DIY Hand Vise
Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2012 8:32 pmIts nice to be able to pick cores while your sitting on the couch watching television but, they are tough little suckers to hold on to for long periods of time. As a result I came with this idea for a hand vise or a sort of handle to cover both IC and standard cores.
What you'll need: 3/4 in PVC electrical conduit (very cheap) a heat gun, 1/4 inch screw 1/2 inch long, 7/32 drill bit, and some basic hand tools.
First cut about a 7 inch piece of conduit. Next cut a grove for the bible of a standard cylinder to go in. I go a little wide to ensure that all of my cores will fit. I make this cut with my dremel but, I have done it with a hacksaw and files too.
Now we have to hold that sucker in place. The easiest way to do this is to drill a hole that is 7/32 directly opposite and mid way up the groove. Then place the 1/4 inch screw in hole and twist it in. It will be hard the first time because it is threading itself as it goes. Keeping it straight is the key and thumb screws make this pretty easy. This makes for a very stable hold on the cylinder. I know that there are machinist types out there that are saying that it needs to be properly tapped but, with a metal screw in plastic I have this is the best way to go. As a matter of fact care has to be taken to not over tighten this screw as it may cause the cylinder to bind abnormally. The best way to ensure this doesn't happen is to operate the lock with a key prior to picking to make sue it is working smoothly (if you have one).
Now we have to work on the other end to handle IC cores. First heat the opposite end of the conduit with the heat gun until is gets a bit soft. CAUTION : heating PVC gives off nasty chemicals and fumes so only do this in a well ventilated area! It stinks too and is sure to anger your wife so it is best to do it outside. Tap the heated end with a rubber mallet until it forms a nice oval and shove an IC core in so it will form to the core. This may require some more tapping or hitting and heating. My original designs had a screw to secure the cylinder here too but, I found that they fit snug enough that you don't need it. Let this cool completely before removing the core or it will shrink up on you.
Now both ends are done. Final pimping can include wiping off the the lettering on the conduit with acetone (do that outside too) and some heat shrink tubing. Let me know what you guys think or what we can do to make it better.
What you'll need: 3/4 in PVC electrical conduit (very cheap) a heat gun, 1/4 inch screw 1/2 inch long, 7/32 drill bit, and some basic hand tools.
First cut about a 7 inch piece of conduit. Next cut a grove for the bible of a standard cylinder to go in. I go a little wide to ensure that all of my cores will fit. I make this cut with my dremel but, I have done it with a hacksaw and files too.
Now we have to hold that sucker in place. The easiest way to do this is to drill a hole that is 7/32 directly opposite and mid way up the groove. Then place the 1/4 inch screw in hole and twist it in. It will be hard the first time because it is threading itself as it goes. Keeping it straight is the key and thumb screws make this pretty easy. This makes for a very stable hold on the cylinder. I know that there are machinist types out there that are saying that it needs to be properly tapped but, with a metal screw in plastic I have this is the best way to go. As a matter of fact care has to be taken to not over tighten this screw as it may cause the cylinder to bind abnormally. The best way to ensure this doesn't happen is to operate the lock with a key prior to picking to make sue it is working smoothly (if you have one).
Now we have to work on the other end to handle IC cores. First heat the opposite end of the conduit with the heat gun until is gets a bit soft. CAUTION : heating PVC gives off nasty chemicals and fumes so only do this in a well ventilated area! It stinks too and is sure to anger your wife so it is best to do it outside. Tap the heated end with a rubber mallet until it forms a nice oval and shove an IC core in so it will form to the core. This may require some more tapping or hitting and heating. My original designs had a screw to secure the cylinder here too but, I found that they fit snug enough that you don't need it. Let this cool completely before removing the core or it will shrink up on you.
Now both ends are done. Final pimping can include wiping off the the lettering on the conduit with acetone (do that outside too) and some heat shrink tubing. Let me know what you guys think or what we can do to make it better.
