VISE REPAIR 101 all vise repairs, lubricants, sources for parts and the tricks to fix

[ChefRex]

I was lucky enough to get the chance to rescue this Wilton 800s from the junk yard it was headed to. The owner said it was broken beyond repair and missing parts. He was so convinced it was worthless he wouldn’t let me pay him ANYTHING after I repeatedly insisted. Everything was seized up, casting in the back where the pins were had been blown out from people trying to disassemble it and not knowing what they were doing but other than the dust cap, there were no missing pieces. After chaining a bottle jack to the base I was finally able to free the dynamic jaw and then it was just welding and elbow grease. Couldn’t be happier with the final product. The only thing it cost me was $120 for a new set of jaws off eBay!

"You ****!" and by the way so does your taste in beer

 

[MattGavriloff]

I believe I posted a pic or two of this Parker 104 when I got it. It was a nasty mess for sure. About 1/4" of several shades of paint in lots of places, and an oddball replacment collar among a few other issues. Here's a few more pics of the "before".

 

[MattGavriloff]

Lots of Simple Green soak time, wire brushing and wire wheeling, and it's all ready for the shelf. I made a small shim to take up the backlash, has about 1/8 turn now.... A replacment collar was sourced that fits almost perfectly (and is close to period correct..) A thorough application of Mobil 1 grease and it's "1 finger smooth!"

 

[PierceA]

Very nice Matt. It look Pristine now !

PierceA

 

[drivesitfar]

Matt: your PARKER 104 looks great. nice work!!

yep after I posted your swivel pin was a Parker I recalled it was actually a Prentiss, but I think it got almost forgotten with that repair of the big Parker.

getting warm enough to paint stuff yet or are we leaning more towards leaving them all NAKED?

 

[ALTEREGO]

Drives: you didn’t miss much on my posts, just my first really stuck dynamic jaw on an otherwise in ok shape Columbian 3 1/2. Great press you have right there by the way. How much capacity does it have? Those arbor presses look way cooler and use way less space than the hydraulic ones!

After stripping the vise of lots of grease-mud compound and paint, lots of small battle scars were revealed. It took me a while to find the culprit(s) of the jaw getting stuck but I finally got it. It can be now be opened and closed with one finger.

It is the first vise that I don’t leave naked with a light film of BLO, I still have to work on cleaning up the letters but just so you can have an idea on how is going to look, see before and after picture below.

WB and Matt: great job on your restorations, I really like the contrast on the jaw inserts, really cool design!

Thank you again for your help LesserSon, Pierce & everyone.

 

[Fretters]

Sometimes its easier to just give it a new handle. When I want to straighten one, use my big Wilton with smooth jaws. Just giving it a good squeeze between the jaws will get it close. For the final straightening, I use small aluminum shims, one on the high point, others a little to each side. Can usually get the handle close enough to straight that is plenty acceptable. This method has its limitations, one being handle size. At some point a hydraulic press will be the answer.

Similar method here. The two outer shims/spacers to allow it being bent beyond dead straight, hence allowing for springback.

 

[MattGavriloff]

Thanks for the compliments. I'm quite satisfied with this 104. Could go right back to work, but it's destined to live a pampered life now, at least for the immediate future.

DRIVES, it's gotten warm enough in the garage where I COULD have painted if I had been ready and wanted to squeeze it in. But I haven't actually gotten any done yet. I'm still keeping Parkers naked and planning on painting the rest. Painting weather may only be about two weeks away. Which is fine, since I still have little "fiddlybits" to finish up on the paint ones. (fit bushings, fit jaws, maybe add a needle bearing or two...lol).

Currently I believe the order I will be painting in is as follows:

Reed 23 1/2,
Craftsman 5160 and 5162 (Rock Islands)
Lakseide 350 and 400 (Desmond Stephan Utilities)
Prentiss No. 4
And the Reed 104.

By the time I get to that Reed 104 I will likely have the 104 1/2 And 105R ready to go as well and work on those Reeds together. I will likely use close or the same color combination on them.

Before any of that, I'm doing a quick strip/clean/lube (don't think to long about that one....lol) on my Parker 953. Everything has been soaked in simple green. Just have the body to wire wheel clean at this point and it's ready to follow the 104 to the "vise shelf"...

An interesting point of note on the 953, and other "smaller" Parkers, it seems after some comparing between PIERCE and I that they appear to have "dual start" threads. At least in the 3" size, my older Oval slide, 3" Parker 31 is the same. And several of PIERCEs are as well.

 

[MattGavriloff]

Also on the 953, the bottom layer of gray paint/primer was stuck something FIERCE. 4 days of soaking in SG had little effect in quite a few places as seen. So the body and slide got a nice little boil. Fortunatly this is only a 3" vise or I'd have needed a rethink. Even then, I had to use a razor a pick lots of the thickest areas clean before a final boil/brushing. Almost all clean and naked now, just need to finish up the body and assemble

 

[Bones11]

Posted originally in the "Vises of GJ" thread, but thought I'd post here as well for some feedback.

My current project: A Parker 49x. It came without a handle. Not surprisingly it had a spot in the thread, about as long as the nut, that was binding pretty tight, where I'm assuming some heavy hammering did it's dirty work. The thread showed some flattened spots in this section. I tried to clean up the thread and it is not perfect but much improved. Any advise on how to smooth out the action at this damaged stretch of thread will be much appreciated!

Now it needs a handle! Do we have members here making handles I think?

 

[Bones11]

double post

 

[drivesitfar]

Bones: welcome to the 101 thread!! I'm guessing a lot of hand filing is in your future unless you find a replacement screw and vise nut to exchange with your existing ones.

we used to have a member that made awesome handles, but he was younger and moved on to bigger things so at the moment I'm not aware of anybody actually making handles and selling them. several members have put up posts on this thread showing how they made one for their vises if you'd like to attempt that. OR if you get lucky and find a new screw with a vise nut the new screw might have a handle and PROBLEMS SOLVED.

good luck

Matt: sounds like you have a plan. while I own more vises that some i'm not in any hurry to spiff any of mine up cause it seems like when they start looking too good they disappear and end up on member's and friend's benches.

I like where you are headed with your vise collection and i'm guessing your bride still doesn't mind going on a trip to buy one if you include a lunch or dinner or something else fun (ice cream works for me).

cheers

 

[NYCone]

It took me a while, but patience has paid off.

I sat the rusty vise in an electrolysis bath for about 10 days and with a little liquid wrench, it came apart easily. Here are the shots post wire-wheel.

My question is this - if the vise operates as is, what should I do to the top of the slide for long term stability? One fellow suggested milling out a pocket and welding in a plate to resurface the top of the slide. It sounds great, but I don't have a mill or a TIG set up.

Thanks

 

[Outlawmws]

Are there ANY small cracks radiating from the breaks? If not you should be fine to use, If so, stop drill them. Keep it small.


If any cracks are started down the sides, that would not be good, particularly for the hole near the jaw. Any like that are what you need to deal with carefully.

 

[NYCone]

Are there ANY small cracks radiating from the breaks? If not you should be fine to use, If so, stop drill them. Keep it small.


If any cracks are started down the sides, that would not be good, particularly for the hole near the jaw. Any like that are what you need to deal with carefully.

I think there may be a small crack from the rear of the hole. What size bit do most use to drill?

 

[Fretters]

I think there may be a small crack from the rear of the hole. What size bit do most use to drill?

As long as it's wider than the crack, it doesn't matter. The important part is that it is at the very end of the crack.

 

[Bones11]

My current project: A Parker 49x. It came without a handle.

Now it needs a handle! Do we have members here making handles I think?

Anyone have Parker 49x and can give me the length of an original 49x handle?

 

[drivesitfar]

NYC: without machining or the welding skills needed I personally would use that old vise that has really been to war just while i'm searching for another one to replace it. spend the time you'd spend on that old Columbian looking for or making funds to buy a better vise.

2 huge holes in the top of the dynamic jaw and that huge braze behind the back hole might be a record for a working vise. happy to hear that electrolysis worked to get it apart.

Bones: sorry i don't have a Parker 49x to get you measurements, but maybe one of the members does or they can give you another parker's handle size that has the same size jaw width. what is the width of your jaws?

also you posted up a Fulton the other day on the big vise thread and I mentioned I had a Fulton that was missing it's jaws. it's on the waiting for me to have the skills to make new jaws list, but thought i'd post it up here so others could see how the dynamic is connected to the main screw in back. is your Fulton's screw connected like my L. M. & V. or like my other Fulton with it inside the slide?

 

[drivesitfar]

Alterego: what was the issue when you figured out why your dynamic jaw was not coming out or going back in like it should? was it some excess on the static like Pierce had mentioned? or was the slide mushroomed out a bit from some prior user hammering on it so you had to file it back sort of square?

funny you mention the unbearable heat in Arizona coming up as our weather gets to be about perfect up here in the PNW AND in October i'm rushing around trying to get outside projects buttoned up before the Seattle Drizzle happens for about 6 months.

one thing your heat is good for is setting out items outside with BLO on them cause they should dry pretty quick!!

i'm not sure what my press is rated for, but I know it will come in handy straightening a few handles and putting in a few bearings in my future. now just where to set it up is the issue.

Lesson: thanks for the good words and i'm sure i'll jump back to posts like yours once i get time to work on some of my 100+ year old vises.

 

[Bones11]

t apart.

Bones: sorry i don't have a Parker 49x to get you measurements, but maybe one of the members does or they can give you another parker's handle size that has the same size jaw width. what is the width of your jaws?

also you posted up a Fulton the other day on the big vise thread and I mentioned I had a Fulton that was missing it's jaws. it's on the waiting for me to have the skills to make new jaws list, but thought i'd post it up here so others could see how the dynamic is connected to the main screw in back. is your Fulton's screw connected like my L. M. & V. or like my other Fulton with it inside the slide?

My Fulton 19 has the dynamic connected to the main screw inside the dynamic main body via a collar that has a set screw.

 

[drivesitfar]

Bones: do you have any before and after pics of your old Fulton?

ALL: speaking of old Fulton vises do any of you have these old vise anvil vises? i've passed on many during my years of vise buying cause either the mounting feet were broken or they had some other issue, but this one survived and maybe just had a handle replaced.

 

[ALTEREGO]

Alterego: what was the issue when you figured out why your dynamic jaw was not coming out or going back in like it should? was it some excess on the static like Pierce had mentioned? or was the slide mushroomed out a bit from some prior user hammering on it so you had to file it back sort of square?



funny you mention the unbearable heat in Arizona coming up as our weather gets to be about perfect up here in the PNW AND in October i'm rushing around trying to get outside projects buttoned up before the Seattle Drizzle happens for about 6 months.



one thing your heat is good for is setting out items outside with BLO on them cause they should dry pretty quick!!



i'm not sure what my press is rated for, but I know it will come in handy straightening a few handles and putting in a few bearings in my future. now just where to set it up is the issue.



Lesson: thanks for the good words and i'm sure i'll jump back to posts like yours once i get time to work on some of my 100+ year old vises.

Drives: I believe it was a little bit (very little) of both. I inserted the dynamic jaw backwards and used the file on the static where I found the marks corresponding to the marks found on the dynamic (picture below). I used a wire wheel and then a fine grit sanding paper for the dynamic jaw as well as a tiny bit of filing along the edges in case I missed any “mushrooming”. I removed so little material that was barely noticeable so I was very surprised when the jaw when in and out effortlessly when I put it in to sense how things were going. Glad to be done for sure.

This week the weather was surprisingly nice, we still get cooler nights, that helps a lot.
I guess that’s about the only thing this weather is good for, no need for an oven to cure BLO during summer around here!

If your press can straighten a handle and works for installing bearings, that would cover most of the tasks I use my hydraulic press for. If I could find a big arbor press like yours for cheap, I would easily prefer that one not only because how cool they look but also because the space I could save. The hydraulic press I have has a big base with casters which can be really useful but takes up much needed garage real estate. I feel is kind of like a manual foundry crane vs an hydraulic cherry picker... the former looks super cool, the later is a little more versatile.

 

[drivesitfar]

Alter: happy to hear you overcame all the little/tiny issues that seemed to hold up your progress on your old Columbian.

I've been looking for a bench mounted press for years since i do have 3 benches in my half of our 2 car garage. even though this stand is cool I might move my old Walker turner Drill Press onto a cabinet and put my press on my 800 pound steel bench since i'd be using it more often than my DP.

speaking of cooler weather we are thinking of spending a week or two next spring in Sedona which seems to have mid 70's and 80's this time of year while you are starting to get 100's. ever been there?

maybe a good place to find a vise for sale to give you a reason to go again if it's actually worth a trip (I've heard there is great views and good food which is our attraction).

 

[NYCone]

NYC: without machining or the welding skills needed I personally would use that old vise that has really been to war just while i'm searching for another one to replace it. spend the time you'd spend on that old Columbian looking for or making funds to buy a better vise.

2 huge holes in the top of the dynamic jaw and that huge braze behind the back hole might be a record for a working vise. happy to hear that electrolysis worked to get it apart.

That's a fair point. I paid a lot of a Columbian 506 a few days ago in great shape, before I knew if I could get the 605.5 apart.

I realize it's a long shot, but if anyone knows of a 605.5 owner with damage to the stationary jaw or other parts, let me know. It seems a shame to let such a rare beast retire when the dynamic jaw fails.

 

[MattGavriloff]

Appreciate what it has taught you, and start on the next..

Finish the clean up and reassembly, especially now that you have it "functional" and it'll at least have a story to tell... And now you've written a few pages of that story.

Pics of the 506?

 

[MattGavriloff]

More some more Parker Progress! Got the 953 all greased up and reassembled.

No shimmimg required on this one. The factory "smash it tight" pin adjustment is nice and snug with just a TINY bit of wiggle room.

 

[MattGavriloff]

And all set to join the family. If it was level, and had....ahem...bigger balls on the handle, it would probably spin almost halfway open with one good flick... Smooth as butter!

 

[ALTEREGO]

Alter: happy to hear you overcame all the little/tiny issues that seemed to hold up your progress on your old Columbian.

I've been looking for a bench mounted press for years since i do have 3 benches in my half of our 2 car garage. even though this stand is cool I might move my old Walker turner Drill Press onto a cabinet and put my press on my 800 pound steel bench since I'd be using it more often than my DP.

speaking of cooler weather we are thinking of spending a week or two next spring in Sedona which seems to have mid 70's and 80's this time of year while you are starting to get 100's. ever been there?

maybe a good place to find a vise for sale to give you a reason to go again if it's actually worth a trip (I've heard there is great views and good food which is our attraction).

Drives, perplexing how little details can render an otherwise superb tool/machine useless. Reminds me of my lawn mower that I purchased for close to nothing because it
'wouldn't start"!

This is what makes this forum a great place, lots of people willing to share their knowledge no matter how advanced or how silly the problem seems to be!

The Columbian is clean and ready to go, a little better picture below.

Decisions, decisions, decisions. You seem to be on the same boat I'm: Too many tools, too little space. You are a wise man, I'm sure you will prioritize your space very efficiently. Now that you mention it, I might ask the help of the group in regards to mounting a vise, probably the 4" brazed Starrett/Athol I got today (see pictures below) on my small steel table that will be used for small welding projects in the not too distant future. More to come on that.

Sedona, what a beautiful place. We go there as often as we can. Early spring would be the perfect time to go visit. I would go there anytime of year with the right plan. Peak of summer if I can stay in the pool all day and just go for a walk to downtown at night. Winter to play in the snow and the rest of the year the weather is nice enough to do basically any outdoors activity we like to go there for hiking, fishing, etc.

We went twice recently, the first picture is from the end of January and the second one is from September, just a magical place. And of course I did search for a vise both times with no luck but who knows? doesn't hurt to keep looking maybe the next time I go I'll find a nice one...

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[MattGavriloff]

"How to make a shim for a small Craftsman/Columbian No.23 with WAYYYY to much backlast"

 

[MattGavriloff]

Tight as a drum now, in a good way. All set for tiny projects.

DRIVES, this one will be staying naked!...lol...

 

[Outlawmws]

Good Job Matt!

 

[NYCone]

Pics of the 506?

Getting there. I've been focused on finishing the 605.5.

When it rains it pours - I looked for an old vise for months, and nothing. Then the 605.5, and 506. Now a Rock Island is 574 is available. I don't really need it, but...

This can be an expensive hobby. I keep trying to convince my wife a person needs all these large, cast iron beasts, but she's not buying the act.

 

[MattGavriloff]

So, I see two problems here...let me see if I can be of help.

1.Of course you don't "need" the 574, but you also don't have one, do you??...

2. Don't tell her you NEED the cast iron beasts. (again, avoid using "need") Tell her it's money spent that keeps you HOME, but in the garage/shed/basement, not spending that money on worse things (suggest maybe gambling, or scantily-clad women with questionable intentions)

I won't clam to be an expert, but I think you can rationalize/justify your way into a fairly good sized collection before she starts to think otherwise...

At least mine hasn't voiced otherwise if she's beginning to think it...

Last resort "get out of jail free" card: "Honey, I need THIS big one so I can fix one of the others I INTEND to sell..."

NOTE: I stressed "intend" for your benefit, don't stress that word for her, but make sure to use it.. That's your out in the future if she asks why none seem to be "for sale"

Oh, btw...Pics of your new 574?...lol...

 

[Outlawmws]

Man I'm glad I don't have sig other issues on what I do or buy...

First date: Races (I was crewing and building a car)
Next Day: Gun range (her first time with more than a .22 rifle, and she did them all that day... She was QUITE good with a handgun )
Soon thereafter: Flea markets/Yard sales, and regularly; I bought tools and the like, and she bought what she liked.
I never get static about going places...

Trained; or setting expectations?

On the other hand, I never smoked, drank, or went to bars (without her, and then rarely -and I didn't drink - quit at 23 a year before we met...).

 

[drivesitfar]

AE: thanks for the tips on Sedona and as we get closer to heading down there I might PM you to get your thoughts on places to stay and where to eat and maybe a few of the sites you'd like to see if it's was your first (and maybe only) time there.

i'd say your athol has been to war and the guy brazing it back together was just learning, but I'm guessing it still works. if it was mine it would be a PARTS VISE, but maybe you like it enough to use it as your beater. your call.

NYC: yep I agree I think we need to see that new 506 and that new to you Rock Island. my bride doesn't have much sympathy for me "BUYING ANOTHER VISE" at this point, but i've yet to put them all in front of her cause they are EVERYWHERE. one thing I can say she never says a bad word if I buy a tool and use it to fix/repair, make something or use it now and then. you don't have to make a lot of stuff, but i just bought a friend's vintage saw collection cause he was moving and didn't have room for it in the new house and my bride knows i might use a few of them building a fence and deck this spring. (pic of the fence I started before SEATTLE DRIZZLE stopped work last October).

FYI: I also turned a dirt/bricks trail down the side of my bride's blueberry planter into some pretty hefty cement steps that I mixed up 80 pound bags in a wheelbarrow to pour them.

good luck and yes we need pics of your growing vise collection.

Matt: so the little guy is NAKED and the big ones get paint? nice work on the parker too.

Outlaw: so how many years have you been married and how many kids? sounds like you found your dream gal like I did.

ALL: Since i didn't buy any vises this weekend i'm guessing some of you did and maybe you just need to clean it and grease it so post up a few before and after pics and tell us how you did that. some of these simple little vises are a PITA to take apart if you don't know how so helping others now might just help you in the long run as they help you on something else.

cheers!!

 

[ncgun99]

So, I see two problems here...let me see if I can be of help.

1.Of course you don't "need" the 574, but you also don't have one, do you??...

2. Don't tell her you NEED the cast iron beasts. (again, avoid using "need") Tell her it's money spent that keeps you HOME, but in the garage/shed/basement, not spending that money on worse things (suggest maybe gambling, or scantily-clad women with questionable intentions)

I won't clam to be an expert, but I think you can rationalize/justify your way into a fairly good sized collection before she starts to think otherwise...

At least mine hasn't voiced otherwise if she's beginning to think it...

Last resort "get out of jail free" card: "Honey, I need THIS big one so I can fix one of the others I INTEND to sell..."

NOTE: I stressed "intend" for your benefit, don't stress that word for her, but make sure to use it.. That's your out in the future if she asks why none seem to be "for sale"

Oh, btw...Pics of your new 574?...lol...

Matt has it here! I’ve been using these for years.

Attached photo of vise to fix a vise that I intend to sell once I get the other one done.

 

[drivesitfar]

NC: I think your vise on the old commercial tire rim stand is a Prentiss #23 or is it a #22?

can't quite tell what the blue one is and does it have smooth jaws when holding the slide of your Wilton?

yep it's a tool and it sure comes in handy when repairing and restoring vises.

that said i'm not sure any of our wifes or girlfriends are fooled by us NEEDING MORE TOOLS, but they do like when we build and fix stuff so fit that in as often as possible even if it's just cleaning out a bathroom sink and pulling out a hair rat.

ALL: anybody buy a vise last weekend? or plan to this weekend or today? I'm looking and since i'm a bit pickier these days I don't see a lot in my 3 state radius I search (can't go to Canada now so that's off the table for a bit).

 

[Fretters]

This can be an expensive hobby. I keep trying to convince my wife a person needs all these large, cast iron beasts, but she's not buying the act.

Ditch the wife & keep the hobby. Worked wonders for me.

 

[ncgun99]

NC: I think your vise on the old commercial tire rim stand is a Prentiss #23 or is it a #22?



can't quite tell what the blue one is and does it have smooth jaws when holding the slide of your Wilton?



yep it's a tool and it sure comes in handy when repairing and restoring vises.



that said i'm not sure any of our wifes or girlfriends are fooled by us NEEDING MORE TOOLS, but they do like when we build and fix stuff so fit that in as often as possible even if it's just cleaning out a bathroom sink and pulling out a hair rat.



ALL: anybody buy a vise last weekend? or plan to this weekend or today? I'm looking and since i'm a bit pickier these days I don't see a lot in my 3 state radius I search (can't go to Canada now so that's off the table for a bit).

Drives,

It’s a 22. I’ve put it on here before. Great vise.

The blue one was a Wilton 1760 with jaw inserts. I actually did just sell that one. A guy came up from the South Bay Area to get it. About 4 hours round trip. Not to say I haven’t driven further for something I wanted.

Replaced the 1760 with the C2 I finished.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[NYCone]

What's the best solution for removed pins (which hold the nut)?

Do folks try to reinstall the old one, or fashion a new one? I saw a video of a fellow making one from a screw, but he tapped the base to make it stay in place. I'd prefer to try to match the old pin.