So I just got this old Columbian D33.5 and am trying to restore it. I went to remove the jaws and noticed someone was having a hard time getting it off previously and I have no idea how to remove the jaw other than drilling out the screw. If I go this route are these screws readily available? Does anyone have any other idea as to how to get this screw out without destroying it anymore?
Stubborn Vice Jaw Screw
- Thread starter EE7
- Start date
RTM
Well-known member
This thread, starting at 7982 has a way to make new screws
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8470147#post8470147
Somewhere way upthread, there is a mention of putting an impact driver bit into your vise jaws, tip in the screw, and tighten it down to almost tight, then twist the impact bit with a wrench to loosen it. Loosen the vise a bit more, and repeat.
Other methods of screw removal like heat, shock, tighten and loosen are left for others.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8470147#post8470147
Somewhere way upthread, there is a mention of putting an impact driver bit into your vise jaws, tip in the screw, and tighten it down to almost tight, then twist the impact bit with a wrench to loosen it. Loosen the vise a bit more, and repeat.
Other methods of screw removal like heat, shock, tighten and loosen are left for others.
DFB
Well-known member
E Replacements has similar looking counter sunk screws under several Craftsman vise listing for parts. I recently purchased some if you post up the thread pitch and length and possibly head diameter I can tell you if the ones I have are a match.
They are internal hex though and not slotted
Ya hand impact are best for those and is what I also used for mine. Worked great!
They are internal hex though and not slotted
Ya hand impact are best for those and is what I also used for mine. Worked great!
thehorse13
Well-known member
As mentioned, impact drivers are the way to handle this but you're beyond that for the moment.
I have run into this exact problem dozens of times. Here are two things that have worked for me:
1) CAREFULLY use a small dremel cutting wheel and create a new flat head screwdriver notch. The key here is not to cut anything other than the shaft of the broken screw. Once you get the notch created, try to use a screwdriver to remove it. Try not to strip it again and if the screw isn't moving, try to whack it with an impact driver.
If #1 fails, I move on to...
2) Get out the drill bits and carefully drill through enough material to use an easy out. If you don't have an easy out, tack weld a post and nut into the broken screw or have a buddy do it who has a welder.
Good luck.
I have run into this exact problem dozens of times. Here are two things that have worked for me:
1) CAREFULLY use a small dremel cutting wheel and create a new flat head screwdriver notch. The key here is not to cut anything other than the shaft of the broken screw. Once you get the notch created, try to use a screwdriver to remove it. Try not to strip it again and if the screw isn't moving, try to whack it with an impact driver.
If #1 fails, I move on to...
2) Get out the drill bits and carefully drill through enough material to use an easy out. If you don't have an easy out, tack weld a post and nut into the broken screw or have a buddy do it who has a welder.
Good luck.
Roberts210
Well-known member
I've tried all sort of ways to remove stuck, broken, and over-torqued vise jaw screws, but the most important tool you have is the will to get the damm thing out, and not rest till it comes loose.