Milwaukee Locking Pliers

[Stuey]

First Look (standard release): http://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-locking-pliers/
First Look (fast release): http://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-fast-release-locking-pliers/

I've tried the standard release ones, and they're good. Fast-release will come out next month.

These are a lot like Irwin's, but with a flat and holey thumbscrew.

Overall, I like 'em. They're strong and easy to adjust. I wish they had European-style release levers, but I think Vise-Grips-style levers are necessary for the fast-release pliers to share common production line processes.

I still prefer Grip-on's, but these Milwaukee pliers are less expensive and pretty decent.

 

[chipper]

Now that I own grip-ons I don't think I'll ever buy another brand but I do like how Milwaukee is expanding..how is the price compared to Irwin since that's who they'll be sharing the shelf with at hd?

 

[Stuey]

Now that I own grip-ons I don't think I'll ever buy another brand but I do like how Milwaukee is expanding..how is the price compared to Irwin since that's who they'll be sharing the shelf with at hd?

Seems comparable. If Milwaukee's line expands further, Irwin might have to fight to keep their shelf space.

 

[1982fxr]

improper use of screwdriver!!! policia! policia!!!!

warranty void no soup for you

 

[1982fxr]

seriously though that could be handy

 

[ADSR]

Now that I own grip-ons I don't think I'll ever buy another brand

Agreed! The action is ridiculously smooth!

 

[bobcatdan]

Milwaukee and DeWalt are power tool companies, make power tools damn it.

 

[Stuey]

improper use of screwdriver!!! policia! policia!!!!

warranty void no soup for you

http://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-go-ahead-and-beat-the-snot-out-of-our-screwdrivers/

At the 2012 new product show, a Milwaukee product manager beat on one of their screwdrivers with a hammer to make a hole in sheet metal ducting. That wasn't part of the demo - they were simply making quick holes to start a duct work recip saw blade that they were demoing for us.

 

[neophyte]

I would think the loop on the adjustment screw has more to do with safety while working at elevations. A number of newer Japanese tool companies offer safety lanyards that can be hooked to tools, and a lot of the newer tool designs are being made with holes thru which to fasten the lanyards. This is for safety so that if a tool is dropped it won't cause an injury on the ground, as well as the amount of time it saves if the worker would otherwise have to stop what they're doing and descend to retrieve the tool.

You would think a company as large as Milwaukee could have had an adjustment screw made with a round knurled section between the loop and the threaded section, that would be slightly quicker to turn with your fingers for large adjustments.

 

[Jwych]

I also own a couple pairs of these and have had success with them. I like being able to sinch thay sob down further than i can grip it.

 

[Stuey]

I would think the loop on the adjustment screw has more to do with safety while working at elevations. A number of newer Japanese tool companies offer safety lanyards that can be hooked to tools, and a lot of the newer tool designs are being made with holes thru which to fasten the lanyards. This is for safety so that if a tool is dropped it won't cause an injury on the ground, as well as the amount of time it saves if the worker would otherwise have to stop what they're doing and descend to retrieve the tool.

You would think a company as large as Milwaukee could have had an adjustment screw made with a round knurled section between the loop and the threaded section, that would be slightly quicker to turn with your fingers for large adjustments.

They specifically describe and show it as being for screwdriver-assisted tightening.

 

[neophyte]

How common is it that people tighten their vise grip pliers after they're clamped? Isn't it easier in most situations to just unclamp the pliers, spin the adjusting screw tighter, and then re-clamp the pliers?

 

[Stuey]

How common is it that people tighten their vise grip pliers after they're clamped? Isn't it easier in most situations to just unclamp the pliers, spin the adjusting screw tighter, and then re-clamp the pliers?

I've never done it, but I think I understand why someone would do it. If you want high clamping pressure, locking pliers might be too hard to close if you adjust the screw to the desired setting first. If you clamp down and then tighten the screw with a screwdriver for added leverage, it'll save your hands a little.

 

[Rarified27]

I've never used the screwdriver or allen keys on the newer Irwins to tighten a pair, but have definitely used the keys to loosen one I turned too much before clamping.

Also, a lot of firefighters have been replacing the screws in vise grips with eye bolts for years so they could use them with gloves or tie a lanyard to them for easier retrieval from a pocket, so this could find itself a demand in that market as well.