How to Replace the Outer Ring on a Wilton Vise

The outer ring is the primary base for your vise. It's made of cast iron and it has holes in it so the vise can be mounted to a work bench (or service truck). There are teeth on the underside of the ring that work with the locking pads to lock the vise in place (so it does not rotate during use). The outer ring can be cracked. This occurs more commonly when it is bolted to a surface that isn't flat. Over time, the teeth on the outer ring can wear out, and this will prevent the vise from being securely locked in place.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE OUTER RING   1. Remove the outer ring.

a. Loosen and remove the two locking handles from the vise.

b. Lift the top half of the vise away from the swivel base assembly.

c. Remove and discard the old outer ring.

INSTALLING THE NEW OUTER RING

  2. Install the outer ring.

a. Invert the top half of the vise (so that the vise jaws are resting on the work surface).

b. Install the new outer ring onto the top half of the vise (the teeth on the outer ring should remain visible).

c. Install the locking pads onto the locking bolts (if they separated during disassembly). The teeth on the locking pads should face away from the heads of the bolts.

d. Insert the bolts (with locking pads) through the mounting holes on the base of the vise (the teeth on the locking pads should engage the teeth on the outer ring).

e. Thread the locking handles onto the bolts.

f. Tighten the locking handles to secure the swivel base assembly to the vise.

g. Return the vise to its upright position.