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Help me choose vise grips

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Big Bad Jon

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Jun 14, 2008
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719
The time has come again, I’m pretty sure that most all of my vise-grips are worn out. This happens every couple years. I spend $50-$75 and replace them all. I’m wondering if there are better ones to replace them with rather than Irwin.

I’m an industrial mechanic, so I don’t have regular access to tool trucks, but do not mind calling the local guy and meeting him (Snap-On, Mac, or Match) after work. I’m not opposed to spending Snap-On money, but if I do there has to be a perceivable advantage in doing so.

What do you have for recommendations?
 
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mrjaw14

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Joined
May 22, 2012
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Location
Nashville, TN
I hear Malco is making vice grips at the old plant again. I don't know if they are making one style or a few different sizes. I myself am looking for 9" long nose. I hear Milwaukee is decent, but I've not tried them. Grip-On is the OEM for Snap-On so you might check that out
 
F

Fly YX

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Jul 31, 2017
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I have a few Tekton a they have been fine. But if you can wait I would see about the new Malco
 
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Wamsutta

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Amarillo, Texas
At this day and age, I would recommend Bollmann, only because they're one of the few manufacturers who make the kind of release lever operation I like. I prefer to pull upwards on a release lever, not downwards like with Vise-Grips. Vise-Grips were always a PITA to release.

gripzangen-bollmann-selzer-remscheid.jpg


https://www.bollmann-selzer.de/en/products/locking-pliers/
 
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B

Big Bad Jon

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Wamsutta said:
At this day and age, I would recommend Bollmann, only because they're one of the few manufacturers who make the kind of release lever operation I like. I prefer to pull upwards on a release lever, not downwards like with Vise-Grips. Vise-Grips were always a PITA to release.

gripzangen-bollmann-selzer-remscheid.jpg


https://www.bollmann-selzer.de/en/products/locking-pliers/
Click to expand...


You’re right about the release being a PITA. I hate using them because I know I’m going to get pinched at some point in their use.
 
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plinker

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Feb 28, 2007
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Northern Wi
The current Snap-on's are made by Malco, Pretty recent change, there are a couple of threads on it somewhere. The Malco's (Eagle grip) are supposed to be coming, not really sure when now that Snap-on is rebranding them. Either way, they sound promising.

Milwaukee doesnt seem bad overall, I have not really used the ones I ended up with much as of yet. I do not care for the lack of checkering on the teeth though.

Grip on is unimpressive IMO. Toptul would be worth a try if they were more commonly available.
 
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P

plinker

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Wamsutta said:
At this day and age, I would recommend Bollmann, only because they're one of the few manufacturers who make the kind of release lever operation I like. I prefer to pull upwards on a release lever, not downwards like with Vise-Grips. Vise-Grips were always a PITA to release.
Click to expand...
Big Bad Jon said:
You’re right about the release being a PITA. I hate using them because I know I’m going to get pinched at some point in their use.
Click to expand...


For me, this style always releases when I dont want it to, usually if I accidentally nudge the lever or something else nudges it. Not a fan.

FWIW, If I put locking pliers on something to where they are stupid tight on something (not often, but happens), I take a small pry bar or prying screwdriver to release it.

Never been pinched by the Vise grip style lever. Cant say that for the other style. Of course I also never got pinched with Channellock pliers, just Knipex cobras. Go figure. :willy_nil
 
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Mr_B

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Nov 21, 2016
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Reading
Big Bad Jon said:
You’re right about the release being a PITA. I hate using them because I know I’m going to get pinched at some point in their use.
Click to expand...

in that case tekton may be ideal for you .
https://www.tekton.com/pliers/locking-pliers
other good options come from bremen toptul and milwaukee .
Malco for sure be worth trying/supporting once hit the shelves .

Good condition petersen are always worth a few bucks if find some used, like new or old stock.
Most of mine are petersen from late 80's and early 90's, some I got new and most picked up at yard sales and eBay over the years before became a cult collectable .
 
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Super Mech

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L

lardy1

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Mar 17, 2019
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I've updated and expanded my Vise-Grip selection through Tekton. The teeth may be a bit softer but the mechanism is fine. Good value, in my opinion.
 
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Mr_B

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Nov 21, 2016
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Umclemrbig said:
I would hit EBay up. I bought about 25 a few years ago when Irwin went overseas. Those Malco are a Snap-on exclusive right now and I think they run about $65.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-VI...-/174683648210?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

eBay link is not vintage petersen

Is plenty on eBay but prices are like 15 to 30 bucks
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fr...tleDesc=0&_odkw=petersen+vise+grips&_osacat=0
I got most of my good used ones around 2 to 10bucks each .
These days you best going bremen as cheap decent, easy sourced and easy warranty and wait out for Malco hit the shelves and add a few of them for high end option .
 
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B

Big Bad Jon

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Jun 14, 2008
Messages
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Ordered several of the Grip-Ons off Amazon today. We’ll see how well they hold up.
 
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Brownsfan

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Apr 16, 2012
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Location
Cleveland Ohio
Ive been thoroughly impressed with my Milwaukee locking pliers. They are the only ones I have used that are anywhere near the quality of my old USA Peterson made Vice grips. Dare i even say they might be better.
 
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Mr_B

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Nov 21, 2016
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I was never impressed with grip-ons .
The milwaukee are good and not expensive, bremen are good at disposable pricing, the c clamp pliers are very decent for potential cost .
 
T

tarbellb

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Joined
Apr 17, 2011
Messages
5,748
Location
Oregon
BEST TO WORST:

Facom
Eagle Grip
Grip-on
Bolleman/Knipex
Milwaukee/ Tekton
Bremen (HF)
Irwin and the rest of the bottom of the heap imports


Dont argue, these are facts straight from the Book of Facts 2021 issue:D
 
F

four.cycle

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Oct 19, 2015
Messages
28,713
Location
Tacoma, Washington
I've put Petersen/Dewitt units on my Ebay "watch list", but deleted them when bids went into crazyville - what kind of fool pays north of $40 bucks for a pair of 6LN ViseGrips?

I've picked up several pairs of "Tektons" from this vendor, mostly for the boy (who works in a sheet metal fabrication plant) and a few for myself. No complaints thus far:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/223910817720
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224331498837
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224270749475
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224385485025
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224379192689
https://www.ebay.com/itm/324417663499
https://www.ebay.com/itm/324520754782
https://www.ebay.com/itm/224278953704
 
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