Removing an odd clip on an old vice

[toolcollector109]

I have an old small clamp on bench vice that I’m trying to clean up and redo. Most of these small vices have a bolt that goes through the side of the front jaw casting that, when loosened, allows the threaded rod to be removed.

This vice has an odd clip that retains the threaded rod, and I see no way to remove it. I don’t even see how they could have gotten this on, unless it’s set in place and one of the fixed guide rods is pressed in locking it in place.

I’d like to remove this clip and then drill and tap the front casting and use a bolt to retain the threaded part. Any idea how these clips were installed or if they can be removed without destroying them? I’m sure I could cut through it easily with a hacksaw but I hate to destroy it if there is a way to get it off that I’m not thinking of. See photos.

 

[grannyknot]

Put it in a tub of citric acid + salt or Evaporust, once the rust is gone it may become obvious what is holding the clip in.

 

[LXCam]

Maybe heat the dynamic jaw and remove a rod.

On second thought. I wonder what the chances are those guide rods are threaded in. Have you tried unscrewing one? I’d still suggest heating the casting first if you try.

 

[toolcollector109]

Maybe heat the dynamic jaw and remove a rod.

On second thought. I wonder what the chances are those guide rods are threaded in. Have you tried unscrewing one? I’d still suggest heating the casting first if you try.

I thought the same thing and tried clamping them in a larger vice and trying to turn them. I decided to give the whole assembly a 24 hr vinegar soak and thorough degrease before I try anything else.

My guess is that one of the guide rods was pressed in, the thread was put through the casting, the clip was added, and then the second guide rod was pressed in. If one of them ends up being threaded I’ll be surprised.

 

[Mike'smeatshop]

The clip looks like Springsteel. It also looks as you can heat and bend the ears of the top of the clip. And clip the bottom apart and open the eyes. Then maybe slide the clip out. But a good cleaning will tell you more.

I think the clip is to put a bind on the guide rods. Once the clip is removed, they should work their way out. I would use Kroil oil on the guide rods and let them soak for a while.

 

[ALLFAST]

I have an old small clamp on bench vice that I’m trying to clean up and redo. Most of these small vices have a bolt that goes through the side of the front jaw casting that, when loosened, allows the threaded rod to be removed.

This vice has an odd clip that retains the threaded rod, and I see no way to remove it. I don’t even see how they could have gotten this on, unless it’s set in place and one of the fixed guide rods is pressed in locking it in place.

I’d like to remove this clip and then drill and tap the front casting and use a bolt to retain the threaded part. Any idea how these clips were installed or if they can be removed without destroying them? I’m sure I could cut through it easily with a hacksaw but I hate to destroy it if there is a way to get it off that I’m not thinking of. See photos.

It looks like a wave tension washer/clip of sorts.

A sweet trick for late 50s-mid60s Dewalt Radial arm saws ( some models have a largish wave spring plate with big teeth like a star washer, which provides tension under the yoke. The adjustable handle seats against this big spring steel washer) is to procure a derelict vintage wood saw and use it to make a duplicate spring washer.

Looks like your clip is an hourglass figure eight shape of sorts-you can make a tracing of your clip, cut and drill a new one to fit, and bend the saw material to give it a “wave” shape to hold tension.

But your adding a tapped hole and hardware is obviously a better long term solution!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

That clip appears to have been pressed in with the guide rods. Some of them just have a pin.