I have a strange vise. Its been hanging around for a while and I
never delt with it, except to move it twice while waiting to setup a
real shop.

Having offered it up to someone I started taking a closer look and
noticed an oddity. It won't close past 2" open.

Seems like it wants too then it pops back.

I took it apart and looked the threaded rod has a spring over it which
won't allow it (I think the nut may be worn down a bit too, haven't
had a chance to check that).

Pics n info he
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/parker-vise.txt
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/parker-vise1.jpg
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/parker-vise2.jpg
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/parker-vise3.jpg
http://www.metalworking.com/dropbox/parker-vise4.jpg

Any Ideas why the spring might be there?

wrote:

Any Ideas why the spring might be there?

Remove it. Someone wanted to confuse the next owner.

Nick
--
The lowcost-DRO:
http://www.yadro.de

I have a very similar Charles Parker Vise, mine does not have
decorative scallop at the rear, I think mine was made around WWII. It
does not have an internal spring of any sort. I've been using it for
40 years and it still works great. Perhaps the Acme thread was worn,
and this was some sort of makeshift mod, or somebody modified it for
clamping a particular job.