Simple Bench Vice Mod

[Retro Steam Tech]

[McDesign]

Nice - gonna do it - I even think I have some threaded ball-detent units.

Super useful idea - the kids have all gotten blood-blisters on their fingers from the handle on the big Reed vise sliding down - I'd just put O-rings on the handle ends as cushions, but this is far better.

Forrest in Atlanta

[kangadrill]

Simpler way: put an o-ring either side of the central boss.

[McDesign]

The handle's far too heavy - it's a Reed 105 S. If you could get it to hold, you'd have to slide (roll) the O-rings back to the center after you've extended the handle to really crank down.

[Scrounga]

Thanks for that and I will do the same with one slight difference. I’ll machine a groove around the shaft instead of the shallow hole so I don’t have to line up the hole.
Thanks, Stuart

[Frank S]

Thanks for that and I will do the same with one slight difference. I’ll machine a groove around the shaft instead of the shallow hole so I don’t have to line up the hole.
Thanks, Stuart

If you machine a grove all way round the center of the bail then the first time you really put a strain on it you are going to bend or snap it in two.
I used to have a huge Prentice vice that I pretzeled the bail so many times I replaced it with a length of 7/8" stress prof and that was without a grove or detent in the middle. And like Forrest said the ball ends would draw blood when dropping

[Retro Steam Tech]

Thanks guys. It's not my original idea, I have seen some American made vices which come with this feature. I just wish I'd done it years ago! I think the O-ring idea would work ok on lighter vices but wouldn't give you the freedom of movement of the handle that this does.

[olderdan]

A great idea for larger bench vices.
The indent is not really essential as a stronger spring with a brass pad will retain the handle in any position. I have done this on my drill press handle mod and it works very well.

[DIYer]

Thanks Retro Steam Tech! We've added your Vise Handle Modification to our Vises category,
as well as to your builder page: Retro Steam Tech's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Vise Handle Modification by Retro Steam Tech

tags: vise, handle, modification

[Jon]

Congratulations Retro Steam Tech - your Bench Vise Modification is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

Yet another busy week around here, with many high quality builds. This one wins on not only cleverness but utility too.

Some more nice builds from this week:

Silver Soldering Technique by thehomeengineer
Burr Storage by mklotz
Lathe Chuck Spider by celsoari
Paving Tile Lifting Method by olefella
Grinder, Wire Brush, and Buffer Stand by winkys workshop
Rotary Tool Mounting Fixture by Carnel
Toilet Valve Socket by Don42
Lantern Tool Holder by winkys workshop
Sandblast Gun by Mr.DK DIY
High Torque Drill Press by Es Welding
4-Axis Hot Wire Foam Cutter by m2rechtin
Knurling Tool by garage nut
Sharpening Vise Stand by garage nut
Wheel Dolly by brianhw
Punch Awl by Christophe Mineau
Small Wheel Sanding Attachment by bobs409
Tractor Tire Breaking Method by Frank S
Nakiri Knife by anthonyget
Drill Press Handle Modification by olderdan
Violin Cabinet by SculptyWorks
Belt Grinder Tracking Wheel Mechanism by House_Work
Strap Clamps by bouboulas
Router Lift by HandmadeCreativeChannel
Soft Chuck by Philip Davies
Lathe Workpiece Holder by Philip Davies
Lathe Power Feed by h7eh7e
Machinist's Squares by kwm24@o2.pl
Chisel Handles by Philip Davies
Chop Saw Modifications by Captainleeward


Retro Steam Tech - we've added your tool entry to our All Homemade Tool of the Week winners post. And, you'll now notice the wrench-on-pedestal award in the awards showcase in your postbit, visible beneath your username:



You'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon, PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and award choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

Nice work!