Rubber Vice Grip "Shoe" Protector to Avoid Damage?

[oldschoolcraft]

I've seen this somewhere a while back but wasn't able to source one. Like a thick rubber condom for hand held vice grips to avoid marring surfaces. Anyone know where to get some? Or have alternative ideas to avoid marring?

 

[DFB]

Pli boots!

 

[el monte slim]

An appropriately sized vinyl end cap or grip might work in a pinch:

https://www.mocap.com/mocap-plastic-caps.html
https://www.mocap.com/mocap-grips.html

 

[DFB]

Actually I have no idea where I got those I originally posted (I have two packages of 2 sets ea.) and an internet search turns up nothing on the name.

But Knipex does sell protective jaw covers for pliers

 

[LNKMK8]

The latest advertisements for those I could find was from 1993.. not sure they are around still as I couldn't find any additional information, nor could I locate any old stock for sale. Wonder if there is a current maker.. perhaps FACOM or Bessy offers something like this for their clamps and locking pliers?

Sears used to sell protective covers for the Robo-Grip pliers.. that may be a good starting point as well.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/193308666013

https://www.ebay.com/itm/264433797986

 

[jimmyin3D]

Use vacuum hoses or the like and cut to length super easy

 

[Marctrees]

Or fuel hose, or electrical tape in a pinch.

Marc

 

[Parrothead]

Or fuel hose, or electrical tape in a pinch.

Marc

I use electrical tape most often on standard vise grips. On my Vise Grip sheet metal clamps I use two layers of Gorilla tape.

 

[Ray-CA]

Have you tried multiple layers of Plasti-Dip?

Ray

 

[toplessHO]

Or fuel hose, or electrical tape in a pinch.

Marc

2nd that
use that for fuel line crimps
slip 2 pieces of fuel line over the needle nose vise grips to cut off fuel without damaging or disconnecting.

 

[1982fxr]

I think hf has a kit of soft jaws...

 

[DFB]

Inner Tubes!

 

[Coach James]

I've used electrical tape as well as medical tape.

Coach

 

[bherren]

I remember seeing some chanelock or maybe craftsman brand on Epstein's site a year or so ago. I had a need for this recently and used heat shrink on my knipex. It worked ok for single use very light turning. (the metal ridges started breaking through). I like the fuel tubing idea. I will give that a try next time.

 

[DC73]

I have an assortment of bar clamps. The pads on most come off easily and can be used with Vice Grips.

Clamps like this one:

DC

 

[fatfillup]

If you may have that need often, I would consider grinding the teeth off the jaws on one pair as that would make the "condom" last longer

 

[Farmall450]

Or fuel hose, or electrical tape in a pinch.

Marc

This, imo

 

[Parrothead]

If you may have that need often, I would consider grinding the teeth off the jaws on one pair as that would make the "condom" last longer

Ya know...That’s a good idea! Why I never thought of that...

 

[pi_guy]

They make various soft jaw pliers, very good for brass fitting and many other applications.