Vise advice?

[E.Carlson]

So I picked up this old 5" Power Kraft vise today for 30 bucks. Power Kraft was the Montgomery Ward store brand and from a bit of googleing was possibly made by Wilton since it has the USA stamp on it.
Anyway it needs a new swivel handle for both the jaws and the base swivel lock. What do you think I should use for the main swivel handle. I was thinking about maybe some 1084 or O1 hardend and tempered way back to the low 50's, then peened out on both ends. Is that over doing things? Would a mild steel rod work as is? Any other creative possibilities?

 

[Drew Riley]

I probably wouldn't use mild steel if you plan on putting any force on it. That said, you can very likely make a handle that will end up being tougher than the vise, and then you'll be splitting your casting before the handle takes a bend.

I believe Wilton, as well as other "replacement part manufacturers" use 1144 steel which is alloyed a little bit tougher than A36/1018 and won't bend as easily, but also won't twist your acme screw in two, or split your castings apart.

 

[E.Carlson]

Yeah, I found a site for a guy who makes custom vise handles and he uses 1144. I can pick up a small length of it for pretty cheap too. Would you use it as is, or try to harden/temper it back. Looks like heat treatment might not be needed.

 

[Fish30114]

E, if it were me I would just order a piece of appropriately sized stainless rod from McMaster Carr or whoever, and flatten/peen the ends as necessary, I wouldn't worry about the hardness myself--I would figure that whatever I might be clamping would fail before parts in my Vise.

 

[E.Carlson]

That may be the way to go, I'm not worried about having a super handle because I'm not going to be abusing the vise or using it as a press or anything. What I don't want is a bent handle. Bent handles on vises annoy the hell out of me. A bit of spring to the steel would be nice in case it gets pushed a bit too far.

 

[Drew Riley]

I'm thinking heat treat won't be necessary, but I could be wrong. Keeping the handle just a tad short may help too. The longer they are, the easier they bend.

 

[Fish30114]

E, I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure the stainless rod I have ordered from McMaster Carr have been hardened--the are pretty damn stiff at least--So I think a piece big enough to fit that vise wouldn't bend very easily--you could probably call them and see what rod stock they would recommend.

 

[Lieblad]

k you.

 

[E.Carlson]

Thanks for all the input guys. I think you're right about not being worried about messing with a heat treatment with these short handles.
I decided to go with 1144 stock that comes with a "stressproof temper" whatever that means. Mainly because I was able to get a foot of both sizes I need for 9 bucks total. Rubber washers are a good idea too.
Looks like I may have a new 5 inch vise for under 50 bucks and I can move the 4 inch out to the cabin.

 

[E.Carlson]

Had a day unexpected day off yesterday and finally got around to wrapping this up.

It's going to make a nice tool.

 

[Fish30114]

Man E, that came out really nice--I love seeing good solid American pieces being revived and put back to use again also--Good On Ya!!!