Vice maintenance and care

Caring for your vice
	To take care of your vice, there are a few simple tasks that you should do on a regular basis.
	Cleaning and lubrication To keep your vise in top condition, always keep all threaded and moving parts clean by wiping the vise with a cloth after each use. This will clear the vise of sand, dirt and debris.
	Be sure to lubricate the joints, threaded parts, and sliding section frequently with oil and grease. This is necessary to ensure smooth opening and closing of the jaws. Use machine oil on the vise as this will help prevent rust.
	To lubricate the sliding part, fully open the clamps and apply a layer of lubricant to the slider. Push in and out the movable jaw a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly over the guide and vise body. This will lubricate the sliding section, allowing the jaws to move freely.
	Rust removal There are many different methods for removing rust if it has developed on your vise. However, the easiest way is to use chemical rust removers.
	Simply apply the chemical to the rust and leave overnight. After the chemical has been left on for the allotted time, scrub the rusted area with a steel wool brush until the rust has come off before washing off the chemical with water.
	After washing, it is important to dry the vise completely to prevent rust from reappearing. You can then use a dry cloth to wipe away any remaining loose rust and your vise should be back in top condition.
	Repainting If the paint on the vise starts to peel off, it can be repainted with a fresh powder coat. Alternatively, for a quick and easy solution, the user can repaint the vise by hand using a rust resistant protective paint.
	Replacing parts Some metalworking vices have jaws that need to be replaced during the life of the vise due to constant wear. Replacement jaws are available for purchase and are easy to install. For information on how to do this, visit our page: "How to Replace the Jaws on a Bench Vise".
Storage
	When the vise is not in use, press the jaws together slightly and set the handle to the vertical position.
	If your vise is outside, cover it with a cloth so it stays dry and doesn't rust.