A proper workbench setup makes appliance repair faster and more professional, whether you are working in a shop or handling secondary repairs on pulled units. This video covers the Harbor Freight 5 inch bench vise alongside the Wetols rivet nut tool and shows how both earn their place in an appliance repair setup.
Why a Bench Vise Matters in Appliance Repair
Most appliance repair happens in the field, but bench work comes up more than you would think. Fabricating brackets, modifying parts, holding components while soldering control boards, working on small motors and pumps pulled from appliances — all of these benefit from a solid vise. It keeps the work stable, protects your hands, and lets you apply controlled force without damaging components.
Harbor Freight 5″ Bench Vise — What We Like
- Cast iron construction, solid and heavy enough for appliance shop work
- Swivel base lets you reposition without re-clamping
- 5 inch jaw width handles most appliance components comfortably
- Replaceable jaw inserts so you can swap in soft jaws when clamping delicate parts
- Price point is hard to beat for shop-grade functionality
Where the Rivet Nut Tool Gets Used in Appliance Repair
- Re-securing stripped screw holes in sheet metal appliance panels
- Installing mounting points in custom or modified brackets
- Repairing stripped threads on washer drum supports or dryer cabinet panels
- Creating secure fastening points where welding is not practical
The Wetols Tool in Practice
The Wetols rivet nut tool installs threaded inserts into thin sheet metal without needing access to the back side. This comes up regularly in appliance repair when you are dealing with panels that have stripped threads. Instead of using a larger screw or overtightening into damaged threads, you install a rivet nut and have a solid new thread in minutes. It is a cleaner, more professional fix than most alternatives.
Building Out Your Shop Space
Even a small dedicated workspace improves repair quality and efficiency. A bench vise, good lighting, parts bins, and a few specialty tools like the rivet nut tool turn your shop into a real repair operation rather than just a staging area. Watch the full video for the complete setup walkthrough.
Professional Appliance Repair — Denton, TX
S&W Service and Repair serves all of North Texas with same-day and next-day appointments available.
What Your Neighbors Say
“S&W Repair replaced the heating element in my dryer in no time at all. They know what they are doing. The technician was polite, professional and timely.”
Judy McCarley · Google review
“They are extremely thorough, on-time, and made sure that the repair was done properly and completely. Friendly, and easy to communicate with. Would absolutely call them again.”
Seth Ricker · Google review
“This company provides top quality service. The service technician came prepared with the parts and was very professional with his approach and work. Great experience!”
Heri Valdez · Google review
“Showed up 100% prepared for the job. He ran diagnostics both before and after performing the work, and verified that the repairs were successful before leaving. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
Robert Hannan · Google review
“There were no issues with getting the repair done in a timely manner. I will go with this company again and recommend them to anyone that asks for such services.”
V Outdoors · Google review
“Very timely, professional, experienced, and genuinely nice. Highly recommended!”
Cody Sanders · Google review