craftsman/columbia bench vise problem-

[zkilo]

my vise, model 508-51811, slides in and out just by pulling on the slide. Any idea what this is due to. Your answers or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[exmaxima1]

If it slides both in/out, it's a stripped or broken nut. If it only slides in (and the main screw comes out) then the circlip is missing .

 

[RTM]

Or missing nut

 

[Shiftless]

If it slides in and out without turning the handle, the nut is either broken or missing. Is this vise new to you or did it just mysteriously stop operating normally? Vises are pretty simple and nuts just don’t break for no reason. Did somebody else use that vise recently?

If you want to part it out, let me know.

 

[zkilo]

If it slides in and out without turning the handle, the nut is either broken or missing. Is this vise new to you or did it just mysteriously stop operating normally? Vises are pretty simple and nuts just don’t break for no reason. Did somebody else use that vise recently?

If you want to part it out, let me know.

Just suddenly happened. Will see what it takes to fix, this was my Dad's vise and hate to have it have no use any more

 

[Shiftless]

Take it apart and inspect the nut. Unscrew the center bolt on the swivel.
The main nut slides in a dovetail channel. It looks like this.
If it is cracked in half, I don’t hold much hope in repairs unless you are a seriously skilled welder or know one who owes you a favor.

 

[Shiftless]

Just suddenly happened. Will see what it takes to fix, this was my Dad's vise and hate to have it have no use any more

Any luck in finding out what’s wrong with your dad’s vise? Do you need a new nut?

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

oops

 

[Maui]

The nut that Shiftless provided a photo of is usually secured in the cut dovetail of the static jaw tower by a pin that has an interference fit in the cast iron base. It simply could be that the pin is broken or missing.