The ultimate cheapy clamp is just two blocks with a suitable groove in
each. 1/4" pipe is .540" Get two blocks of hardwood or aluminum,
separate them with 1 or 2 sheets of manilla folder paper. Drill a 17/32"
hole down the gap between the two blocks. This should give you a hole a
few thousandths under sized. Insert the pipe and the block in a vice.

wrote:
Hi,
Anyone have a good method to grip metal pipe without marring?
I'm looking for a DIY method, hopefully with basic tools.
It's 1/4" zinc plated pipe and I have another 1/4" pipe with a smooth
finish(i think it's stainless). Both pipes have 1/4" MPTs and I'm
trying to fit some female fittings on the ends.

Also, if there is some special tool(reasonably priced I hope) that
would make thinks much easier, let me know. What do the pros use?

Thanks!

-joe