bent vise handle

[Tom Adger]

I bought an Anant #52 1/2 quick action bench vise about 6 mo ago. The steel handle was bent slightly when I got it. I should have sent it back, but, I wanted to get it mounted, so I did.

The handle is bent just enough that it will not slide all the way through the spindle. It has gotten annoying enough that I want to straighten it. How can one of the round knobs on each end be removed? Are they screwed on, heat applied, welded? If I can get one knob off, I can take it to a machine shop and have it straightened.

[Matt Meiser]

First thing I'd dry is clamping a block of wood in it and smacking the handle with a shot-filled mallet to try to bend it back.

I think the ball might be formed after the handle is inserted in the screw, at least that's the way two vises I have appear to be made. In that case you'd have to cut it off and replace it--and I don't think I'd use mild steel from the hardware store for that.

[Tom Adger]

Matt, thanks for your reply. I will try that.