Wilton 4” bullet

[Nexoidian]

Wilton 4” bullet (seized dynamic jaw)

So I saved this Wilton 400 from the dumpster at work the other day. They were going to pitch it because it was seized up. It spent its entire life outside in the Michigan weather.

So my problem was the dynamic jaw was seized up and the retaining horseshoe washer was missing with all the screws broken. I’d assume the the screws broke while someone tried to reef down on the handle trying to get it to open up even thought it was seized.


So I tried driving a wedge in between the jaws and soaking with kroil couldn’t get it to move much if any. I decided I was going to make a “puller” if you will. I drilled and tapped 1/2-13 holes in one piece of key stock. Then in the other I drilled two holes one step up from 1/2 about halfway thru. Just to stop the threaded rod from walking all over the place. Then I took some 1/2 all thread and welded nuts on the end.

It ended up working perfect. I didn’t have to wrench on it very hard at all. I think it just needed solid direct pressure.

Once I got the jaw out I was able to use the spindle without the jaw to push the dust cap out of the back. Luckily I read somewhere on the forum about doing this and it paid off tonight for sure.

Just wanted to share my experience with everyone in hopes that I can help someone out in the future

 

[pb57]

Wow that is in excellent shape. I don't think I would have the heart to paint that one. Paul

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Very nice. Great job!

 

[SuperCat]

That's going to be one sweeeeet addition to your shop!
Please continue with the restoration, can't wait to see more.

 

[king nero]

That's the way to do it. Nice vise!

 

[matt_i]

Good job saving it from the dumpster! Beautiful thing about cast iron is its rust is a lot more stable...

As others have said its going to be hard to equal the OEM finish. I would polish up the unplated areas and call it good

 

[exmaxima1]

That looks like a late model Wilton with the large dust cap. Hard to believe it ended up in the dumpster at such a young age.

 

[Nexoidian]

That looks like a late model Wilton with the large dust cap. Hard to believe it ended up in the dumpster at such a young age.

I thought it was older as well. But it’s stamped for 2017. So not very old at all. Some people would rather replace things that are broke rather than repair them. Luckily there’s a lot of that where I work, so I luck out quite a bit. But this was my first vise. Let alone a Wilton

 

[captain14]

Very nice write up of the recovery. Show us it’s new home mounted up sometime.