Charles Parker 3X Backlash

[Wilkinson123]

Hi, I recently bought a Parker 3X vise, and have since given it a cleaning and new paint. Unfortunately, after putting it back together, I found that there was about 3/8" of backlash/slop in the jaw, which equates to about 1 and 1/3 revolutions of the handle. I'm wondering in anyone has any ideas on how to decrease this, or if this is normal.

There seem to be some odd extra washers or something on the collar as well, which I'm thinking may be part of the problem.

Thanks!

 

[General Geoff]

Take a look at the main nut. It should be pinned in place and stationary. If it moves back and forth in its track, that will cause slop.

 

[Wilkinson123]

It is pinned in place, but it can move back and forth a little, maybe 1/4" or so. Should I shim it to make it tighter?

Thanks!

 

[General Geoff]

If you can shim it tight, you will be down to 1/8" of slop which to me, is perfectly acceptable for an old vise like that.

 

[Wilkinson123]

I made a shim from a sheet of aluminum, and it helped greatly. There is now only about 3/16" or so of slop, or a little more than a half revolution of the handle. That seems much more reasonable.

Thank you for the advice!

 

[Maui]

Read post #7 in the link below. This is how I solved that problem in my Hollands vise:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=255710&highlight=maui+hollands

Maui