Removing screw on Utica 90 adjustable wrenches

[brazo]

I've recently acquired Utica 90-12 and 90-6 adjustable wrenches. Both need to be disassembled for cleaning. I can't figure out how to remove the screw that holds the worm screw in place. It will easily turn for a few revs but no further. Can anybody tell the trick to this?

Thanks!

 

[jakemac]

First - Welcome to the forum.


Either the threads are bunged up, or someone used the wrench as a hammer and crimped the top of the hole causing the threads to jam.

If grit has gotten into the threads, then keep alternating between flushing the hole with penetrating oil and moving the screw in and out.

If the end of the hole is buggered, you will need to open it up again. Try screwing the screw in as far as you can to make room, and then use a file or drill bit to carefully open the top of the hole. Be careful not to interfere with the threads in the hole.

Sometimes brute force can get the screw out, but then you risk stripping the screw slot. Make sure you're using a screwdriver that snugly fits the slot, a loose screwdriver will strip the slot.

There is a spring in the top of the worm screw. DON"T LOOSE IT.

The good news is that the screw moves.
You'll just have to feel your way through this. BTDT.

The 90 series Utica's are my favorites. They're the ones I grew up with. They have a nice thin jaw profile. I have multiples of most of the sizes from 4" to 18" and the majority have the Triple Diamond logo.

 

[Zrexxer]

The screws are staked in. Unless the wrneches are just rusted solid, I don't see why you couldn't clean them assembled. I've flushed out a lot of gritty, grimy adjustables with a can of spray solvent of one variety or another.