I bought a pair of Milwaukee locking pliers once last year. I was seduced by the cushiony handles, not the price, reasoning that with handles that were cushioned, I could set the range of clamp force tighter, and still be able to overcome the resistance to squeezing the handles closed to obtain a better lock.
That was what I thought in the store aisle. However, in practical usage, they did not perform as well as, or even the same as, real Irwin Vise Grips. I was disgusted enough with the performance of the Milwaukee version that I actually took it back to the store for a refund (very rare for me to do, especially on an item that is less than the cost in time and fuel to make the return trip). But they were really bad.
The type I am comparing are needle nose 9" locking pliers. (Having about a 3" to 4" jaw). Later that week I paid $30 for an Irwin Vise Grip version, and all was well again.
I don't remember where either brand was made.
I'm also of the opinion that Irwin Vise Grip quality is not what it used to be 40 years ago.
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