I have a no. 181 Prentiss vise with some issues. I can only get it to open by pulling on the jaw after loosening lead screw. It will close properly. I've taken it apart, but do not see any problems. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Bob
If the screw moves out leaving the jaw behind, then check the collar. If the screw and jaw don't move then you're probably missing the pin. It stakes in behind the nut to keep it from moving. Some pics here: http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=62717
Thanks for your help. I'm making progress. I've removed the collar which was not tight, and I guess the real problem. Is there supposed to be a pin through the lead screw too?
The collars usually have a screw that presses into the big screw to hold it in place. The older Prentiss vises had what looks like a castle nut (without the threads). The fingers of the castle nut are bent/punched into holes in the side of the screw to hold it.
If you get stuck trying to figure it out post up some pictures.
