Prentiss Vise Question

[Mickey81]

I bought this vise today at a moving sale. Had no idea what brand it was but it looked interesting and I got it cheap. I just started messing around with this evening trying to find a makers mark and to see if it was usable. Haven’t cleaned it or anything. As I go to turn the spindle to open the jaws all the way to take out the slide (I don’t know the proper names for every part please bare with me) it stopped opening about 2 inches out. I figured the screw was probably worn or damaged. I continued to turn the spindle and pull on the front jaw when I noticed a small piece under the slide that appeared to be moving. Anyway, I kept turning until it came out and saw “PV CO” mark on one side and “19” on the other. Turns turns out it’s a Prentiss No. 19. That small piece slides into the chamber and from what I can tell, there’s a small hole full of dirt and grease behind it where I’m guessing a small pin held it into place.

The jaws are just about 4 inches wide and I’m guessing it weighs about 50 lbs. The little knob on top isn’t budging but if it came out, the back jaw would swivel. The button on the swivel base turns, but I can’t press it down to get it to work. I’m planning on giving it a thorough cleansing but I would appreciate any suggestions as to what to do or what not to do. I was planning on taking it apart, and sticking it in a bucket of Evaporust for a day and then using a wire brush and wire wheel.

Also, how hard is it to replace that pin that holds the piece in place? Any input on anything would be appreciated. The attached photos will surely do a better job of explaining everything.

 

[steaks&anvils]

Great vise!

Don't try to force anything to remove stuff, that will just break it. That pin in the rear swivel jaw can be a real pain to remove. Lots of different ways to remove it are detailed in the threads below.

Lots of help on the vise repair thread:

VISE REPAIR 101 all vise repairs, lubricants, sources for parts and the tricks to fix

I'm starting this thread to help me because i'm going to restore quite a few vises and I've only paid to have that done or done some basic repairs so far in my 60 years. as with all tools different manufacturers all do things a bit different and some makers even do different things on their own...

www.garagejournal.com

Also lots of knowledge on the mongo vise thread:

The VISES of Garage Journal

We have seen everyone's toolboxes so let's see the vises! (no, not vices :)) I'm sure there are some really cool ones out there. Large or small, let's see them all! Here's my Charles Parker 107 and my Wilton 1780: The Wilton has an 8" jaw and weighs about 110 lbs. The CP has a 6" jaw and...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Mickey81]

Great vise!

Don't try to force anything to remove stuff, that will just break it. That pin in the rear swivel jaw can be a real pain to remove. Lots of different ways to remove it are detailed in the threads below.

Lots of help on the vise repair thread:

VISE REPAIR 101 all vise repairs, lubricants, sources for parts and the tricks to fix

I'm starting this thread to help me because i'm going to restore quite a few vises and I've only paid to have that done or done some basic repairs so far in my 60 years. as with all tools different manufacturers all do things a bit different and some makers even do different things on their own...

www.garagejournal.com

Also lots of knowledge on the mongo vise thread:

The VISES of Garage Journal

We have seen everyone's toolboxes so let's see the vises! (no, not vices :)) I'm sure there are some really cool ones out there. Large or small, let's see them all! Here's my Charles Parker 107 and my Wilton 1780: The Wilton has an 8" jaw and weighs about 110 lbs. The CP has a 6" jaw and...

www.garagejournal.com

Thanks I’ll definitely read those

 

[ChefRex]

I detect a vacuum especially since your in Jerzy, what's cheap?
She needs some lovin", check out the big vise thread here too.

 

[rburke65]

No offense to the OP, but I love it when folks says ‘cheap’, ’big’, ‘large’, ‘fast’, ‘high’....you get the idea. Needs to be quantified. Thanks guys

 

[Mickey81]

I detect a vacuum especially since your in Jerzy, what's cheap?
She needs some lovin", check out the big vise thread here too.

$30. Went hopping around today, there were a lot of garage sales and moving sales. Also found another bench vise where the back jaw moves when you turn the spindle. I don’t think it’s American made but it’s pretty cool.

 

[Mickey81]

No offense to the OP, but I love it when folks says ‘cheap’, ’big’, ‘large’, ‘fast’, ‘high’....you get the idea. Needs to be quantified. Thanks guys

I guess $30 would not be cheap if it’s beyond repair

 

[ChefRex]

From what I saw you did good and should go back and get the other one or give me the address.

 

[Mickey81]

From what I saw you did good and should go back and get the other one or give me the address.

Yes, I did buy the other as well. I paid $25 for that one in Frenchtown NJ. Don’t know why it’s hard to pass on vises. I’m not even that handy. My wife and I bought a house two years ago and now that we’re done with all her house projects, I thought I’d work on building a little workshop in a small corner of our basement.

 

[ChefRex]

I'll make your money back