vintage Wilton replacement jaws?

[bulgie]

Hi all, my first post.
Just got a Wilton 3 inch, 9300. 1964 (I think – the "6" in the date stamp is so shallow it could be something else.)

The DAPO (dumb-*** previous owner) managed to ruin the jaws, but I was able to get them off. What are my options for getting replacements?

wiltonviseparts.net says check back in June or July but doesn't say what year!

I don't necessarily need knurled or heat-treated, so having a pair made by some local machinist shouldn't be difficult. Used to be, I'd just make 'em myself, but since I retired I don't have access to a milling machine anymore.

Next question, the screws that hold the jaws are 1/4"x20 phillips head. Very mangled – I was amazed I got them out. I was hoping to find some strong ones, grade 5 at least, but I'm having trouble sourcing high-grade in phillips. That has to be a thing, I'm just not looking in the right place... right? Or maybe hardware store quality grade 2 is good enough? I was hoping for something with more resistance to the phillips head getting mangled.

If someone has inside knowledge of progress towards wiltonviseparts being back up, I can be patient. Not a huge hurry

 

[The Cobbler]

there are a few people on here that could probably help you. I can't think of their names but I'm sure someone will point you in the right direction.
instead of phillips, how about hex socket cap screws?

 

[Roberts210]

This poor Wilton was really mangled when I got it. I found new jaws on ebay for not too much. New screws came with the jaws.

Before and after:

 

[bulgie]

instead of phillips, how about hex socket cap screws?

Yeah that'd probly be fine. I just had a slight preference for keeping it original.

It's a vise for using though, not a museum, so practicality wins.

Cheers
Mark

 

[bulgie]

after:

Lookin' good in (on) those jeans baby!

I heard via PM that wiltonviseparts.net will be back in business soon. I also ordered some Wilton-made serrated steel jaws from Zoro, won't know if they fit until they get here, but I can return them.

So either way, looks like I'll be squishing things soon enough.

Thanks all.

 

[Roberts210]

If SWMBO had seen my pretty vise scratching the top of her chest, she'd have made me sleep on the couch for 2 weeks--hence the jeans to protect the top. I ain't stupid... ignorant maybe, but not stupid.