Record 52 1/2 installation – Lag screw size

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  • John Purser
    29 December 2014 at 1:49 am #122749

    I’m finally up to the vise installation step of building my bench. I’ve got a Record 52 1/2 I want to use on my Paul Seller’s style bench. The previous owner used carriage bolts but I didn’t want metal on top so I’m using lag screws.

    I measured the rear slotted bolt holes and it looks like they’ll take a 5/8″ screw. I went on down to the hardware store and picked up a 1/2″ X 3″ lag screw and it looks huge! I grabbed some 3/8″ X 3″ lag screws and they look a lot more reasonable.

    I’m inclined to use the 3/8″ screws along with two 1/4″ X 3″ lag screws through the rear jaw into the bench. But I wonder if I need the extra size screws on the bottom of the vise. Could I be introducing some play in the vise by allowing more room between the screw size and screw hole?

    Does anyone remember what size they used on a similar vise?

    Yes, I know, I’m over thinking this. But this has been a LONG road and I don’t want to “screw it up” on the last leg.

    Thanks,

    John

    John Purser
    Hubert, NC

    George Bridgeman
    29 December 2014 at 9:48 am #122753

    I also used lag screws when fixing my vise (Record 52 1/2E) to the bench. I can’t remember which size I used but do remember making sure I went for the closest fitting size.

    Don’t be put off if they look big – you want to hold the vise as strongly as possible. If a 1/2″ screw fits ok, use it along with some washers and they’ll hold it rock solid.

    Hope this helps.

    George.

    "To know and not do is to not know"

    John Purser
    3 January 2015 at 1:42 pm #122992

    Just a follow up. I took George’s advice and went with the 1/2″ lag screws. I bored a 3/8″ pilot hole for them and rubbed some paraffin on them before sinking them into the 4X12 Douglas fir bench top. It took a fair amount of force to seal the deal but I’m betting that vise isn’t going anywhere any time soon.

    John

    John Purser
    Hubert, NC

    mike forbes
    4 January 2015 at 6:01 am #123026

    I know mine were not 1/2″, probably more like 5/16 but as others have mentioned I don’t recall. It is solid and hasn’t given a bit. Paraffin or beeswax is your friend.

    Boulder,CO http://mikeofallthings.com

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