Help with vise disassembly

[elcidd]

I'm cleaning up a Columbian D4 3 1/2 vise, and I've run into a problem getting the spindle out. How do I remove this washer? Doesn't seem to be enough room in there to spread it open. I didn't see a set-screw on the spindle either.
Any ideas?

 

[TheGrooveking]

There is enough space if you spread it and rotate it. Look at the right side, see the clearance there, once spread rotate the ring 180 degrees and you should be good.

TheGrooveking

 

[quneur]

That looks like a beefy washer. How thick is it? Doesn't look like a snap ring pliers would be strong enough to get that off. Is the washer replaceable? If it is, then I would chisel it off.

 

[elcidd]

There is enough space if you spread it and rotate it. Look at the right side, see the clearance there, once spread rotate the ring 180 degrees and you should be good.

TheGrooveking

I think it's just the angle of the photo, but there isn't any more clearance on the right side. It's a tight fit.

 

[elcidd]

That looks like a beefy washer. How thick is it? Doesn't look like a snap ring pliers would be strong enough to get that off. Is the washer replaceable? If it is, then I would chisel it off.

It's about 4mm thick. I've been hesitant to chisel it off just in case it will be a problem to find another one. This particular vise seems to be somewhat common, so I'm hoping someone else has already dealt with this problem.

If not, there's always the chisel!

 

[Joe B.]

My Colombian has a large brass colored collar with a set screw. I think you could one as a replacement if you destroy that ring when you take it off. (Assuming the screws/shaft are the same diameter.)

 

[elcidd]

Good idea Joe, the collar/set screw might be the best option.

 

[old salvage]

I bet its mild steel and you can bend it just enough to get it off.

 

[elcidd]

I bet its mild steel and you can bend it just enough to get it off.

That's what I ended up doing. Thanks for all the help guys, now I'm off to the hardware store to look for a collar/set screw.