Parker 104

[Tomthumb717]

as a novice I was wondering if the main bolt should have any play within the collar. (I can move the handle maybe an 1/8 inch back and forth however while I'm opening/closing the vise that does not move back and forth just the front)The overall vise is very smooth and I'm pleased with the workings but didn't know if this is something I should try to correct.

 

[Rileysan]

This is normal

Vise screws use ACME threads - which have a trapezoidal shape that are not as tight as SAE threads. This allows for debris that may fall on the threads to pass through the nut and not bind it up (saw dust, dirt, metal filings, etc). When the vise is in a resting position (read: not tightened, there will always be a bit of play. However, if there is movement after you have tightened something in the vise, there is a problem.

Brian

 

[Tomthumb717]

Thank you for the advice

 

[jreb10]

Yeah, that is the "play" between the retaining collar and the handle. On Parkers you can find quite a bit of variation in the play from vise to vise. I think at the Parker factory they would get a final fit by using a washer or two on the handle inside of the collar.

If the play (or backlash) is a quarter handle turn or less that is pretty good and I leave them alone. Otherwise you can try adding a washer if you can find one thin enough. Lastly I have seen KMScott post about machining the collar for a more precise fit. Not an easy thing to do as the collar has multiple planes of contact with the static base.

 

[KMScott]

If it is determined that your collar is the reason of your backlash then I added a image showing how I fit collars. I have a mill to machine the two shoulders that makes it easier to set the backlash gap. Using a file will work to. Just keep checking the parallelism from one shoulder to the other. You want your collar to sit flat on both shoulders.

Check your nut and the stop pin that holds it in place, sometimes the gap between the pin and the dovetail portion of the nut causes backlash too.

The acme threads could also be wore out either in the nut of the spindle threads but this is not seen very often. Good luck.