Desmond Stephen bench vise question

[TomMull]

I have this Desmond Stephen or vice versa (sorry) #41 vise, also called "Simplex Steel Slide" that works very well except that I have to loosen the swivel lock until just before it drops out before it will swivel. Even then it catches. Seems something is missing on the lock. Any ideas. Here's the lock and bottom of the vice:

 

[454ragtop]

With that toothed lock, that's probably how it's supposed to work. The upside is it's a lot more positive lock, not likely to slip. The downside as you've found is you have to loosen the lock a lot more to allow the teeth to clear each other. Oh, and welcome to the site.

 

[GETRIDAONE]

A good cleaning would help. Take the center bolt out and remove the base to get all the old sticky grease and saw dust out. Clean up the treads on the swivel lock and bolt. Put a little grease on the center bolt and just the outer edge of the base and vise where they contact.
Cleaning the main screw, nut, and slide will make it operate a lot smoother.

 

[TomMull]

Thanks both for replies. If that's the way it is supposed to work I'll be looking for another vice. It is really annoying.
I'm sure it will benefit from a cleaning and new grease, which I will do but have little hope it will improve the locking part.
It would be really valuable to hear from someone experienced with this particular type of vise.
Tom

 

[454ragtop]

How often are you swiveling your vise? That is a far superior swivel lock than the more common type you want. This is evidenced by all the bent swivel lock handles from people trying to get the locks to hold. That toothed type will hold very well with minimum torque on the handle.

 

[KMScott]

Thanks both for replies. If that's the way it is supposed to work I'll be looking for another vice. It is really annoying.
I'm sure it will benefit from a cleaning and new grease, which I will do but have little hope it will improve the locking part.
It would be really valuable to hear from someone experienced with this particular type of vise.
Tom

Not to many experts here on your 41P vise but I was just making some cat paws for your same vise for a member here. The 16 degree angle the teeth are engaged in takes a 1/4 of a inch to disengage. Maybe you have enough room between the base and the Static support to put a short spring to make it easier to use. You might have to counter bore a short pocket underneath the Static to help.Like mention before it is a great solid way to lock down a swivel base since it has a double angled lock.

 

[TomMull]

Thanks KMScott for the pictures. Very helpful to see how it's supposed to work. I will also try the spring idea too.
It may be that the hole where the screw threads on cats paw screw have enlarged as the whole thing is sloppy. I think I'll try bushing that too.
Tom