The VISES of Garage Journal

[caper]

As previously requested here's some pics of my dad's vice. It is only marked:
"PARKER 270"
any and all info is appreciated as to age and possible parts.
tis
Steve

Steve it looks very similar to my Parker.Perhaps a few years newer as the lockdown for the swivel base is different.Mine has the lockdown wrench where yours has a more conventional slide pin.I used roll pins I believe to put my jaws back on.I like it!

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

So anybody got a 400 series Reed? I need to see a decent pic of the pin for the rear swivel jaw. Mine has been using a bolt for too long. Time to get it right.

I saw somebody make one on a lathe for a Prentiss. Does it have a tapered hole and do you have access to a lathe?

 

[mjozefow]

I saw somebody make one on a lathe for a Prentiss. Does it have a tapered hole and do you have access to a lathe?

It seems most vise parts fall into this category. If the castings are ok, the rest is really pretty simple.

 

[ears]

I saw somebody make one on a lathe for a Prentiss. Does it have a tapered hole and do you have access to a lathe?

I "think" it is a straight hole. I took it apart about 3 months ago. It is in a jobbox full of disassembled vises. Sort a jigsaw puzzle for men. I have been waiting on my sandblasting cabinet to get done, down to just finding a light that will fit in the box.

I can make whatever needs made, no lathe but a friend has one, just not really sure what the original looked like. I actually have a swivel jaw Prentiss as well, may just copy that pin.

 

[SJK2]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42460&page=3

Read down the page. This is how I made mine, they work and look great.

Parts are basically non-existent. You will have to make everything if not generically available.

mjozefow,

Thanks i'll do that for the pins.....

 

[mjozefow]

mjozefow,

Thanks i'll do that for thr pins.....

No worries, glad to be of some assistance.

 

[porphyre]

I have two questions about disassembly. I hope you guys can answer.

I've got a Reed 32, circa WWI, so replacement parts don't exist.

1) The "main vise nut" - dookie in the fixed jaw the screw goes into - appears to be held in with a pin. From research, pinning the nut appears to be pretty standard. There's no way this pin is coming out undamaged. What can I use for a replacement?

2) How the hell do I get the movable jaw out?? Does the main vise nut have to come out first? I've got the handle and main screw out. I see no way, no how, no nothing that's holding the moving jaw in. It's got a whisker of vertical play once the screw is out but I can't get the damn thing loose. Ideas?

Thanks.

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

I have two questions about disassembly. I hope you guys can answer.

I've got a Reed 32, circa WWI, so replacement parts don't exist.

1) The "main vise nut" - dookie in the fixed jaw the screw goes into - appears to be held in with a pin. From research, pinning the nut appears to be pretty standard. There's no way this pin is coming out undamaged. What can I use for a replacement?

2) How the hell do I get the movable jaw out?? Does the main vise nut have to come out first? I've got the handle and main screw out. I see no way, no how, no nothing that's holding the moving jaw in. It's got a whisker of vertical play once the screw is out but I can't get the damn thing loose. Ideas?

Thanks.

For 1), I'd like to see a picture of it.

For 2), it could be one of two things. There could be some a foreign object sitting on the inside of the vise that's causing the slide to not be able to come out all of the way. Check really good with a flashlight for a piece of metal or something that could be getting in the way. More likely, though, the previous owner used the back of the slide as an anvil and it has mushroomed the top out a little bit. Try to find out exactly where its hitting (try chalk) and then *carefully* grind down the places where its sticking with a sandpaper wheel on your grinder.

Hope this helps!

 

[bmwpower]

I have two questions about disassembly. I hope you guys can answer.

I've got a Reed 32, circa WWI, so replacement parts don't exist.

1) The "main vise nut" - dookie in the fixed jaw the screw goes into - appears to be held in with a pin. From research, pinning the nut appears to be pretty standard. There's no way this pin is coming out undamaged. What can I use for a replacement?

2) How the hell do I get the movable jaw out?? Does the main vise nut have to come out first? I've got the handle and main screw out. I see no way, no how, no nothing that's holding the moving jaw in. It's got a whisker of vertical play once the screw is out but I can't get the damn thing loose. Ideas?

Thanks.

(1) I've used a punch to drive several out before...unless this one is of a different design. It may only go in one way, remember.

 

[mjozefow]

I have two questions about disassembly. I hope you guys can answer.

I've got a Reed 32, circa WWI, so replacement parts don't exist.

1) The "main vise nut" - dookie in the fixed jaw the screw goes into - appears to be held in with a pin. From research, pinning the nut appears to be pretty standard. There's no way this pin is coming out undamaged. What can I use for a replacement?

2) How the hell do I get the movable jaw out?? Does the main vise nut have to come out first? I've got the handle and main screw out. I see no way, no how, no nothing that's holding the moving jaw in. It's got a whisker of vertical play once the screw is out but I can't get the damn thing loose. Ideas?

Thanks.

0) POST PICS!

1) Pound it out and put in a roll pin when you re-assemble. About half the vises I take apart have them standard. The only way they can go is towards the body of the vise. Unless you are capable of driving it from inside. If so tell me how, b/c you have performed a miracle.

2) The lead screw needs to come out. This is the main ACME threaded screw that moves the dynamic jaw. If the lead screw is out, then all you need to do is pull. However, if someone has gotten stupid and used it as an anvil, then what you need to do is fill the back of the slide back into shape. They will often stick the last few inches of travel for this reason.

3) PICS!

 

[mjozefow]

KOLE- You are faster, but I swear I didn't read your post before I typed mine!

 

[porphyre]

Wow, thanks for all the fast replies, guys.

Vise: 4" jaws with 5.25" opening nominally. Opened to the end of the acme screw it's 8.5". It has an old style fixed center swivel. Cast with "No 32" on one side of the fixed jaw and the other says

[B]PAT.DEC.24.1912
PAT.AUG.11.1914
---------------
REED MFG. CO.
  ERIE PA.
   U.S.A.[/B]

The jaws are pretty straight:

Here is an overview and close up of the main vise nut and pin.

Here's the hole on the underside to punch it out:

So my question is - I can get the pin out, but it will probably be damaged - what do I use to replace it with? I don't know what a "roller pin" is, nor where to buy one.

Getting the sliding jaw out. Here's a side view photo of the sliding jaw. No mushrooming.

I had the moving jaw at full extension, the fixed on the ground, standing on the fixed, pulling on the moving, and it wasn't budging. Yes, I had taken the handle and main acme screw out - I reassembled for photos. Do I need to remove the main vise nut before the sliding jaw will come out?

Thanks for helping out guys. This is the first time I've taken apart a big vise.

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

Hahaha You have no idea how many times I've almost done that with your posts.

 

[mjozefow]

Wow, thanks for all the fast replies, guys.

Vise: 4" jaws with 5.25" opening nominally. Opened to the end of the acme screw it's 8.5". It has an old style fixed center swivel. Cast with "No 32" on one side of the fixed jaw and the other says

[B]PAT.DEC.24.1912
PAT.AUG.11.1914
---------------
REED MFG. CO.
  ERIE PA.
   U.S.A.[/B]

The jaws are pretty straight:

Here is an overview and close up of the main vise nut and pin.

Here's the hole on the underside to punch it out:

So my question is - I can get the pin out, but it will probably be damaged - what do I use to replace it with? I don't know what a "roller pin" is, nor where to buy one.

Getting the sliding jaw out. Here's a side view photo of the sliding jaw. No mushrooming.

I had the moving jaw at full extension, the fixed on the ground, standing on the fixed, pulling on the moving, and it wasn't budging. Yes, I had taken the handle and main acme screw out - I reassembled for photos. Do I need to remove the main vise nut before the sliding jaw will come out?

Thanks for helping out guys. This is the first time I've taken apart a big vise.

On the lead screw I believe there is a collar with a set screw. It will be right in the dynamic jaw near the "knob". This collar must be loos so that you can take the lead screw out. Once the lead screw is out then you just need to pull it apart. some creative 2x4 levering does a good job without damaging anything.

Oh yeah, nice vise!

 

[mjozefow]

Also, Getting one of these apart for the first time, there tends to be a build up of crud that jams em a bit. My suggestion is to bring it to the DIY carwash and pressure wash the bejebers out of it. It helps.

 

[porphyre]

On the lead screw I believe there is a collar with a set screw. It will be right in the dynamic jaw near the "knob". This collar must be loos so that you can take the lead screw out. Once the lead screw is out then you just need to pull it apart. some creative 2x4 levering does a good job without damaging anything.

Oh yeah, nice vise!

Lead screw = big acme screw with the handle? I got that out. After that, I was standing on the fixed jaw and pulling on the moving jaw. Didn't come out. I guess it's 2x4 levering time.

 

[mjozefow]

A good pair of quick-grip extremes works really well if you have them. Otherwise start levering!

A lead/deadblow hammer can help too.

My smaller Reed was a bit of a pain to get out the first time. Works great now though.

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

I would still double check with a right angle that the slide is not mushroomed at all. You may be surprised at how little it takes for it to jam up. Also, I got one out with a broken shovel handle one time because it is a very convenient length and diameter. I just cut it down to a couple feet, braced it up against the back of the slide, and hit it with a big hammer. Came out pretty fast. Make sure that the vise is not in a position where the slide will fall out onto the floor from your workbench though.

Hope you get it soon.

 

[porphyre]

Thanks guys!

Here's what I did.

1) Checked square with a right angle. Still didn't see any mushrooming.
2) Used 120 grit sandpaper + a bit of degreaser to take off grime and rust from end of moving jaw.
3) Placed vise on ground, on its side, fully open.
4) Inserted chunks of 2x4 between jaws to fill jaws.
5) Used a hammer and wedge to drive the jaws apart.

Success!

So - I'm pretty sure the pin holding in the main vise nut will get mangled when I drive it out. Anybody know what I can use to replace it and where I can get the item?

Once that question is answered, I'll pop it out, then run this bad boy over to the car wash and hit it with some oven cleaner and high-pressure water.

Thanks!

 

[mjozefow]

Use a roll pin. You can buy them at ANY hardware store. Just bring in the vise base (or the old pin if available), see what fits, and buy it. They can be cut to length if you are careful.

There are a lot of vises that use this setup from the factory.

 

[rburke65]

A Pmech....according to their web site Kurt is very much alive and still mfg. vises.

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

SUCCESS!!! lol Nice job.

 

[autopts71045]

Hi, my 474A Parker had roll pins holding down the jaws. The vise was lightly used and for sure, the jaws were original. I want to the hardware store, and cut them to size.

 

[ZRX61]

A Pmech....according to their web site Kurt is very much alive and still mfg. vises.

They make some VERY nice.. & pretty spendy.. vises for milling tables.

 

[06wt]

heres my collection

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Well,

My Record vise didn't get along well with the Chinese El Cheapo Wilton that is bolted to the bench so I had to get him a big brother today. The Record is nice:

But I think that the 5 1/2" wide jaws of this solid, USA Made Wilton will move the Chinese Wilton to the basement shop. It's 53 pounds of 60,000 psi casting and smooth as butter.....

The plastic jaw covers are Wilton also and snap to the jaws with magnets. Underneath, the steel jaws look like they have never been used. Not a steal but for $175.00 for a model 1755, it wasn't too bad considering the like new condition it is in. I am really starting to like CL.

 

[mjozefow]

Well,

The plastic jaw covers are Wilton also and snap to the jaws with magnets. Underneath, the steel jaws look like they have never been used. Not a steal but for $175.00 for a model 1755, it wasn't too bad considering the like new condition it is in. I am really starting to like CL.

At $175, you got a good deal. It looks new. Go use that China Wilton for something more within it's capabilities. Like an anchor. Or a leaf press. Or maybe a wheel chock.

In seriousness, the Chinese Wilton's are OK for Joe homeowner (still makes me mad they have "Wilton" stamped on em) but for serious use they WILL fail.
Nice vise collection!

 

[EZH]

I've been wanting to contribute to the vice thread for a while now. So, a couple days ago I was in the storage trailer and finally got around to digging this out. After knocking off the dust, a mini die grinder and one of those Scotch-Brite Roloc pads made short work of some surface rust. Finally, I gave the "shiney" areas a nice coating of LPS #3. That should keep the rust a way for a while.

I picked this up about 10 years ago at one of those Saturday parking lot sales the Dallas dealers use to do. I'm pretty sure it's a Wilton of some sort. As you can tell, other than a few war wounds it's lived a pretty easy life. When I get a little free time, I'll show it a some love with a fresh coat of paint. Closest match I've found is Rustoleum "Safety Red."

Thanks for looking.

Eric

<a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/EastTexasGoodTimesGang/?action=view&current=Vice1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/EastTexasGoodTimesGang/Vice1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/EastTexasGoodTimesGang/?action=view&current=Vice003.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/EastTexasGoodTimesGang/Vice003.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/EastTexasGoodTimesGang/?action=view&current=Vice2-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1007.photobucket.com/albums/af194/EastTexasGoodTimesGang/Vice2-1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Eric,

Wilton is the OEM to Snap-on for their vises. Take a look at my post just above yours in this thread. The only differences in these two is mine has 5 1/2" jaws (yours has 5" jaws), the color they are painted with and the name on the side.

Search the net for a Wilton "Tradesman" model 1750 machinest bench vise. Yours has that same model number by the way.....

 

[EZH]

Thanks a bunch for the good info. I see what your saying other than the color of paint and a different label pretty much the same.

Thanks again.

Eric

Eric,

Wilton is the OEM to Snap-on for their vises. Take a look at my post just above yours in this thread. The only differences in these two is mine has 5 1/2" jaws (yours has 5" jaws), the color they are painted with and the name on the side.

Search the net for a Wilton "Tradesman" model 1750 machinest bench vise. Yours has that same model number by the way.....

 

[whelenfan]

here's my one and only so far...it's a Desmond Simplex.

 

[autopts71045]

Here's a Craftsman made in China by WMH Tool, 60,000 PSI that Sears sells for $130.00. 4 1/2" jaws indentical to the 1745. Sad eh?

 

[s_ontario]

First one I got for payment on a welding job second is my favourite its dads

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Here's a Craftsman made in China by WMH Tool, 60,000 PSI that Sears sells for $130.00. 4 1/2" jaws indentical to the 1745. Sad eh?

Is nothing sacred anymore???? At least the Chinese Wiltons are not bullet vises....

 

[bmwpower]

First one I got for payment on a welding job second is my favourite its dads

Is the second one a Reed? Looks like it...

 

[s_ontario]

Is the second one a Reed? Looks like it...

yes it is a Reed and hey i havn't broke it yet

 

[BanjoSavesTheDay]

I used to not care at all for the looks of Record vises, but they are starting to grow on me.

 

[Indy_500]

here's my vise. just got it today. 5 in. craftsman made in usa

 

[mjozefow]

I used to not care at all for the looks of Record vises, but they are starting to grow on me.

I like how they do the swivel lock-down. Pretty clever.

 

[dfndr]

That USA Craftsman is a nice vise. A bit of nostalgia, Craftsman and USA!