Need to straighten record vice QR lever

[6ply]

I need to straighten this record vice quick release lever as it has somehow been pushed in towards the body of the vice. It will obviously require some heat and I have a propane torch. I'm a bit nervous about bending it hot or cold in case it cracks.

Any recommendations before I get started?

 

[6ply]

 

[6ply]

Bearing in mind it hasn't cracked yet, I'm hoping with some heat it should bend back without any drama.

 

[chrismac]

Is it cast steel, I would say steel by time it has bent that far and not broken, give it a rub with a file first to confirm, a slight warm will hopefully take it back with ease.

 

[Agroshield]

How is it joined to the rod that passes through the spring? If it is welded, that is a good indication that it is not cast iron, but cast steel as suggested above. Thus, as above, a good red heat will allow it to go back to where it should be.

 

[6ply]

How is it joined to the rod that passes through the spring? If it is welded, that is a good indication that it is not cast iron, but cast steel as suggested above. Thus, as above, a good red heat will allow it to go back to where it should be.

Good points. I'll take a look later.

 

[Craig-SM]

I’ve had success before by heating up and clamping in a vice, gently tightening as you apply heat and leave to cool whilst in the vice.

 

[6ply]

Job done!

 

[Beanwood]

Did you heat it up?

 

[chrismac]

Job done!

View attachment 491740

Easy , now wipe the sweat of your brow....

 

[bourbon]

Tell us how you did it then.

 

[6ply]

Did you heat it up?

Yes. Dull red ish

 

[6ply]

Tell us how you did it then.

Dismantled so wouldn't damage the spring.

Heated with propane torch.

Held in vice.

Length of pipe over free end and carefully bent straight.

 

[6ply]

How is it joined to the rod that passes through the spring? If it is welded, that is a good indication that it is not cast iron, but cast steel as suggested above. Thus, as above, a good red heat will allow it to go back to where it should be.

I couldn't see a weld but nor could I see any other fixing. Probably welded and ground down.