Stephen Bachiler
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- Aug 30, 2023
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This vice was my Grandfather's and I would like to know what type it is?
What is its main function?
It is quality?
What is its main function?
It is quality?
What do I have here - Taiwan Vice ?
- Thread starter Stephen Bachiler
- Start date
rancherbill
Well-known member
It looks like a really nice $129 vise. I would like it if I didn't have 3 other vises.
https://garrettwade.com/product/ultimate-versatile-vise
https://garrettwade.com/product/ultimate-versatile-vise
Last edited:
RTM
Well-known member
The original was known as either Gyro vise, Versa vise, and something else similar.
They were good, not sure how good the copies are. Lots of pix on here under those names.
They were good, not sure how good the copies are. Lots of pix on here under those names.
OP
Stephen Bachiler
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So nothing "special" about it other than being a good solid vice. I am guessing it is from the 1970s or 1980s
RTM
Well-known member
The Gyro and Versa were pretty good and useful vises, often called gunsmith's vise, due to its flexibility. One of my luthier friends uses one for carving the neck, and internal braces.
Look up the Gyro, lots of pix showing the unique ways it can be mounted.
Look up the Gyro, lots of pix showing the unique ways it can be mounted.
Roberts210
Well-known member
Nice vise. And you are fortunate that it belonged to your grandfather.
OP
Stephen Bachiler
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While I have you all here...I have taken this vice apart to clean it. It looks great!! The one issue is that when i turn the handle to open the vice jaws...they do not open up but the handle unscrews all the way. I read a few other post that talk about a washer that effects this function. I found that washer...my question is where should the washer be placed to regain that function? It is currently SLIGHTLY out of round
Second question...I have two choices for "regreasing" the vice: general purpose grease or extreme duty gun grease...any thoughts?
Thank you for your consideration
Second question...I have two choices for "regreasing" the vice: general purpose grease or extreme duty gun grease...any thoughts?
Thank you for your consideration
WordMan
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have to admit, when I saw the title, I thought it would be a TV show with Jackie Chan and Ferrari. 
OP
Stephen Bachiler
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Well played..a chuckled at thatI have to admit, when I saw the title, I thought it would be a TV show with Jackie Chan and Ferrari.
I think that you put the screw through the dynamic jaw and then put the washer in the groove closest to the "T" handle. The washer will then push against the dynamic jaw as you unscrew the handle. The washer will require deformation to remain in the groove. A snap ring could be substituted for the washer and probably work better. That is a very nice vise.
Kevin J.
Kevin J.
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Stephen Bachiler
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Thank you Kevin. It is always good to have a little input to help get you over the hump mentally when working on something you have little knowledge of. I spent some time looking at it all and pondering how it works and you have helped me a bunch.
Thanks again for replying
Farmer J.
Well-known member
The washer goes in that groove just beyond the end of the thread. After putting the screw through the dynamic jaw you slide the washer over the groove then hit or squeeze it from opposite sides to flatten it in to an oval shape so as it sits in the groove. Then it holds the dynamic jaw at the handle end and it pulls away as you unscrew.While I have you all here...I have taken this vice apart to clean it. It looks great!! The one issue is that when i turn the handle to open the vice jaws...they do not open up but the handle unscrews all the way. I read a few other post that talk about a washer that effects this function. I found that washer...my question is where should the washer be placed to regain that function? It is currently SLIGHTLY out of round
Second question...I have two choices for "regreasing" the vice: general purpose grease or extreme duty gun grease...any thoughts?
Thank you for your consideration
Any grease is good, just keep it clean and don't let dirt build up in the threads.
Nice Vice, and it feels good to be using your Grandfather's tools.
Edit: Kevin beat me to the reply
I wouldn't pay $129 when the "Parrot" vise is so similar and 1/2 the cost.
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Boogerman
Well-known member
OP pictured vise cheaper version of parrot vise, which is pretty faithful copy of versa vise. The virtue of versa vise is self locks into position after pivot to where want and tighten work in jaws. It can also switch from horizontal to vertical. One OP pictured has manual locking, which is cheaper/easier to manufacture, and depending, may actually be more useful.
They're somewhat useful vises, I have two on my gunsmithing bench, prefer one with long thin jaws, instead of shorter, thicker mechanics vise type. However, prefer rotating, dual jaw Wilton pattern makers vise to both versa vises.
They're somewhat useful vises, I have two on my gunsmithing bench, prefer one with long thin jaws, instead of shorter, thicker mechanics vise type. However, prefer rotating, dual jaw Wilton pattern makers vise to both versa vises.
If you have trouble securing a washer in that thin groove, consider two alternatives: a hairpin spring or an E-clip.
I had a similar problem with a Craftman vise, and the process of extracting the retaining washer ended up damaging it enough that it would be hard to reinsert and tighten.
See these posts of mine in the Vise Repair 101 thread, and scroll up and down a bit at both.
VISE REPAIR 101 all vise repairs, lubricants, sources for parts and the tricks to fix
If you can’t get complete submersion, here is a trick. Put the part into a heavy plastic bag like a zip lock, Seal completely, fill the bag with Evaporust, then immerse the bag in a bucket of water. Keep the opening above water level if possible. Warm water speeds the chemical reaction of...
www.garagejournal.com
VISE REPAIR 101 all vise repairs, lubricants, sources for parts and the tricks to fix
Hi all. Does anybody know of a source for a replacement chrome style Snap-on decal for a 1750 vise? Thanks.
www.garagejournal.com