Mike, The leather has a bit of a spring to it when molded, slips right on & off, holds perfectly in place when in use, each set lasts for several years with daily use. Will interchange front to back but I mark mine to go back on the same jaw.
Check Brownells for perfect size leather.
BTW I used Wilton vises in GS school but a cheap Craftsman (USA) for the first 10 years of my career. Buying a brand-new Wilton was a milestone, both in accomplishment and in the ease of daily use of a professional vise. When I set-up a bench for a helper I bought another new Wilton. Outfitting two more benches for students I found used Wilton Cadets on eBay. One is torn apart waiting with a spray can of hammered blue for the weather to warm up.
