Mike,

Sure sounds like they changed the installation instructions - significantly.
I think your review is longer than the instructions. When I installed mine,
it was right about the same time they switched to the new style chain cover
plate and although I had all the parts, mine had the old instruction set.
The problem was quickly resolved by Lee Valley and the rest of the
installation was straight forward.

As I read your trials and tribulations I kept wondering why I don't remember
any of those instructions - like putting paper in the holes or filing down
pins and there were instructions for aligning the handles. As for the
hardware furnished, it was all top-grade that I could see and didn't have
any problems like you. Could be they changed or were you having a bad hair
day....;-)

As for breaking off a screw in hardwood - if you didn't use the correct size
drill for the pilot hole, you can snap a screw in an instant. Just finished
refurbing about 40 hard maple door fronts and broke more than one screw
before I realized the drill bit I was using was one size smaller than it
should have been.

Call Lee Valley and let them know exactly what you feel the problems were.
Ask for someone that knows about the vise and most likely you'll get a
person that has installed them several times. I'm sure Robin Lee would be
grateful for any suggestions or comments that will make the installation
easier and/or clarify the instructions.

I've had my twin-screw vise for about 2 years now and its just one of those
tools that you never regret buying.

Bob S.