Description
The BGS vice jaw protector 125 mm is a pair of plastic protective jaws placed over the metal jaws of a vice. The protectors stop the serrated surface of the jaws from pressing into the workpiece, so aluminium, copper, brass, plastic and painted surfaces can be clamped without dents or scratches. The pack contains 2 pcs, a full set for one vice.
They attach with an integrated magnetic strip: place the protector over the jaw and the magnet holds it in place without screws or clamps. The protector comes off with a pull, so you can switch between protected and unprotected clamping without tools. The jaw width of 125 mm matches the most common jaw size of workshop vices.
The protective jaws have a V-profile both horizontally and vertically. The horizontal groove holds a pipe or rod lengthwise, for example when threading or cutting; the vertical groove supports the piece upright when it is worked from the end. The V-groove centres a round piece on two contact lines, so the clamping force is distributed and the piece does not turn in the jaws.
The body of the protector is plastic, which flexes slightly and spreads the clamping pressure over a larger area than a steel jaw. The set weighs 96 g in total. The plastic withstands the oils and detergents found in workshops, but it does not withstand a hot workpiece or welding sparks.
Intended use and suitability:
Fit the protective jaws in the vice whenever the surface of the piece matters for the result of the work or the material is softer than the metal jaw.
- Soft metals: clamping aluminium, copper and brass parts for sawing, filing and drilling without dents from the jaws.
- Pipe and rod work: the V-groove holds a pipe, shaft or threaded rod in place for threading, cutting and deburring.
- Finished surfaces: polished, painted, chromed and anodised parts where a scratch would show.
- Precision mechanics and electronics: holding small housings, brackets and circuit board frames in repair and assembly work.
- Wood and plastic parts: mouldings, profiles and plastic pipes, which a steel jaw marks even with light tightening.
Package contents:
- 2 pcs plastic vice jaw protectors, width 125 mm, magnetic strip and V-profile
Features:
- Magnetic fixing: the integrated magnetic strip holds the protector on the jaw; fitting and removal without tools.
- Two-way V-profile: the horizontal and vertical grooves centre a round piece and stop it turning under clamping.
- Plastic body: flexes slightly and spreads the clamping pressure over a larger area than a serrated steel jaw.
- 125 mm jaw width: matches the most common jaw size of workshop vices.
- Pair in the pack: both jaws are protected at once, so the piece is clamped symmetrically.
- Light construction: the pair weighs 96 g in total, so the protectors do not load the jaws or change how the vice handles.
- Chemical resistance: the plastic withstands workshop oils and ordinary detergents.
Technical specifications:
- Jaw width: 125 mm.
- Material: plastic.
- Fixing method: integrated magnetic strip.
- Profile: V-groove horizontally and vertically.
- Quantity: 2 pcs (pair).
BGS vice jaw protector 125 mm instructions for use:
Fitting: 1. Clean metal chips, dust and grease off the vice jaws and the magnetic surfaces of the protectors. 2. Place the protector over the jaw so that the magnetic strip is in contact with the metal and the top edge of the protector is level with the top edge of the jaw. 3. Check that both protectors are at the same height and facing each other; a crooked fit tilts the workpiece.
Clamping: Place the piece between the protectors and tighten the vice only enough to hold the piece in place. Overtightening presses a mark into soft material even through the plastic protector. Place a round piece in the V-groove: in the horizontal groove for lengthwise work, in the vertical groove for end work.
During work: Check that the clamping holds when the piece is subjected to impacts or torque. Do not clamp a hot piece, and do not weld or do grinding that throws sparks while the protectors are fitted.
Removal and maintenance: Pull the protectors off the jaws after use. Wipe the magnetic surfaces and remove any metal chips stuck to them. Store the protectors away from machines that produce chips, so that filings do not build up on the magnets. Check the condition of the plastic surface regularly and replace the protectors when the surface is cracked, worn into grooves or has lost its shape.
Warnings:
- Do not clamp hot pieces: the plastic softens, deforms and loses its grip.
- Do not weld, do grinding that throws sparks or use an open flame while the protectors are in the vice; plastic is a combustible material.
- Do not overtighten. Too much clamping force splits the plastic, and the workpiece comes loose in the middle of the work.
- Clean the magnets regularly: metal chips stuck to them scratch the very surface the protector is meant to protect.
- Use only on 125 mm jaws. A protector that is too narrow or too wide does not sit evenly and the piece slips.
- Do not use the protectors in striking or bending work where the piece is subjected to a large lateral force; the clamping fails more easily than directly in the steel jaws.
- Check for damaged protectors before each use and replace a cracked protector with a new one.
- Keep magnets and loose protectors out of the reach of children and pets; swallowing a magnet is life-threatening.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
Does the BGS vice jaw protector 125 mm fit all vices? The protector fits vices with a jaw width of 125 mm and jaws made of magnetic steel. The magnet does not hold on an aluminium or cast iron jaw.
How are the protectors attached? There is a magnetic strip on the back of the protector. Place the protector over the cleaned jaw and the magnet holds it in place; remove it by pulling.
What is the two-way V-profile for? The horizontal groove holds a pipe or rod lengthwise, for example when threading, and the vertical groove supports the piece upright for end work. The V-groove centres a round piece on two contact lines.
Do the plastic jaw protectors withstand hard clamping? They are intended for normal tightening by hand. Overtightening splits the plastic; for work that needs high clamping forces, use aluminium or fibre jaw protectors.
Can a hot piece be clamped in the protectors? No. The plastic softens and deforms; clamp a hot piece directly in the metal jaws with the protectors removed.
Why do the magnets need cleaning? The magnetic strip collects metal chips and filings. A chip between the protector and the workpiece scratches the surface even if the protector is intact.
Is one pack enough for one vice? Yes. The pack contains two protectors, one for each jaw.
Recycling instructions:
Protectors taken out of use are sorted by material: the plastic body goes to plastic collection or mixed waste according to local instructions, and the removed magnetic strip to metal collection. If the magnet cannot be removed without breaking the protector, the whole protector goes to mixed waste. The cardboard packaging goes to cardboard collection and any blister plastic to plastic collection.
