I've never had to remove a fork tube from the triple tree in order to install new fork seals. If I did, I'd use a padded bench vise to hold it

 

Nice.

 

I have a couple I made , similar to the Kent Moore (Harley) version , I also have the Jim's fork clamp. The Kent Moore tools are hard to get , they are made in batches so when they are gone they are on backorder till another batch is made . Kent Moore also makes tools for several different O.E.M.'s , like GM

 

While having tools is nice...sometimes a seldom used tool is not needed.
It might take an extra hour of labor on a touring bike but it will not require the purchase and storing of an additional tool that rarely gets used.
Remove the tubes and beer cans as usual.
Install new beer cans.
Place tubes back in triple tree but leave them below the top.
Lower/slide the tubes down triple tree.
There is not a significant amount of room required to tap-in the new seals...with bike on a jack the springs will be fully extended.
Slide the tubes down and use old seal under whatever you are using (split PVC fitting?) to tap new seals into the sliders.
Slide tubes up into position.
There is just a little tightening and un-tightening of triple tree in this process.
Make sure bike is strapped down and you probably want the rear wheel on the ground for stability.
A second person to steady the bike while you work for 30 minutes is sometimes appreciated.

 

deleted

 

 

Jeez Dawg....how long did it take you to clean that garage???

 

I’ve never used a vice, just needed an extra set of hands. Good thing my friends like to have a few beers when working on the bikes. Much cheaper than extra tools.

 

 

I'd like to build one of these wooden clamp fork tube holders. What size wooden clamp should I purchase? I see that Harbor Freight offers them in three different sizes, 8", 10" and 12".

https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=handscrew%20wood