can this Wilton be saved?

[dumper]

Found an old Wilton vise with a "misaligned" moving jaw. The slide is straight, but the head is at angle that doesn't allow the main screw to fit thru the opening. Is there any ghetto fix for this, or is it headed for the junk pile? I know it is only a lightweight vise, but the prior owner sure didn't!

 

[chrisnazzy]

Some other members with light duty vises and similar bent slide issues have had some success straightening them in a press.

I'd start though by cleaning paint and gunk off from around where the slide is most likely press fit into the front jaw and inspect for any cracks or damage.

As far as value vs. effort it's probably not worth fixing but on the other hand, if you have access to a press and don't mind fiddling with it a bit go for it. One plus is that the way the front jaw is 1/2" or more lower than the slide, it would probably be pretty easy to set up so the force is applied properly.

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[Farmall450]

I too would press it. Worse case take it to an auto shop (probably a better rate than a machine shop) and see if they'll give it a go with their press.

 

[Bellaireroad]

Get a 10 foot ladder. Unscrew the dynamic jaw 6 inches. Climb to top of ladder hold vise with dynamic jaw down, and drop it. Repeat until jaw straightens or vise breaks. Not to sound sarcastic, but this is the most time, effort, and money I would spend on it, and it is the “ghetto” fix you asked about.


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[dumper]

Get a 10 foot ladder. Unscrew the dynamic jaw 6 inches. Climb to top of ladder hold vise with dynamic jaw down, and drop it. Repeat until jaw straightens or vise breaks. Not to sound sarcastic, but this is the most time, effort, and money I would spend on it, and it is the “ghetto” fix you asked about.


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This is the kind of fix I would expect from a Texan! As a fellow Texan, I really appreciate the "direct approach" to fixing things like this. I figured if a ghetto fix did not work for this vise, it was going to the scrap pile anyway. Thanks.

 

[Milton Shaw]

The Texas way would be to mount it on a hitch receiver tube and back it into a tree. Or get your Bubba friend to run into with their beater truck. Might have to try it several times to get it right, but it would be fun.

 

[454ragtop]

The Texas way would be to mount it on a hitch receiver tube and back it into a tree. Or get your Bubba friend to run into with their beater truck. Might have to try it several times to get it right, but it would be fun.

Here, hold my beer...…...

 

[jimreed2160]

Another redneck solution is to make your own press. Put the dynamic in the sun this summer and heat it a bit (or use a 200 degree oven when your wife is away. Then chain it into an old screw type car jack and turn away.