust cover it's hard to say what is there, but like with most wilton vises parts can be found or several guys making them.

good luck!!

txlonghorn1989 · Jan 10, 2020

Thanks Drives! Not being familiar with Wilton vises at all. I'm not sure what you mean by "they work the groove smooth so the horseshoe retainer wouldn't work". IF the vise turns out to be largely complete and in good shape otherwise are all the things you mention readily fixable with a replacement part(s)? That's assuming I could find said replacement parts and the cost isn't outrageous.

All, Should I simply offer him as though this is a parts vise and then determine later if it's at all fixable? This is kind of the route I'm inclined to take at this point.

drivesitfar · Jan 10, 2020

TEX: I know you'd love a Wilton bullet and not many to be found in your area unless you can find a way to buy one of the guy's collections that has a few hundred of them.

with the crappy pics and the unknowns yes a parts price would be my offer and if you can get more pictures and text them to me before you buy it even better and maybe I can help a bit more.

I don't have any pics to share of a Wilton torn apart cause they are in an old crashed almost dead laptop, but maybe this exploded parts view will help you. less than $50 you can probably spend your time and get back in parts and of course less is even better, but it could be as easy as just making or buying a new horseshoe retainer which I doubt costs much.

the main screw has a channel in the hub that the horseshoe retainer fits in sort of like a sleeve with a set screw holds a lot of the other older maker's vises.

there are several repairs and upgrades on the vise repair 101 thread if you have a little time to check them out.

The picture is I think a Wilton tradesman bullet with the pipe jaws, but it should help a little showing how the horseshoe works

good luck

MattT · Jan 10, 2020

txlonghorn1989 said:
All, Should I simply offer him as though this is a parts vise and then determine later if it's at all fixable? This is kind of the route I'm inclined to take at this point.

Buying anything broken I won't pay more than worst case break even. So don't offer more than the value of the parts you can tell are good. Anything you make over that is your reward for taking the risk

txlonghorn1989 · Jan 10, 2020

Drives,

I found that same parts diagram and saved it to my PC. Used it in reviewing the parts you mentioned previously. I will search for "wilton bullet" in the vise repair thread and see what turns up.

FYI, I'm sending you an email.

drivesitfar · Jan 10, 2020

TEX: another thing to mention speaking of KNOWING WHICH PARTS ARE GOOD is to turn the vise over and check out the swivel's base cause sometimes the bolts or the swiveling part can be cracked (especially on Wilton's huge C3's which this one isn't), and if the dynamic isn't coming out can it just be pulled out?

sometimes with Wilton's tight tollerances the slides can get rusted in place so some have pressed them out (I cringe a bit at this method) and some drop in electrolysis or spray in kroil and hit (tapping) with dead blow or brass hammer.

txlonghorn1989 · Jan 10, 2020

Drives,
Would the handle turn easily though if the slide was frozen? I'd expect the handle to be stuck as well.

1982fxr · Jan 10, 2020

If the collar is the problem, turning the handle left will pull the entire leadscrew out.

If you turn the handle left and nothing happens at all then the problem is inside.

drivesitfar · Jan 10, 2020

TEX: doing as 82' says WILL turn out just the screw IF the horseshoe is missing or the hub has worn so the horseshoe retainer doesn't contact the main screw.

once the main screw is out then the dynamic should just pull out.

good luck!!

txlonghorn1989 · Jan 10, 2020

1982, Drives: So if I turn the handle left and nothing happens then the problem is likely inside. Inside meaning with the screw or the vise nut? Can the vise nut housing cause the problem the owner has described "turning the handle does not move the dynamic jaw"? And by collar you mean the horseshoe washer?

drivesitfar · Jan 10, 2020

Tex: I guess the vise nut could be missing, but those little B'stards are a PITA to get out so more likely something is broken.

Need some advice on Wilton vise

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