Columbian D44- unable to tighten vise body to base.

[Walnut Square Iron]

I have a Columbian D44 that was my grandfathers.  I have used it for several years now but I am noticing that I can't lock the base like I used to.   

 

 

In this picture, the bolt is unable to spin at this part of the channel, so tightening it is not a problem.

 

 

Further along, the bolt spins.   

 

 

At the other end of the channel, it spins freely.

 

 

View of the bolt.  I am wondering if this is the original or was it replaced at some point?  It would seem that the bolt should have a smaller square under the head to fit nicely in the channel.  The corners of the bolt have very little wear to them, otherwise I would just replace it.

 

 

 

I was wondering if the underside of the bolt head had some sort of knurl or groves to help it catch better to prevent spinning.  Maybe I have a washer missing?

 

This one has me stumped.  I appreciate any help.

[jeremy k]

Most likely it has a square shoulder that fits in the groove to keep it from spinning, and it has worn so the corners of the shoulder don't catch anymore.

[HWooldridge]

Similar to a carriage bolt.

[Walnut Square Iron]

Makes sense that maybe this is not the original bolt.  The threads on this one go right up to the underside of the head.

 

 

I think I will file into the underside of the bolt to make new shoulders and see if it helps. 

[Stephen Olivo]

you can use a piece of sheet steel to make a capture washer for it that will keep the head from moving.

[navasky]

It looks like a replacement bolt. I have the same vise and the bolt threads stop before the head and the head is larger.

[Walnut Square Iron]

Stephen, the sheet metal crossed my mind. I ended up cutting/filing into the head as a temporary fix.  Thanks navasky for the confirmation.

 

 

 

 

Thanks everyone for the replies.

 

[VaughnT]

That bolt never had a square shoulder below the head.  If it did, you'd see remnants of it instead of threads going all the way down.  Between a bit of wear on the corners of the head, and a bit of wear on the wall of the vise, I can see how tolerances got off enough for spin to occur. 

 

Glad you go it fixed.  That's an idea I probably wouldn't have though of (I never do the easy way the first time or ten!)