MushCreek
Well-known member
I'm going through a massive old vise, and replacing parts that are beat up. One vise jaw was broken, so I made a new pair. I made them a bit heavier than the originals. They have a key in the back to locate them, and I milled serrations. It was tedious, but went faster than I thought it would, taking less than 30 minutes each after set-up.
The handle for the screw was slightly bent, which I could have straightened, but it was rather rough, looking like someone took the claw end of a hammer to it. I made a new one, using a 1566 carbon steel shaft, Rockwell C25. I bought threaded balls from McMaster Carr, as they were only $8 each. I threaded the ends of the shaft to 1/2-20, and threaded the balls on with red Loctite. If they loosen up, I'll pin them.
Lastly, I made new handles for the swivel locks, and the old ones were dead soft- too soft to even unlock the rusty old thing. I made the new ones out of 3/8" ejector pins, and made a head to press-fit on the other end.
The handle for the screw was slightly bent, which I could have straightened, but it was rather rough, looking like someone took the claw end of a hammer to it. I made a new one, using a 1566 carbon steel shaft, Rockwell C25. I bought threaded balls from McMaster Carr, as they were only $8 each. I threaded the ends of the shaft to 1/2-20, and threaded the balls on with red Loctite. If they loosen up, I'll pin them.
Lastly, I made new handles for the swivel locks, and the old ones were dead soft- too soft to even unlock the rusty old thing. I made the new ones out of 3/8" ejector pins, and made a head to press-fit on the other end.
