Anyone use a Regal Vise?

[1flyfisher]

I have had my regal vise for decades. Now when I put a hook in the jaws it sometimes pops out and goes flying across the room to be lost forever. This has been going on for well over a year and is getting worse now I am getting really pissed losing hooks in the carpet, (hooks ain't getting cheaper these days). I must have lost a few dozens of hook.

WTF is going on?
Are the jaws finally worn out?

Anyone have this problem and did you send it in for repairs and what happened? I think it is supposed to be warranted for life.
Did the co try and bilk money out of you for warranty repairs and bs shipping and handling costs like Sage does?
I have to get this fixed or get a new vise. I am very ready for a rotary but have been clinging to this old vise.

[Darian]

I've been using a Regal Vice for about 5 years now and haven't experienced the problem yours exhibits.

What appears to be going on is probably normal wear and tear. The metal surrounding the area where your hook is held in the vice has worn smooth and maybe a bit cambered (hope that makes sense). When you place a forged wire hook (flat surface in the bend), it may hold; where a round wire hook is propelled by the pressure applied by the jaws. So, the jaws are apparently worn out for your application.

The only way to find out about warranties or charges for repairs is to call the company and ask or check out their website.

An alternative to sending it back is to buy a new set of jaws. They come in various sizes and are cheaper than buying a new vice. I bought an extra set of jaws that accommodate a larger size fly as I tie a bunch of salty flies these days.

[Mike O]

They do repair them, but it ain't free. check your jaws. a lot of times when the hook goes flying out, the jaw metal will chip. If the regal is not holding the hooks, try turning the jaws upsided down. That's what I do, and I still love my regal

For info:

http://regalvise.com/index.php/Customer-Service.php

[YEM]

I've had a Regal vise for 15 years and never had a problem until this month when I tied some #18 and #20s. Several times I didn't put the hook far enough into the jaw and *PING* the hook goes flying across the room. Totally my fault and I knew it could happen. Andy Puyans warned me when he sold me the vise. Okay, I was cheating on the edge of the jaw to get a little extra space to work. After two or three chips I decided to send my vise back to Regal for repairs (haven't done it yet). I'm considering getting Regal's midge jaw, but I think my standard jaw will work for #20 if I'm careful.

[Steve Potter]

I had the same problem but my hooks inbedded in the sheet rock in my tying room wall. I fixed the problem by replacing the jaws and buying another vise with midge jaws. Most of my fly tying is in size 1thur 3/0 hooks. The regular jaws work great,but with my trout flies I go to the midge model. Lately I just use my Abel for everything especially at the shows. The last post is basically the same as mine so youre not alone with this problem, good luck
Steve

[Darian]

Seems like a very good pastime (waster) could be had by painting a bullseye on the wall board and testing the accuracy of your shots out of the vice.... At least that's better than losing hooks in the carpet. It would be just my luck to step on one (or more) while walking around bare foot.

[troutfly]

I replaced the jaws of my Regal vice last year. I had the same problem, chiped jaws. I contacted Regal, sent the jaws in with a check for $40, and got a brand new replacement. Easy to do, and easy people to work with. No hassles. Only costs a few $ to mail it to them.