formariz 11,865 #1 Posted October 10, 2022 Everyone agrees that the Vise-Grip is an indispensable tool able to perform many tasks specially the custom versions of it. I however always thought they were awkward to use because of some of their characteristics. The mouth opening adjustment is time consuming and inaccurate requiring most time a couple of tries to grab the object properly so the right locking pressure is applied. Then to release it is not only that part in an awkward place to use but when it releases many times that happens violently one actually dropping the tool in the process. It’s never a smooth operation. Incredibly there is a better version of this tool and I just can’t find why it is not produced. It’s patent was awarded in 1950, and it was made by Channel Lock. It adjusts quickly and efficiently to what ever is desired. It locks securely and smoothly pressure being adjustable also . Release is smooth and tool will not fall since it stays gripped on object until released. Can also be used like regular pliers. It is of heavy duty construction and unlike a regular one there is nothing that can come out of place . I am lucky to own one and I have never put my hands on a regular one since this one. 5 2 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,099 #2 Posted October 10, 2022 @formariz that post ww2 period for war related hardware was amazing , a lot of related grip devises were aircraft related, there was a giant Quonset like warehouse near Fordham college in the Bronx n y that had 55 gallon drums filled with that type of locking plyer . building was probably 300 Ft. deep , remember the entire length of the ceiling was hanging with leather / sheepskin flying suits . submarine lanterns , $1 , used to regularly pick up stuff , my father loved going there . often picked up tools , many still packed in cosmoline wrapped in heavy wax paper . flash back , pete 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elcamino/wheelhorse 9,068 #3 Posted October 10, 2022 That design makes more sense that what they sell today. 9 times out of 10 the tool flies when I release it. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 6,816 #4 Posted October 11, 2022 On 10/10/2022 at 4:18 PM, formariz said: Incredibly there is a better version of this tool and I just can’t find why it is not produced. It’s patent was awarded in 1950, and it was made by Channel Lock. It adjusts quickly and efficiently to what ever is desired. It locks securely and smoothly pressure being adjustable also . Release is smooth and tool will not fall since it stays gripped on object until released. Can also be used like regular pliers. It is of heavy duty construction and unlike a regular one there is nothing that can come out of place . I am lucky to own one and I have never put my hands on a regular one since this one. That thing looked familiar so I checked my toolbox. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,865 #5 Posted October 11, 2022 55 minutes ago, lynnmor said: That thing looked familiar so I checked my toolbox. What do you think of it? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 6,816 #6 Posted October 12, 2022 1 hour ago, formariz said: What do you think of it? I bought it a few years ago and never thought to use it. I’m glad the subject came up, now I may find some use. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rick3478 377 #7 Posted October 12, 2022 I threw one of these into the scrap iron pile a few years ago. It's advantage is rapid adjustment, but after you use it a few times the slide bites notches into the handle, so the infinite adjustment range goes away and you're left with a tool that is always either too loose or too tight. And might slip. (BANG!) If it was a good idea, more people would have copied it. I'll take a good quality screw adjust version any day. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,865 #8 Posted October 12, 2022 3 minutes ago, Rick3478 said: I threw one of these into the scrap iron pile a few years ago. It's advantage is rapid adjustment, but after you use it a few times the slide bites notches into the handle, so the infinite adjustment range goes away and you're left with a tool that is always either too loose or too tight. And might slip. (BANG!) If it was a good idea, more people would have copied it. I'll take a good quality screw adjust version any day. Good to know but this one still the same after ten plus years of use in my hand. Wonder if others also have that issue. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
