Irwin locking wrench

[Sebastien]

Just saw them on the irwin website but never seem them in person.

Have anyone ever used them? Any better then the normal vise-grip for broken fastener?

 

[The Cobbler]

I believe Irwin bought out Vice Grip and many other tool lines

 

[Sebastien]

Yeah, i know that. I thinki made it a little confusing. I have many vise-grip (locking pliers) made by irwin but just saw they are making another version of it "locking wrench" the jaws are made another way. I would be interested in some opinions about their vise-grip locking wrench.

http://www.irwin.com/tools/locking-tools/the-original-locking-wrenches

 

[abvw]

I keep forgetting that I have these... The teeth on the curved, V and flat jaw Irwins are way too soft, every pair I have is ruined.. then again my main use for locking pliers are to hold down sway bar link/tie rod studs so it will not spin with the nut as I'm gunning it with my 10000rpm 3/8" impact wrench...

The jaws lock on real tight, but working on cars I don't get much lateral space to swing the pliers so my twist sockets are the first thing I bust out. On top of that they're not readily available for warranty, as not many retailers carry them, so I'm a little reluctant to put a pipe to it. I'll post back when I do find a chance, somebody's probably coming in with a stripped drain plug tomorrow.

 

[Provincial]

I have used my set (three different sizes) to hold a nut on the back side of something that I can't reach while I'm tightening the bolt. They seem to work well for this, and don't come off like the regular Vise Grip pliers do so often. I have only used them on hex nuts, so I can't comment about square nuts.

 

[CWP1616L]

I would be interested in some opinions about their vise-grip locking wrench.

It works the same as other vise-grips. Get that locking wrench real real tight and then try to release it...

 

[GTO]

http://www.chhanson.com/products_ALC.html

Auto locking is the way too go.

 

[whyNick?]

I've seen those in the store and always thought they looked interesting, the reviews on Amazon are positive and they start at $10, hmmm, maybe I need a pair...

 

[joebachor]

I got mine years ago. they are really good for difficult fasteners and ive used them on flare nuts that were rounded . I have 3 different sizes and I would nt part with them for anything.

 

[Chuck122]

On the link there is a photo of the product in use on a AN fitting. I'm pretty sure it is not a good practice.
Altough I am not a fan of the concept, the jaw profile can be used as a clamp. I knew a guy that used them for welding sheet metal