American Made Vise Grips - DeWitt Plant Reopens

[Farmall450]

Yea well I don't appreciate being treated like im a ***** after the years of Grip-On preaching I've read on this forum and all the people saying that the lever is improved and vise-grips bit them when set to maximum clamp etc etc etc. One thread shows up and all of a sudden the old fashioned vise grip is perfect (when I know from personal experience it isn't).

What I feel im reading through is a swath of loyalty bias simply because a company brought some US manufacturing back. Hey, US manufacturing, im happy. But to say they couldn't improve ergonomics? Please.

I don't think I've ever seen someone (besides yourself) that prefers the knock off design made ubiquitous not by grip on but by the $3 china/taiwan pairs

I use needle nose locking pliers with a piece of tight fitting fuel line over each jaw to pinch off hoses. Never met a pair of hose pinch pliers I liked.

Yeah, they're good for that. The USA Craftsman pinch offs (drawing blank on OEM) are very nice.

 

[matthew]

The ergonomics of genuine DeWitt made Petersen's are subjective, but for me they feel 'just right.' I won't say they're perfect - I've pinched myself on them many times - but despite that they just feel right in my hand. And I'll take that - flawed or not.

I feel this is a good thing not so much because of rah-rah cheering on reshoring and made in USA, but rather because ViseGrip belongs in DeWitt - it's the rightful home, and I appreciate that. The politics of trade has always been kind of ugly and lacking in nuance, but I'll buy locking pliers made in DeWitt because because it's the rightful home and like genuine Coca-Cola versus store brand, it deserves respect even if I can't really tell you a rational reason why.

And I'm sort of glad the product looks so classic. It will be interesting to see if they try to add to or change the product line. And if Channellock actually does its own rather than buying from Malco, a little product differentiation wouldn't be bad for them.

I do hope their plans to be "most expensive on the market" aren't too extreme - I have never purchased the cheapies, but part of the reason Petersen succeeded was building a great product for a price that wasn't all that much more than the imitators.

 

[redwrench60]

I suppose it shows who uses their tools hard and who doesn't. Or at least who is just using their vise grips to hold material for a weld or what not. Fairly common to squeeze them on tight enough to crush atoms in the rust belt as they're a go to for unrecognizable fasteners and ball joint studs. They absolutely **** to open since they snap from the force and the lower handle springs back and can nail you pretty good. I've had my fair share of blood blisters from them. SOP is to open them with pliers so to say its perfect is asinine. They're terrible and it was something that absolutely could of been improved. My Facoms open very gently no matter how tight they're crushed on something as they designed the release independent of the clamping force. The other pairs I have quite a few of with the reversed lever is the universal style with the screw. Never ever had a situation where the lever depressed up without releasing. When mine when the lever moves the jaw is released, period. Maybe that's operator error or just shoddy QC for whatever brand someone bought.

Either way you cant tell me there wasn't room for improvement in locking pliers. Other companies have already proven there is.

Yea well I don't appreciate being treated like im a ***** after the years of Grip-On preaching I've read on this forum and all the people saying that the lever is improved and vise-grips bit them when set to maximum clamp etc etc etc. One thread shows up and all of a sudden the old fashioned vise grip is perfect (when I know from personal experience it isn't).

What I feel im reading through is a swath of loyalty bias simply because a company brought some US manufacturing back. Hey, US manufacturing, im happy. But to say they couldn't improve ergonomics? Please.

Woah Skin, don't be so touchy. It's ok if we have a small difference of opinion, really it is. Doesn't mean anybody's a *****. I'm just a dude who's been wrenching professionally and recreationally for as long as I can remember, probably just like you. I never said they were perfect, in fact I remember saying they taught me a lesson pretty early on and I've been able to stay out of their way for the most part since. It's just my experience, not trying to ruffle your feathers.

 

[Tonyuk]

I've never found releasing the standard vise-grip lock that difficult, although i agree it can punch the skin at times and i prefer the grip-on or knipex style of lock.

They're going to have to come out with something pretty special if they want top charge any high price of them, i've never had a problem with my normal irwin vise-grips, my milwaukee's or my grips-ons & knipex.

The best i've used is the Milwaukee's, they're teeth are the sharpest i've found and they bite very well.

I doubt these new ones will be any better quality than grip-on's etc..

 

[Farmall450]

I've never found releasing the standard vise-grip lock that difficult, although i agree it can punch the skin at times and i prefer the grip-on or knipex style of lock.

They're going to have to come out with something pretty special if they want top charge any high price of them, i've never had a problem with my normal irwin vise-grips, my milwaukee's or my grips-ons & knipex.

The best i've used is the Milwaukee's, they're teeth are the sharpest i've found and they bite very well.

I doubt these new ones will be any better quality than grip-on's etc..

We shall see

 

[Skin]

I don't think I've ever seen someone (besides yourself) that prefers the knock off design made ubiquitous not by grip on but by the $3 china/taiwan pairs

I don't own any Taiwan ones and never have so?

I have 2 Japanese, 3 pair of the bollman knipex (which I could take or leave, they're very inexpensive) 5 pairs of Facom, 3 Lock-Jaw (now out of business but very good build quality for China) and a bunch of Vise-Grip.

I've sold off or scrapped some others including the trash from HF, China Irwins, and Grip-On.

Woah Skin, don't be so touchy. It's ok if we have a small difference of opinion, really it is. Doesn't mean anybody's a *****. I'm just a dude who's been wrenching professionally and recreationally for as long as I can remember, probably just like you. I never said they were perfect, in fact I remember saying they taught me a lesson pretty early on and I've been able to stay out of their way for the most part since. It's just my experience, not trying to ruffle your feathers.

Not solely directed at you although the 'I figured out how to use them at 11' was a bit of a jab. I just feel a bunch of people in this thread seem to of developed amnesia.

 

[Farmall450]

Not solely directed at you although the 'I figured out how to use them at 11' was a bit of a jab. I just feel a bunch of people in this thread seem to of developed amnesia.

I've never so much as implied the knock off ones are more ergonomic

 

[PugetDude]

That patent has to be long dead. I also don't think this is a good thing. They couldn't even be bothered to improve the ergonomics or at the very least fix the release handle? Very disappointing. I'll stick with my Euro ones.

Make sure you get the matching bag to carry them in.

 

[Skin]

That you showing off yours? Im all set. Thanks though.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I do buy off-shore locking pliers. BUT, only to cut them up for temporary welding jigs. I will never cut a Petersen Vise Grip.

 

[SilverDeck]

Stay tuned for more on the Eagle Grip locking plier production by Malco. I’m hoping to be able to review/field-test a pre-release sample for the company before they launch the tools to the general public later this spring. Garage Journal will be the first to see pics once I have something in hand.

 

[metaldad]

 

[tool_scrounge]

Glad to hear!

 

[notlob]

Stay tuned for more on the Eagle Grip locking plier production by Malco. I’m hoping to be able to review/field-test a pre-release sample for the company before they launch the tools to the general public later this spring. Garage Journal will be the first to see pics once I have something in hand.

That's the Cornhusker spirit!

(UNL alum '83)

 

[Farmall 1066]

Hoping the flooding here won't impact the Malco / former Peterson plant.
Starting to get some water into Dewitt now.

 

[lincwelder225]

Any updates? I look forward to buying a few pair, not because I need them, but to support an American company and because I never need a rational reason to buy more tools!

 

[L.Cheapo]

Any updates? I look forward to buying a few pair, not because I need them, but to support an American company and because I never need a rational reason to buy more tools!

I sent them an email asking for details back in November. This was their reply:


"Thank you for contacting us regarding Malco’s new Eagle Grip line of locking pliers, clamps and seamers.

All of us at Malco are extremely proud to introduce these professional-grade and completely American-made products, which are being manufactured at our newly opened plant in DeWitt, Nebraska.

Malco Products is currently in the initial stages of production at our DeWitt Nebraska facility. We plan to release more product information and an availability date for Eagle Grip products at the next National Hardware show. (May 2019)

We will keep you posted on our progress. For updates, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Thanks again for your interest. We’re excited for the Eagle Grip to take flight!"

I need some more locking pliers and will wait for the USA ones.

 

[noahwins]

Jobs and manufacturing coming back to USA ...who would have thought it [emoji57]

 

[Farmall450]

I sent them an email asking for details back in November. This was their reply:


"Thank you for contacting us regarding Malco’s new Eagle Grip line of locking pliers, clamps and seamers.

All of us at Malco are extremely proud to introduce these professional-grade and completely American-made products, which are being manufactured at our newly opened plant in DeWitt, Nebraska.

Malco Products is currently in the initial stages of production at our DeWitt Nebraska facility. We plan to release more product information and an availability date for Eagle Grip products at the next National Hardware show. (May 2019)

We will keep you posted on our progress. For updates, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Thanks again for your interest. We’re excited for the Eagle Grip to take flight!"

I need some more locking pliers and will wait for the USA ones.

We're getting pretty close.

 

[1982fxr]

Have they started hiring?

 

[Professional Tool User]

The teeth better be much more durable than the competition. Otherwise, it's another garbage option.

 

[_Riddle]

Any update on when these will become available?

 

[measuredtwice]

In another topic harryepstein.com said it's a year off--> https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=421318

I don't have any information but here's a photo of the 1st Malco Eagle Grip from their website.

 

[tarbellb]

Well they already screwed up the release lever location...

 

[dnschmidt]

By the time they're ready nobody will care anymore.

 

[_Riddle]

Too bad that they’re a year off, I know a lot of people here we’re expecting them a few months ago. I’m going to look elsewhere since I need some now. Hopefully when they are released they live up to the hype.

 

[Tonyuk]

The hype?

They're just a pair of locking pliers...

Loads of options available now that are good quality and affordable.

 

[zendriver]

By the time they're ready nobody will care anymore.

I wish them well, but I think you're probably right.

The only people that really care now, probably already have their lifetime supply of vise grips, so they won't be buying any.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Nineeightyone]

Well they already screwed up the release lever location...

Can you elaborate on this please? I'm still learning more about features/design choices in tools.

I'd be interested to see how they hold up -- Made in USA doesn't mean anything to me, but if they're a high quality at a decent price point I'll be interested. Even if you have one of every tool under the sun, what happens when you need two?

 

[B_Bimmer]

I have a lifetime supply of vise grips, I will be buying some of these when they are available. There is nothing wrong with the release lever, I have never pinched myself or failed to release a pair, some extremely weak tool critics claim the lever pinches their delicate fingers.

 

[dr_clyde]

I’m planning to purchase a significant quantity for my fab shop. A couple dozen at least.

 

[Farmall450]

I have a lifetime supply of vise grips, I will be buying some of these when they are available. There is nothing wrong with the release lever, I have never pinched myself or failed to release a pair, some extremely weak tool critics claim the lever pinches their delicate fingers.

Agreed on all aspects. It's funny...I was just thinking about this, and then I see the thread came back.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I have a lifetime supply of vise grips, I will be buying some of these when they are available. There is nothing wrong with the release lever, I have never pinched myself or failed to release a pair, some extremely weak tool critics claim the lever pinches their delicate fingers.

As a commercial steel framer I probably use my C clamps more than anyone here and I agree, never had an issue with the lever location, most times I position my clamps so that I can just pull on the lever which is plenty easy. My Bremens have been going for well over a year without a hiccup and still look and preform like new.

I wanted a few sets of Malcos but the delays have killed the excitement for me. I'll still get em but eh

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have a lifetime supply of vise grips, I will be buying some of these when they are available. There is nothing wrong with the release lever, I have never pinched myself or failed to release a pair, some extremely weak tool critics claim the lever pinches their delicate fingers.

Agreed. My Knipex go the opposite way and I don't like them. I have to push the lever to open them, then pull them apart to remove them. I don't like them and won't be buying more.

When the Malco version appears, I'll buy a few. If they're as good as I hope they'll be, I'll buy a bunch more.

 

[tarbellb]

Its a simple matter of ergonomics.

Tell me how many pliers work by extending your hand/fingers out....
sure if you set them lightly its not a problem. But what about those other times?

I digress, if they are made well then I will also be buying some, but gotta test that release lever first.

 

[IMCA38]

Nice article in the news today about the Malco facility.

https://journalstar.com/news/state-...871c44f.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1

 

[GTO]

New Jori Video out...
Buy two Eagle Grip Pliers...get a Free Hat.

 

[4xdog]

^^^ That was a good article, IMCA38. Thx for the link.

 

[SilverDeck]

I wanted a few sets of Malcos but the delays have killed the excitement for me. I'll still get em but eh

Some things are worth waiting for. Malco Eagle Grips are one of those things.

 

[SilverDeck]

Nice article in the news today about the Malco facility.

https://journalstar.com/news/state-...871c44f.html#tracking-source=home-top-story-1

Thanks for posting the link. DeWitt is about 30 minutes from here and it is hard to describe the excitement here to have production of these tools start up in the old Vise Grip factory. Things were really bleak for DeWitt from 2008-2018. Can’t quite fully describe the proud feelings I experienced to hold the Malco Eagle grips in my hand for the first time and turn them over to see the “DeWitt, Nebraska” stamping.