Project Farm tests locking pliers.

[GeoBruin]

Project Farm posted a locking plier test. Interestingly, TTC posted some comments on the video with some observations based on testing they've been performing, so it sounds like we may soon see a TTC episode on locking pliers. It sounds like both TTC and several commenters took issue with the method Todd used to set the clamping force. He clamped the pliers down, then tightened the screw using a torque wrench. TTC noted that the screws used by the various brands have different sizes, pitches, coatings, etc. and should result in different amounts of clamping force.

All that said, it sounds like TTC is testing using the amount of force used to squeeze the pliers closed, so I'm sure we'll get a look at that angle. Also, it sounds like the Eagle Grips would come out on top no matter what. That's consistent with my experience using several of the brands tested.

I feel like the HF Bremen get a lot of love, so hopefully TTC will test them as well. Also, it would be interesting to see what a pair with dedicated "screw extraction" teeth on the jaw could do on the test where the end of the bolt is grabbed. I'm thinking the 3 Peaks may have prevailed there.

 

[Jtels85]

I was glad to see the Irwin's come out near the very top. Mine are of course newer and made in China, but they're very well made and do what I ask them to do.

 

[WhataTool]

Hmm, yeah i'm not sure how turning the adjustment screw until X tight with the jaws already closed on something applies to how I use these. Though, you could probably overlay one channels results over the other for a more complete picture and pick from the agreed on best ones and do pretty well not having a favorite going in.

 

[Steve_P]

Project Farm posted a locking plier test. Interestingly, TTC posted some comments on the video with some observations based on testing they've been performing, so it sounds like we may soon see a TTC episode on locking pliers. It sounds like both TTC and several commenters took issue with the method Todd used to set the clamping force. He clamped the pliers down, then tightened the screw using a torque wrench. TTC noted that the screws used by the various brands have different sizes, pitches, coatings, etc. and should result in different amounts of clamping force.

All that said, it sounds like TTC is testing using the amount of force used to squeeze the pliers closed, so I'm sure we'll get a look at that angle. Also, it sounds like the Eagle Grips would come out on top no matter what. That's consistent with my experience using several of the brands tested.

The screw issue is valid, and Todd even mentions in the video that the ones that have a crappy thread fit would be hurt- but if you make a crappy thread, then I wouldn't expect much anyway. Using his somewhat flawed method does have a good benefit in that it showed how some failed when cranking on the screw, and others didn't. Most people probably use the clamp it on, unclamp, tighten the adjuster screw more, clamp and repeat until they just barely can close them with their hand.

 

[GeoBruin]

The screw issue is valid, and Todd even mentions in the video that the ones that have a crappy thread fit would be hurt- but if you make a crappy thread, then I wouldn't expect much anyway. Using his somewhat flawed method does have a good benefit in that it showed how some failed when cranking on the screw, and others didn't. Most people probably use the clamp it on, unclamp, tighten the adjuster screw more, clamp and repeat until they just barely can close them with their hand.

I would have expected the same, but there was at least one commentor who claimed that "most" people clamp first, then tighten the screw. I was worried this is one of those things where half of us do it one way, half do it the other way, and neither half knows the other exists.

 

[LeeG]

I wish he'd have tested the HF Breman clamps. I have both those and the Milwaukee, and the only difference I see is what the end of the tightening screw looks like. I mainly use those for welding, and have a few pairs of the Malco ones for everything else.

 

[david3921]

As I have grown older my grip has grown weaker. Because of this I have gravitated toward the grips that have tool adjustable screws. Both the Irwins and Bremens have the screws I prefer. I like the Bremen a bit more because it has a 1/4" drive screw end versus the Allen head end of the Irwin. It's just easier to swing a ratchet rather than an Allen wrench. It also allows the use of an extension on the ratchet if needed.

 

[cdoublejj]

i screw first and bite second, un bite, screw and re bite.

 

[Steve_P]

I would have expected the same, but there was at least one commentor who claimed that "most" people clamp first, then tighten the screw. I was worried this is one of those things where half of us do it one way, half do it the other way, and neither half knows the other exists.

Well, I guess we need a poll The "old" Peterson ones didn't have the hex key feature to tighten the screw. At least none of mine did, so this is why I use my method. If I started buying locking pliers 5 years ago, I guess I might use the hex key method, but that's one more tool to get. So maybe choice of which method is partially an age thing?

 

[Steve_P]

I wish he'd have tested the HF Breman clamps. I have both those and the Milwaukee, and the only difference I see is what the end of the tightening screw looks like. I mainly use those for welding, and have a few pairs of the Malco ones for everything else.

Agree. A lot of people here speak highly of them, so I thought that was a large omission. IIRC he's tested them in the past though if you want to look at his older videos.

 

[WhataTool]

Agree. A lot of people here speak highly of them, so I thought that was a large omission. IIRC he's tested them in the past though if you want to look at his older videos.

Looking back now at his one from 3 years ago, looks like Pittsburgh. In fact a lot of the brands are just the same ones he bought last time re-done again and some of them not placing where he had them last time

 

[dscheidt]

Well, I guess we need a poll The "old" Peterson ones didn't have the hex key feature to tighten the screw. At least none of mine did, so this is why I use my method. If I started buying locking pliers 5 years ago, I guess I might use the hex key method, but that's one more tool to get. So maybe choice of which method is partially an age thing?

I bet it's a grip strength issue. I've got good crushing grip, so I can tighten the screw, and squeeze the handles shut, with as much clamping force as I'd think the pliers can actually generate. But I've worked with people who couldn't do that, and they used a pair of pliers to tighten the knob. (they probably have pliers that take a wrench these days....)

the only times I turn the know with the pliers closed is to get close to where I want to be, and for places where I don't want a huge crushing force on the thing in the jaws.

 

[dnschmidt]

If the fools at MALCO would have priced these at the price that Amazon is currently selling these for they would have been a great hit.

 

[whateg01]

I would have expected the same, but there was at least one commentor who claimed that "most" people clamp first, then tighten the screw. I was worried this is one of those things where half of us do it one way, half do it the other way, and neither half knows the other exists.

My experience is that "most" just have a knurled screw, so unless you are using another set of locking pliers to tighten the locking pliers, it's not getting very tight that way.

I wonder how long before the screw end is completely mushroomed and can't be turned because of tightening the screw with the pliers under a load.

 

[Etchase]

I’m trying to decide if I should have an 18V bit driver, or a 1/2 inch impact with an adapter in my vise grip bag. I guess I won’t care as much about the two hand operation required by the release levers that are backwards.

 

[whateg01]

I’m trying to decide if I should have an 18V bit driver, or a 1/2 inch impact with an adapter in my vise grip bag. I guess I won’t care as much about the two hand operation required by the release levers that are backwards.

Definitely a 20v high torque model!

 

[four.cycle]

meh.
didn't include the original Petersen in the test, despite the fact that most of us here are still using old Petersens, and despite the fact there is a more than abundant supply to be had at garage sales, swap meets, and on ebay.

and he sounds plain-*** stupid when he says "Irwin is the original Vise-Grip".

just my two cents, of course.

(can't believe I actually subjected myself to that guy's voice for the entire video)

 

[WhataTool]

despite the fact that most of us here are still using old Petersens, and despite the fact there is a more than abundant supply to be had at garage sales, swap meets, and on ebay.

I'm sure people would have more than a couple things to say if he did a test with 8 brand new locking pliers and one used one from a swap meet

 

[david3921]

I'm sure people would have more than a couple things to say if he did a test with 8 brand new locking pliers and one used one from a swap meet

He's done a few versions of this. I recall him using an old USA made Craftsman wrench in a test and (I believe) an old Crescent wrench in another.

 

[Steel_Rain]

I love vice pliers.

Is it wrong I keep my cheapy's (HFT Bremen) next to my Malco's at home?

 

[whateg01]

I love vice pliers.

Is it wrong I keep my cheapy's (HFT Bremen) next to my Malco's at home?

Vise pliers aren't bad either!

 

[GeoBruin]

I love vice pliers.

Is it wrong I keep my cheapy's (HFT Bremen) next to my Malco's at home?

No, but is that a pair of SnapOn I see down at the end? Those may need their own hook.

 

[sparky 1971]

I like his videos, especially the older ones where he doesn't talk so damned fast. IMO, he does everything he can to make the tests equal. That being said, I have never, ever, not once, tried to tighten the pliers after they were clamped down, it never occurred to me that was even a possibility. I was happy to see that I wasn't wasting money a couple of years ago when I bought the Malco's that I haven't used yet, but someday it will happen. Finding out that my Channellocks (Grip On?) aren't anything special was disheartening to say the least; I've only used them to clamp stuff together when welding so I had no clue how they would work trying to grab a rounded/stuck/frozen junk fastener, I bought a few pair assuming they were decent, looked cool with the black and CL blue, and I liked the release lever.

 

[Beerhippie]

I would have expected the same, but there was at least one commentor who claimed that "most" people clamp first, then tighten the screw. I was worried this is one of those things where half of us do it one way, half do it the other way, and neither half knows the other exists.

Oh, yeah, I know who tightens VGs that way: No one, ever. At least, no one I've seen in decades of using clamping pliers and being around others doing so.

meh.
didn't include the original Petersen in the test, despite the fact that most of us here are still using old Petersens, and despite the fact there is a more than abundant supply to be had at garage sales, swap meets, and on ebay.

and he sounds plain-*** stupid when he says "Irwin is the original Vise-Grip".

just my two cents, of course.

(can't believe I actually subjected myself to that guy's voice for the entire video)

Well Irwins DO say "Vise Grip The Original" right on them.



so they must be the original, right?

Glad I'm not the only one who can't stand the livestock auctioneer delivery.

 

[four.cycle]

I'm sure people would have more than a couple things to say if he did a test with 8 brand new locking pliers and one used one from a swap meet

Well... those people who actually know the tools would know that he would be measuring all others against what is arguably accepted as the de facto Gold Standard.

Leaving them out gives me the impression that the guy is stuck down in his basement and doesn't know about the real world outside.

==

Take that a step further: He is comparing locking pliers that are readily available at most large U.S. retailers.

Okay, so let's compare ratchets among brands that are readily available at most large retailers.
What is the first brand that comes to mind that is not available at one of the big box stores?

That's right: it's the ratchet many of you insist is the best, and well worth the crazy money you're paying for them.

But wait.... how about Ko-Ken? Stahlwille? Wera? Nepros? When's the last time you any of those brands in a retail store in the U.S. ??

If you're going to compare apples to apples, you need to compare ALL the apples - not just the ones that you find at Walmart.

 

[four.cycle]

That being said, I have never, ever, not once, tried to tighten the pliers after they were clamped down, it never occurred to me that was even a possibility.

Me either. And we were a factory-direct warehouse distributor of Petersen in the early 1980s. Sold a hell of a lot of them.
Never knew that was a feature.

 

[four.cycle]

Oh, yeah, I know who tightens VGs that way: No one, ever.

^ THIS.

Can NOT understand why that's even a point of comparison. Who cares? I have NEVER turned that screw after I've got the jaws clamped down tight on an object.
I've been doing it all wrong for over half a century?

 

[jives]

^ THIS.

Can NOT understand why that's even a point of comparison. Who cares? I have NEVER turned that screw after I've got the jaws clamped down tight on an object.
I've been doing it all wrong for over half a century?

THIS and THIS

 

[tarbellb]

Technically tightening by the threaded apparatus IS a CORRECT way to do it (too)

Fireball tools even brags that you can get MORE CLAMPING FORCE USING THE SCREW END (go to 2:55) on their locking pliers



StrongHand tools uses this style as well

 

[Beerhippie]

I've used ones that work like that, too. They're called C-clamps. In fact, I'm having some trouble figuring what the advantage using VGs like that would have over C-clamps. Don't you lose all the advantages of the over-centering mechanism that way?

 

[finn]

The Eagle Grip locking pliers are an out of production dead horse, so why even bother testing them. Yes, they’re still available on Amazon and a few other outlets that squirreled some of them away, or bought out production pliers
at liquidation, but when they’re gone they’re gone, so I consider testing them as being pretty irrelevant.

Sort of like reporting road test results on a two year old car,( I think they’ve been gone that long already), or SK ratchets from the Ideal era.

Who really cares about a long gone tool from a defunct factory for anything other than nostalgia.

I seriously doubt he was even aware that Eagle Grip folded a couple of years ago.

 

[dnschmidt]

meh.
didn't include the original Petersen in the test, despite the fact that most of us here are still using old Petersens, and despite the fact there is a more than abundant supply to be had at garage sales, swap meets, and on ebay.

and he sounds plain-*** stupid when he says "Irwin is the original Vise-Grip".

just my two cents, of course.

(can't believe I actually subjected myself to that guy's voice for the entire video)

VERY IMPRESSIVE!

 

[mreisner]

The Eagle Grip locking pliers are an out of production dead horse, so why even bother testing them. Yes, they’re still available on Amazon and a few other outlets that squirreled some of them away, or bought out production pliers
at liquidation, but when they’re gone they’re gone, so I consider testing them as being pretty irrelevant.

Sort of like reporting road test results on a two year old car,( I think they’ve been gone that long already), or SK ratchets from the Ideal era.

Who really cares about a long gone tool from a defunct factory for anything other than nostalgia.

I seriously doubt he was even aware that Eagle Grip folded a couple of years ago.

They're still available, they just say Snap on now, and come with a lifetime warranty. And a lot higher price.

 

[four.cycle]

The Eagle Grip locking pliers are an out of production dead horse,

Point taken, but as I mentioned above, why not compare competitive models with what is seen as the Gold Standard?
I don't believe you will find one GJ member who actually believes there is a better locking plier than the original Petersen or the Malco Eagle Grip.

Anybody? Let's see hands!

Granted, Malco stopped production, just as Petersen stopped production in Dewitt, but that doesn't change the fact that there are still all kinds of these out in the open market: new, used, or otherwise. There is no shortage of them at all. The Malcos, as noted just above, are now branded "Snap-on", so the price point alone is going to drive off a good segment of the market.

 

[GeoBruin]

The Eagle Grip locking pliers are an out of production dead horse, so why even bother testing them. Yes, they’re still available on Amazon and a few other outlets that squirreled some of them away, or bought out production pliers
at liquidation, but when they’re gone they’re gone, so I consider testing them as being pretty irrelevant.

Sort of like reporting road test results on a two year old car,( I think they’ve been gone that long already), or SK ratchets from the Ideal era.

Who really cares about a long gone tool from a defunct factory for anything other than nostalgia.

I seriously doubt he was even aware that Eagle Grip folded a couple of years ago.

So we've got you telling us he shouldn't be testing the Malcos because they're out of production and we've got Four Cycle above telling us he should be testing the original Petersons even though they haven't been in production for decades.

Tough crowd.

 

[four.cycle]

^ If you are leaving those two out, you are comparing only "not the best".

 

[Bubba Fett]

I was surprised to see the Grip-On do so poorly, considering how many brands have used them for their branded version (Proto, Channellock, etc.). They have often been pretty well regarded, but perhaps there were not many options to compare them too for a long time.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see Irwin ranking so high. Since SBD took over the production from Rubbermaid, I felt that the quality noticeably improved. Perhaps not as good as the classic Petersens, but good for the price, and widely available.

Bremen was sorely missed. I feel like those are the best bang for the buck. Good enough to do real work, and you don't feel too bad about beating them up, or leaving them exposed to the elements.

Malco is a moot point now, since they are out of production and nigh-impossible to get. Hell even when they were in production, they were hard to get. The Snap-On version is probably just as good, but the price is cost-prohibitive for their intended use.

 

[finn]

So we've got you telling us he shouldn't be testing the Malcos because they're out of production and we've got Four Cycle above telling us he should be testing the original Petersons even though they haven't been in production for decades.

Tough crowd.

The original Petersons are irrelevant to all but the historians.

Sort of like buggy whips.


You can’t live in the past.

 

[Beerhippie]

The original Petersons are irrelevant to all but the historians.

Sort of like buggy whips.


You can’t live in the past.

You can have my Petersens when you pry... You get the jist.

Comparing something available pretty much anywhere used tools are sold to a buggy whip shows immense ignorance. The purpose of a buggy whip has largely disappeared--outside the world of buggy racing--but the purpose of the Petersen Vise Grips remains relevant, as do the ones I--and many, many others--have and use in my shop. Quality endures.

When no one needs nor wants the Vise-Grip-style pliers, then they're like buggy whips. The present still contains the tools of yesteryear, and not all are obsolete.

I'm sorry if this opinion doesn't fit in your cut-foam-lined SO tool kit.

 

[dscheidt]

I was surprised to see the Grip-On do so poorly, considering how many brands have used them for their branded version (Proto, Channellock, etc.). They have often been pretty well regarded, but perhaps there were not many options to compare them too for a long time.

I haven't watched the video, but most of the tool testing videos I have seen test things that don't matter most of the time to most users. How tightly a pair of locking pliers grips doesn't matter most of the time, because it's harder than it needs to for the vast majority of uses. What matters every time you pick a tool up is how it feels, how heavy it is, how hard it is to use. I have tools I don't use because of that. Some of them are 'better' than the tools that get used instead, because not having a handle that ***** is vastly more important.

I'll also note that all the original vise grips I've seen in the last few years were worn out junk or priced like they were made of unicorn blood, often both. Maybe some places there are still good ones cheap, but not around here.