How to disassemble and repair the Shop Fox Parrot Vise or Versa Vise

[@ivang18]

Sir, thank you for the amazing repair video

[@bentontool]

Thank you for the kind words. I hope there is now a functional vise in your shop. 🙂

[@Taj369]

Good video Brother. Glad I ran into it. Just so happens my Parrot vise just took a dump (stripped barrel nut) and I was contemplating whether to pitch it or try and fix it. It will also give me an opportunity to take some of the slop out of it.

[@bentontool]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad it helped. P.S. I have switched to another type of vise. I snapped the mobile vise jaw on my Parrot, probably due to over-torquing I suppose. Probably would have been OK if I had stuck to only gunsmithing with it, but I was using it for all manner of work, and it was not up to the task...

[@Taj369]

@@bentontool I have a really great old Wilton bench vise that is my primary, but the parrot sits right next to my work station and gets used for holding stoning fixtures and times I need a third hand. My wife bought me that vise, so I had to use it. Unfortunately, it was a "knockoff" of the original and recently failed. I've come up short in trying to find something to replace it. I've been staring at it for a week now trying to figure how it was put together. Now that I know, I need to get after it. Thanks much.

[@bentontool]

@@Taj369 Mike, my old Parrot vise was on my home basement workbench, which is very small. If I had room for two vises, I definitely would mount both. I often miss the Parrot. My video was filmed in my shop, which is not attached to the house. More room there, but I have managed to fill it nevertheless! 😄 Are you a metalworker? Or more woodworker like me? I have a spare nut if you don't want to make one. I don't know if it is allowed, but my email is: [e-mail].

[@colinmcgowan2915]

Finally a video on the versa vise. Thank you for the wisdom.

[@bentontool]

Thanks for the kind words. Hope it helped save a vise.

[@maydanlex]

Very Helpful....thanks for taking the time to create and post!

[@bentontool]

Thank you very much...

[@mrpete222]

NICE repair & nice video. Good teaching techniques with the sample nut. Good lighting & camera work too. I have had several of the original VERS VISES going back to the mid 60s. lyle

[@bentontool]

Thank you. I am grateful for your time and comments. You are, of course, the best... have loved your videos for years.

[@PGSchroe]

Great video - especially for your first one!

[@bentontool]

Thank you...

[@garyrussell5373]

I have one without a stripped nut. The slide hammer method only works if your nut is stopped. To get mine apart. Screw the jaws snug, use a clamp to clamp jaws together. Then open vice and tap with brass hammer until bushing comes out.

[@bentontool]

Thanks...

[@dekutree4476]

My uncle is famous!

[@bentontool]

Thank you young Padawan learner... I will make a machinist out of you yet...

[@s.e.8719]

Thank you for making this. Helpful.

[@bentontool]

Thanks very much...

[@moms762]

Nice video on the vize

[@bentontool]

Thanks very much...

[@allhandmade1]

Anyone in the UK purchasing the Parrot Vise from Axminster Tools, be aware, the main jaw thread is NOT a 5/8 x 8tpi, (which is almost 16mm in diameter.) The UK's threaded version is smaller, more like 9/16 x 9tpi (which is just under 14mm in diameter.)

[@bentontool]

Thank you...

[@gcarson19]

Grizzly Industrial sells replacement barrel nuts for 3.95 + shipping, FYI...

[@bentontool]

Thanks. I looked on the website & can't find specs on the nut... for this vise?

[@gcarson19]

bentontool Yes, for the Shopfox parrot vise. The price is actually $3.50 + $9.95 shipping, but I ordered another $50 worth of stuff to make it worthwhile. The item # is PXD3125003 LEADSCREW CAPTURE NUT. Hope this helps someone out! I really did like your video; ingenuity at its finest!

[@bentontool]

@@gcarson19 Thanks for the info and the kind words...

[@marklazaroff7213]

Thanks for the useful video. I have the same vise, which failed in the same way. When I took it apart, I noticed that the screw was so poorly machined (or cast) that it has rough edges that act as a file that will lead to the new nut failing again. I'm trying to decide if it's worth my aggravation to fix it. Meanwhile I bought a nice vintage Wilton vise made in USA.

[@bentontool]

Thanks Mark. Perhaps wire brushing will remove the burrs on your screw... probably will. I just put a lot of lube on mine and it has yet to fail post my repair. (My screw is plated. Poor plating does tend to flake off and cause wear.) In fact, I was just using it today for some gunsmithing. Nevertheless, I made a few extra nuts just in case.

[@greg4727]

Great video, thank you! I recently found 2 of the original Versa-Vises while picking in a barn but I think they both need new barrel nuts. Because of time and convenience, I plan on ordering new ones from the website but couldn't new ones simply be made from steel stock that was threaded to accommodate the bolt?

[@bentontool]

Thank you Greg. You definitely could make your own barrel nuts from rod stock if you have a lathe & some internal thread-cutting experience. I have found this process somewhat challenging in this small size, and think that a tap of the correct size/pitch would be much easier (but expensive). Good luck! I took the path of least resistance... 😄

[@Jesusiscomingsoon613]

Great video!

[@bentontool]

Thanks! Are you going to fix yours? If so, please post pics.

[@Jesusiscomingsoon613]

bentontool : I haven’t used mine yet, it is still in the box. If I have to do anything I will get in touch.

[@bobd.]

People question why this happens. I look at it and think it's possible that the nut is the "weak point" by design. Why? Something's gotta give so that if you over-tighten the vise the vise castings do not break catastrophically. The stripping of the nut is a more controlled 'failure' that while inconvenient is safer than having the casting break which might result is pieces flying in every direction or at least whatever was secured in the vise from falling and probably landing on your foot.

[@bentontool]

Hello Bob... yes, I suppose that it is possible. However, I can report that there have been no failures in the two years since my repair. I do not know if the nuts I used for the repair are stronger than the OEM. Thanks.

[@bobd.]

@@bentontool That's good to hear. I wasn't implying you did anything wrong with your repair. It's pretty ingenious given that a 5/8-8 acme thread barrel nut is not a standard item. I searched for a long time and didn't find a source for this size nut.

[@bentontool]

@@bobd. Thanks. I could not find one either...

[@bentontool]

Bob... well... your words were perhaps prophetic... a few weeks ago, my vise casting snapped were the guide bar meets the mobile jaw... I over-torqued it for sure. I replaced it with a heavier-duty product... the cast iron has a very coarse grain... perhaps not the best material?

[@Bodhi1satva]

Terrific fix! Thank you! I’m curious if it might pay to heat treat the nut prior to installation to give it a bit longer life? Probably better to have the nut fail again rather than the screw...

[@bentontool]

Thank you... my replacement nut has not yet failed as is... case-hardening would be your only option... easy to do if you want to try it... KZbin videos available on the topic. I suspect the original nuts are very soft steel...

[@bentontool]

Update: I recently had to buy another vise. The Parrot vise casting snapped on the mobile jaw (near jaw) arms, at the area that I was filing on the video. The nuts were stronger than the cast iron of the vise could tolerate. I probably over-torqued it. Someone else below commented on how it is possible that the vise nut was PURPOSELY designed to strip-out before enough torque was reached to break the casting... that may be a valid assumption. Lesson learned: don't over-torque.

[@Bodhi1satva]

Oh no! Thats surprising. So sorry you had to learn that lesson for the rest of us. I hope you were able to replace it reasonably. Thank you for the update.

[@tommcg666]

could you weld the nut to the pin -great video

[@bentontool]

Hello Tom, I suppose you could braze or weld the nut to the pin, but then you would have to turn it round in order to get it back into the casting thru the side hole. Thanks... hope the video was helpful...

[@VictorGallagherCarvings]

You can also get that nut in both hex and square at McMaster-carr.

[@bentontool]

Square would be better in this application IMO. Thanks.

[@angler2058]

👍👋

[@bentontool]

Thanks Angler... we share the same tastes in beards! 🙂

[@dangolding4783]

Would you happen to have the dimensions of the new nut after milling? I would like to get ahead of the game while the vice is still operational.

[@bentontool]

Hello Dan, be aware, I suspect the internal dimensions of the castings will be a bit different for each vise by brand, etc. That being said, I am off to work tonight & I will try to get this info to you tomorrow. See "TOS BOSS" comments all the way at the bottom (first commenter).

[@bentontool]

Nut measures 0.990 x 0.915". I suggest you measure the ID of your casting first. Good luck.

[@MrRickpolston]

What is the brand and type grease you used in the video ?

[@bentontool]

Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease with Syncolon® (PTFE). Interesting that you noticed... this is the best grease I have ever used. Shop around for a good price. Available in all sizes from one ml tubes to 55 gal drums on their website. I found the tub convenient. The 400 gram cartridges may be cheaper and available at auto-parts stores. Thanks for watching... www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Lube-Multi-Purpose-Synthetic-Grease-PTFE-41160-400g-/183493170925 AND www.super-lube.com/multi-purpose-synthetic-grease-with-syncolon-ptfe

[@pyropenguin]

i know this is a real late comment but would it be economical or practical at all to use a spring around the lead screw? nice video though. im curious how well your fix held up in the long term.

[@bentontool]

Not too late... not as long as I'm sucking air! 😁 The spring is a very good idea, IMO. Novel. One would have to fit the right spring. I think capturing the nut with some type of pin is probably easier and cheaper. I am into the KISS principal. Keep it simple. I keep a lot of springs but fitting them can be tedious. I repaired a remote anchor lock for my boat recently. Didn't have the right spring. I spent 3 hours manufacturing a torsion spring with mediocre results! Regarding the vise repair, well, it held up just fine, but the casting broke where the movable jaw meets the arm surrounding the screw. I kept it for parts or perhaps welding it one day (would probably break again). I rarely throw anything away... like hoarding and dumpster-diving, it can be a curse! 😊

[@pyropenguin]

@@bentontool after a while i was thinkin the same about sourcing the right spring. sorry to hear the vise broke. i been thinking about getting one like it. in your opinion, is it worth it? or should i set my sights on something different?

[@bentontool]

@@pyropenguin Hello. In 2021, I replaced the Versa/Parrot vise with a different style of vise I bought on eBay for $60. It was described as "Multipurpose Vise Bench Vise 4" Heavy Duty with 360° Swivel Base". I bought a similar vise (but the 6" model) thirty years ago and it survived hard use out here on the homestead. They are all cheap chinesium products, so it is a gamble IMO. So far, I have been very happy with the 4" model. The Versa Vise is very flexible and general-purpose, but not heavy duty, again, IMO. The one I have now is no doubt tougher, and is also flexible. I still do general-purpose work & gunsmithing on it. It is still available from sellers on eBay & also on Amazon. Shop around for the best price. I suspect they are all sourced from the same place, as they all appear pretty much identical in the pics. Here is a link to one on Amazon (not an endorsement): www.amazon.com/Multipurpose-360-Degree-Rotation-Equipment-Industrial/dp/B0CKTRDHL2/ref=sr_1_46_sspa?crid=VMTTPIRW5IEV&keywords=4%22%2Bvise&qid=1704384549&s=hi&sprefix=4%2Bvi%2Ctools%2C494&sr=1-46-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9idGY&th=1. CAVEAT: I took mine apart upon arrival, filed all the rough casting edges and inevitable burrs, cleaned-up the paint overspray, added a washer or two where I thought it appropriate, and greased the hell out of it. IMO, a little TLC & grease goes a long way to prolonging the life of these "cheap" products. Good luck & best wishes, A.

[@pyropenguin]

@@bentontool i did similar to a cheap harbor freight vise i got a few years ago. i let my brother borrow it and it didnt survive lol. the main appeal of the versa vise is being able to store it easily. unfortunately i dont have any space to permanent mount a vise currently, but that little post it sits on wouldnt be too big of an issue. i do like the looks of that chonky vise though. thanks for taking the time to respond with some good info and advise!

[@bentontool]

@@pyropenguin You are welcome. Understood. Here's one that I ran across that looked interesting, but too light for my needs. www.amazon.com/Wood-Metal-Working-Multi-Position-distinct/dp/B07V5N1CQP/ref=sr_1_31_sspa?crid=Y1ZGZLZIAO6T&keywords=clamp-on+360+Degree+vise&qid=1704474438&s=hi&sprefix=clamp-on+360+degree+vise%2Ctools%2C186&sr=1-31-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

[@seetheforest]

I remember the Columbia Gyro Vise and recently got a no name Amazon parrot vise. I would like to get that piece that goes onto the post and allows you to rotate the vise to any position. It's called a swivel base adapter.. www.willburtversavise.com/

[@bentontool]

I invite the person who left a "thumbs down" to comment on why... just curious.

[@merlesgarage]

You got a "thumbs up" from me, and Mr. Pete complimented your work! I think a lot of foolish people give videos a "thumbs down" just because they find that the content is of no personal interest to themselves. Not because of any fault of the video production or presentation. I suppose it's more of the selfish mindset of "how dare you take up space with a subject that I am not interested in..." While I respect you asking them for clarification, I suspect they can't think deep enough to give a productive answer. Please keep doing things the same way. Those of us who understand appreciate it!

[@bentontool]

@@merlesgarage Thanks Merle... 🙂

[@tosbossthinkorswimmplatfor3842]

I think you did a fantastic job of instruction . You told exactly what needed to be done and showed it . ( suggestion .. you just did the instruction mill off some more nuts sell them for say 9 each and that with this instruction you might sell a couple hundred . ) Some Questions if you would ? How hard / what were you clamping down on when the nut striped ? Be honest were you pushing it or is the metal some what soft . ( you appear to understand what you are doing from the reconstruction of the vise ) Is the casting of your vise a grade of steel ? It's not aluminum is it ? You called wilbert co ..l don't know if you talked to the owner . I did a couple years ago ( he treated me ok when I called ) when I was thinking of getting a versa and saw he was making them again . Your opinion if you will ? There are basically 3 guys selling them Parrot / Yost - Garret Wade www.garrettwade.com/ultimate-versatile-vise.html and Larry ( I think he is the owner ) at www.willburtversavise.com I'd like to get one of these ... I'm not gonna use it for pipe fittings ... general stuff - wood - metal - guns . BUT I want to get what will / should hold up . The Garret and Wllburt both have the swivel base adapter and I want it for full function .. angle rotation etc . And yes pricy and shipping is high . But Willburt has the Acme nut for sale . So do you have any idea ? Do you think that willburt is using better steel ? Do you think Garret wade are the same quality as the Parrot . Do you think Larry is making them for these guys .? If I buy from Larry it's 30% more than if I get it from Garret Wade . Just you best guess on some of this if you can .... I don't want to buy it twice . Thanks

[@bentontool]

Thanks for watching my first video, and for the comments and compliments. Regarding making these nuts for sale, I have two reservations: first, I think not all of these vises are identical, therefore, I might sell a nut that won't fit properly and have a dissatisfied customer. Second, (I think for most guys out there) the process is so dirt simple that I would not really sell that many. If someone contacts me and requests some, and provides the internal dimensions of their castings, then yes, I would mill out as many as desired. I am now 60 y/o and have been metal & wood working most of my life, using all manner of vises. I have never stripped-out a vise screw nut before on any other vise, even the ones (most of them) I bought second-hand, and some in rough shape. Further, as I commented in the video, this problem seems to occur frequently and seems to be unique to the Versa-Vise design. Consider this: what other vise manufacturer out there prominently sells a replacement nut? No, this is unique to this style of vise. That being said, I would not hesitate to buy another, or recommend this style of vise. It is VERY versatile, and has engendered a following of sorts. People who own/use them like them. Get one... any brand. Mine (Shop Fox) was the cheapest I could find. I did not know if I would like it, so did not buy the best (whichever one that might be). But I did like it... a lot, enough to think on the topic of how to repair it extensively. Enough to research the topic and reach out to the Will-Burt Co. I emailed Larry at the Will-Burt Co. four times. He replied only to my first email, enough to tell me he did not know if his barrel nut would fit Shop Fox brand. No replies thereafter. My Sop Fox is cast iron, not aluminum (not cast steel either I believe). I really do not know who makes the best vise. Aside from the nut, the rest of my vise is good quality, and I expect it to hold-up to my use. The Will-Burt Co. does not show the back of their vise on the website, and he did not reply to my query about if their vises were American-made. I suspect they are all Chinese-made now, but do not know that for a fact. You may want to call the Will-Burt Co. again to ask. I got no reply to that question by email. In closing, if you want a USA-made Versa-Vise, just go on eBay and bid on one... there are many available. Best wishes, Alex Acle, Benton, PA.

[@tosbossthinkorswimmplatfor3842]

Thank you for your Time D Adams

[@bentontool]

One more thing- regarding over-torquing the vise: look at the vise- I have used it often for years prior to failure- it still looks new, right? Does not look abused. I would not say I over-tightened it.

[@tosbossthinkorswimmplatfor3842]

Fair enough .. thanks

[@tosbossthinkorswimmplatfor3842]

After the last response ... I pulled up this vid again ... that vise in the video ... just looking at it looks new !! If you have used it for a while it don't show .... ( Side note ... I don't think you said it ...and for others that may come here .... the Acme Nut from Jon Mar Machine ... is for PRE 2001 models . So the question begs did he change the thread pitch on this newer model . I know that when I talked to him . People were pushing him to make them in red _ like the original AND he did not make the Swivel base . Said it was not useful . But people wanted it ? I don't think he understands and or wants to supply the retail public . ) FWIW ..... I emailed Larry ( tried to call I think he does not have a girl on staff for the office ...no answer - guess I got lucky getting him in the past . I asked about a warranty as there is non on his site . This is what I WANTED to do . Buy Versa from Larry at Jon-Mar Gear and Machine AND one from www.garrettwade.com/ultimate-versatile-vise.html . Larry's would have been about 15% more for the vise and the swivelbase adapter . ( when I talked to him before he said he would stand behind it if it broke . ) I was going to do a youtube comparison on them . Keep Larry's ( hoping that he might use a higher grade metal in the casting ) and send the Garriet back... they have 100% money AND shipping return policy . Since Jo Mar / Larry has no type of return policy or warranty on the website and to this point has not returned my email . At this point I am going to order the Garriet and pays your money and takes your chances . I called about replacement parts for it . They don't . I wonder if Larry is making them for them .. the site says differently , Well when I get it I will do a tube on it . there is very little on them on KZbin and the vid on Garriet is fair to lacking . I don't understand why people are in the business of selling stuff to people and then are mediocre about it . I guess I didn't learn anything with that 20 + years in retail grocery . Well thanks . Just wanted to post this for you and others . Be well .....

[@nutsmcflurry3737]

Wow, complaining about Wil-Burt because the quality of your cheap vise.

[@bentontool]

More correctly, "complaining about Wil-Burt because of" their excessive shipping fees and failure to reply to inquiries from the public... but, thanks for your opinion... 🙂