Vise Grip appreciation thread.

Mike · **on:** January 15, 2010, 08:36:17 PM

Hi folks,

Been awhile but just thought I'd pop in and share some stuff I found regarding the often over looked vise grips. The original Vise Grips are still made by Irwin. However, sometime in October of 2008 (I think) they closed the US factory and shipped manufacturing to China. So if you want a "Made in USA" Vise Grip, you can still find them, just check the package. Let's not let this deteriorate into of country of origin thread ...... ok?

I have been rotating between carrying a 4WR and 5WR pair. The 5WR being a little larger is more practical in my opinion, but the smaller 4WR is pretty handy without being too big. Like has been mentioned here, sometimes a multi simply isn't enough and I find the addition of a small vise grip very handy. Bolts sometimes have nuts on them and you need two tools to remove or tighten them. These also have wire cutters, which work ok on softer materials like copper. But they have many other uses as well.

Some links for fun:
http://www.urbanlandarmy.com/?p=71
http://toolmonger.com/2006/08/11/hands-on-irwins-fast-release-vise-grip-locking-pliers/
http://www.vententersearch.com/?p=321

YouTube video from the last link:

YouTube video from the movie Gran Torino:

Enjoy,
Mike

Mr. Whippy · **Reply #1 on:** January 15, 2010, 08:45:54 PM

LOVE Vise Grips. Whenever something breaks and needs repairs, there is always a Vise Grip in the selected tool set for the repair. They're like an extra set of hands.

Woot! for the Vise Grip.

John · **Reply #2 on:** January 15, 2010, 09:12:13 PM

I have the 4" visegrip for smal jobs and cutting wire

And a bit of topic a 10" FACOM original 500 slip joint vise for larger jobs

Craig · **Reply #3 on:** January 15, 2010, 11:05:10 PM

Vise grips are my favourite non-multitool (if that's the correcy term). Thanks for the info, Mike

MultiMat · **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2010, 03:30:48 AM

All HAIL the VISE-GRIP MT

My ToolBox MT is a Irwin made Vise-Grip with modification by Schrade ,tools in the handle. I love it robust as all hell & also has tools.More of a Vise-Grip tool than a MT but I often keep my one outside & although the tools are awkward to use when compared to a pure MT it still rocks

. A bit rare but I happily use it as it is indestructible.

Teofilo · **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2010, 03:53:00 AM

Vise Grips! I love them!

J-sews · **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2010, 05:03:46 AM

Me too! I'll bet there are about six of them around the house, as well as the one in my tool box at work.

I hadn't heard about them closing the U.S. plant. My sympathies to all the folks who used to work there.

Mike · **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2010, 05:09:36 AM

Yeah, it is sad. Here are a couple articles about the closing of the factory in Nebraska.

http://www.beatricedailysun.com/articles/2008/09/03/news/local/doc48bea05c2aba7153670734.txt

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26531610/

Mike

parnass · **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2010, 05:10:37 AM

Vise-Grips model 6LN and Crescent 6L black oxide version. Both made in USA. The main difference is the way they are unlocked.

J-sews · **Reply #9 on:** January 17, 2010, 04:18:58 AM

Some really cool locking plier related stuff here: http://toolmonger.com/category/manufacturers/grip-on/

Styerman · **Reply #10 on:** January 17, 2010, 03:18:58 PM

I have two minds about vice grips , they can be a great tool , but in unskilled hands they can cause lots of damage . They do some stuff that no other tool can accomplish .

Chris

Zed · **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2010, 03:22:06 PM

wow all i need is WD40 duck tape and vice grips, thats it everything is up for sale

thanks clint

paul

Anthony · **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2010, 03:27:59 AM

Vise Grips of all shapes and sizes are great. One of my favorites is the one posted above; the small needle nose version. I've got a newer model (although I think a US made one) with blue/yellow rubber handles molded on. Great for bending, clamping, twisting...

Chako · **Reply #13 on:** January 19, 2010, 04:22:58 AM

They are handy. I have quite a few in the garage, and one in the small toolbox I keep in the house.

parnass · **Reply #14 on:** February 04, 2010, 09:28:03 PM

My newest Vise-Grip is the 4-inch 4WR model. The knurled adjustment knob has a hex recess hole on the rear, marked 3MM HEX (not visible in the photo below). My older Vise-Grips do not have the hex socket. Anyone know why one would use an Allen hex wrench instead of fingers to adjust this Vise-Grip?

A small split ring placed around the adjustment bolt serves at a lanyard attachment point.

The Vise-Grip 4WR is shown in the photo between a stainless Pocketwrench II and Victorinox Spirit for size comparison.

Gadget Guy · **Reply #15 on:** February 04, 2010, 10:08:09 PM

Quote from: parnass on February 04, 2010, 09:28:03 PM

My newest Vise-Grip is the 4-inch 4WR model. The knurled adjustment knob has a hex recess hole on the rear, marked 3MM HEX (not visible in the photo below). My older Vise-Grips do not have the hex socket. Anyone know why one would use an Allen hex wrench instead of fingers to adjust this Vise-Grip?

A small split ring placed around the adjustment bolt serves at a lanyard attachment point.

The Vise-Grip 4WR is shown in the photo between a stainless Pocketwrench II and Victorinox Spirit for size comparison.

(Image removed from quote.)

Thanks for the reminder. I've got to run down a get me a 4" pair as well.

USA of course!