locking pliers multitool overview

scrappy · **on:** March 30, 2010, 12:09:09 AM

I thought with the grappler now out I would document the multitools I am aware of with locking pliers. I apologize for the poor pictures.
First is the Kershaw A100. It was also sold under the Craftsman Brand. The tool is the same for each brand but the accessories available under each brand are different.

scrappy · **Reply #1 on:** March 30, 2010, 12:11:15 AM

hopefully the other pics are a little better. You can see the Kershaw model with the optional bit kit and the Craftsman model with the replacement parts kit. Sog isn't the only brand that designed the tool to be taken apart by the user.

scrappy · **Reply #2 on:** March 30, 2010, 12:25:00 AM

Here are the next tools I will discuss. The Schrade / ViseGrip family of tools. There are three major models. There is a small model, a model with a larger mouth and a model with needle nose pliers (plus two variations of each model).

The Needle nose plier contains multiple tools in the handle, knife, scrapper, saw, ect.

The smaller tool and the tool with the larger mouth contain a knife, scrapper, and driver that can use 1/4" bits.

Each model had two variations that I know of. The models with the bit driver came with either a clip point knife or a sheep's foot knife. The needle nose model was available with a small screwdriver or a can opener plus the standard implements.

Does anyone know of any other variations? Here is a picture of the six variations I have been able to find.

scrappy · **Reply #3 on:** March 30, 2010, 12:30:37 AM

Here is the famous Crunch that has lasted longer than the competition. I have heard the screw that goes through the plier head on the newest models is switched or changed, however, I have owned two older Crunch's and two Crunch's that were manufactured recently and all of the tools are identical except for the stamp used on the knife blade. USA was removed from the more recent models.

scrappy · **Reply #4 on:** March 30, 2010, 12:31:28 AM

Here is the Gerber grappler.

scrappy · **Reply #5 on:** March 30, 2010, 12:35:17 AM

Last but not least are three knockoffs. The Sheffield has scissors and the Kershaw tool does not. The next tool is bulit brand. It has a wood saw instead of a hacksaw. I was tinkering with the screws and broke one. I will need to fix it.
The last tool is a knockoff of the Crunch.
Thanks for looking. I apologize for the pics. Please add any detail you would like or let me know if anything I stated is incorrect.

BlueDot · **Reply #6 on:** March 30, 2010, 01:19:22 AM

Nice summary- do you own all those?

DaveK · **Reply #7 on:** March 30, 2010, 03:40:03 AM

Nice one scrappy.

So - what do you think of the Grappler then? I'm getting mixed signals from those that have tried them on here.

scrappy · **Reply #8 on:** March 30, 2010, 03:54:26 AM

BlueDot
they are mine. I have collected them since 99.

Dave
I like the pike tool.

the grappler feels like it is stronger than the A100 and crunch. the downfall to all of these tools is the few implements. I am sure you already know that. the jaw size on the grappler kills the deal. my favorite is the large mouthed visegrip. if portability is an issue, I go for the crunch.

J-sews · **Reply #9 on:** March 30, 2010, 04:42:13 AM

Wow, great collection of lockers you've got there Terry!

I can't think of any variations you've missed on the USA tools.

There are two types of Sheffield Crocodile that are considerably different. You've got the straight jaw model, which ironically seems to be the harder one to find. There is also a model with curved jaws and no outside opening knife blade.

Some pictures of each at the end of this thread here: http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,12749.15.html

BlueDot · **Reply #10 on:** March 30, 2010, 04:44:45 AM

Awesome collection.

scrappy · **Reply #11 on:** March 30, 2010, 05:12:51 AM

thanks Bob. I am off to find the croc. out of curiosity, do you have all six of the visegrips? another rare one is the sheffield buck knockoff. I assume you have one.

J-sews · **Reply #12 on:** March 30, 2010, 05:19:16 AM

Quote from: scrappy on March 30, 2010, 05:12:51 AM

thanks Bob. I am off to find the croc. out of curiosity, do you have all six of the visegrips? another rare one is the sheffield buck knockoff. I assume you have one.

Got the Sheffield Buck knock-off, and both the Schrade ST6 and ST6H.

But my Vise-Grip 6LC has the clip point, and the 5WR has the sheepsfoot, and I don't have their opposites. $:-\$

Poncho65 · **Reply #13 on:** March 30, 2010, 05:25:58 AM

Nice collection scrappy thanks for sharing

parnass · **Reply #14 on:** March 30, 2010, 05:29:40 AM

There are some nice photos of the Vise-Grip 32XX Toolbox on Amazon.com here. Be sure to read the scathing reviews.

scrappy · **Reply #15 on:** March 30, 2010, 05:32:24 AM

Bob
thank you for all the info. may I ask, what is the name of the buck model?
thanks.

Poncho65
thanks.

scrappy · **Reply #16 on:** March 30, 2010, 05:50:17 AM

Quote from: parnass on March 30, 2010, 05:29:40 AM

There are some nice photos of the Vise-Grip 32XX Toolbox on Amazon.com here. Be sure to read the scathing reviews.

scrappy · **Reply #17 on:** March 30, 2010, 05:55:38 AM

Quote from: parnass on March 30, 2010, 05:29:40 AM

There are some nice photos of the Vise-Grip 32XX Toolbox on Amazon.com here. Be sure to read the scathing reviews.

Parnass
thanks for the pic and link. I use the tool box often and love it. I can understand the wire stripper concern for sure. as for the blades, mine lock nicely and there has never been an issue opening the tool. it is my back up tool when building sheds, swing sets, ect, and it is my favorite.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #18 on:** March 30, 2010, 07:32:34 AM

Great over view there mate

John · **Reply #19 on:** March 30, 2010, 10:45:20 AM

+1

I'm liking the LM crunch a lot looks to be a great tool

MultiMat · **Reply #20 on:** March 30, 2010, 02:31:57 PM

Nice stash of lockers mate

I have a Schrade ST6 & 6LC. The 6LC is a real favourite of mine for around the house

.
The Schrade 5WR is proving quite a mongrel to track down

.
I really like my lockers too Scrappy , I hope to get a 5WR & Grappler eventually

scrappy · **Reply #21 on:** March 31, 2010, 03:46:30 AM

multimat
I agree. It is a great tool.

J-sews · **Reply #22 on:** March 31, 2010, 04:00:36 AM

Quote from: scrappy on March 30, 2010, 05:32:24 AM

Bob
thank you for all the info. may I ask, what is the name of the buck model?
thanks.

Poncho65
thanks.

Other than the Crocodile, Sheffield never did a very good job of coming up with clever multitool names

David · **Reply #23 on:** March 31, 2010, 04:15:23 AM

Reckon you got a cool collection there scrappy

scrappy · **Reply #24 on:** March 31, 2010, 04:20:30 AM

thanks David.

Bob, you even have the packaging! that is a creative name.

scrappy · **Reply #25 on:** October 22, 2010, 08:32:35 PM

I have been using the grappler and thought I would update this with my thoughts. Unfortuantly most of the tuff I use these tools on are large nobs or nuts and the grappler just won't fit 60% of the stuff i pull it out for. I really like the long drivers but since the plier is the most important part of the tool I have decided to retire it. I still EDC the crunch ocassionally but the schrade st6 and 6lc autualy are used more. Most of the time the crunch sits on my belt or is fiddled with but when I need a tool I grap tha shcraded. I used the needle nose Shrade this week to take the back off a swiss watch. I spread the piers apart to grab the edge of the back of the watch and then turned it. it unscrewed the back of the watch and opened it up.

I forgot to mention the 5wr also came in a package with an irwin tool kit that can clip to your belt. It is simple and just holds extra bits.

I picked up the crocodile I was missing (thanks to Dennis!)