Lock Jaw Self-Adjusting Pliers?

[Stuey]

Earlier today I posted about CH Hanson's new Automatic locking pliers on ToolGuyd. I've heard a few good things about the previous Lock Jaw branded self-adjusting pliers, but don't recall seeing any opinions on GJ.

So... what do you guys think about this style of self-adjusting locking pliers? Are they that much quicker to use compared to old-style Vise Grips?

 

[shampoop]

I've played around with a friends for a while, seems pretty damned awesome. Never got to actually use it though. My locking pliers very rarely see any use so i just can't justify buying a pair of self-adjusting ones.

 

[tonydanzah]

hahah, who said those are new? I have a pair i bought on clearance from a ace hardware that was around 10yrs old. Matco also sells them rebranded. They are so so, kind like a cross between a chinese visegrip and a robogrip.

 

[Stuey]

hahah, who said those are new? I have a pair i bought on clearance from a ace hardware that was around 10yrs old. Matco also sells them rebranded. They are so so, kind like a cross between a chinese visegrip and a robogrip.

Well, they're new under the CH Hanson brand. From what I can tell, they took the Lock Jaw design, refined it slightly, and expanded the line under their own branding, "Automatic". The new lineup also includes an expanded clamp lineup.

CH Hanson says that the pliers have been "re-engineered" for improved ergonomics and performance. I can't really qualify that without seeing both versions side by side, but it does look like they made concrete changes to the line.

 

[Stick]

So... what do you guys think about this style of self-adjusting locking pliers? Are they that much quicker to use compared to old-style Vise Grips?

Never used the pliers style, as all of my lockjaw clamps are C-clamp style for welding use. I've got half a dozen of the lockjaws along with another half dozen of the regular vicegrip style. The lockjaws are nice for quick setups, especially when working one handed, but the vicegrips are better for when you really need to clamp something tight. They each have their uses, but one style won't completely replace the other.

 

[JayL]

The lockjaws are nice for quick setups, especially when working one handed, but the vicegrips are better for when you really need to clamp something tight. They each have their uses, but one style won't completely replace the other.

Ditto here.

 

[Stuey]

Hmm, I may need to try out a pair. Also didn't know that Matco rebranded them.

 

[dede2897234]

Stuey,

I own a LockJaw 7" needle nose plier that is rebranded as Facom. I like the design since it applies great grip on the object and allows quicker use of the tool (compared to ViseGrips and the adjustment bolt on the back). There is no COO on the tool but the ones at the store were made in China. I have used this plier very little and do not know anything about the durability of the design.

Dave

 

[Painter123]

I use a couple 3 of the 6" C clamp style Lockjaw brand at work every day
clamping an unclamping usually 100+ times a day an never had a problem with them

20gau to 20gau
20gau to 16gau
16gau to 14gau
You don't even have to blink at what the material is just clamp it on an go go

 

[american lockpicker]

Hmm, I may need to try out a pair. Also didn't know that Matco rebranded them.

Facom, Hazet, and I think Beta rebranded them also.

 

[Stuey]

Okay, I'm sold! Thanks for the feedback! Once the new Automatics come out I'll try to pick up a few to try out.

 

[Tempsho]

I have 3 different Lockjaw clamps (regular, needle nose and the 7" c-clamp) and I love them! I hardly even use my regular vise-grips anymore. If I need to grab something REALLY hard, then i'll use the vise-grip pliers, but 99% of the time I grab the Lockjaw's. I've had them for about 4-5 years now and i've had zero issues with them. A bit more money but they are totally worth it.