Bench vise parts

[theangryman]

Hello,
I read the threads on restoring bench vises. I have one that I need parts for. Can anyone give me any assistance on where to find the locknuts for the swivel base on the vise?
The manufacturer of the vise no longer exists so I am finding it impossible to find the parts. The other vise companies cannot cross reference the parts and seem to not want to be bothered.
I refuse to believe that no one makes these. SOMEONE out there has to.
I have tried MSC, Grainger, JPW and internet searches. Am I really going to have to make my own?
ANY help greatly appreciated.
THANKS!
Jim

 

[mtwaterguy]

Who made your vise?

 

[jakemac]

It would help if you told us what the vise was, and post some pictures so we can help you.

 

[theangryman]

The vise in question is a Powr Kraft model 84-5434, made by Milwaukee Tool & Equip. Co.
I thought the make wasn't important as a locknut should be close to the same if bolt size, TPI and pitch was same. Physically, the lock nut is approx. 5/8" dia, 1" high and has a handle that is 5/16" dia and 3" long. I also have another vise where one of the locknuts are missing and did not think finding a source would be this difficult.
I will try to get some pics this evening.

 

[theangryman]

I found on Wiltons website parts for one of their models they have a pair of locknuts and bolts for $38. I think this is outrageous for two bolts and locknuts. It couldn't be much more to custom make them. I figured the guys restoring vises would have a source for these other than the vise manufacturer.
I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time.......

 

[Zrexxer]

I refuse to believe that no one makes these. SOMEONE out there has to.

They don't have to, and more than likely aren't.

 

[zkling]

Will you take a picture of the underside of the vise? A quick search shows those may have only had one lock down handle from the factory, the second side was for convenience of the operator. Most of those are just a carriage bolt with a top handle. The top handle could easily be made or bought but you would need to match diameter and thread pitch.

 

[jakemac]

I found on Wiltons website parts for one of their models they have a pair of locknuts and bolts for $38. I think this is outrageous for two bolts and locknuts. It couldn't be much more to custom make them. I figured the guys restoring vises would have a source for these other than the vise manufacturer.
I could be wrong, wouldn't be the first time.......

The owner of that site is a member here, WiltonViseParts.net , and not affiliated with Wilson itself. He's spent a lot of time and effort helping other members get their vises up and running again. All the parts he offers are hand made one at a time in his spare time. They're not mass produced or sourced from Wilton. Given the time he puts into each piece, they're actually quite affordable.

As for the availability of the parts - They aren't an off the shelf part that you can find in a local hardware store. Each manufacturer makes them to their own specs and design. Even though they all seem to be the same, they may not be. In addition, the bolt itself may be a carriage bolt, t-bolt, square bolt, or t-bolt with teeth that engage the base. That's where knowing the maker and model can help narrow the search.

 

[theangryman]

Jakemac,

Here is the link to the parts I was referring to. I don't think we are talking about the same person/company.
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/lock-nut-and-bolt-assembly-p-945256.html
I am going to take some pics now.

 

[jakemac]

Ahhh, you're right, those are genuine Wilton parts. My mistake.

 

[theangryman]

Here are the pics of the vise.
I was surprised to find out they were still in business. The first time I searched I came up empty. I will try to contact them.

 

[jreb10]

Here is a pic of my copy of that vise. It came with only one lockdown. It uses a 3/8 - 16 carriage bolt, 1.5" long.

The lockdown did not have a handle when I bought it. I made the handle from a bolt and a jam nut, followed by some grinding/sanding to round the ends, as described elsewhere in this forum

 

[wild cowboy]

if you live near a large city, try to find and old line bolt & screw company in the industrial area, they will have fasteners you didn't even know exist, and you can often replicate the original part - otherwise, you can check Fastenal, even better is McMaster-Carr, etc.

 

[theangryman]

Tried Fastenal, no luck. will try the other.
I took the Copilots advice and called the manufacturer. I wont know until he calls me back next week but it sounds like he can get the parts to me for about $7.