I'm coming round to the view that those old Vacuam Grip pliers were among the best ever made!
Some years back I bought a pair of the 'Vacuam Grip' long nose pliers, and the matching cutters, from Snap On. I wasn't aware of the history then, and only got them because for durability I prefer pliers without added grips and they were obviously top quality items!
My grandfather, a fan of U.S. made tools since sweet forever, was still around at that time. He took an approving look at my new purchases and said "Aha! Vacuam Grip!" He recognised 'em straight away, despite the Snap On name!
Sadly, Snap On dropped that style shortly after. I think they missed a trick there as that style filled a unique niche! Of course, similar tools, with the red vinyl grips, were still offerred, and the quality was still good, but it seems to me that each 'improved' model they have introduced have become cheaper to make, rather than better to use!
I have, and like, some of the new "Talon Grip" pliers and cutters, and they are certainly as durable as of old, but the more complex joint of the old ones has been replaced with a simpler lap joint, the forgings havn't been cleaned as much, and the overall finish is not as good as the older models!
Shame really.
compared to the much poorer SO replacement/version 