Custom Pads for a Mechanic’s Vise

Sometimes I want to use my mechanic’s vise for woodworking projects, but the metal jaws can leave marks on delicate wood pieces. So I made custom pads for my mechanic’s vise using blocks of wood. Here’s how to do it:

Mark the size of the vise shaft on the wood blocks, and measure the size of the notch you need to cut so that the blocks will saddle the vise shaft. Mark the area to cut out on the blocks, and use a jigsaw to cut along the marks. If cut properly, the blocks will rest on the vise shaft and you won’t have to hold them in place or purchase covers that will fit on the jaws of your vise. — Rich Knight

For added hold, you can add a bead of hot glue between the jaws and the wood blocks. If you want to remove the pads later on, the hot glue will peel right off.