Vise Grip catalog thread

[Mr. Whippy]

This thread is to show all the variations of the famed locking jaws pliers we all know as Vise Grip.

I'll start:



I forgot to write down the model numbers, but the first 3 in the top row are two sizes of the basic jaw shape.  The next is for holding sheet metal or steel plate together, generally for welding.  Next is the large jaws I use for oil filters and pipes and the last is pretty specialized.  I've used it for welding projects and holding things to a work bench.

The first two in the bottom row have jaws for grabbing rounded nuts (2 sizes), then 2 of the needle nosed locking plers and the last two are small versions of the standard jaw and the jaw for rounded nuts (respectively).

Let's see 'em!

[David]

I`ve never seen those parrot beak looking vice grips before. I`ve had or used most of the others. This should be a good thread Mr. W       

[misscase530]

The rounded nut grips have a stamp on them, are they made by Vice Grip or are they another manufacturer.  Love to add a set to my tool pile.

[parnass]

I use Vise-Grips 11SP locking C-clamps for woodworking tasks, including clamping pieces to the drill press table. The SP series has swivel pads on the tips to protect pieces being clamped.

[Threeme2189]

We have one of these at home.
Very useful for turning stubborn pipes and hoses and big round things 

[MultiMat]

I now own more visegrip MTs than I do Visegrips  .

Here are my 2



I know the red handle one does not really count but I consider it a close relative to the visegrip  . They both came in my very first tool kit I bought as a apprentice motor mechanic & they are made by the Sidchrome brand. I got my kit in the late 80's, Sidchrome was a Aussie institution with most of their tools being made in Oz. Stanley bought them out & now none of the tools are made in Oz  . The red handle grips are definetly made in Oz the Visegrips do not have were they were made on them  , I think they might be Swedish  , my large shifting spanner that came in the same kit was Sidchrome branded but made in Sweden.

As a apprentice I always considered the path to the Visegrips a walk of shame , the shame being I had rounded something off so badly I need the Visegrips to save the day  . Now I am much older & wiser I see Visegrips in a entirely different light very handy beasts . I am very proud of my old Aussie made Sidchrome tool set. Would not part with it for quids.

[gafftapegreenia]

I doubt I'll ever forgive Irwin for moving Vice Grip manufacturing to China and decimating the town of DeWitt Nebraska.

Normally I'm not  a zealot when it comes to that kind of thing as I have bought tools from all over the world, but the quality dropped with the move and thats just a shame.

[jzmtl]

Has anyone tried viper grip? It's laminated self adjusting/locking jaw and can be switched to regular plier, I can't decide if it's real deal or gimmick.

[Mercury]

I love my vise grips, one of the most indispensable tools out there.  I only have three variations at home, but the Body Techs in my shop have whole toolboxes dedicated to them.  I'll try to snap some pics of any I don't see here on monday.

[Mr. Whippy]

I doubt I'll ever forgive Irwin for moving Vice Grip manufacturing to China and decimating the town of DeWitt Nebraska.

Normally I'm not  a zealot when it comes to that kind of thing as I have bought tools from all over the world, but the quality dropped with the move and thats just a shame.

The castings are much rougher.  It also makes me wonder if the new rubber handles are to cover poor finish issues.

[Mr. Whippy]

I love my vise grips, one of the most indispensable tools out there.  I only have three variations at home, but the Body Techs in my shop have whole toolboxes dedicated to them.  I'll try to snap some pics of any I don't see here on monday.

That would be great! 

I know there are more variations than what is on the current Irwin website.

[Mercury]

I love my vise grips, one of the most indispensable tools out there.  I only have three variations at home, but the Body Techs in my shop have whole toolboxes dedicated to them.  I'll try to snap some pics of any I don't see here on monday.

That would be great! 

I know there are more variations than what is on the current Irwin website.

I'm sure, and these guys make their own as well.  Give a redneck a pair of vise grips and a welder and you'd be surprised how innovative they can be.

[Mike]

How about some 15 inch long reach ones from Harbor Freight?


Mike

[Mr. Whippy]

That's cool!

[Mike]

I know, for $8.49 I'd be willing to try them out. But I'm sure they probably aren't that good if they are from Harbor Freight though.

But they did look cool.

Mike

[David]

How about some 15 inch long reach ones from Harbor Freight?
(Image removed from quote.)

Mike

That one needs an Aimpoint on it.   

[Mike]

The idea came from this fellows web page:
http://www.vententersearch.com/?p=321

He did this simple modification:


However, I used a crosby shoulder eye bolt on mine:


Mike

[David]

Mike that looks like a handy mod.       

[Mike]

Mike that looks like a handy mod.       

Yeah, it gives me an attachment point for rope, fencing ... all sorts of stuff. It has really made my vise grips just a little more useful.

Mike

[parnass]

The castings [on the Chinese versions] are much rougher.  It also makes me wonder if the new rubber handles are to cover poor finish issues.

The Chinese version Vise-Grips tools have a hex recess hole on the knob so they can be tightened using an Allen wrench.

[parnass]

I install a split ring or two on my smaller Vise-Grips pliers and sometimes attach a simple paracord lanyard.  The lanyard can make it easier to pull the tool from a holster.

[Sazabi]

Are there any decent-quality vise grips made anymore for a reasonable price, or should I try to find an older hardware store? :/

[Mr. Whippy]

The original style classic Vise Grip is still available. Not sure of pricing.

[Mike]

Are there any decent-quality vise grips made anymore for a reasonable price, or should I try to find an older hardware store? :/

Even the off shore made Irwin vise grips seem ok. But I really like my oldr USA made ones. Some older, well established hardware store still have ones made in the USA, and ebay has them listed all the time. The packages will have an American flag on them.

Mike

[Mike]

I install a split ring or two on my smaller Vise-Grips pliers and sometimes attach a simple paracord lanyard.  The lanyard can make it easier to pull the tool from a holster.

(Image removed from quote.)

(Image removed from quote.)

I really like my 4 and 5 inch vise grips as a supplement to my multitools. The split ring add ons look like a great add on!

Mike

[kmanct3]

I have a set of quick release vise grip brand i bought fro snap-on, i will send pics when i get to work......

[kmanct3]

Here is my set at work....

[Sazabi]

Well I found a hardware store with a small selection of the US-made Vise Grips... they don't have the smaller ones anymore, nor do they have any ToolZAll Pocket Pro tools, either. 

[Mercury]

As promised.  Here are a few variations that are most commonly used in my body shop.
I'm sure a few of these were modified.

[David]

I keep these two little ones in my tool bag at work.