Receiver Hitch Vice Stability

[sharp21]

I've been looking at all the great workbenches in preparation for my build. I see that some have a receiver hitch so that a vice can slide into place.

My questions for those that have this: Is it rock solid enough for working or is there some slop in it?

Do you have a security pin installed?

Would you do it again?

I'd love to see some pics!

S.

 

[Ray-CA]

Pin it and drill a hole, tap it or weld a nut to it so you can run a bolt to secure the receiver in place.

Ray

 

[sharp21]

Roger that, thanks
S.

 

[A**holes Garage]

I drilled through the receiver and hitch tubing and pinned it. You may have to weld some shim material to the hitch tubing to make it more stable, depends on the material you use.

 

[turnpikecrusier]

I used a 5/8 bolt and nut to hold it steady, yes I would do it again

 

[shooting4life]

Welded two nuts on mine and use bolts to keep it from moving.

You can see one of the bolts towards the front on the left side of the receiver. The other is on the bottom. I never have problem with movement.

 

[kazlx]

If you use hitch material (I think the stuff I used was 0.250 wall), you can just drill and tap the side and use a bolt, lever, whatever. McMaster has some cool stuff. I drilled and tapped mine for 1/2-13 and just use some stubby bolts. I need to get around to making something cooler, but haven't had time. Mine was actually pretty snug in there even without a bolt.

 

[creativecars]

I built mine from scratch and when I was getting steel the guy asked me what I was building and he said most build with the 2 1/2", 3/16 wall material for the receiver. This does give an easy fit and some slop. I went with the 2 1/2", 1/4" wall. It is a tight fit.. Just the way I like it.
It does not get rusty in the shop, so the fit works for me. I did drill it for a 1/2 bolt, but don’t really need it.

 

[sharp21]

Great tip on the 1/4" wall. Thanks for the pics!

I'm building a grinder station on the sliver of wall in between my two garage doors. I'm thinking of putting a receiver hitch there as well and have everything interchangeable.

S.

 

[Wood'nMetal]

They make an anti-vibration hitch pin so your hitch ball doesn't vibrate and slop around while towing. Check out an RV supply website or catalog. I've never seen one in person but it think it has some kind of expanding fingers that wedge things in place.

 

[Krodad]

If you use hitch material (I think the stuff I used was 0.250 wall), you can just drill and tap the side and use a bolt, lever, whatever. McMaster has some cool stuff. I drilled and tapped mine for 1/2-13 and just use some stubby bolts. I need to get around to making something cooler, but haven't had time. Mine was actually pretty snug in there even without a bolt.

THAT is a kick a$$ bench!!
What are you using for bench dogs?

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Hitch pins work just fine. And I have made multiple tool mounts to use the same receiver hitch on my welding bench to hold a vise, metal bender, etc.