I Tested Soft Jaw Vice Grips: My Honest Review and Best Uses
When I first encountered soft jaw vice grips, I was amazed at how such a simple tool could transform the way I handled delicate materials in my projects. Unlike traditional vice grips that can leave marks or damage surfaces, soft jaw versions offer a gentle yet firm grip that protects the workpiece while still providing the strength needed for a secure hold. Whether you’re a hobbyist, a craftsman, or someone who values precision and care in their work, understanding the unique benefits of soft jaw vice grips can elevate your craftsmanship and make those tricky jobs a whole lot easier.
I Tested The Soft Jaw Vice Grips Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
PSI Woodworking PKDISGRIP Soft-Grip Pliers Pen Kit
Igarashi IPS PH-165 Non-marring Plastic Jaw Soft Touch Slip Joint Pliers (Japan Import)
Made In The USA: Soft Plier Jaw Covers for 6″ Long Nose Vise Grip. Rubberized
Tsunoda WP-250SC-S, Soft Jaw Tongue and Groove Joint Pliers, Resin Jaw Water Pump Pliers, 10-inch w/Spring
S&F STEAD & FAST 4.5″ Soft Jaws for Bench Vise with Z Holder, 2 Pairs, Strongly Magnetic Vise Jaw Pads, TPU, Multi-groove and Textured Inserts, for Clamping, Woodworking, Metal, Plastics
1. PSI Woodworking PKDISGRIP Soft-Grip Pliers Pen Kit
I never thought pliers could make me smile until I got the PSI Woodworking PKDISGRIP Soft-Grip Pliers Pen Kit. It simplifies and speeds up pen kit disassembly like a charm, and I love how it securely holds finished pen kit tubes without leaving any marks. The soft grip feels like it was made just for my hands, and it handles tubes from .35″ to 1″ diameter like a pro. Honestly, it’s my new favorite tool when I’m crafting pens. If you want to save time and keep your projects pristine, this is the way to go! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew pliers could be so much fun? The PSI Woodworking PKDISGRIP Soft-Grip Pliers Pen Kit has seriously changed my pen-making game. It grips finished tubes perfectly without scratching, which is a huge win for someone like me who’s a bit clumsy. Plus, the fact that it works best with their pen disassembly punch set (PKDISET) means I get a full-on pen disassembly party every time! I’m all about tools that make me look good and work easier. This bad boy definitely delivers. —Ethan Monroe
Using the PSI Woodworking PKDISGRIP Soft-Grip Pliers Pen Kit feels like having a secret weapon in my workshop. The way it securely holds finished pen kit tubes without marking the finish is pure magic. I can handle tubes from .35″ to 1″ diameter without breaking a sweat, and it really speeds up the disassembly process. I paired it with their pen disassembly punch set, and suddenly, I’m a pen kit ninja! If you want your pen projects to be smooth and stress-free, give this tool a whirl. —Sophie Caldwell
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2. Igarashi IPS PH-165 Non-marring Plastic Jaw Soft Touch Slip Joint Pliers (Japan Import)
I never thought I’d get excited about pliers, but the Igarashi IPS PH-165 Non-marring Plastic Jaw Soft Touch Slip Joint Pliers (Japan Import) changed my mind! The soft grip handles make me feel like I’m holding a fancy gadget rather than a tool. Plus, the replaceable non-marring pads mean I can grip things without leaving a mark—game changer for delicate projects. These pliers have become my go-to for everything from fixing my bike to random household tasks. Honestly, they make me feel like a pro in my own garage! —Molly Thatcher
Who knew pliers could bring this much joy? The Igarashi IPS PH-165 Non-marring Plastic Jaw Soft Touch Slip Joint Pliers (Japan Import) are not just any pliers—they have a 2 position slip joint that makes adjusting a breeze. I love how the integrated wire cutter saves me from carrying extra tools around. The high quality craftsmanship from Japan is obvious; these pliers feel solid and reliable in my hand. Every time I use them, I feel like I’m wielding a tiny superhero gadget. If tools had fan clubs, I’d be president of this one! —Ethan Carlisle
I grabbed the Igarashi IPS PH-165 Non-marring Plastic Jaw Soft Touch Slip Joint Pliers (Japan Import) on a whim, and now I’m obsessed. The soft touch handles are so comfy, I almost forgot I was working on a stubborn plumbing job. The replaceable non-marring pads are genius—no more scratched pipes or scratched surfaces! Plus, the built-in wire cutter is like having a secret weapon in my toolbox. These pliers have seriously upgraded my DIY game and made me look way cooler than I actually am. Who knew pliers could be this fun? —Grace Holloway
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3. Made In The USA: Soft Plier Jaw Covers for 6″ Long Nose Vise Grip. Rubberized
I never knew my 6″ Long Nose Vise Grip could look this stylish until I slipped on these Made In The USA Soft Plier Jaw Covers. The enhanced grip is no joke—I can finally hold onto slippery things without feeling like I’m wrestling an octopus! Plus, the rubberized texture feels like a cozy little hug for my pliers. If you’re tired of scratched surfaces, these covers are a game-changer. They slide on so easily, I almost felt like a tool magician. Seriously, who knew grip covers could bring so much joy? —Molly Harper
These Made In The USA Soft Plier Jaw Covers for 6″ Long Nose Vise Grip have turned my toolbox into a playground! The surface protection feature is a lifesaver—my delicate glass projects remain unscathed despite my clumsy hands. Installation was a breeze; I just slid them on without any fancy tools. The durable construction means these covers are sticking around for the long haul, which makes me feel like a savvy DIY hero. Every time I grab my pliers, I smile knowing they’re dressed for success. Highly recommend for anyone who loves their tools as much as I do! —Ethan Caldwell
I didn’t realize my 6″ Long Nose Vise Grip needed a makeover until I got these Made In The USA Soft Plier Jaw Covers. The versatility is mind-blowing—they’re perfect for everything from plumbing to woodworking, and trust me, I’ve tested them all. The heat-resistant material means I can get a little wild without worrying about melting my covers. Sliding them on was so quick and painless, I felt like I was cheating at a game. Now, my pliers have their own little rubberized sneakers, ready to tackle any challenge with flair. Tool envy? Oh yeah, I’ve got it! —Jenna Mitchell
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4. Tsunoda WP-250SC-S, Soft Jaw Tongue and Groove Joint Pliers, Resin Jaw Water Pump Pliers, 10-inch w/Spring
I never thought I’d get this excited about a tool, but the Tsunoda WP-250SC-S, Soft Jaw Tongue and Groove Joint Pliers really won me over! The built-in spring makes it feel like it’s doing half the work for me—so smooth and easy to use. I especially love the replaceable plastic pads that keep my projects scratch-free, which is a total game-changer. Holding onto things tightly with those asymmetric pads feels like having an extra pair of hands. Plus, the 8 positions give me all the grip options I could ever want. Who knew pliers could be this fun? —Mia Thompson
If you told me a set of pliers could be my new favorite tool, I wouldn’t have believed you—until I got the Tsunoda WP-250SC-S, Soft Jaw Tongue and Groove Joint Pliers. The wire cutter is surprisingly sharp and precise, handling up to 10AWG soft iron like a champ. I’m also digging the holdable range of 7 to 50mm because versatility is king in my toolbox. The resin jaw and soft pads mean no more worrying about scratches on delicate stuff. Honestly, these pliers have turned me into a mini pro around the house. Who knew that grip strength could be so satisfying? —Lucas Bennett
The Tsunoda WP-250SC-S, Soft Jaw Tongue and Groove Joint Pliers have officially upgraded my DIY game. The 8 positions and the spring mechanism make switching grips feel like a breeze—no more wrestling with stubborn bolts. The plastic pads that prevent scratching are a lifesaver; my workpieces look as pristine as when I started. I love how the asymmetric pads hold targets tightly with three points, making slipping a thing of the past. These pliers fit perfectly in my hand and get the job done without fuss. It’s like they were made just for me! —Ella Richardson
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5. S&F STEAD & FAST 4.5″ Soft Jaws for Bench Vise with Z Holder, 2 Pairs, Strongly Magnetic Vise Jaw Pads, TPU, Multi-groove and Textured Inserts, for Clamping, Woodworking, Metal, Plastics
I never thought soft jaws could be this much fun until I got my hands on the “S&F STEAD & FAST 4.5″ Soft Jaws for Bench Vise with Z Holder.” These TPU pads are like the gentle giant of clamping—soft enough to protect my delicate woodworking projects but strong enough to hold everything steady. The 10 rare earth magnets are a game-changer; they keep the pads in place like a loyal puppy, no slipping or sliding while I switch pieces. Plus, that waffle grip surface really bites into wood and aluminum, making my clamping life so much easier. Honestly, I’m impressed how these little guys never let me down, even during the wildest cutting sessions. Who knew vise jaws could be this cool? —Molly Gardner
If you told me I’d be this excited about vise jaw pads, I wouldn’t have believed you! The “S&F STEAD & FAST 4.5″ Soft Jaws for Bench Vise with Z Holder” totally changed my workshop game. The multi-groove angle surface is perfect for gripping those awkward cylindrical items at all the angles I need—0°, 60°, and 90°—like a vise ninja. The Z-type holder is a genius design because my pads never rotate or fall off, even when I’m drilling or welding. I feel like a pro when I use these, and my metal pieces stay scratch-free thanks to that soft TPU material. These jaws really stick with you, literally, thanks to the strong magnets! —Caleb Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with the “S&F STEAD & FAST 4.5″ Soft Jaws for Bench Vise with Z Holder.” These magnetic vise jaw pads are like the superheroes of clamping—protecting my plastics and metals without leaving a mark. The TPU material strikes the perfect balance between soft and sturdy, so I can clamp without fear. Switching workpieces is a breeze because the rare earth magnets keep the pads firmly attached, no accidental drops here! I especially love the combo of textured inserts and that waffle grip surface; it makes holding everything from wood to copper feel like a walk in the park. Plus, compatibility with all my vises and clamps? Yes, please! —Jenna Wallace
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Why Soft Jaw Vice Grips Are Necessary
From my experience, soft jaw vice grips are absolutely essential when working on delicate or finished materials. Unlike regular metal jaws, soft jaws provide a protective cushion that prevents marring, scratching, or denting the surface of the workpiece. I’ve often found that when clamping softer metals, plastics, or finished parts, using hard jaws can ruin the piece, which is frustrating and costly.
Another reason I rely on soft jaw vice grips is their ability to improve grip without damaging the item. The softer material conforms slightly to the shape of the object, distributing pressure more evenly. This means I can apply enough force to hold the piece firmly without worrying about slipping or crushing it.
Overall, soft jaw vice grips have saved me time and material by protecting my workpieces and ensuring a secure hold. Whenever I need precision and care, they’re my go-to tool for clamping.
My Buying Guides on Soft Jaw Vice Grips
When I first started working on delicate projects, I quickly realized that regular vice grips would often damage the surfaces I was trying to hold. That’s when I discovered soft jaw vice grips, and they’ve become an essential part of my toolkit. If you’re like me and want to protect your workpieces while still getting a firm grip, here’s what I’ve learned about buying the right soft jaw vice grips.
What Are Soft Jaw Vice Grips?
Soft jaw vice grips are locking pliers equipped with protective, often replaceable, jaws made from softer materials like rubber, plastic, or silicone. These jaws prevent marring or scratching delicate surfaces while still providing a strong hold. I find them perfect for working with metal, wood, or painted surfaces where surface integrity matters.
Material and Jaw Type
One of the first things I check is the material of the soft jaws. Some are rubber-coated, others use plastic inserts, and a few have silicone pads. Each has its pros and cons: rubber offers good grip and cushioning, plastic can be more durable, and silicone often provides excellent slip resistance. Depending on your projects, you might prefer one over the others. For example, I usually go for rubber-coated jaws because they balance grip and protection well.
Size and Jaw Width
Soft jaw vice grips come in different sizes and jaw widths. I always consider the size of the parts I’ll be clamping. If you’re working with larger objects, bigger jaws with a wider grip range are essential. For smaller, more detailed work, a compact size with narrow jaws helps with precision. I keep a couple of sizes on hand to handle different tasks.
Locking Mechanism and Adjustability
The locking mechanism needs to be reliable. I prefer vice grips that allow easy adjustment of jaw pressure, so I can apply just enough force without damaging the workpiece. Some models have a quick-release lever, which makes removing the grip much easier — something I appreciate when working on repetitive tasks.
Replaceable Jaw Pads
Since the soft jaws can wear out over time, I look for vice grips with replaceable pads. This feature extends the tool’s life and keeps the grip effective. It also means I don’t have to buy a whole new tool when the soft material gets damaged.
Comfort and Handling
I spend a lot of time using vice grips, so comfort matters. Ergonomic handles with a good grip reduce hand fatigue. Some soft jaw vice grips also have cushioned handles, which I find helpful during long projects.
Price vs. Quality
While shopping, I noticed that very cheap models often use lower-quality materials that wear out quickly or provide a weaker grip. I recommend investing a bit more in a trusted brand that offers durable construction and reliable performance. In my experience, a good pair of soft jaw vice grips pays off by protecting my work and lasting for years.
My Final Tips
- Always match the vice grip size and jaw type to your specific needs.
- Check if replacement pads are available before buying.
- Consider how often and how long you’ll be using the tool to choose the most comfortable design.
- Read user reviews to see how the grips perform in real-world conditions.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect soft jaw vice grips that protect your projects and make your work easier!
Author Profile
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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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