Vise Question

[ViseGuy76]

Hey everyone! I am looking forward to getting some good information from people about this.

I recently came into ownership of my grandfather's bench vise, a Wilton Shop-King #14. It has an anvil shaped rear with a hole in it. I managed to get it apart but only got one screw out of one set of jaw pads. The other is close to being stripped out. It looks like there is one pin on either side of the screw so I don't know if I will take the pads off or just restore it best I can without removing the pads. The knob on the rotating base that tightens and loosens the vise has a bent handle. I am going to cut it off to remove the knob to get the vise completely disassembled.

Any suggestions about degreasing it? I've been told brake cleaner or carb cleaner.

Thanks!

 

[thehorse13]

Pictures are always a plus. You'll get much better answers.

I usually drill out stripped screws then use an easy out. Other guys have had great success with speed outs. You can buy them on Amazon for about 10 bucks.

Before you cut anything, let us see what you have. Many times handles can be straightened without being chopped up.

Degreasing is a personal preference. I use simple green for basic cleaning. Paint stripping is an entirely different subject that you'll be interested in if you plan on repainting the vise. Getting down to bare metal is the best way to go.

Welcome.

Oh and before I forget, there is an entire thread dedicated to vise restoration, cleaning, and all the things you're wondering about.

 

[Provincial]

In regards to the bent handle, look at the bend and try to imagine what it took to bend it. Now think of how you would apply the same force in the opposite direction. Many times the handle is bent trying to get the nut tighter because the swivel base is turning. You can't just pull the opposite direction, but you can rotate the bent handle so tightening the nut is pulling the handle straight. Often handles can be straightened with nothing more than a cheater pipe or a dead-blow plastic hammer.

 

[454ragtop]

Use a deep socket, probably 1/4" drive on a Shop king, with an extension to straighten the handle enough to remove the swivel lock. Once off, I can straighten them in a couple minutes with a hammer. For the jaw screws, try a screwdriver bit, turning it with a wrench. Lightly close the vise on the bit so it can't cam out, slowly opening the vise as the screw loosens. These usually work for me.
As to degreasing, I usually use Castrol Super Clean or Purple Power and rinse with the hose.

 

[Fretters]

Drilling out the screw head so that it comes off will leave you with a stub which you can remove with Mole grips once the insert is off. Example:

 

[BOTS]

I just finished refurbishing an Athol 616 that had been outside for the last 10 years. It was
seized primarily from old grease and dirt. I had good success with oven cleaner and lots of elbow grease. Good luck!

 

[Jazz1]

I sandblasted my Henry. Penetrating oil to loosen jaw plate screws but one was stripped. I put expoxy in hole and replaced the bolt. It will hold.