Vise grips/locking pliers

[Sk_noma]

Hey, I need to get myself a bunch of vise grips for work but it seems like any decent ones are super expensive for even one pair.
Is there any brands that are less known but just as good as some of the bigger names for cheaper? I've heard that the cheap, cheap ones won't last very long and I definitely want them to last for awhile as I will use them a lot. I mean if I have to then eventually I will build up a collection of good ones but I'm going to need a lot of them and would like to know if you guys had any suggestions about some other brands other then the Mac, Snap on, Vise grip, etc.

 

[swm5126]

Knipex makes great quality locking pliers.

 

[Sk_noma]

Where would I look for those? Do they sell online mostly?

 

[Notwerk]

Knipex are very expensive and probably not a good fit for what you're after. Current production, grip-on (not Grip which is a China brand often confused for grip-on) are.arguably the best. They are rebadged as Snap-on and Proto among others. Zorotools carries the proto ones a at good prices, especially if you apply one of the ubiquitous coupon codes.

Still, they are not cheap. If you're just looking for a pile of cheap but sort of decent pliers, you may just want to stick with the Irwin brand imports.

Also, may want to check with Epstein's to see if they have USA Irwin/Wilde at a reasonable price. They usually do.

 

[trexdoink]

You may have to wait but Mac tools runs specials with something like 10 different ones and a toolbag for a discount price. It's a good way to get a bunch of them and they have the warranty. They seem as good as most others in terms of quality. Stay away from anything with no name, they tend to be really cheap.

 

[Sk_noma]

Thanks for the ideas, I'll have to check all those ones out. I've been asking my Mac dealer everytime he comes to my shop but the 10 plier deal hasnt been on in awhile but I will definitely be buying a set or two if it comes up again.

 

[camarotoolman]

I'll got several pairs of usa vise gripes for sale, I get $5-6 each.

 

[Southern]

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/MiscInventory/45270.html

I don't know what the story on these is, but they appear to be a pretty beefy American Made locking plier for 12 bucks. There's a 6'' version for 10 on epstein, too. I'm gonna order a bunch after my last Epstein order shows up on Thursday.

 

[randomtwinkie]

if you're on a budget, maybe try to check out a pawn shop, craigslist, etc for used name brands.

 

[Exceller8]

if you're on a budget, maybe try to check out a pawn shop, craigslist, etc for used name brands.

+1 And you can get good deals at Swap Meets as well. I usually pay $3-5 each in good working condition and they're usually US made as well...

 

[BD1]

Do you have flea markets by you ? i got the best deals on used regular jaw style there. Normally $1.00 to $2.00 each. I bought a welders set from Amazon, check these out. Maybe it will help.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...ools&hvadid=1470482636&ref=pd_sl_6iy2t1tjic_p

http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&keywords=vise grip set&rh=n:228013,k:vise grip set&page=1

 

[woody 73]

From the stories I have been told by other GJ members my guess is that you should stay away from the new made in china vise grips.
As far as the one GJ member telling you about the Knipex I would think that would cost you an arm and a leg to buy.(very nice hand tools).

So that might leave you with either hunting down the older ones made just before they got shipped overseas.
Or buying used ones that were made in Neb.

 

[Exceller8]

The import Vise-Grips aren't as bad as everyone says, especially if you can get them on sale. I bought a 7R for $5 at Ace and they are just fine.

 

[Sk_noma]

Camarotoolman- do you have a classified ad on here or should I just pm you?
I've got a wanted ad up on kijiji and other sites around my area. Will have to try to get out and check out some of the pawn shops around here to see if they have anything good. not really sure where to find any swap meets here but will have to look into that as well as I'm looking to have at least a drawer full by the time I'm done