Wilton 9300 Vice Broken
12-19-18, 07:35 PM
#1
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Wilton 9300 Vice Broken
The threaded portion of the T handle on my Wilton 9300 bench vice has snapped in two. Is there a reliable way to repair this or is it new vice time?
12-19-18, 09:25 PM
#2
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Pictures ?
Probably weldable, or replaceable ?
Probably weldable, or replaceable ?
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12-19-18, 09:30 PM
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Oh, all of our vices... Men and their tools and vises.
Post a photo of your vise. I thought those Wilton bullet vises were pretty bombproof. But, yours sounds tiny. 3" vise? If it is the actual bar that you hold onto, then you could replace that with any good stout bolt.
If it is the main shaft of the vise that is broken, you might be able to weld it. Sleeve and weld it? As long as you don't create a weak spot that could injure yourself.
Post a photo of your vise. I thought those Wilton bullet vises were pretty bombproof. But, yours sounds tiny. 3" vise? If it is the actual bar that you hold onto, then you could replace that with any good stout bolt.
If it is the main shaft of the vise that is broken, you might be able to weld it. Sleeve and weld it? As long as you don't create a weak spot that could injure yourself.
12-19-18, 09:57 PM
#4
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You might consider contacting the manufacturer, Wilton.
If your vise is older production, there may be a warranty date on the underside of the slide that will help them to know if they have an appropriate replacement for sale.
Customer service:
https://www.wiltontools.com/us/en/ser...tomer-support/
Replacement parts:
https://parts.wiltontools.com/default.aspx
or contact the eBay seller of this recently expired listing to see if the parts are still available:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WILTON-9300...p2047675.l2557
If your vise is older production, there may be a warranty date on the underside of the slide that will help them to know if they have an appropriate replacement for sale.
Customer service:
https://www.wiltontools.com/us/en/ser...tomer-support/
Replacement parts:
https://parts.wiltontools.com/default.aspx
or contact the eBay seller of this recently expired listing to see if the parts are still available:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/WILTON-9300...p2047675.l2557
12-19-18, 10:06 PM
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Wilton is very much around and will get back to you. I learned my 28 yo (excellent) Craftsman 5" was made by them and contacted them for new jaw plates. Their service rep got right back, but told me they no longer supported Craftsman after Sears went overseas for the vises; that had I bought their brand name vise, the parts would be in stock.
Ben
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12-19-18, 10:16 PM
#6
Interocitor Command
Oy! You didn't have to make it personal. 
12-19-18, 10:25 PM
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New Wilton vises cost a fortune, but good used ones pop up on Craigslist from time to time.
12-19-18, 10:40 PM
#8
Non omnino gravis
I honestly don't remember bench vises being so expensive. I picked up my 6" Record Quick-Release in around '97 (when they were still made in Sheffield, England) and I don't remember it being more than maybe $125.
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12-20-18, 01:02 AM
#9
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He mostly makes new jaw inserts, but has a lot of experience fabricating other new components for vintage bench vises (especially Wiltons). He made a set of case-hardened jaws for my old Starrett-Athol 324-1/2, his work is absolutely top notch!
If anyone can source or make a new main screw and spindle for your 9300, it's him.
12-20-18, 01:16 AM
#10
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That Wilton 9300 weighs more and is far stronger than a new 5" bench vise from Harbor Freight or Home Depot. Jaw width alone is not a good descriptor of a vise's size, utility or worth.
Definitely worth investing in a new main screw/spindle.
Definitely worth investing in a new main screw/spindle.
12-20-18, 01:22 AM
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Contact Kevin Scott, email or phone.
He mostly makes new jaw inserts, but has a lot of experience fabricating other new components for vintage bench vises (especially Wiltons). He made a set of case-hardened jaws for my old Starrett-Athol 324-1/2, his work is absolutely top notch!
If anyone can source or make a new main screw and spindle for your 9300, it's him.
He mostly makes new jaw inserts, but has a lot of experience fabricating other new components for vintage bench vises (especially Wiltons). He made a set of case-hardened jaws for my old Starrett-Athol 324-1/2, his work is absolutely top notch!
If anyone can source or make a new main screw and spindle for your 9300, it's him.
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12-21-18, 05:37 PM
#12
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Thread Starter
New replacement screw is about 200 bucks. Still available from Wilton. Yes, 3 inch, not man sized at all. Tough as nails through the years, but thoroughly abused by the shop since the 70's. Gotta say, even in the machine shop on board ship, only one vice was larger than 3 inch, and we worked on some very big stuff!! Not sure a bike shop or home mechanic needs something larger than that.
12-21-18, 11:37 PM
#14
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New replacement screw is about 200 bucks. Still available from Wilton. Yes, 3 inch, not man sized at all. Tough as nails through the years, but thoroughly abused by the shop since the 70's. Gotta say, even in the machine shop on board ship, only one vice was larger than 3 inch, and we worked on some very big stuff!! Not sure a bike shop or home mechanic needs something larger than that.
And you're right, a 3" machinist vise is enough for almost everything a home mechanic might do. A secure attachment to an immobile bench or table (preferably bolted to the floor and wall) is far more important than the size of the vise, past a certain point.
12-22-18, 05:18 AM
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Used Wilton vises regularly show up on Craigslist, and perhaps other online sales systems.
This one is up in Portland.
https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/...777567103.html
I'm seeing a few in other major cities, often a bit more expensive. Bigger?
$200 for a new part sounds like quite a bit. I'd probably try to repair the old one. Welding? Cutting a replacement on a lathe?
This one is up in Portland.
https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/...777567103.html
I'm seeing a few in other major cities, often a bit more expensive. Bigger?
$200 for a new part sounds like quite a bit. I'd probably try to repair the old one. Welding? Cutting a replacement on a lathe?
12-22-18, 08:18 AM
#17
Senior Member
Used Wilton vises regularly show up on Craigslist, and perhaps other online sales systems.
This one is up in Portland.
https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/...777567103.html
This one is up in Portland.
https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/...777567103.html
12-22-18, 08:31 AM
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12-22-18, 08:41 AM
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Where did the screw break? Can't you post a photo?
If it was at the base, near the handle, it's quite possible it could be welded cheaply.
If it was in the middle threaded part, then would need re-cutting after welding, and cost a lot more.
Those Wilton "bullet" vises are certainly worth saving, if possible.
If it was at the base, near the handle, it's quite possible it could be welded cheaply.
If it was in the middle threaded part, then would need re-cutting after welding, and cost a lot more.
Those Wilton "bullet" vises are certainly worth saving, if possible.
