Need jaw screw size for a Reed vise - lost them

[Ajmckay]

I seem to have lost the screws that hold the jaws onto my Reed #23 utility vise.

Does anyone know what size they are so I can try to find duplicates?

I'm sure I could find something at Fastenal if I knew what size.

 

[Ajmckay]

Anyone?

I suppose I could take the vise base with me and see if they can find me the appropriate screw...

 

[Mohawk Dave]

IDK the answer, but, if it helps in the future, when I disassemble things I put them in ziploc sandwich bags and label them with a Sharpie.

 

[Ajmckay]

That's a good tip! Honestly I'm usually pretty good with taking things apart, I'll often use a tackle box with adjustable separators to ensure that things get organized right for reassembly.

In this case I was rinsing off paint/rust cleaner and I think I left the bolts in the utility sink. The next load of laundry sent enough water into the sink to drain the screws...

 

[autopts]

Catalyst knows! He will be dancing in here shortly!

 

[Outlawmws]

You still have the jaws with threaded holes; find something that fits the thread, and then go get the appropriate screw...

 

[Ajmckay]

Well tonight I didn't have time to stop by Fastenal, but I'll post the answer to this question soon if they're able to find suitable screws for me.

 

[Ajmckay]

Sorry to bring back an old thread, but try as I might I've been unable to find these jaw screws!!!

It seems that most of the heads are too large... Does anyone know where I might find replacements?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Outlawmws]

What thread do they use? Then, what head? Countersunk? The key there is what angle.

IIR the guys have said those screws used an uncommon angle but you can take the "normal" counter sunk and turn them to the right angle.

Double nut them, and chuck in a Drill press if you don't have a lathe and use a file. Not elegant but it can be made to work.

 

[ajchien]

I had issues finding 5/16-18 screws for a yost vise. The heads of all replacement screws were too big to fit in the original jaws.

I wound up using hex cap screws, chucking the screws into a handheld drill, and then using a bench grinder to take off a bit of the diameter of the head.

 

[bl00]

In this case I was rinsing off paint/rust cleaner and I think I left the bolts in the utility sink. The next load of laundry sent enough water into the sink to drain the screws...

Did you pull the trap under the sink to see if the screws are still in it?

 

[MikeF2316]

Sorry to bring back an old thread, but try as I might I've been unable to find these jaw screws!!!

It seems that most of the heads are too large... Does anyone know where I might find replacements?

Thanks in advance.

A friend had a vice with a missing jaw screw. I was surprised to determine the thread was 6 mm! All the screws I could find had heads too big, I adapted an allen head screw which had a head that was the correct diameter but too tall. I just filed off the top of the head. There was still enough material so the allen key gripped it and it tightened up fine.

 

[Ajmckay]

@bl00, I did check the trap... I'm not absolutely sure they went down, they might have been left in the trash bag that had the left over oven cleaner in it and thrown away.

I'm really anxious to start using this vise! Anyways, outlaw, ajchien, & mike: your comments have me thinking in the right direction! I actually found this post that does the same thing (though in a much more sophisticated way) with a hex head bolt.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78885

These look a LOT like the screws I need... They had a very similar angle.

Also while doing some research I found these:
http://www.viseparts.com/product_p/ba-11106s39.htm

So I may just give them a call on Monday to see if they also carry 1/4" ones, as my vise uses 1/4" instead of 5/16".

At the same time though, it may also be fun to mess around and make my own solution, I mean it seems easy enough to chuck a bolt, use a grinder to approximate the angle, and cut the bolt to length, right? Also it looks like shipping is pretty expensive at about $12 for a few screws... Doesn't seem worth it unless I can get them to just send it first class for $1 or $2...

 

[A_Pmech]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=78885

These look a LOT like the screws I need... They had a very similar angle.

How many of them do you need? I have a few stashed away. I'll throw them in the mail if they'll work for you.

 

[Ajmckay]

How many of them do you need? I have a few stashed away. I'll throw them in the mail if they'll work for you.

Thanks AP! I must say that your solution to this very issue was quite good and you detailed it well!

So anyways, tomorrow I'm going to grab some bolts and test out my fabrication skills - I'm going to chuck up a standard grade 2 bolt in a drill and try to duplicate the 30 degree angle you found on a grinder... It won't be exact, but I've got a decently steady hand. Really all they have to do is hold the jaw inserts in tight...

If for some reason I fail I'll PM you, okay? I'll also post my results here as well along with anything else I learn.

Thanks again for your help!