Malco Eagle Grip pliers

[Skin]

The Snap On thing is weird considering SO is involved with Grip On pliers under their label...maybe they aren’t selling well?

Grip-on are junk. There are a fair number of dealers who dont even stock them anymore and just have the blue-point chinese locking pliers because they actually work.

That price is absolutely insane though, even for a truck brand. $72 for a single basic 10" locking jaw plier. The Grip-on version is $28.50 and Blue-point is $23.60.

 

[Mr_B]

Grip-on are junk. There are a fair number of dealers who dont even stock them anymore and just have the blue-point chinese locking pliers because they actually work.

That price is absolutely insane though, even for a truck brand. $72 for a single basic 10" locking jaw plier. The Grip-on version is $28.50 and Blue-point is $23.60.

+1
6 bucks at HF gets you a better locking plier, amazed me they stuck with it for so long as was a complete lemon & the snapon price just made it worse lol .

 

[Kscardsfan]

+1
6 bucks at HF gets you a better locking plier, amazed me they stuck with it for so long as was a complete lemon & the snapon price just made it worse lol .

Some people just like to really lean into their mistakes and really augur in rather than admit failure lol.

 

[dutchgray]

Grip-on are junk. There are a fair number of dealers who dont even stock them anymore and just have the blue-point chinese locking pliers because they actually work.

That price is absolutely insane though, even for a truck brand. $72 for a single basic 10" locking jaw plier. The Grip-on version is $28.50 and Blue-point is $23.60.

Grip-on are not junk, they are not great either and there are better options for the money but they do work fine if used within their limits, I don't think they are any worse than current Irwins.
There is some really cheap and nasty Chinese made ones out there that are junk.

I can see grip on were definitely not worth snap on prices and that the warranty must have really cost them.

 

[Skin]

Grip-on are not junk, they are not great either and there are better options for the money but they do work fine if used within their limits, I don't think they are any worse than current Irwins.
There is some really cheap and nasty Chinese made ones out there that are junk.

I can see grip on were definitely not worth snap on prices and that the warranty must have really cost them.

In the States Snap-on is one of the most affordable options for Grip-on, especially given the warranty. They're still junk and I stand by that. The jaws have a fair bit of play, the threads are poorly formed and feel gritty, and the teeth dont last passed a handful of uses.

Saying they arent as bad as the bottom of the barrel slag coming from China isnt much of a defense.

 

[xjfish]

My snap-on guys sells Irwins I have a lot of MAC branded ones I can't get warrantied. Really pulling for the Malcos...

 

[dutchgray]

In the States Snap-on is one of the most affordable options for Grip-on, especially given the warranty. They're still junk and I stand by that. The jaws have a fair bit of play, the threads are poorly formed and feel gritty, and the teeth dont last passed a handful of uses.

Saying they arent as bad as the bottom of the barrel slag coming from China isnt much of a defense.

The several pairs I have are all fine, not great but not junk, they are comparable in price to Milwaukee ones here both at around double what Stanley or Irwin ones can be got for.
Some of the bottom barrel Chinese ones cost the same as the Stanley or Irwin, but are still junk. They are all consumable tools IMO, even Petersen made vice grips, you use them for a couple years and bin them once they get tired, but it does depend on what you are doing with them.

 

[glenng]

Toolguyd has teaser shots of what looks to be the Malco Eagle Grip pliers. Can't see much in the pics, but everyone in the comments section suspects it will be them.

https://toolguyd.com/usa-tools-teaser/

 

[measuredtwice]

Toolguyd has teaser shots of what looks to be the Malco Eagle Grip pliers. Can't see much in the pics, but everyone in the comments section suspects it will be them.

https://toolguyd.com/usa-tools-teaser/

Looking forward to them! Here are some more photos.

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.

 

[SilverDeck]

I just got agreements signed and in place with Malco this week to field test some Eagle Grips and share the results on GarageJournal. Will be able to share and post pics when the time is right. I have to be respectful of their product launch timing, but things are getting close.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I just got agreements signed and in place with Malco this week to field test some Eagle Grips and share the results on GarageJournal. Will be able to share and post pics when the time is right. I have to be respectful of their product launch timing, but things are getting close.

You’re not far at all from the plant if you’re in Lincoln. Only reason I know is I drove through there numerous times checking out an antique truck I ended up buying.

 

[SilverDeck]

You’re not far at all from the plant if you’re in Lincoln. Only reason I know is I drove through there numerous times checking out an antique truck I ended up buying.

Right. I’m 36 miles from the factory. I want to see Malco be very successful with the product line and I know they have put the R&D and testing into making it the very best that they can. Anxious to see, hold, and try the Eagle Grip!

 

[Monte]

now with pics:

https://shop.snapon.com/product/supplemental/10"-Locking-Pliers-with-Cutter/LP10WC

https://shop.snapon.com/product/supplemental/7"-Locking-Pliers-with-Cutter/LP7WC

 

[bsaint]

I gave up on them and went with Facom/Proto ones. A little wide.

 

[Mr_B]

now with pics:

https://shop.snapon.com/product/supplemental/10"-Locking-Pliers-with-Cutter/LP10WC

https://shop.snapon.com/product/supplemental/7"-Locking-Pliers-with-Cutter/LP7WC

Looks a nice effort by Malco but I could never rationalise the snapon price .
I'd either buy Malco branded or buy better effort taiwan ones such as toptul tekton and Bremen .
Why Snapon could not of made their own decades ago rather than flogging gripon and even Chinese Irwin off the tool trucks for ridiculous money leaves a sour taste in my mouth ...
Quite shocking to think HF actually been selling nicer locking pliers than snapon for 10th of the price ...

 

[measuredtwice]

Is HJE going to be selling them? They've discussed them in the past.

 

[bobcatdan]

I see snap on just released USA made locking pliers. Not sure if they are making them themselves or found a USA supplier. Not sure their cost so might be more than many want to spend on locking pliers, but until Malco gets going, snap on's would be the only USA made option I know off.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Right. I’m 36 miles from the factory. I want to see Malco be very successful with the product line and I know they have put the R&D and testing into making it the very best that they can. Anxious to see, hold, and try the Eagle Grip!

I want to see small towns be able to offer viable jobs to people. I’m eagerly awaiting your thoughts and review on the new products

 

[Mr_B]

I see snap on just released USA made locking pliers. Not sure if they are making them themselves or found a USA supplier. Not sure their cost so might be more than many want to spend on locking pliers, but until Malco gets going, snap on's would be the only USA made option I know off.

That is the Malco pliers who are now supplying snapon .
70 odd bucks, be hlf that or less I would hope branded Malco .

 

[KnurledNut]

This is all pretty interesting, as this private venture with SO somewhat explains why they have been so hush-hush and the delays.
The pliers look great.
Yet, I cant tell they will perform any better than the Petersen version though.
I think the satin finish on the originals is better suited than this new smooth polished finish, for the intended purpose of this particular tool.

 

[Steve_P]

I wonder if the production models will be mirror chrome like the pics? Snap on's description says bright nickel, but that doesn't look like nickel to me; doesn't have the yellow tint. And yeah, $70 from SO is crazy, but I guess it's in line with their pricing structure of 5-10x more than high quality imports.

 

[1982fxr]

now with pics:

https://shop.snapon.com/product/supplemental/10"-Locking-Pliers-with-Cutter/LP10WC

https://shop.snapon.com/product/supplemental/7"-Locking-Pliers-with-Cutter/LP7WC

Damn those are sharp. What's that say in cursive on the bottom of the handle?

 

[Lesserstore]

Damn those are sharp. What's that say in cursive on the bottom of the handle?

Genuine and underneath that Made in USA. Here's a pic from toolguyd.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I'd like to know the Malco price, before deciding if SO is too expensive. If a pair of Malco 10" are $30, you'd easily be in the black after trashing 2 pair. If they're $20, it's a 4:1 ratio before you're ahead. I could see paying $70 once to have infinite pliers - assuming one has reliable truck service.


I've tried many brands, and am still not completely satisfied. Knipex are close IMO. The tektons had great teeth, but the release handle kept failing. I threw those away. I like grip on, but since most of the deals are on painted sets, I can't use them as welding leads. Bollmann from germany where also good, in normal design. Their angled thin pliers where just absolute ******* garbage, worse than $1 flea market junk. Jaws so crooked you can't even use them as a welding ground. I'm still salty about wasting $35 on worthless pliers from them, so I never tried another pair. Engineer was pretty good too. I cracked a tooth or two pulling manifold studs, but they still work well. They have a tendency to misalign the jaws under severe pressure.

Grip on is my current preference.

 

[Skin]

I'd like to know the Malco price, before deciding if SO is too expensive. If a pair of Malco 10" are $30, you'd easily be in the black after trashing 2 pair. If they're $20, it's a 4:1 ratio before you're ahead. I could see paying $70 once to have infinite pliers - assuming one has reliable truck service.


I've tried many brands, and am still not completely satisfied. Knipex are close IMO. The tektons had great teeth, but the release handle kept failing. I threw those away. I like grip on, but since most of the deals are on painted sets, I can't use them as welding leads. Bollmann from germany where also good, in normal design. Their angled thin pliers where just absolute ******* garbage, worse than $1 flea market junk. Jaws so crooked you can't even use them as a welding ground. I'm still salty about wasting $35 on worthless pliers from them, so I never tried another pair. Engineer was pretty good too. I cracked a tooth or two pulling manifold studs, but they still work well. They have a tendency to misalign the jaws under severe pressure.

Grip on is my current preference.

Knipex and Bollmann are the same.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Good to know, Bollman are cheaper. I'll have to decide if I'm willing to give them my money again after the thin 90* angle locking pliers I bought. As I said, the standard design pliers were good, and I was very happy with them for the price.

I'm just one to hold onto grudges I guess.

 

[AA/FC]

I just ordered the 10" Snap-on version of the Eagle Grip pliers. I will keep you guys updated when they arrive.

Way to much money for a pair of vice grips but I just couldn't resist. This polished version looks REALLY good!

 

[KnurledNut]

^^^^^

How did you order those tomorrow, today?

 

[1982fxr]

I just ordered the 10" Snap-on version of the Eagle Grip pliers. I will keep you guys updated when they arrive.

Way to much money for a pair of vice grips but I just couldn't resist. This polished version looks REALLY good!

This space reserved for a polish joke.

 

[JBH]

In the States Snap-on is one of the most affordable options for Grip-on, especially given the warranty. They're still junk and I stand by that. The jaws have a fair bit of play, the threads are poorly formed and feel gritty, and the teeth dont last passed a handful of uses.

Saying they arent as bad as the bottom of the barrel slag coming from China isnt much of a defense.

Hmm. I have a couple Grip-ons, self branded as well as ones branded Heyco and Proto. The only ones I would not buy again are the Protos, and that's probably just because the whole concept of a "needle-nose" locking plier is a little off. I also have German (presumably Bollmann) Heyco-branded locking pliers. The only difference of note between those two is the Grip-ons have paint that scratches when you drop them on rough concrete, whereas the German ones have a hard plating. Functionally they seem equally fine.

At any rate, $70+ for a basic locking plier - not even a cool and usefully differentiated design a la Facom 50x - is insane. Facom is really the best of breed for this tool type.

 

[Skin]

Good to know, Bollman are cheaper. I'll have to decide if I'm willing to give them my money again after the thin 90* angle locking pliers I bought. As I said, the standard design pliers were good, and I was very happy with them for the price.

I'm just one to hold onto grudges I guess.

I dont think the Bollmann ones are great myself. When you lock the pair I have the jaws misalign. I bought them from Europe where they're priced ~$20 so I wasnt terribly surprised. I sincerely think Milwaukee are probably the nicest for the money. I have the expensive pretty Facoms as well, which are nice, but they're so expensive I couldnt tell a mechanic to buy them knowing what most of us do with locking pliers. Lets face it, most guys just want the things to bite into a nut or bolt and not let go and you shouldnt have to spend well over $50 for that. My last pair of good USA Vise-grips had all the teeth nearly worn flat and were spattered with welding slag.

I'll be very surprised if the Malco's are over $30 street price and I actually expect them to be more like $25/pc, especially in a set.

 

[AA/FC]

^^^^^

How did you order those tomorrow, today?

I wondered the same thing. LOL.

Probably because I ordered them after business hours.

 

[Mr_B]

.
I'll be very surprised if the Malco's are over $30 street price and I actually expect them to be more like $25/pc, especially in a set.

yes that seem likely expectation on price, about 3rd of snapon, Malco need sensible prices compete and they really want introduce complete range and ones not done by other brands .
Most of mine are 90's USA visegrips and some earlier like new USA picked up cheap at yard sales and eBay, expensive ones never proved superior and can get good locking pliers that work well from bremen, toptul, tekton, milwuakee in the 8 to 20 buck range which ideal for tool that abused so much and gives easy purchase options for just about everyone .

 

[farmall57]

UPS just delivered mine. I can confirm, they are very nice. I ordered to support Malco for getting this USA made thing going, and Snap-On for recognizing what they were doing and supporting them. I think they have done very well.

 

[1982fxr]

For anyone who didn't see yet, the knobs take a hex.

 

[dcummer]

UPS just delivered mine. I can confirm, they are very nice. I ordered to support Malco for getting this USA made thing going, and Snap-On for recognizing what they were doing and supporting them. I think they have done very well.

Nicely done - great reasoning. These are gorgeous, any chance you could post a pic of the other side of them? Also, any differences you'd note between the two sizes? Either one feel better to you?

 

[AA/FC]

UPS just delivered mine. I can confirm, they are very nice. I ordered to support Malco for getting this USA made thing going, and Snap-On for recognizing what they were doing and supporting them. I think they have done very well.

Damit, UPS was scheduled to deliver my Snap-on locking plies today, too.... But no, they mysteriously changed the delivery date from the 2nd to the 3rd somewhere around mid-day, today. Fvckers! They should be here tomorrow.... maybe.... probably not.

Congrats on your new tools. They look great!

 

[farmall57]

Nicely done - great reasoning. These are gorgeous, any chance you could post a pic of the other side of them?

Absolutely! Here 'ya go! Both work and latch positively and feel great.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Absolutely! Here 'ya go! Both work and latch positively and feel great.

This gives me some faith that they’re finally coming down the line.

 

[farmall57]

They have this "wear safety glasses" mark on the locking link. You can just see where it is in my previous pictures. Took me a while to figure it out, I'd not seen it before.