- 1). Mount a small bench vice onto a sturdy bench. Open the vice jaws and place the stationary handle of the vice grips between two blocks of wood while closing the bench vice jaws on the wooden blocks, securing the vice grips in place. Make sure that the adjustment screw on the vice grips extends below the wooden blocks so that easy adjustments can be made.
- 2). Place a hook into the vice grips, adjusting the gap so that the hook is held securely at the bend without crushing it. Sit down in front of the vice and open the bench-vice jaws slightly to allow adjustment of the vice grips. Adjust the angle and height of the vice grips so that the hook shank is parallel to the floor and at elbow height. This angle and height will reduce fatigue while tying flies.
- 3). Attach the fur, hair or synthetic materials to the securely held hook and when finished, open the vice grips to release the hook. Inspect the hook for any damage that may indicate that the vice grips where too tight. If damage to the hook is visible, adjust the gap on the vice grips.
- 4). Remove the vice grips and wooden blocks when finished. Inspect the wooden blocks for damage and replace as needed.
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