Prentiss vise jaw removal

[dumper]

After using wd40 and some heat, i managed to remove the screws holding the front jaw in place, but I can't remove the jaw. I've tried tapping with a hammer, solid hits with a 3lb hand sledge, heat, and some prying. I don't want to break anything, as the vise works fine as-is. Any suggestions?

 

[kunkernator]

So the screws are out, but the jaw is just stuck on to the clamp from pressure? Try some penetrating oil maybe? Let it soak overnight. If the vise works, why do you need the jaw off?

 

[dumper]

thinking of painting it, plus the jaws do not line up straight. The rear jaw fell off by itself, but the front is really stuck.

 

[kunkernator]

Did you try heating the jaw up to remove it? Or did you just do it for the screws?

 

[dumper]

I did try heating the jaw- no luck.

 

[roblouvasz]

I'd spray it with Kroil and let it soak for a day and keep spraying throughout the day and see if that works.

 

[pipsters]

I have an American Scale vise that is very similar with jaw layout. Also same issue on the front jaw (wouldn't come off). Get a screwdriv...I mean pry bar and tap it into the space on the side to open it up.

 

[coolreed]

I would put the lead screw back in and close the vise. I assume it works (i.e. will operate back and forth). The Dynamic Jaw may have a few chips and burrs that contact the static portion as you try to remove it. Check the slide and file down any burrs or chips and try again. I would be careful about hammering on it as you may make it worse. If you hammer on it use a peice of wood between the hammer and the vise.
Good Luck

 

[coolreed]

Sorry, I misunderstood the issue.

I had a Prentiss that had screws on the Jaws that would not remove. I used an impact screw driver. They are the ones that the Motorcycle Mechanics use. You hammer on them and they twist/turn the screws out. Five if the six screws came out. One broke off. I had to drill it out and install an insert. The impact screw drivers are not expensive and really work well. You can find a cheap one at HF