Record 521/2e vice problem - will not open without a yank

[user 29368]

Recently my vice has stopped opening as i try to open the jaws when they're closed tight hold stock.
The handle spins 360deg and makes a quick release type clunk once a rotation and continues to do so. I have found that a sharp yank on the handel causes the jaws to open a few mm at which point I can open vice normally.
The vice works fine when tightening.

Is this a known problem with a know fix?
Any pointers very welcome please (before I take my bench appart to extract it).
Thank you very much.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Probably a dirty half nut (the part that closes onto the thread). Undo the cover, take it off and clean it and the thread out. Ensure you align it when you replace it.

 

[user 29368]

Probably a dirty half nut (the part that closes onto the thread). Undo the cover, take it off and clean it and the thread out. Ensure you align it when you replace it.

Thanks! I'll have a look over the weekend

 

[Inspector]

Mine has done that when the bolts attaching it to the top from below put a little twist in the vice. The mating face isn't machined flat and true so it needs some shims.

Pete

 

[Limey Lurker]

Good try, Inspector; but you're Canadian: this vice won't open without a Yank!

 

[user 29368]

Found the problem..
Shame I can't find the bolt - I suspect it's found it's way into my shop vac at something.

Any idea what size the small bolt is please?
So I order the correct thread type.
thank you.

 

[pe2dave]

"Any idea what size the small bolt is please?"
Does it matter, if it fits and does the job?

You'll most likely find it in 6 months time....

 

[user 29368]

Does it matter, if it fits and does the job?

Well yes, I'm a metric person. It's an old vice so I assume it will have imperial fittings, I don't want to get it wrong.

 

[pe2dave]

Well yes, I'm a metric person. It's an old vice so I assume it will have imperial fittings, I don't want to get it wrong.

Ah - so the nut is part of the vice? Sorry - I guessed it was a nut and bolt.
I'd bet there's an 'old vices' group around to ask for the bolt / thread size?

Worst case, borrow a tap and use a metric bolt?

 

[user 29368]

Yes it is a threaded hole.

The bolt's thread pitch doesn't match anything I have and I rather not tap a new one.

 

[pe2dave]

record vice spares,record vice spares,SWIVEL BASES might be of help.
Ten minutes round Google - I didn't find out which imperial thread they use, sorry.

 

[Fergie 307]

If you haven't got a thread gauge then you could take the other one out and send it to D Middleton Stainless. He does all the old Imperial sizes and will match it up for you, also very quick turnaround.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Take the existing set screw out and see it is the same thread as ones going through the vice jaws to hold the cheeks. They are iirc 5/16" whitworth, but if the same you could use one of them and replace the one in the jaw with a smaller through bolt - it doesn't matter there.

 

[toolsntat]

This missing bolt may be a red herring.

Now it's off the bench and the other bolt is tightened down correctly is it still jumping ?

Have you recently took this vice to pieces?

Bear in mind it's likely from 1965 and may have wear issues.....

Cheers Andy

 

[toolsntat]

I believe the bolt was missing when you got it....
https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/a-bodgers-workbench.113836/post-1242767
From the pictures in the old post the screw thread looks good.

Edit, yes it was missing
https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/a-bodgers-workbench.113836/post-1242914
So is it because the other came loose you started having problems?
Cheers Andy

 

[user 29368]

I believe the bolt was missing when you got it....
https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/a-bodgers-workbench.113836/post-1242767
From the pictures in the old post the screw thread looks good.

Edit, yes it was missing
https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/threads/a-bodgers-workbench.113836/post-1242914
So is it because the other came loose you started having problems?
Cheers Andy

blimey you're right -
I'm surprised at myself there - for not spotting it at the time. Perhaps I did and didn't bother with it and after 3+ years I've forgotten. At least I know I'm not going to find it.

Well, the rest of the mecanism seems in very good order, this is the first time I've removed it since first installation.
Tighting the one bolt up seems to have solved the problem, however I haven't tested it with any real force as it's no longer hanging from my bench. But even so I'd still like a replacement bolt.

I'll look into the suggestions from people above.
Will report back once I get this sorted.

Thanks very much everyone.

 

[user 29368]

If you haven't got a thread gauge then you could take the other one out and send it to D Middleton Stainless. He does all the old Imperial sizes and will match it up for you, also very quick turnaround.

I emailed them some decent photos of the bolt on an imperial ruler, got a very quick reply and have taken a chance on ordering their best guess, which is
"BSW 1/4 x 1" hex setscrew"

Will find out in a few days...

 

[toolsntat]

I emailed them some decent photos of the bolt on an imperial ruler, got a very quick reply and have taken a chance on ordering their best guess, which is
"BSW 1/4 x 1" hex setscrew"

Will find out in a few days...

Should be ok I checked mine and it's the same as the old 1/4" gutter bolts.
Cheers Andy

 

[user 29368]

Should be ok I checked mine and it's the same as the old 1/4" gutter bolts.
Cheers Andy

Good to know, thanks.

I do hope it fits, not having a vice is a big pita at the moment.

 

[user 29368]

Vice is sorted

Correct Bolt size is
BSW 1/4 x 3/4" hex setscrew.

Had to saw a bit off the new one as its a blind hole.

Thanks again for he help. I have paid £20 to support the forum.