Locking Wrench

[guitarbutt]

I ordered the 4 inch pair of these, item #4LW. Anyone used these?

 

[metaleltr]

Not in 4" but in 7". Not a daily driver but they can be useful.

 

[Walkers]

What the heck is it for?

 

[Wakefield]

What the heck is it for?

Chewing nuts when you don't have your adjustable or "plyers wrench"?
Can it make a giant crimp? Or pull out a piece of rebar?

 

[GTO]

I've got a few of these, they are great for getting around a hex bolt or nut.

 

[Tools4Me]

I have all 3 sizes, but 95% of the time I am using the 4LW or the 7LW. I don't recall ever using them for their designed purpose. I usually clamp them around my round or hex shafted pin punches or cold chisels and use them as a handle.

They are also great for grabbing around the hex head of a bolt to securely hold it, so I can grind down the threaded end with a bench grinder or use a cutoff wheel/hacksaw to shorten the bolt.

I prefer my 4LW or 7LW, over using one of those screwdriver handled punch and chisel holders with the threaded clamp (like a Snap-on PPC5 or a Craftsman 42839).

Amazon.com : punch chisel holder

 

[lardy1]

Line fittings.

 

[guitarbutt]

What the heck is it for?

They claim it takes the place of x number of wrenches. In reality, it clamps in a bolt and locks (like regular vise grips) onto it. It can be used for stripped or rounded stuff from the looks of it, which is why I wanted one. Also for keeping in the old truck for simple tightenings

 

[rlitman]

I bought the small one when it came out 30 or so years ago because it was cool. Still haven't used it yet.

 

[JradM]

I think Knipex should make a pliers wrench with this jaw shape - the purpose of which would be gripping round shapes.

The pliers wrench is probably superior in 90% of situations where I could use these locking pliers, but the smooth parallel jaws don't do much on something smooth and round. I'd hope that by gripping from three sides, you could apply more pressure without deforming the pipe and have just a bit more grip.

You could just use these instead, obviously, but they have teeth.

 

[Wakefield]

Line fittings.

don't they tend to crush the soft fittings worse than a regular flare nut wrench?

 

[lardy1]

I don't think I'd recommend it as a first choice. I was referring more to stubborn ones. A step between the line wrench and the hacksaw.

 

[Can I try?]

I think Knipex should make a pliers wrench with this jaw shape - the purpose of which would be gripping round shapes.

The pliers wrench is probably superior in 90% of situations where I could use these locking pliers, but the smooth parallel jaws don't do much on something smooth and round. I'd hope that by gripping from three sides, you could apply more pressure without deforming the pipe and have just a bit more grip.

You could just use these instead, obviously, but they have teeth.

Do you know about their Cobra model?

The jaw shape allows for three-point grip on cylindrical objects. No, they don't lock down as a pair of Vise-Grips would, but neither does the Plierswrench.

 

[toolenthusiast]

This style is the recommended tool for changing electrode tips on squeeze-type resistance spot welders.

 

[jsaw]

I use them on inner tie rods on rack and pinion steering. They don't slip like an open end wrench does

 

[cherrybomb]

The 4 and 7 are both versatile tools,like others have said holding punches in the 4 and using the 7 for stubborn rounded nuts.Not used often, but when your in a bind,they can be a lifesaver. Just imagine how your hand will thank you if you use the 4,and miss hitting the chisel or punch.