Post vice jaws don't close correctly

[djhammerd]

I think that red paint may be the problem. The jaws are scrunching sideways so as not to have to see it.

[jimbob]

I do believe it will be sand blasted shortly!

[Jose Gomez]

It looks to me like it is racked to the side at the pivot. You might be able to adjust some of the misalignment out with a new pivot bolt, but I kind of think that your vice could use a long visit with a torch to heat just above the pivot area (on the front jaw) and then a short visit from a large hammer to straighten things out. I normally avoid applying heat directly to the pivot because I have found that it is far too easy to strech out the pivot bolt hole when trying to straghten things out, but you will barely notice the kink if you true it up a 1/2 inch above the pivot. Don't forget to remove the screw to avoid any potential damage to this very hard to repair part when you attempt the straightening.

[jimbob]

when I put a straight edge on it its straight( the font jaw) I 'll put a square on the back jaw to see if the pivot is bent.

[jimbob]

Thomas I tried a the bolt ...that didn't help .I took is all apart ; with just the bolt and two jaws it will line up, but it has a lot of play. I found that the inside of the pivot plates
were bumped out so I filed them flush...that amplified the problem as Jose noted (boys got a sharp eye). I think I can work a brass shim on one side and correct the problem. any way thats the plan at this time ...thanks a bunch for all the information