Reed vise resto help

[nicksdasd]

Hi guys, just picked up a 204R in excellent condition ( with the exception of 1/8 inch of grim.) Even though it is great shape I would like to break it down and do a full degrease and cleaning. My issue is that behind the set screw next to the oil port is a recessed screw that I believe will allow me to remove the collar and in turn the screw. Given the age of the vise it appears this screw (slotted) is a bit buggered up and I can't get a good purchase on it. Any advise would appreciated.

 

[Maui]

Pictures would help here.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

You will have to drill out the set screw:
1. With a small grinding wheel on a Dremmel, grind on the set screw head until flat. Then center punch the screw.
2. With a SHARP drill bit (#7 or 3/16"), drill the set screw out. Should be easy since the set screw is soft metal.
3. After working the vise screw out of the retaining collar, tap the hole for a 1/4"-20 thread.
4. You can get a 1/4"-20 set screw, cheap from a hardware store for a new one.
5. Use antiseize on the new set screw threads to make removal easy.

I restored two Reed 204 vises. The above steps are what I had to do to free the retaining collar. Be patient and good luck.

 

[454ragtop]

You will have to drill out the set screw:
1. With a small grinding wheel on a Dremmel, grind on the set screw head until flat. Then center punch the screw.
2. With a SHARP drill bit (#7 or 3/16"), drill the set screw out. Should be easy since the set screw is soft metal.
3. After working the vise screw out of the retaining collar, tap the hole for a 1/4"-20 thread.
4. You can get a 1/4"-20 set screw, cheap from a hardware store for a new one.
5. Use antiseize on the new set screw threads to make removal easy.

I restored two Reed 204 vises. The above steps are what I had to do to free the retaining collar. Be patient and good luck.

Mark, that sounds like the procedure for the collar inside the slide, his vise sounds like it's the newer stlye with the split nut that needs to come out before the screw can come out.

OP, are you sure here is another screw behind the set screw? Many have mistaken the slots in the split nut for a screw that isn't there.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Mark, that sounds like the procedure for the collar inside the slide, his vise sounds like it's the newer stlye with the split nut that needs to come out before the screw can come out.

OP, are you sure here is another screw behind the set screw? Many have mistaken the slots in the split nut for a screw that isn't there.

454:
Thanks for putting my assumption back on track.

 

[454ragtop]

OP, check out the last couple pages of this thread https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252830&page=344
Someone else doing the same thing.

 

[nicksdasd]

Thanks Guys! There is a screw behind the set screw. I don't think I have enough post to post pics. New member.
Is there a benefit to this major operation if everything else seems to function well. I'm pretty handy but I just don't want to mess up a good vise.
Steve

 

[nicksdasd]

Thank you so much for the link to the previous thread. I will give that a try. Thanks guys for sharing all your knowledge. Greatly appreciated- Steve

 

[nicksdasd]

There is definitely a set screw with another screw behind it. This is on the side of the vise near the oil port.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Isn't there a forum rule against seeking vise advice without providing pics, especially a REED vise?!!!

 

[454ragtop]

There is definitely a set screw with another screw behind it. This is on the side of the vise near the oil port.

If there is a second screw, yours will be the first one like that. Did you read the link where someone else thought the same thing, but it wasn't there?

 

[nicksdasd]

Thanks for all your help guys. Much appreciated .

 

[drivesitfar]

Nick: are you posting from your phone? if you have a few pictures it really helps. It's not easy for me to post pics from my cell phone on a post, but doable if i download one or two at a time.

if you need more help with the Reed or posting pics just ask!!

 

[nicksdasd]

Thanks for all your advice. The previous thread was helpful. Got it all apart only to find I had a (broken) lock collar. LOL... these forums are great.

 

[454ragtop]

The collar is supposed to be broken. How else could they install it?

 

[nicksdasd]

I found that out by researching on this forum. Great stuff. I was bummed out when I took it apart as it looked like a clean break in the casting, only to find out that was OEM. She is all cleaned up and has it's second coat of paint on it. I hope to be able to post pics when reassembled.

 

[M6erfan]

 

[jonshonda]

^I'm still mad you changed your profile pic.

 

[M6erfan]

^I'm still mad you changed your profile pic.

The new one is so much sexier though...

 

[jonshonda]

The new one is so much sexier though...

:supergay:

 

[kbush4]

Hey guys, my grandfather recently passed away and this was one thing I was able to take home with me. I've read several other posts about restoring old Reed 204R's, but I can't quite figure out how to solve my issue. The last thing I need to do is take the handle apart. I've removed the set screw, but can't get the main vise screw out of the handle/collar. I just keep trying to unscrew the handle, but it's not coming apart. Any tips?

 

[drivesitfar]

welcome to GJ first of all.

i'm guessing you need to remove the set screw on the side and you've probably got a split nut to remove so post a few pictures and we'll be happy to help you out. instead of posting it on this old thread post it on the Vise Repair 101 thread and here's a link:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=252830

good luck and I love old Reed vises so happy to help a guy spiff up his Gramp's old vise.

 

[kbush4]

Yeah I just posted the pictures. It sounds like I'm having the same problem as the guy originally posted. I've already removed the set screw.