can this vise be saved?

[dumper]

I picked up an old, made in USA, Craftsman 3-1/2" vise today, for scrap value. It appears it was rearended by a truck, or something! Hahahaa. Anyways, it actually works ok from almost closed to 3" open, then it binds up too much and jams. It appears that the U-channel is bent. Is there any way to fix this, or is this a parts donor only? Thanks.

 

[mayday0017]

Heat.... Let it heat and cool and play with it, you might be surprised

 

[gilbo]

by the looks of your pics, since you were able to take it apart, i think you r good 2 go.

i say electrolysis to clean up, repaint, then vise away

 

[Outlawmws]

If you have access to a press, measure the bottom of the U channel with a straight edge and get an Idea where its really bent and support the bottom in two places. Then use the pres ram to straighten the bend on the high spot. I'd put a "buffer" of maybe 1/2" ply scrap between the ram and the top of the channel to spread the load so you don't cave in the channel top in doing this.

 

[PT Doc]

Leave it and enjoy it.

 

[dumper]

If you have access to a press, measure the bottom of the U channel with a straight edge and get an Idea where its really bent and support the bottom in two places. Then use the pres ram to straighten the bend on the high spot. I'd put a "buffer" of maybe 1/2" ply scrap between the ram and the top of the channel to spread the load so you don't cave in the channel top in doing this.

you mean, a "real press?" I only have a gay 1-ton press. Is there any risk of the channel fracturing, or is it readily bendable material?

 

[bigcaddy]

It should give fairly easy. I've used my press to fix all kinds of bent vise parts

 

[2oolhound]

Another option is to grind some material away so the top of the jaws will meet again. Anywhere it touches before that point has to go and remember, never crank that puppy to hard again like the po did.

 

[dumper]

It should give fairly easy. I've used my press to fix all kinds of bent vise parts

what size press are you using?

 

[Rust]

Scrap it and look for another.

 

[stratman977]

Does it say made in USA on it or are you just assuming? I have one like it that's not USA but japan. Still a decent vise but not really worth anything.

 

[Outlawmws]

you mean, a "real press?" I only have a gay 1-ton press. Is there any risk of the channel fracturing, or is it readily bendable material?

It should give fairly easy. I've used my press to fix all kinds of bent vise parts

Basically this^^^

That slide is not cast iron or cast steel so it should not fracture for that small of a bend, but it has been stressed so it might be possible that it may fracture, however improbable.

I'd guess a 1 ton won't do much, but give it a try.

 

[dumper]

Does it say made in USA on it or are you just assuming? I have one like it that's not USA but japan. Still a decent vise but not really worth anything.

says "made in USA" stamped on left side, Sears Craftsman model #508-51801. There are a few on ebay for between $30 and $75. That seems like a lot of dough to me. I paid $2 for this one!

 

[dumper]

Basically this^^^

That slide is not cast iron or cast steel so it should not fracture for that small of a bend, but it has been stressed so it might be possible that it may fracture, however improbable.

I'd guess a 1 ton won't do much, but give it a try.

You are right, a 1 ton doesn't do much. I've got it working rather well in the 0-3" range, which is really all it shoud be used for. If I happen to break it, not to worry...I have a few backups! Thanks.

 

[Toymeister]

I have that vise. I bought it new in the late 70's. It was the best vise I could afford as a high school shop rat. It is a Columbian. New retail in 1979 was 14.99 if my memory is still good

 

[EOC_Jason]

Just sneak into Harbor Freight and use one of their shop presses...

Alternatively, if you swing by an auto-repair place or machine shop I'm sure they have a shop press that they would let you use to try and bend it straight.

 

[rlb1953]

If you have access to heat, it would probably give you good results with your little press. A friend with a forge would be preferable, but a large O/A torch could get the job done too. Additionally, by cooling the piece slowly afterwards, the bend would be stress relieved and it would be good as new...

For a 3.5" vise, it probably isn't worth the time and effort, but it would be a fun little afternoon project.