Does anyone have a method of securely clamping their 15/22 barrel that doesn't end up leaving marks on the barrel?

I'm using a pair of the commercially available alloy vice grips specifically for the 15/22 along with the correct barrel nut removal tool, but no matter how tight I go with the vice, the barrel still spins in the grips & it's leaving some ugly marks.

Note that this is the first time this barrel has been removed for a deep clean and I've not had a problem with stripping down other examples so this one is starting to p**s me off.

Many thanks

Iain

Barrel Vise Jaws and Barrel Nut Wrench (Pro) Combo for the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22

tacticool22

Those are the ones I'm using Sixgun

Many of those standard jaws can slip. Especially the slick aluminum ones. You can enhance them with leather wrapped around the barrel, rubber, a dampened wash cloth, etc. Old inner tube, split garden hose, all that kind of stuff. The marring can be removed with about and chemical used to clean the barrel.

I've used leather to clamp parts in my vise, also I have a set of magnetic soft vise jaw inserts. I'll post a link to amazon for the one I have they work good. Ok scratch the link from amazon its a mile long. Do a search for soft vise jaws you'll find them, they have different grooves for holding things.

I've used a dusting of powdered rosin on my barrel clamps, but mine are steel, and not for the 15/22, if that makes a difference.

Normally 90% of the Amazon url can be removed.

Many thanks for the responses guys I've got a couple of small leather offcuts on the way, so hopefully it'll do the trick.

BTW, just to eliminate the obvious, the factory doesn't use any form of thread locker do they?

Iain

if you use sheet copper on vice jaws, on flat surfaces, Hopys # 9 solvent will remove the scratches. rosin on your barrlel wrench.

I utilize pieces of a old Bianchi gun belt from the early 70s for my pads. The leather is thick and you can put a lot of pressure using the vice handle.

FWIW the belt was old and in real bad condition so it now serves a purpose again rather than going to a landfill!

__________________
14 S&W Revs none with locks!

They do not use any thread locker however if you have a lot of round fired the carbon and lead buildup in the muzzle device can act like epoxy. Good soaking with your favorite solvent will help break it loose.