Grip-On Pliers
- Thread starter Stuey
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chad s
Well-known member
The snap on and BP ones are grip ons. They are much nicer than any vice-grips, of any age or country of manufacturer. The release lever works in the opposite direction of a vice grip lever, making it much easier to release them, regardless of how tight they are.
The jaws teeth are sharper, and seem to hold better, and all of the various c-clamp and other specialty ones are much better than the vice grip equivalents.
Check for Napa branded ones as well, they are also grip-on brand.
EDIT: The current napa locking pliers are NOT Grip-on. I guess the ones I have marked Napa from the swap meet are a few years old.
The jaws teeth are sharper, and seem to hold better, and all of the various c-clamp and other specialty ones are much better than the vice grip equivalents.
Check for Napa branded ones as well, they are also grip-on brand.
EDIT: The current napa locking pliers are NOT Grip-on. I guess the ones I have marked Napa from the swap meet are a few years old.
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Is there any substantial functional difference between the nickel plated version and the enamel one? I think I might actually go for the enamel ones via Snap-On (if they have the ones I want) rather than from Amazon. Grip-Ons aren't too readily available in the US, are they?..
Merkava_4
Banned
chad s
Well-known member
I have the nickel ones, and they are marked snap on. I also have blue point enameled ones. They both hold up great. Snap on actually has many different c clamp and specialy ones in their catalog. I bought a basic 4 piece set of 3 standard and one long nose in great enamel with nickel jaws, marked snap on, and a body work kit in red handles with black painted jaws.
I did have a small standard jaw one fail to release properly. Every time you'd release it, the spring would release, but the jaws wouldnt open, the pivot rivet was too tight maybe. This actually developed maybe a year after I bought them. Oiling the pivot didnt help. I handed them to my snap on guy, he handed a brand new pair.
They are not well distributed in the US, so buying them from snap on may not be a bad idea if you want the warranty support, but I think my one issue was probably a pretty rare case.
Nik_95Cobra
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 18, 2008
- Messages
- 241
I love the Snap-On/Blue-Point ones, you won't be disappointed.
LoneGunman
Well-known member
I wonder if my Knipex "vise grips" are made by Grip On. The knipex's open by pushing the extended lever the opposite of regular vise grips. Heres some pics. The last pic shows the orange lever in what would be the disengaged position.
LoneGunman
Well-known member
I think the real Grip-On needs to have their legal people do something. I could be wrong but I highly doubt the Grip-On tools in this search are the same as the company that makes the locking pliers.
http://home.search.ebay.com/grip-on...C12QQfromZR40QQsacatZ11700QQsatitleZgripQ2don
http://home.search.ebay.com/grip-on...C12QQfromZR40QQsacatZ11700QQsatitleZgripQ2don
Youre right, thats the chinese company that is sold at northern tool and simlilar places I believe
MAD
Well-known member
Looks like their actual name is Grip-On-Tools.
http://gripontools.net/
Maybe they had the name first. Their site says they started in 1980.
Buyer beware, I guess.
Vinko
Well-known member
The grey ones I've seen on the S-O truck are made in Spain.
I believe there was some discussion of this in the archives that might be more helpful.
Vinko
Well-known member
I'm considering some of the NOS vise-grips from Harry Epstein. I don't know if they're Irwin or Peterson or what.
Or the newer US-made ones they have with the cushioned handles.
I've got several vise-grips from Peterson in original packaging.
Vinko
Well-known member
So, the grey are S-O and the red are BP, in the current line-up? Both made in Spain? Qualitative difference? Or just price?
The jaw also seems to be thinner and have a "lower profile" at least on the grey S-O models that's equivalent to the vise-grip sizes "7" and "10" that I've used.
I was almost sold on the grey S-O models but they *seem* to me to be slightly flimsy. They just don't seem to be as heavy-duty as the vise-grips. Am I completely off here???
I believe Grip-on has become the supplier of all locking pliers for Gray Tools in Canada. Vise-Grips are still listed in the main catalog, but I don't think they are available as they are no longer promted in any of the flyers. Here is the latest sale flyer, valid until Jan 31, 09. Prices are in $CAD.
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eschoendorff
Well-known member
Those Grip Ons are nice -I had a chance to buy a set that were branded "Channellock." At the time I didn't know much about them and chose USA-made Vise-Grips instead.
BTW... Lone Gunman, you signature really creeps me out.
BTW... Lone Gunman, you signature really creeps me out.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
I love my Grip-on pliers (relabelled as Snap-on). I have them in my main work box and my (USA made) Vise Grips are relegated to my pile of duplicate pliers, mainly to be used for welding projects:
I also know for a fact that the 'Knipex' locking pliers were made by Grip-on.
I also know for a fact that the 'Knipex' locking pliers were made by Grip-on.
I love my Grip-on pliers (relabelled as Snap-on). I have them in my main work box and my (USA made) Vise Grips are relegated to my pile of duplicate pliers, mainly to be used for welding projects:
What would a set like that go for in Canada? They are not listed on the SO website and I was wondering if they are competitive with the five piece set from Gray, which seems like a good deal at $82CAD. The BP, 4pc set is listed at $49CAD, but don't look like yours.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
Dxdexter
This is from my original Grip-on thread:
I get my tools through Snap-on Industrial at about 35% discount so I would imagine they're right at or close to $100cdn. I don't know who your Gray supplier is, but mine is G2S Equipment (www.g2sequip.ca/). When I saw the sets in the flyer I tried to order some but they had a 10 - 12 week lead time.
I have my receipt at work so I can let you know what the MSRP should have been on them tomorrow if you need.
This is from my original Grip-on thread:
which can be found here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23482&highlight=grip-on
I get my tools through Snap-on Industrial at about 35% discount so I would imagine they're right at or close to $100cdn. I don't know who your Gray supplier is, but mine is G2S Equipment (www.g2sequip.ca/). When I saw the sets in the flyer I tried to order some but they had a 10 - 12 week lead time.
I have my receipt at work so I can let you know what the MSRP should have been on them tomorrow if you need.
chad s
Well-known member
How do you know? The Knipex ones are of very different construction, and are marked "made in germany", Grip-on is made in Spain.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
Sorry, I screwed up. I meant to say "Snap-on" and have absolutely no idea why I wrote "Knipex". Apologies for any confusion.
Edit: Now that I looked closer at the Knipex ones, it wouldn't surprise me at all if they were made in Germany under license from Grip-on. Extemely similar jaw shapes and rivet layout etc. I have ZERO confirmation of this
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These are made by Knipex, the Grip-On pliers have a different design and always the "open head rivets" while the Knipex and the other german locking pliers have the "round head rivets". Most of the german pliers (Hazet etc.) are made by this company http://www.bollmanngrip.de
I wonder if my Knipex "vise grips" are made by Grip On. The knipex's open by pushing the extended lever the opposite of regular vise grips. Heres some pics. The last pic shows the orange lever in what would be the disengaged position.
Vinko
Well-known member
I had to get at least one Snappy locking plier. The 7LPSlim. I think I'd go with something else in the 10 or above size. But here it is:
I don't get some of the praise of this tool. I haven't *used* it extensively (and of course utility seems to me the main thing about a tool), but the finish isn't as nice as the USA-vise grips, though I can see why the locking mechanism appears superior. Also the head almost appears cast the forging is so rough! It's not very heavy-duty like a vise-grip. It just lacks some of the attention to detail I've seen in other S-O tools. Am I way off base here???
edit: sorry -- gotta learn to take better pics. Or at least ones that are in focus
I don't get some of the praise of this tool. I haven't *used* it extensively (and of course utility seems to me the main thing about a tool), but the finish isn't as nice as the USA-vise grips, though I can see why the locking mechanism appears superior. Also the head almost appears cast the forging is so rough! It's not very heavy-duty like a vise-grip. It just lacks some of the attention to detail I've seen in other S-O tools. Am I way off base here???
edit: sorry -- gotta learn to take better pics. Or at least ones that are in focus
Here's the new sales flyer from Gray featuring Grip-ons. I bought a pair of 10" a few weeks ago and have been putting them through their paces. I have been temporary working in a welding shop and using them daily for clamping. I absolutely love them. In my opinion they are superior to Vise-Grips. My favorite thing is the release mechanism. If they are retaining a setup on the floor, I can just release them with my foot. Try that with Vise grips. They retain absolutely no spatter from the MIG. I have put a few bruises on them from the grinder, but other than that the finish appears very durable.
I have three smaller pairs on order. I may never use my Vise-Grips again, but you guys can't have them
Edit: I'll try and post some pictures tomorrow.
I have three smaller pairs on order. I may never use my Vise-Grips again, but you guys can't have them
Edit: I'll try and post some pictures tomorrow.
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bushhawg73
Well-known member
I just bought a three pack of vice grips with made in the USA stamped on them from Sears last Sunday. They were hidden at the back of the wall display. They were the only set I cold find that had the USA stamp so I bought them.
To confirm on the Knipex question, those in the picture are made in germany by Knipex.
There ARE several online sellers that are selling Grip-On spanish pliers under the Knipex name. I can't believe they have been doing this for so long. You'd think one or the other would have a fit about abusing a trademarked name on another product.
There ARE several online sellers that are selling Grip-On spanish pliers under the Knipex name. I can't believe they have been doing this for so long. You'd think one or the other would have a fit about abusing a trademarked name on another product.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
Here is what I have now:
I wrote a short review on the Grip-on pliers in this thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30915&highlight=toys&showall=1
I wrote a short review on the Grip-on pliers in this thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=30915&highlight=toys&showall=1
superautobacs
Well-known member
This is the Ergo that I bought when the promotion was happening up here through Gray. I've used it a couple of times and it came into good use. My only complaint with it so far is one thing--and it isn't neccesarily the tool's fault, but more of an operator error. That is, having your grip too high on the handle can inadvertently push the release lever when you're operating the tool.
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Vinko
Well-known member
Anyone know a source for the Bollmann Grips in the US? I'd love to get a couple pairs of their c-clamp pliers to try out.
FiftyCalAl
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2009
- Messages
- 191
STUEY,
If you don't mind my askin, what is the aversion to Vise GRip brand pliers? Is because the Irwins are not made in USA? Or is there some other reason?
I have bought Knipex locking pliers exclusively. I also try to buy absolutely no tools made in China and refrain from buying Tawainese if I can get the product from another country (even though some of the stuff seems pretty well made).
I buy the Knipex from Chad's Toolbox, but the variety of shapes and sizes offered by Knipex is limited.
If you don't mind my askin, what is the aversion to Vise GRip brand pliers? Is because the Irwins are not made in USA? Or is there some other reason?
I have bought Knipex locking pliers exclusively. I also try to buy absolutely no tools made in China and refrain from buying Tawainese if I can get the product from another country (even though some of the stuff seems pretty well made).
I buy the Knipex from Chad's Toolbox, but the variety of shapes and sizes offered by Knipex is limited.
Here`s a pic from the stanleyproto USA site:
PROTO Ergo grip pliers
Features and Benefits:
High corrosion resistant finish with welding spatter resistance.
Locking mechanism helps leave both hands free when clamping, helping to eliminate squeezing action and general hand fatigue when manipulating. Also helps to save time in repetitive jobs.
Tip of release lever projects at end of handle for a safe, quick, no-pinch, powerful release especially when tools are firmly locked.
Spring loaded release lever is out of the way when handling.
Drop forged jaws and rugged tooth profile for durability and toughness.
PROTO ERGO GRIP PLIERS
New Generation of Locking Pliers: Pliers and Locking pliers in one.
Long jaws with straight and curved profiles for multiple applications.
Cushion grip helps reduce slippage with added comfort.
70 Degree Angled design- Allows exertion of up to 50% more force in twisting applications.
Helps keep wrist straight, reducing strain and general fatigue.
Allows use in areas of limited space.
@superautobacs: Nice pics like always !
ps: They want 57,44 canadian $ here ( 50,72 USD) ... are they worth it ??
Yep, it's because Irwin gradually took the tool line from "made in USA" to "made in USA with domestic and global components" and then BAM they closed the Dewitt factory and shifted all production overseas.
I do desire those ergogrips, but not at that price. $51 is too close to the $57 special order pricing. I'll wait until distributors start carrying it and the price drops to a more natural $30-35 or so.
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