Vice rear 'plate'

[JohnPW]

I've noticed some vices don't have the 'plate' piece that joins the rear far ends of the screw and sliding bars.

Eg, some random pics I found on the web:

Also, the smaller vices don't seem seem to have them. On a bigger vice, if it's not there, is it missing?

Does it make any difference?

 

[RogerP]

On your first photo the rear spreader is simply missing - it should be there, you can see the bars are reduced at the ends to accommodate it.

 

[bugbear]

A common function for the plate is to provide a point for a split pin on
the end of the screw to push against; the plate (in turn) pushes
on the ends of the bars, and pushes the jaws open. It also
keeps the bars parallel.

In some vises (esp smaller ones as you say), the opening of the jaws is done
by a split pin through the screw pushing on the rear of
the front jaw, so no plate is required.

BugBear

 

[JohnPW]

Thanks.

If it's missing, does the vice still work?

 

[bugbear]

Thanks.

If it's missing, does the vice still work?

It won't open under the motion of the screw.

BugBear