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  •  » Off Topic Tool Repair

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    1/10/2026 12:22 PM  #1

    John Ha
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    From: Mitchell, SD
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 1,028

    Off Topic Tool Repair

    My MityVac handle broke at the pivot point where it snaps onto the body.  Since this is the only issue with the tool, I hate to spend money on a new tool just for this stupid thing.

    This part is under a fair amount of stress and it's not clear how I could easily fix it - so I was wondering if anyone has a good solution/fix.

    TIA

    Founding Member of the Perpetually Bewildered Society
     

    1/10/2026 1:48 PM  #2

    Rudi
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    From: Stuck in the 50's Welland Ca
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 4,084

    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    Hi John!
    Could you make a form fitting “U” shaped saddle bracket that fits over the back side of the broken lever and “JB” weld it in place
    A soft aluminum or steel reinforcement  could be bent extending about an inch and a half past the break on each side.

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!
     

    1/10/2026 2:03 PM  #3

    Cab4word67
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    From: Portland, Ore
    Registered: 4/06/2019
    Posts: 1,171

    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    some aluminum or steel channel and a couple bolts

    Slammed Big Blue, ran over the varmints that messed with the Stang. Now all is good in the NW
     

    1/10/2026 3:02 PM  #4

    Ron68
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    From: Mukilteo, Washington
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    Fill the two "slots" where the pivot lugs go with modeling clay. Tape the handle pieces together and JB Weld the handle halve together. After curing, use a pick or similar tool to remove the clay and reinstall. 

    68 coupe - 351W, 4R70W, 9" 3.25 -- 65 convertible - 289 4v, C4, 8" 3.00
     

    1/10/2026 3:12 PM  #5

    Greg B
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    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    Wouldn't be shocked if you're is not the first one broken and someone has made a 3d plastic printing of it.

    Edit:  yes quick Google search I already found a file.   Now you just need to find someone that can print it up for you.    This is a hobby I really want to get into.

    https://www.printables.com/model/19581-mityvac-vacuum-tester-handle

    Last edited by Greg B (1/10/2026 3:17 PM)

    If multiple things can go wrong, the one that will go wrong will be the one that causes the most damage.
     

    1/10/2026 10:53 PM  #6

    MS
    Forum Originator

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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
    Posts: 12,702

    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    Make a lever out of steel. Ten minutes …

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    1/10/2026 11:22 PM  #7

    Raymond_B
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    From: Fort Worth, TX
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,270

    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    Greg B wrote:

    Wouldn't be shocked if you're is not the first one broken and someone has made a 3d plastic printing of it.

    Edit: yes quick Google search I already found a file. Now you just need to find someone that can print it up for you. This is a hobby I really want to get into.

    https://www.printables.com/model/19581-mityvac-vacuum-tester-handle

    I downloaded the file and can print it, but right now the best filament I have is ABS. 
     

     

    1/10/2026 11:25 PM  #8

    Raymond_B
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    From: Fort Worth, TX
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 1,270

    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    John, message me your address and I will send it to you. 

    Does 3D printing get garage points?  

     

    1/11/2026 7:36 AM  #9

    John Ha
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    From: Mitchell, SD
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 1,028

    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    Raymond_B wrote:

    Greg B wrote:

    Edit: yes quick Google search I already found a file. Now you just need to find someone that can print it up for you. This is a hobby I really want to get into.

    https://www.printables.com/model/19581-mityvac-vacuum-tester-handle

    I downloaded the file and can print it, but right now the best filament I have is ABS. 
     

    Thank you  Absolutely you'd get garage points but unfortunately, that handle is for the newer models and I'm told that it won't work with my unit (I actually found steel replacement handles for that model of mityvac and they're pretty cheap).  

    Greg B's post gave me another search clue though, and I found a file for the handle of the earlier model here.  If you could print that one for me (I sent you a PM) I think it would work for me and I'd give you extra garage points for helping :-)

    Thank you ALL for the inputs.  Cheers, John

    Last edited by John Ha (1/11/2026 11:40 AM)

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       •Thread Starter
     

    1/21/2026 7:55 AM  #10

    John Ha
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    From: Mitchell, SD
    Registered: 4/02/2013
    Posts: 1,028

    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    The handle that @Raymond B printed for me came late yesterday.  I got it installed a few minutes ago and it's so awesome that I had to show it off (it's the black handle).  It's much heftier where it pivots so I think this will probably outlast the rest of the tool.

    THANK YOU RAYMOND B!!!!

    Last edited by John Ha (1/21/2026 7:59 AM)

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    1/21/2026 4:26 PM  #11

    Raymond_B
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    From: Fort Worth, TX
    Registered: 4/01/2013
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    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    Awesome! Glad to help!

     

    1/21/2026 4:45 PM  #12

    Michael H.
    I FYI 24-7

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    From: Laurel, MS
    Registered: 4/01/2013
    Posts: 925

    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    Very nice!  3D printing is something I would like to play around with and learn about...just haven't taken the plunge yet.

     

    1/21/2026 8:14 PM  #13

    Nos681
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    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
    Registered: 7/14/2016
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    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    That is a spiffy handle.

     

    1/22/2026 7:31 AM  #14

    BobE
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    From: White Plains, NY
    Registered: 4/04/2013
    Posts: 2,932

    Re: Off Topic Tool Repair

    That's great, waiting for my grandsons to get back to me to see if they can download the software for their 3D printer.  (I don't need a handle just want to know if they can do it)  

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

     

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