Walnut Square Iron Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy k Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Similar to a carriage bolt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walnut Square Iron Posted March 8, 2014 Author Share Posted March 8, 2014 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Olivo Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 you can use a piece of sheet steel to make a capture washer for it that will keep the head from moving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navasky Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 It looks like a replacement bolt. I have the same vise and the bolt threads stop before the head and the head is larger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walnut Square Iron Posted March 9, 2014 Author Share Posted March 9, 2014 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VaughnT Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 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!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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