I've got a small job on where I have to clamp a steel circular shaft in a vice (shaft is approx 2 inches long, 0.75 inches diameter), it's got to be held tight but without damaging the smooth surface of the shaft. Reading from the manual it says I should use jaw protectors on the vice but it didn't say what material. I've tried wood but the shaft just slips. Any pointers? The vice jaws are 5 inch long.
novice: jaw protectors for vice
Dec 29, 2006
7 Replies
Try extruded aluminium angle from the hardware shop. Or brass.
(shaft is approx 2 inches long, 0.75 inches
of the shaft. Reading from the manual it says I should
wood but the shaft just slips. Any pointers? The vice
(shaft is approx 2 inches long, 0.75 inches
of the shaft. Reading from the manual it says I should
wood but the shaft just slips. Any pointers? The vice
Jaw protectors for machinist's vises are typically brass. No reason why wood won't work, though. If it slips, try harder wood.
Gunsmiths sometimes use leather faces for gripping barrels, and rosin to give them more grip.
John Martin
I like to use strips of leather for jaw protectors on delicate work that needs a lot of clamping force.
(shaft is approx 2 inches long, 0.75 inches
of the shaft. Reading from the manual it says I should
wood but the shaft just slips. Any pointers? The vice
Sheet lead.
Most jaw protectors that I have used were made from sheet copper. Lacking copper at one time, I made some from brass.
Steve R.
I just use paper towels.
iJoin the Discussion
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Didn't find your answer?
Ask the community — no account required