Evaluating Dropped Wilton Machinist Vise

[aggiegrads]

I recently ordered a Wilton 400S vise and when I received it, the handle is bent to the extend that it does not slide freely and has to be clocked a certain way to slide through the spindle. Judging from the damage to the box, the vise was dropped in the box with the handle taking the impact.

I know that I could have someone straighten the handle, but what should I check for in the rest of the vise for damage (bent spindle, cracks, etc.)?

The seller has offered to pay a 35% refund due to the damage or I can return it for a full refund. I bought it new for a good price, and I couldn't order another new one for the same price (seller is now out of stock).

What would you do?

 

[lilredex]

Bolt it down securely, tighten up the jaws, and straighten the handle. Use a pipe slid over the handle to do that. Done carefully, you'll never know it was bent.

 

[Davefr]

I recently ordered a Wilton 400S vise and when I received it, the handle is bent to the extend that it does not slide freely and has to be clocked a certain way to slide through the spindle. Judging from the damage to the box, the vise was dropped in the box with the handle taking the impact.

I know that I could have someone straighten the handle, but what should I check for in the rest of the vise for damage (bent spindle, cracks, etc.)?

The seller has offered to pay a 35% refund due to the damage or I can return it for a full refund. I bought it new for a good price, and I couldn't order another new one for the same price (seller is now out of stock).

What would you do?

If it passes the one finger test and you don't see any casting cracks, then take the 35% and do what lilredex suggested.

 

[Ign]

If it operates smoothly otherwise and the jaws close square (and, obviously, if there are no visible cracks or other damage) I'd probably call it good and take the 35%

Clamp down on a piece of heavy wall sq tube run horizontally with plenty sticking out either side of the vise (equally); if it's noticeably easier to lever one side up/down then that would suggest the jaws aren't closing square - something that drives me nuts in cheaper vises

 

[Maui]

Be very careful in your examination for cracks. it could have a hairline crack that can be very difficult to see. If you do find any cracks, send it back for a full refund.

 

[aggiegrads]

I do have a good UV flashlight. Anything cheap and readily available that I can use as a dye penetrant to look for cracks?

 

[Ign]

If the handle bent I'm guessing it hit first and took the brunt, absorbing the impact.

Not saying you shouldn't inspect closely but if I HAD to have a vise dropped, I'd want the handle to hit first rather than any part of the body

 

[Ign]

Oh and there is a weld inspection solution you can use to see if it wicks thru a weld, but not sure it'd do any good on something thicker than plate, like say a vise body.

I'm guessing if it did work for such things engine shops wouldn't magnaflux

 

[larry_g]

Bolt it down securely, tighten up the jaws, and straighten the handle. Use a pipe slid over the handle to do that. Done carefully, you'll never know it was bent.

Personally I would not do this and risk damaging the spindle if it is not currently damaged. Pull the spindle and check it for straightness. If straight then go about straightening the handle. Use a press or grab it in another vise and herk it about putting no strain on the spindle.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[pcmeiners]

Take the 35%. Anything which can be beat upon (jaws/integrated anvil) is going to be high quality cast steel, not cast iron, it will not be cracked if it was dropped by the delivery service, unless they "drop ship" them directly off a 30 story buildings.

Ps I was delivered a large Wilton with the handle bent, took me 5 minutes to fix with a plastic mallet