I just acquired a Wilton model 1760 6 inch vise. Needs a swivel base assembly and jaw inserts which looks like will be about $150. My question is this- it takes 2 full turns of the handle to move the jaw. So once it gets tight on an object then it is 2 full turns to release and then 2 full turns to start moving the other direction. Is this normal? Just don’t want to have to rebuild the whole thing. I can live with that but just don’t want it to get worse or quit moving all together. Thanks for any input.

Sounds like the screw and threads are shot. Probably why the base and jaws are gone. Sounds like somebody got the good parts already.

You can get a new one for under 100$
Some might be 150$ I think I looked at same one online for around 80$

Pretty sure the equivelant model these days is $500+. I don’t see the benefit of high dollar vices for what I do, but I’m sure some people need the better quality or they wouldn’t make them.

Even so a whole new one would be my choice

Your vice should have a thrust washer that the center screw pushes against to open the jaws. If that thrust washer is badly worn it will allow the screw to move a ways before it starts opening the jaws. You may have to put in a new washer and perhaps a thicker washer in your vice to tighten it up and take out the play in the jaws. That is if your vice is built similar to the one in this picture.

Thanks for the replies, I'll take it apart in check it out. I don't have to have a vice that's as heavy duty as this one but I got it free so I don't mind putting some money in it.

See if the vise is equipped with 1/2 nuts for the lead screw, if so they are are badly worn, or out of adjustment.

Ditto on the washer on the lead screw. Maybe some slack in it.

^^^^this, or you may have to bore it out and sleeve it, like I had to do at work recently.

Thanks, I'll check that out tomorrow. This vice came out of an old mill and has been used hard. I'll go thru it and check it all out before ordering parts.

Took it apart and it is missing the washer. Previous poster was probably correct that someone pulled the parts of this vice. The threads of the screw were in great shape so I'll probably go ahead and get the swivel base and jaw inserts. Thanks for all the replies.