How bad are the new Vice-Grips?

[cgv69]

I know Vice-Grips are not made in the US any more but I have a need\desire to get a set (4", 7" 10") of their Locking Wrenches (shown below). I figure I have a snowballs chance in hell of finding all 3 in either NOS or good used condition easily (and for a reasonable price) so I may be stuck buying the Chinese version?

Before I do I want to know how bad are they? Are they really that much cheaper then the original? Anybody else make a similar but higher quality version?

 

[Fordman7795]

IMO you will have a better chance of finding NOS USA made of those than the other styles

 

[FoMoCoPower]

I was selling at a flea market this past weekend,and I had several pairs of NOS Peterson Vise Grips with me and was asking what I thought was a very fair $12-$15 each. All I got was cursed out because "you can buy new (chineese) ones at sears for $18"

 

[jeffk14]

To answer the title of the thread, I don't think there's that much difference in functionality at all. I've got many pairs of old VG pliers in different configurations. Some are close to 50 years old. I've got a few newer, imported pairs and to tell you the truth, they're still well-made. Time will tell how they hold up though.

 

[woody 73]

I buy the old used ones so I can not speak about the new ones ; but having seen other GJ posters on this subject I seem to remember some members talking about how the teeth seem to become worn down very fast, (almost like they used a poor metal content in the jaw area).

At least that is what I was reading from some of our GJ members so maybe some other people can chime in and tell us more about the chinese made vise grips.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I have both the older ones and a few sets of the newer Asian made ones I bought a few years ago. Most are used daily in fab work or prototyping and I've never had a problem.

They are all Irwin vice grip brand.

I'm pretty particular because I have used ****** ones and really ****** ones (I'm looking at you Harbor Freight) that are useless . Utter junk.

Got a half dozen HF's I've found over teh years and they most they can do is grip a strut shaft to keep a engine hood open. And that's stretching it.

If I needed a new set I wouldn't hesitate to go with the current Vice-Grips. Meanwhile I do scour garage sales and flea markets and grab what I can find.

 

[4x4gearhead]

From what Ive found the latest in Irwin vise grips arent quite as tough as the old US ones that I got from my father, but theyre better than most any of the other imported ones you could get your hands on. I have a bunch of pairs and use them frequently with no real issues, every couple years they need to be warranted due to the teeth stripping off, but this problem could be found with any of them no matter the COO.

 

[Outlawmws]

For the ones you are looking at I doubt the teeth wear that others have complained about will be a rel big issue. Having said that, I'll go to great lengths to avoid buying ChiCom.

Taiwan, Japan, S, Korea, or other semi free countries I have less issues with, but won't buy ChiCom unless there is no other choice.

 

[EvilWelder]

I stopped buying new Visc Grips when Irwin took over.

 

[RedFordTruck]

Keep your eyes open. I scored this set on clearance at HD a few months back for $17! Knife was Chinese, but the pliers were 100% USA... No global component ****!

 

[plumber84]

The new Chinese vise-grips are ****, they are made of soft/cheap steel so the teeth wear quickly and the new finnish is realy nasty and cheapso much so that i consider them disposeable although expensive for throw-aways, as mentioned before NOS vise-grips are excellent and Knipex Germany make some realy nice locking pliers as do grip-on.

 

[beerdog]

I see people confusing the original question which is are newer chineese made 'Vise Grips" as good as US made "vise Grips". One cannot compare HF locking pliers to any generation of "vise grips". The HF and all other chineese cheapos are not in the same league....they ****. I see someone mentioned Peterson so lets refresh everyone on that Peterson Mfg is the original maker of "Vise grips". Through many years of aquisitions the Peterson name has been deleted and they are simply "Irwin Vise grips". I don't think you can ever go wrong buying Peterson branded vise grips. I buy them all the time at the flea market for $3-$7, and yes I too would not bite on any priced at $12....maybe that much for the largest types. Although I would not give a dirty look and would politely say 'not today". They have sold millions of these things so every flea market tool table has a few which drives down the used pricing. I think the real question is if the quality of true 'Vise Grip" branded pliers has degraded since the good old Peterson days. In the absence of real failure testing only time will. What you can be sure of is that any locking pliers with the Peterson name were US made, high quality, and have stood the test of time since it has been a long time since the Peterson name was used. Them being made in China really means nothing (aside from Us loyalty) since the factory is making them to Irwin's specs. If the specs have not changed then you are probably getting just as good of a product. If you need one TODAY then you have no choice but to buy the chinese ones. Otherwise, why not buy older ones at a fraction of the cost at the flea market.

 

[Kaervak]

Take a look at a nearby Sears. I've been able to find 10WR, 7WR, 5WR & 10R that are genuine US made. Might be a **** shoot for you, but can't hurt to look. If you really want, there's a local ACE Hardware by me that has one of those locking wrenches (don't know the size) that's US made. I can buy it for you and ship it to you if you'd like.

 

[pfctblu]

I agree with the others here, I prefer the old ones. The set of the newer Craftsmans have not failed me in yet though in fairness and Ive grown to like the handles on them.

Just recently scored a smaller pair of Taiwan Armstrong 5inch from Cripe (Very low cost and the COO wasnt listed so I took a chance). This past weekend, I found my old long lost 7 and 10 inch Peterson Dewitt's at the bottom of an old tool box, man was I happy to find them again! Its just a shame they dont make them any more in Nebraska.

 

[Jcc76]

Here's some places I've had luck finding U.S. made vice-grips:

1) Any independent hardware store (absolute gold mine, these places)

2) Any True Value hardware

3) Any Ace Hardware

And I know this sounds crazy, but I've had incredible luck at several local Pep Boys stores. Maybe they just don't move stock quickly, but it's a place where you'd never think you'd find vintage tools.

Some tips though. Obviously, if the vice-grip is in an actual box, it's a Petersen vice grip from the 1990's or earlier. If it's in a plastic clamshell, this is not a bad thing, even if it says Irwin on the packaging. After all, Petersen bought Irwin Tools, so it's still the same vice-grips, they're just using the Irwin name to sell them.

Where the problem begins is in 2003. That was when Newell-Rubbermaid bought Petersen (and Irwin). Now, the early Newell-Rubbermaid grips are still the same ones that came before, but you have to look at the date on the back of the packaging and the "Made in" seal on the front. From what I've observed:

1) 2003-2005 - Front of package says "Made in USA". Grips themselves are also stamped "Made in USA" and have smooth surface on bottom of the lock pin.

2) 2005-2007 - Front of package says "Made in USA with Global Components". Grips may or may not be stamped "Made in USA" and there may or may not be a hex key hole on the bottom of the lock pin. My rule of thumb here is that the grips were assembled in the USA, but if the grip isn't stamped "USA" and if it has the hex key hole, then the parts were Chinese but put together in America.

3) 2008-2012 - Front of package says nothing. No stamp on tool, hex key hole on bottom of lock pin. These are Made in China and are what is currently for sale at Sears, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Lowes.


All this being said, there is a hardware store near me in Southern California which has an entire rack of Petersen vice-grips from the 1990's (in almost every combination you can think of) and even a brand new Made in England Record Vise. If anyone is interested in these things, I may be able to make a run and get them for you...

 

[Notwerk]

I have some of both. I haven't noticed a huge difference, but it don't use them that much.

Side note - if you want some awesome locking pliers check out Grip-On. They're made in Spain. They're the oem for Snap-on, Proto and probably others.

The only catch is that I don't think Grip-On doesn't make the particular style of pliers the OP is looking for, so he may not have a choice but to hunt for used or go for new imports. For other types of locking pliers, Grip-On is the way to go if buying new.

Used, USA Vice Grips and USA Crescent locking pliers were nice. I haven't had much luck finding the USA Crescents in many places, but I did pick up a 5" from Epstein's (it seems they're now out of stock on those) and it's easily one of the best I've ever held – at least as good as Grip-On and probably better. I'd guess that pair must date to the early '90s at latest. Real shame what they did to Crescent...

 

[RedFordTruck]

http://www.cripedistributing.com/pliers-48/irwin-vise-grip-6lc-large-jaw-locking-plier.html

These are USA according to cripe

 

[bobcatdan]

While I perfer the USA made ones, I got some chicom ones and didn't even know it. I had them several years before I found out vise grips where imported. The newer imports there is a noticalbe differnce in finish where as the older imports look the same as the later USA mades. As far as I'm concern, they seem to work fine, but I do mourn the lost of Peterson Manufactoring.

 

[Squankum]

Try Harry J. Epstein, you never know what old inventory they have or have just acquired.

 

[cgv69]

Thanks for all the info guys. I'll look around at some of the smaller HW stores in the area and may even make a run to the local flea market. Usually I have crappy luck find stuff like this but who knows?

Kaervak - Thank you for the kind offer if I come up empty I might just take you up on it!

 

[Exceller8]

I'm glad I read this thread. I went out today looking for American made tools and I bought a couple that were nos. I even found the Awesome Vice-Grip/Schrade combo tool that had about an inch of dust on the package.

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

If anyone wants to give the new ones a shot (or look for old inventory at their local ACE), supposedly the 7WR and 7R will be $5 over labor day. I'll be looking!

Source:
http://slickdeals.net/f/5119224-5-T...rchase-at-Ace-Hardware-B-M-Aug-31-Sept-2-2012

 

[Exceller8]

If anyone wants to give the new ones a shot (or look for old inventory at their local ACE), supposedly the 7WR and 7R will be $5 over labor day. I'll be looking!

Source:
http://slickdeals.net/f/5119224-5-T...rchase-at-Ace-Hardware-B-M-Aug-31-Sept-2-2012

I was at ACE today and they were indeed $5. I still passed though...

 

[monster1]

Are the new vise grips stamped with the COO?

 

[thesilverone]

^ no they aren't

 

[dirtrider]

I prefer the older USA made vise grips over anything else, I have found a few at my local Ace and True Value. But just yesterday I stumbled into a local large Independent hardware store and they were nearly fully stocked with NOS Irwin USA vise grips I almost couldn't believe it . They are out there you just have to look a little.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i bought a pair of the new ones because they were cheap
they arent bad at all; they might wear faster, but vice grips are a wear item anyway

 

[wafrederick]

Says on the packaging,Made in China.

 

[RCStocker]

I have been picking them up for years. I have every style made. I used the ones with pads for cabinet instaling for years.
I have used all the cheap brands and they bend, spring and go bad. They are all pure junk.
I have a few newer ones and they seem to hold up well. I don't want to own or see a copy. I think the older ones have better steel but then we would need to send them to a lab to be tested.

 

[jon12345]

I have been picking them up for years. I have every style made. I used the ones with pads for cabinet instaling for years.
I have used all the cheap brands and they bend, spring and go bad. They are all pure junk.
I have a few newer ones and they seem to hold up well. I don't want to own or see a copy. I think the older ones have better steel but then we would need to send them to a lab to be tested.

Great thread goin on here. Everyone needs vise grips. This one I have used for a long time. Seymour & Smith, USofA. It was my father's vise grip and I was "helping" him fix a corroded up pool pump motor. I kept slipping with the grips, so I cranked it down to where the tip broke off; went pretty high in the air because it took a while to come down. I learned to wear goggles after this event. Short of it. I had the grip welded back to return to my father, who said; "Nah, you keep it". I felt pretty bad busting a good tool that he'd had for decades. I like the handle fit and the spring and tongue guide do not escape the track, making for a long hunt. I am cautious now, too, around C-clamps. Only broke one, but it was not pleasant. Might want to place a towel around the point of attack as a safety. At least this ol fella did not become shattered pieces when it went. I have another vise grip that is composed of laminated steel pieces. Had to work to get it cleaned up, but it was pretty cool. I needed one to have for the yard work, so it might be roosting on a fence rail, but I will try to put it up. I like the USA grippers; they're generally; "jon proof", to quote my father. The name of the company is Seymour Smith & Son, (model 2610); not "Seymour & Smith". Sorry.

 

[zer0cell]

If it were me, I'd go for NOS USA Vice Grips or the Spanish brand mentioned earlier. If you need a cheap POS brand, I'd go for the Kobalt brand when its on sale.

 

[jeffmoss26]

jon, those look pretty interesting. Never heard of that brand!

 

[woody 73]

Maybe I am missing the big picture and I need someone to explain it in a different way; but just exactly what is the problem or problems with the chinese vise grips?

If someone said Woody they are made out of "POT METAL" and they will fall apart asap then I can buy that story.

If someone said woody the teeth will fail after the first couple of uses then I can buy that story.

Woody the rivets will fail if you add any pressue.
The springs will fail in a few weeks.
They will rust if you sneeze on them.
They will not clamp objects with much holding power.

Could someone nail it down for me just what is wrong with the chinese vise grips other then being made overseas?

 

[thesilverone]

Over 300 people lost their jobs. That's 1 thing that's wrong with them.

 

[woody 73]

Yes I get your point about the 300 people and their job loss, I was thinking about that very topic when I wrote the questions and I feel very bad about that point.

I could say some more on that very topic but it would get me banned in less time then it takes to walk the dog or take out the garbage.

What I am after is that so many of the guys hate them but nobody really gives a detailed explanation other then to say they are made in china junk; So I am led to believe that they must be all junk is that the case?

 

[buco]

Yes I get your point about the 300 people and their job loss, I was thinking about that very topic when I wrote the questions and I feel very bad about that point.

I could say some more on that very topic but it would get me banned in less time then it takes to walk the dog or take out the garbage.

What I am after is that so many of the guys hate them but nobody really gives a detailed explanation other then to say they are made in china junk; So I am led to believe that they must be all junk is that the case?

The Chinese ones are made with an inferior steel, and you can feel it when you hold them. It feels like a sort of tin. If you hold one set and then then the other you'll notice.

For me I'm done with them. Stahlwille makes a version and i will be buying those, Stahlwille pays their workers well and makes a quality product. I could find a bunch of US made one and I won't buy them.

Consumers need to make a stand.

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

Found a 7LW today in the old black and yellow packaging. Didn't see much else that was made in the USA though. Harry Epstein seems like the way to go.

 

[AutoTek]

The China vise grips work just as good as the USA ones do. I'd still rather buy USA made ones though........

 

[jon12345]

I agree with the others here, I prefer the old ones. The set of the newer Craftsmans have not failed me in yet though in fairness and Ive grown to like the handles on them.

Just recently scored a smaller pair of Taiwan Armstrong 5inch from Cripe (Very low cost and the COO wasnt listed so I took a chance). This past weekend, I found my old long lost 7 and 10 inch Peterson Dewitt's at the bottom of an old tool box, man was I happy to find them again! Its just a shame they dont make them any more in Nebraska.

For my money (2 cents worth), the older USofA grips have a lot of tolerance for abuse. Take for example, the "vise grip" pictured; yes, I am responsible for the pounding evidenced by the dings on the jaws; it's been in a boat box for upteen and works like a champ. I would have to change my ways if I bought any "new" grips. The thing stays adjusted for 4 or 5 grips, too, and as a bonus feature, they really clamp solid. In today's market for new stuff, the price is a good predictor of quality.
The older tools were built with input from the folks having to use them; that's a big deal, IMHO. The Craftsman here is my fav for assembly work, as it reaches in corners, stays adjusted and has a good balance to it. Would buy another one if I find it.

 

[plumber84]

The Chinese ones are made with an inferior steel, and you can feel it when you hold them. It feels like a sort of tin. If you hold one set and then then the other you'll notice.

For me I'm done with them. Stahlwille makes a version and i will be buying those, Stahlwille pays their workers well and makes a quality product. I could find a bunch of US made one and I won't buy them.

Consumers need to make a stand.

I think you nailed it right there, given the fact that Channellock brought handle production back to the US, and the recent Snap-on ratchet announcement hopefully consumers are making more of a stand and being heard.