[Closed] How do I clamp my shaft firmly?

I use a set of pipe mole grips with a thick rubber pipe over the shaft

Is the shaft a regular size? Could you make a clamp by drilling a hole in some wood, then cutting it in half and sanding smooth?

Drill hole in wood same size as (or more likely slightly larger than) diameter of shaft. Cut wood in half so hole in each becomes a semi-circle (maybe use a thin saw). Place each piece either side of shaft and clamp in vice. Might want to use old inner tube to protect shaft from wood.

Shaft... Wood... *s****s*

Are there any cheaper alternatives/bodges?

Why yes, there is! I have some experience here.

What you need is a block of nice hard wood (stop it) and a drill bit the same size as your shaft (I said stop it!). Drill a hole in the block, then saw it in half. You then have your shaft clamp.

The slight softness of the wood will help it deform to the shaft. The thin bit of material that you remove when you saw it will provide enough space to allow it to give and apply enough force.

I've done this plenty of times for my own forks with bits of oak flooring, it works a treat. I've also managed with too big of a drill bit and used old inner tube to pad it, still worked.

EDIT what they said ^^^

I use a set of pipe mole grips with a thick rubber pipe over the shaft

I've never managed to get that to work without the rubber splitting and the grips gouging the shaft.

The golf clamps work for RS shafts, if it’s the same diameter should be fine

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F322216431052

Thanks all. I feel like my shaft is in safe hands now.

Depending on how tight it is, a strap wrench might be enough.

I’ve never managed to get that to work without the rubber splitting and the grips gouging the shaft.

Your not using a thick enough rubber. I use coolant hose cut to size thick nylon reinforced stuff