"Vise Grip" locking pliers recommendation

[308guru]

I'm due for some new "vise grip" locking pliers. I have 3 or 4 but the serrations on the jaws are pretty worn and they don't like to grip all that well anymore. I generally find myself using them for round objects so the curved jaws seem like the best type for me. Use is general household and automotive work.

I believe all of mine are older USA made. I'm assuming that's not a thing anymore?

Any suggestions on brands/models to head toward or stay away from?

Thanks.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I've sharpened the teeth on many pair of pliers with a set of mini diamond files from Harbor Freight.

Might be worth a shot if your old ones are in good shape otherwise.

Needle File Set, 10 Piece

Amazing deals on this Needle File Set, 10Pc at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Kurt4440]

If you are already going to Harbor Freight for diamond files, pick up a couple of pairs of Bremen locking pliers. I purchased a few different sizes to keep in my truck. They were cheap (even cheaper with a coupon) and made in Taiwan.

 

[RichieP_MechE]

Malco's now-defunct USA-made Eagle Grip pliers are the new gold standard. Buy them while you still can: https://www.harryepstein.com/search?q=eagle+grip+malco&options[prefix]=last&x=14&y=12

(It is rumored that Snap-On bought Malco's tooling and is going to move production to one of their factories, but their pricing something like 2.5-3x of current closeout pricing on Malco inventory from other vendors)

 

[srs2000]

I have some 3 peaks Japanese locking pliers with screw extraction at the teeth that I like. I think I paid about 18 but they're normally around 28 on Amazon. Sometimes they work when normal locking pliers or Twingrips won't.

If you want USA go with the Malcos though.


THREE PEAKS Daiya type Vise DS-200T https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BYVF414?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bb29510]

i got about thirty harbor freight vice grip, hey they only $5, yest they break and they get toss. I use them for clamping when welding. not the best but they worth the price

 

[dnschmidt]

Nothing wrong with the Milwaukee Vice Grips. The HF Bremen are great value for money as well.

 

[ohhimark]

As mentioned above, the Malcos are great. The current Irwin versions are ok, and the Craftsman one tested well on Project Farm as well.

 

[Etchase]

Irwin. Dramatically improved since Stanley bought them, and profits stay in the US. FACOM if you need something extraordinary. And Epstein’s while they have them. I kind of hate making Malco whole after they laid off their workforce just in time for Christmas, but I sure like supporting Epstein, and I’m guessing they already paid for them.

 

[Monte]

Knipex, Gedore, Stahlwille, Elora, NWS, Bollmann, Hazet, Grip-On....

 

[Max]

I quite like Tekton tools in general. But the clamping pliers they make have jaws that are too soft. I was trying to remove hardened nails that were shot into concrete and gripping the nails ruined the jaws. I switched to my old US made vise grips and had no issues.

 

[Mr_B]

New old stock USA vise grips, used good condition USA vise grips, Malco while you got chance get some & if want cheap fairly good easy store stuff then Bremen about best value you can get (pays to do your own QC from the display stock for an extra nice fit/finish pair)
Other option store or online would be Milwaukee .
Ones I prefer using (lever personal preference and fact they stay locked under more extreme use) or got me out of jam when others fail has been good pair of USA Vise Grips .

 

[Handyandy23]

I've got Grip On vise grips that I got off Amazon. They're made in Spain and are good quality. Gray Tools in Canada re-brands them so maybe they're a little easier to get in Canada, but I see them on US Amazon as well.

 

[308guru]

Lots of good recommendations, thank you. I’ll get some Malco’s on order first.