Knipex locking pliers vs. Vise Grips?

[AmateurMechanic]

Since USA-made Vise Grips have mostly disappeared from stores and have a significant mark-up on eBay, I've been looking at Knipex locking pliers as a potential alternative. I own a couple pairs of the newer made in China Vise-Grips, but both of mine have jaw alignment issues. I don't have any issue with tools made in China as long as the quality is good, but in this case it seems like some corners were cut in moving manufacturing out of the US.

For those who have used both Knipex and Vise-Grips, how do they compare?

Here's an example of a pair that's on my list:
http://www.kctoolco.com/knipex-6-5-long-nose-grip-pliers-p/4134165.htm

 

[maxcarp709]

For $28 they should be great,but you don't know till you try them.

 

[KM223]

Vise Grips don't even compare to Knipex. I wouldn't even put them in the same league as Knipex. If fit and finish is a priority then you have found your stopping point in Knipex!

 

[Wamsutta]

The main difference is how they release.

One is easy to operate and the other one will be a *****.

 

[catalytic]

When I first used vise grips, I also hated the release. Then I learned to ONLY hold the side of the handle with the release lever (placing no fingers on the side with the adjustment knob). Now I prefer the vise grip version -- no accidental releases!

 

[Skin]

Knipex doesn't make those, cant recall who the original manufacturer is, only that they're rebranded by a few companies. They're okay, not great but not terrible. The old school USA vise grips are hard to beat for raw gripping strength. That's also a solid premium on the german locking pliers, to EU customers they're more like $15-$18 each (w/o taxes).

Im sure someone will mention Grip-On soon as well, which also carry a bit of a premium and are also nothing special in my experience. I think most past praise has been more due to the fact that they aren't made in Asia as opposed to how well they actually work. I found the teeth to be no more durable than Chinese Vise-Grips.

For what its worth I've read a couple times on here that the Milwaukee rebrands are good. I believe HD sells them and if I also recall correctly they're very affordable.

 

[lilcraigford]

Knipex doesn't make those, cant recall who the original manufacturer is, only that they're rebranded by a few companies. They're okay, not great but not terrible...

I have seen several different companies stated as being the manufacturer of Knipex locking pliers; Rennsteig, Bollmann or Wezag.

 

[Jeremy77]

I have a 10" and 7" long nose version of the Knipex locking pliers. I also have a small assortment of the Milwaukee ones and actually prefer those to the Knipex. Not that it affects performance, but they even have a better finish than the German made pliers.

 

[jrobb316]

I have old Petersens, Irwin China grips, Knipex, and Snap-on/Grip-ons. Got pissed at the china grips and went on a quest for something better, tried the knipex. Better but not great. Went with the snap-ons, and thats what I use. Quality and when you have done them in, you get a new pair under warranty. IMO, Petersens are the best, but today, i'd go snap-on.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a large assortment of the USA made Petersen and various other makes, IMO there is no comparison.

The old Petersen tools are far superior to anything currently on the market. I'm always on the look out for NOS Petersens, and happily will pay a premium for them.

 

[AmateurMechanic]

For what its worth I've read a couple times on here that the Milwaukee rebrands are good. I believe HD sells them and if I also recall correctly they're very affordable.

Are you referring to these? Do you know who makes them if they're re-brands?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...Pliers-with-Durable-Grip-48-22-3409/205017705

 

[mmack66]

Looks like those Knipex pliers clamp on to a piece of Plexiglas pretty well.