got 10 & 6" Lockjaws today.
$33 the at the local tool store (A very good tool store actually, with staff who know about tools, and are more or less friendly (that is, I find them friendly enough, the upper class might consider a bunch of retired tradies trying to pose as checkout chicks a bit more disturbing), they have an incredible range, both in type of tool, and quality from terrible and cheap (Medalist Steel Rulers have been known to spontaneously combust) to the top of the line stuff, as well as a house brand that is perfectly respectable for 9/10 users, they also have damn near the best pricing in town.
(just wanted to give a store that has been supplying myself, my family, & my friends with tools for the last many years it's due)
Anyway, so these buggers usually run for around $75, 50-60 on special.
These are the newer, chinese editions.
if you look up the page some, you'll see some genuine Irwin Vice Grips pictured (far left & second from the right)
As you can see, the actual head and handle are separate parts, with a bit of an indent to hold in place, as well as the pivot further down.
Presumably the original Lock Jaws were also of this design, but these (probably Cast?) Chinese ones have a single piece for the handle and top half of the plier head - but being cast of the original design, has a (purely aesthetic now) shape of the plier head being smaller than the handle, and the indent in the metal.
It's kinda ridiculous, as it is a single piece, there is no need for the head to be thinner, as it doesn't have to fit "inside" the handle.
There's also casting marks on the black pivot between the two handles.
Time will tell if there is any issue with ruggedness, and I doubt there will be, but it is still disheartening.
As a counter-point, perhaps if people like me had of been willing to pay for them when they were made the other way, they would not have had to alter their manufacturing to compete.
Reap what you sow eh.
