Best Locking Pliers (VISE GRIPS)? Irwin vs Knipex, Milwaukee, Craftsman, Stanley, Malco, Pittsburgh.
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- BRANDS TESTED: Knipex, Irwin, Milwaukee, Craftsman, Tekton, Harden, Pittsburgh, Williams, Crescent, Grip On, Stanley Fatmax, Malco Eagle Grip. Pliers tested for strength, grip, and durability on mild steel as well as high carbon steel. All of the locking pliers were tested to the point of failure. I always purchase all of the products tested to ensure unbiased testing. So, thanks for supporting the channel!
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➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
Malco Eagle Grip: amzn.to/38nXZHq
Irwin: amzn.to/3yuLMeB
Stanley Fatmax: amzn.to/3gGH7Aa
Tekton: amzn.to/3jl3rRL
Harden: amzn.to/2WzwxnN
Williams: amzn.to/3sUH2hm
Crescent: amzn.to/2Y133j7
Milwaukee: amzn.to/3mHAMIQ
Craftsman: amzn.to/3gGJGm4
Knipex: amzn.to/3yr5dVC
Grip On: amzn.to/3jnO0bu
Videography Equipment:
Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera: amzn.to/2YdXvPw
Canon 70D Camera: amzn.to/31b5Gy0
Azden Microphone: amzn.to/34d3DLE
Go Pro Bundle: amzn.to/3Ca0ZVN
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC
Here's the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you!
Malco Eagle Grip: amzn.to/38nXZHq
Irwin: amzn.to/3yuLMeB
Stanley Fatmax: amzn.to/3gGH7Aa
Tekton: amzn.to/3jl3rRL
Harden: amzn.to/2WzwxnN
Williams: amzn.to/3sUH2hm
Crescent: amzn.to/2Y133j7
Milwaukee: amzn.to/3mHAMIQ
Craftsman: amzn.to/3gGJGm4
Knipex: amzn.to/3yr5dVC
Grip On: amzn.to/3jnO0bu
Great video, as always. A suggestion/request for video comparison: countersinks… I always seem to be burning them up during metal work, and would love to know if there’s one that might hold up for more than a few weeks. 👍
You mean he should review which cordless angle grinder is best ;)
Side note: I always sharpen my counter sinks
ua-cam.com/video/26DSNBclJKk/v-deo.html link takes you to a how to video.
ahhh a man of culture
Morse single flute are the best we have used in my machine shop. Hands Down! Also, nice to see you here LPL!
LockPickingLawyer Are you using single flute, 4 flute, 6 flute?
No ramset testing?
Eventually companies will drop the 'As seen on TV' slogan for 'As seen on Project Farm'
Thank you very much!
LOL, no only *some* companies would do that :-p
@@Nevir202 Kind of like how Master Lock would never mention LPL.
@@saxamusprime LOL, ya just like that.
If they was smart!
The Malco pliers are made in the same factory as the original Peterson Vise-Grips that Irwin bought and then moved to China in the early 2000s. I love my Peterson Vise-Grips.
Good to know. So if you want "real" vice-grips, Malco is the way to go. Nice to see something manufactured to a quality point rather than an arbitrary price point. I've got some old-school Vice Grips I got as hand-me-downs in the 1980s. Still going strong and they have been seriously put to the test over the years!
I didn't even know Malco made vice grips, but I did notice that the logo on the handle is very similar to the old school vice grip logo before they changed to Ikea colours.
@@siegessaule
Malco just started selling them earlier this summer.
Nice. I stopped buying Vice Grip brand when they were bought out and moved to China. Still have the Peterson vice grips I bought over 20 years ago.
Interesting!
I have been watching for years. I'd love to see a test on breaker bars. A simple but crucial tool one we all have struggled with. They can be an unsung hero of any shop.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Not to mention an effective deterrent for anyone trying to steal your car or money while on pizza delivery… not that I’ve ever had to use mine in such a way lol
@@arancourt5623 That can be one of the tests! I hope ProjectFarm is in the mood for a lot of pizza...
I'm realizing that Irwin just generally makes some really high quality tools for the price.
Would you consider a video for scissors or kitchen shears? You could see how they maintain edges after cutting leather, denim, aluminum, staples, bones etc.
Scissors..an excellent suggestion!
Thanks for the suggestion.
@@ProjectFarm If you do a video on scissors I would love to see Maped scissors in the test, they seemed to deliver very good results for me so far!
Also fiskars scissors
@@ProjectFarm Would love to see kitchen shears! Was thinking of buying a pair recently.
Just an observation: In our shop, I have no doubt that we have gone through dozens (literally dozens) of locking pliers on our welding and radiator repair benches. In both applications there seems to be a trend: Vise-Grip pliers manufactured back in the day, in the USA, by Peterson Manufacturing Co. are, by far, the oldest survivors of a tough life. There are also a few other vintage locking pliers from Craftsman, Malco, Snap-On, Millers Falls, and Klein left in serviceable condition but, by far, the best are the old USA-made Vise-Grips. It's also notable that when you do a close comparison of these old warriors, aside from the trademarks, they are all pretty much identical. Wonder if there might have been some ghost-manufacturing going on(?) We also have some new Vise-Grips (Irwin), some Kobalt, Craftsman, and others. These are all transients... just passing through my shop on their way to the scrap yard. These are the ones we chose when the TIG welder or plasma torch are going to be danger-close. They'll be long gone when the 50 year old Vise-Grips (and the others made in the same factory back in the day) are still doing what they do...
Great feedback! Thank you
The Malco pliers are made in the old Dewitt, NE factory.
Why dont you just write a book
@@bmddoesntmatter3722 shut up
Welding with locking pliers tends to destroy them. I'm pretty sure the heat ruins any heat treatment the jaws may have had. So I only weld with trashed locking pliers. For mechanical work I keep other pairs.
I think it is a tribute to the exceptional quality of Todd's videos in that this one is currently just above 250,000 views but already has over 15,000 likes. There are countless other videos with far more views but with no where near the percentage of likes. That speaks volumes to how much people like me enjoy and appreciate these videos.
Thanks so much!
Here is how it works for my house.
We see proj farm dropped a video on Sunday. We start the video...we hit the thumbs up as soon as the ad is done because we already know we will like it and we don't want to forget hahahah
@@ProjectFarm I know you've steered away from the small engine experiments, but there's one that caught my attention recently. A friend of mine that likes to mess around with cars and hang in those circles told me that some "nice soul" put styrofoam into his gas tank. He said that it carboned up the engine to the point it no longer worked properly, but he wasn't able to tell at the start that somebody messed with his car, because it was running fine, but by the end of the tank it barely started. My mind immediately went to your experiments and I thought it would be an interesting experiment in my opinion to see the effects of dissolved polystyrene in different ratios to gasoline and how if affects an engine. I wasn't able to find this subject on the internet, so here's my out of place suggestion for a future video. Sorry about that.
Your channel is the most useful and informative channel for the home mechanic, carpenter, construction worker, and diy guys everywhere. Keep up the great work!
@@ProjectFarm you make great content!
This is easily the most useful channel on UA-cam. You always do the absolute best comparisons, not to mention real-world USEFUL data, not opinion pieces like most do.
I appreciate that!
project farm and the torque test channel are the best for sure. project farm should put time stamps up though for the graphs
I like when you say: " we are going to test that". The word "we" sounds very nice.
Royal “we”, as it’s known.
It also sends shivers down the manufacturers' spines!
@@TheLearningChannel-Tech Perfect. May the testing reveal all the lies of their marketing scheme. My favorite is “5 or 6 HP motor”. What good is that when I can’t draw more than 2.5 from the wall?
Thanks!
A video on torque wrenches and comparing accuracies would be really nice! Just given how vital it is that they are accurate. Click type, split beam, digital. How well they hold their set value after repeated torqueing. Testing for loss of accuracy if dropped. Could be pretty interesting.
I'd definitely like to see the Milwaukee m12 one.
I was going to suggest this also. 👍
This!!
Thanks for the suggestion.
I thought he did this, but it appears not. Excellent idea!!!
When I teach the scientific method to my 5th graders, I show them a video of yours to describe how to control the variables. Thanks as always!
You are welcome!
The best class :)
Great basis for descriptive research methods! Great subject matter to teach with as it relies on observation and measurement rather than complex causality. Lucky students!
The art of teaching expands yo incorporating YT. From a retired teacher
One of the things I really love about these videos is that I learn about a ton of great brands that I didn’t even know existed. Looking forward to next week!
I also want to add that “vice grips” are a lot of the time our last ditch effort after all else fails. I truly believe that all do-it-yourself people out there should have a good set of these, as they just might save the day when you’re in a bind.
Thanks!
We need some stickers “these tools are PF approved” with a QR to your channel
Would actually benefit consumers
@@sherlockbonez But people would lose jobs as companies producing garbage products go belly up....
@@aaronthomas6155 or they buckle down and improve their product.
@@l00nybin If it requires spending more money.....that's unlikely to happen. They'll just sell the company.
Thanks for the nice comment!
Another fantastic video! well done!
Few suggestions I think would be cool:
- cordless soldering irons gas and electric
- 1/2 inch drive cordless impact drivers
- Kitchen knives
- Steel files
- long nose pliers
Once again, thank you for your meticulous reviews! the time and effort you put into it is incredible!!
Thanks so much! Thanks for the suggestions.
+1 on the electric impacts
ts80>milwaukee for battery op, but I do love me the butane ones as well, I have several
+1 on soldering irons.
Thanks for everything you do, Todd. I sing your praises to everyone I know who's getting into Pandora's Box of tools. Your work is invaluable to newbies and veterans alike.
Thank you very much! The positive feedback means a lot to me.
This is true
Todd, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to keep the videos coming. A lot of the other channels I subscribe to have changed and only post videos once every few weeks. Your videos are truly useful as well as entertaining. Again, thank you! Your fans really appreciate all you're doing, even though you must only get 3 hours of sleep a week!
Thanks!
So glad the malco’s made it into the test I’ve been following them for years and now that they finally came out I was unsure if they were worth the price
Thanks for the feedback.
I jumped right in and bought 3 pair, figured my odds were good with being made on the original vice grip tooling.
I will probably never need a vice grip pliers that good or expensive, but I may buy one set just to show my support for what they are doing.
Cool video. Nice comparison. I am a little obsessed with locking pliers being a metal / wood working / mechanics, as well as growing up in Nebraska where they were invented and produced until IRWIN bought vice grip out and sent production over seas. Malco just bought the plant and started it back up recently. The problem is, the largest defining feature of a locking pliers is the over center clamping mechanism. This mechanism needs to be made precisely right otherwise the hand squeeze to part squeeze ratio is bad. When the over center, goes too far over center, the pliers will squeeze hard, then relax in the locked position. The way these were tested by torqueing the adjustment screw this mechanism was completely bypassed.
I like your design of experiments working hard to eliminate variables. Keep up the good work.
Which one do you reccomend then?
@@danielorozco1728 I would say go with the Malco ones but they are expensive
This is hands down my favorite tool. In my experience the adjustment screw has always been my reason for replacing one of these. On a side note, tell me I'm not the only one who has ever used a pair of vise grips to unlock a pair of vise grips.
You're the only one
But yeah, some locking pliers can be hard to open. A piece of 1x2 hardwood used as a lever easily opens the stubborn ones.
You're the only one.
I stick with mallets, hammers, box end wrenches, pipe wrenches, a rock, 2x4, basically whatever is nearby. Though if I get a hold of 2 vice grips and 1 is free then I'll join ya, but free vice grips tend to get used.
Thanks for sharing.
You’re not the only one. Been there…done that at least a couple of times. 👍🏼
@@octavioperez6996 Shhh. He's the only one
I'd really like to see you toss in a vintage tool when you do tool comparisons. Would've been cool to see you find a NOS Petersen Dewitt locking pliers (Can be found on eBay). Just to see if old USA tools are better than modern China/Taiwan tools. I realize it can't always be done, but if the possibility arises, I think it would be a fun comparison. Video idea - Punches/cold chisels.
Thanks for the suggestion. Thanks for the video idea.
I have a pair that says PETERSEN MFG CO, DEWITT NEBR USA. I also have one that says Irwin, and “The Original”, which is not exactly correct in my opinion. That one does have two extra features, a hex hole on the turning knob, and a cutter.
To garageshop Minnesota, other than that they appear identical, in construction, weight, and durability.
Eagle Grips are being made in DeWitt, NE. Very cool to see that happen.
@@ProjectFarm You gotta fullfil this one ;), I've been dying to see that as well. Comparing identical tools (same Brand and model) vintage vs modern model.
see a test between the peterson ones vs the malco ones.... both made at the same factory by most of the same workforce
The amazing fact: Congratulations for two million subscribers.
The laudatory speech: Furthermore I'd like to thank you for your time, effort and dedication you put into your videos. as well as your passion to never get tired of testing new stuff and sharing the results with the community. I like your objectivity while testing, as well as the results presented in a scientific way. May the sun always shine upon you, may your heart always be filled with gladness to cheer you and may you have all the happiness and luck reserved for the rainy days. Cheers.
Thanks so much!
"May the sun always shine upon you, may your heart always be filled with gladness to cheer you and may you have all the happiness and luck reserved for the rainy days."
Did you just simp PF? 😂
Thanks for including a Craftsman tool. I've been using Craftsman tools since I bought my first set of Craftsman mechanics tools while in high school in the 1970s. I've always found them to be more than acceptable in any job I use them for. I hope you continue to include Craftsman tools including Craftsman power tools.
To bad Craftsman tools aren't really "Craftsman tools" any more. Most of my mechanics tools are old school Craftsman a once great brand brought low.
@@W1ldt1m
I disagree. I've been buying Craftsman tools since 1976. Craftsman tools were never made by Sears but we're made by many different manufacturers including Stanley,Apex and Western Forge. Since Craftsman is owned by Stanley the quality is very good. Most of my hand tool are new Craftsman, some Gearwrench. All my power tools are Craftsman. I work them hard and use they daily. Not a single failure. Stanley also makes Porter Cable, Black and Decker and DeWalt.
Thanks for sharing.
@@michaelmartin2276 Porter cable, BD, and Dewalt are all different grades. Same as new craftsman. Many chinese made junk. Not the same grade as USA made back in the day
@@W1ldt1m
I disagree. I wrench on cars everyday. Have 4 rentals I maintain plus my own home. I've never had a issue with a nut or bolt rounding off. But I am also very careful when I'm working on something. Use liquid wrench and any nut/bolt that's stuck. I also very methodical and patient. I'll certainly agree some tools are not as well made as in the past, but I think most any name brand will do the job for most of us. I have a circular saw from the '70's. Heavy and well made. But I always use my newer Craftsman saw first because it cuts just as well and is so much lighter.
That Marco pliers must be one of the best examples of “you pay for quality” I’ve ever seen
Good Point!
I have some other Malco Tools and they are all super solid, & High quality
They even looked high quality on my phone screen.
Amazing, I can't recall any of your videos where the most expensive product showed as much dominance as the Malco's. Good to know that the good 'ol Irwin Vice Grips are still a quality tool.
Thanks for the feedback.
Your channel is the real reason I second guess purchasing very cheap or even very expensive products. Also each of your test clips are 3-5 seconds, I could only imagine it would take so much longer to plan, setup, record and edit the whole video . Much appreciate all your efforts.
Thank you!
Today on Project Farm, Todd shows us all how to get a grip.
lol. Love the humor!!
LOL
& which one is a cut above the rest
This is one of those PF videos where, for me, the testing jigs Todd creates is just as cool as the actual results. Great to see Irwin do so well and Malco? Wow really impressive tool!
Thanks so much!
Malco has best hvac snips in my opinion
Malco bought the old Peter mfg plant and the tooling that was saved by the former employees.
They are as close to real vice grips as you can get.
You should do a video on cordless angle grinders
Thank you for the video idea!
imagine the amount of tools hes got by now, probably worth a fortune.
Great idea! One of the most useful power tools for sure, next to cordless sawzalls and impact drivers.
@@Boemel not sure since he tests a lot of the tools to failing.
Sometimes Project Farm finds that Milwaukee, Dewalt and Mikita aren't always the best and depending on use, not the best value
Before this, I never would’ve considered spending $45 ona. Vice grips, but after this, those malco grips are looking realllllll convincing.
What a great test. I'm always amazed at how you figure out how to test them. Thanks for sharing your time and ingenuity. Be happy, safe and stay healthy 😷⚒
Thank you !
As always, I appreciate your side by side testing with a non biased approach!! I’ve actually made a decision in the past to go with an item that preformed the best vs the item I seen others rave about.
Good for you (I'm not being sarcastic). That means he's done his job well.
Anyone else get excited whenever he says “We’re gonna test that!”?
Thank you!
Fantastic testing! Really great testing jigs. I'm sure others on YT will watch your videos to copy your methods, but they'll never come close to PF!
Thank you very much electronicsnmore!
I always enjoy your testing, but this time I think you should have figured out a way with a scale to truly squeeze the handle and let us see how the overcenter cam mechanism multiplies the squeeze force applied. Torquing the set screw leaves that engineering out of the test. I demand a retest. Now get to work designing a squeeze scale.
I have been on youtube since its creation, I have never seen anyone doing anything that is even close to this man.
They'll surely get cease and desist letters from LPL.
@@danielritz8706 that did seem like something that might not translate into real world performance, as locking pliers are never going to be tightened to working pressure using the adjustment screw. It does allow a measure of test uniformity but may or may not translate to performance under normal operation.
I'm actually impressed by how well the automatic ones did on first test, was not even expecting half that
I have a pair of those. Probably operator error but I can never figure out how to use the damn thing.
Thanks for the feedback.
I had a nice pair of automatic locking pliers from way back in the 1970s. Finicky to use, but for repeated, identical application, worth fussing with the pressure screw (that little adjusting screw regulates the jaw pressure when locked).
Alas, mine had soft jaws, and eventually, they were no longer serrerated, but smooth jaws... ha!
@@bobpowers9862 Seems to be a really well made tool, too bad it's such a PIA to use.
Great test!!
I’m so glad the Original Vise-Grip did so well, Irwin has been doing very well in your tests. I’d also note that the wear is very important, if you want to use them for a while. Looks like Irwin and Malco wore least
I have a Vise Grip and I display it in my channel removing some stuck bolts of an old carburetor. This locking plier is really amazing and very durable.
Yet they didn't point out that "they are now known as Irwin Industrial Tools and are now a division of Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. In 2008, the original Vise-Grip manufacturing plant in Dewitt, Nebraska, closed when the parent company moved production to China".
@@Weejie2011 sad unfortunately
@@Weejie2011 that explains why I didn’t see him test the original vice grip brand..🤷🏻♂️
@@twobighands Irwin market them under "the original vice-grip", but they are made in China.
I'd love to see a series where you test snap-on tools against the best tools you've tested so far. Like wrenches, impacts, and ratchets. See if snap-on is really worth all the hype (and price)
Thanks for the suggestion.
What we've seen so far on the various tests on this channel has NOT been favorable for Snap-on
They just not worth that sticker price. Good tools but way way overpriced!!!!!
@@7dioclau you pay for the life time warranty tho. im a auto tech but my tool box is not just snap on. i love those irwin vise grips. although i might get 1 pair of malco for those odd times i need the extra grip like when extracting rusted exhaust studs
@@eldoradocanyonro There's a reason a lot of us call them "Snap-off" tools.... I've broken more Snap-On ratchets over the last 19 years than I have Craftsman ratchets in 40 years..... It pays to research tools before making a purchase.
Bear in mind, most tool brands can change quality standards on the fly. All is needed is a corporate mandate to 'reduce costs'.
However still a good video for comparison of features of this type of tool.
Subscribed.
Thanks! Thanks for watching and subscribing!
this is why i LOVE every time a HF brand smokes DeWalt! i used to be a DeWalt fanboy til they burned me! HF has been doing the opposite, providing more bang for the buck and more options!
Right? That's what's so frustrating, You can buy two tools from the same brand at the same time and they come from two different factories.
@@lmcc8798 Depends strongly on the item.
Great comparison. Among my assortment, I always reach for my old Peterson Vise-Grips made in Dewitt, NE when I really need strength. Thank You for testing Malco Eagle Grip, which is made in Dewitt at the original Peterson Vise-Grip plant.
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
My Malco Eagle Grips are by far my favorite locking pliers. They are definitely expensive, but well worth the price if you actually use your tools. Good stuff. They took over the old Vise Grip factory and I hear they even hired back some of the folks who used to work there :-)
Thanks for the feedback.
Our family bought some of the shelving from that factory probably 2009, we turn over $1.2m in inventory a year, that shelving was more than enough for our business and that was just 20% of their maintenance department. Massive factory in DeWitt Nebraska. Went back to interview some of the people in the town in 2019, to see what happened to it considering the factory employed almost as many people who lived in the town. Towns doing alright and talked to some of the Eagle grip guys, one was former foreman. Talked with other former employees as well. Typical MBA moves stuff to china for a win after Irwin bought the brand, some Tommy Boy shit. I just went to their website unfortunately Eagle Grip will no longer be in production as of 2023, I just bought a few for my own tool box because I know they will last and the people who made them. What is in stock is it, sad to hear.
@@harryman11 Yep, I have several old, original "Vise Grips" (made in Nebraska, USA) that still work wonderfully even though I inherited them from my father-in-law. I also bought 3 different size pairs from Malco after I heard they were shutting down the old Nebraska plant that you mentioned above. They are outstanding tools and I will pass them down to my son (hopefully not too soon though, lol).
I found an original Vise Grip brand set of pliers my dad bought when they were still their own company in the 90's. I couldn't believe the difference in grip between them and some of the cheaper ones we have. Finding a pair of original Vise Grips will cost you about three to four pairs of Malco...
@@harryman11 Only now does there seem to be much publicity that Malco tried to bring back the original quality Petersen Vice-Grip.
I think it might have been another business that bought out Irwin and then took the manufacturing operation to China. After Irwin merged into or took over Petersen. There is a You Tube channel called Tool Bear or Den of Tools that did a history of Vice Grip.
Congrats on 2M subs and I see LPL is a fan, too! Nice!
After LPL's countersinks, I respectfully request: dust masks! (not like convid, like proper half face proper respirators!) i'm interested in:
1) ease of breathing (Pdiff)
2) life of filters (could be measured in dust weight required to double the flow resistance.
3) glasses/shield compatibility/comfort and fogging.
4) particulate passed (qualitatively with sooty smoke (colored smoke bombs?!) or with a particle counter (i could lend you an industrial one that'd give ppm).
5) fit: out-of-the-box, adjustability, ability to stay in place when headbanging a mullet. (seal could be visualized with a colored grease)
6) ease of don/doff (bonus: to include to drink!)
7) ability to talk to other workers.
8) cost per unit (time or contamination) of wear (e.g. a nice re-usable that clogs slower and can have filters replaced will be cheaper in long run than cheap disposables that clog.
9) maybe some qualitative metric of longevity (PPE doesn't tend to get treated the best between uses!)
There are some fun UA-cam vids of people building cheap DIY ventilators from spring 2020 that could make a great test rig! More realistic than just sucking air through a mask!
examples (not requests, though I would like to see a pro-level 3M or similar like the 7500 below!) from Amazon:
- GVS SPR457 Elipse P100 Dust Half Mask Respirator
- Electric Wearable Air Purifier Maskes,Air Supply,Breathe Easier,With HEPA Filter,for Dust Work,Painting, Machine Polishing, Welding and Other Work Protection(Full Size,A whole set)
- Trend Stealth Air APF10 Reusable Half Mask Respirator "Color May Vary"
- 3M 7500 Series Reusable Respirator With Cool Flow Exhalation Valve
NOTE TO SELF: Have to go out to TIG weld all my HF junk pliers / clamps at that pressed thread joint lol! Great video Project Farm, as always, tho I have to run the playback speed at .75 to keep up with you and let it sink in...I guess I'm old lol! I do have many original VG's pliers and clamps ranging 10 to 50 years old that are still in great condition.
From before they were Irwin
Thanks!
"Alloy Steel" nice marketing term considering that every steel is an alloy ;D
Its like cheap knives sometimes "Stainless Steel", yeah... But what grade of it? or X series aluminium.. also does not tell you what you need to know
Or dairy, meat, drinks that say "gluten free". Gluten comes from a grain, I would hope it's gluten free, smh.
Gotta make it sound high quality somehow ;)
and the chrome Vanadium is for cold weather use. no sales value for many areas as a result
@@nmatthew7469 don't forget the fat free 100% sugar candy :)
Thanks for the tests. I have some 40 year old Peterson vise grips (irwin) that I have used since taking auto shop in high school. They have always performed very well. The Harbor Freight are ok for light duly jobs, but as a whole they are the worst performers. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do!
Another awesome review John (I meant Todd)!!
I was more impressed that Irwin hadn't "cheapened" out even at that $12 pricepoint. I was very disappointed with the Knipex, especially since how great their "Cobra" and "Alligator" pump-pliers perform. {0.o}
His name is Todd!
Yeah, him too. ;)
Same here. I love my Knipex dikes and pliers, but they werent up to snuff here.
Thanks so much! Thanks for the feedback.
@@CorwinBos I only buy Knipex except vise-grips I buy Irwin - except the new Irwin aren’t as good as the old USA made - the original old Irwin look identical to the USA made malco. It’s the old Irwin factory making those
It would be very interesting how accurate torque wrench’s are.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Another really Gripping episode that had me gripping my chair harder than a vice. Good to see the irwin ones I have test so well.
lol Thanks for sharing.
Both my Vice-Grip brand vice-grip and Crescent wrench are more then 50 years old and have Made in the U.S.A. stamped on the handle. After watching this I'm going to try not to do anything to stupid with them because they still get the job done. Thank you for the testing and video.
I’d like to see some more tekton tools being tested. I’d love to see you test another set of 1/4” 3/8” or 1/2” ratchets. I want to see how the tekton ratchets stand up compared to other big name brands. I just like seeing how much time and effort you put in to these tests. Definitely one of my favorite channels. Thanks for the content. It’s awesome watching these videos right after you post them.
Thanks so much! Thanks for the suggestions.
By the time I pull out the vice grips I'm done asking, so as well as some of these have performed for the price it seems worthwhile to me to add the Malco to my wish list... Great video
When you have 1 nub of thread etc. and maybe a couple chances before a hammer or welder get involved. I'll take the best vice grips as the first option too.
Thanks so much! Thanks for sharing.
As a tool nut, I'm so addicted to these videos and buy many of the products to add to my collection. Others try and imitate you, but don't come close. So you win the "Best Tester Award" by a country mile !
Thanks!
Gedore made in Germany, I've had a set for 30 years. I ordered them specially 30 years ago based on how good Dad's set were.
Have those from BMW and Mercedes cars tool kits, very good quality tools. Only problem hard to get here in the USA
I have one set of Gedore grips. Very good quality.
I would like to see made in nebraska vise grips vs gedore
Thanks for sharing.
@@PatricioGarcia1973 order from KC Tool.
That was a great series! Thank you! Huzzah for Malco! I will buy them and pass them on to my son. I am sure they will stil be great for decades!
Thanks!
-- Again congrats on the sub count. Had an idea for you: Power converters, DC to AC. Modulated sign waves versus pure sign, different brands, with tests largely focused on automotive applications.
Personal experience. I've never seen a modulated wave converter hurt anything, but that they do is through the grape vine. On the other side, under heavy load, I've heard pure sign can do more damage as they can't hold the wave. And what does that mean, say, if your running a laptop on a modulated wave converter, when the laptop itself has a converter, then a batt to smooth out that power?
Might be a fun trip down the rabbit hole. Still like to see an electric mower review against a good gas one, hand/head flashlights. But do what you do. Thumbs up.
Thanks so much! Thanks for the suggestion.
C-clamp test?? At work we have some old Wiltons, it’s like they can’t be broken/bent
Thank you for including an ease-of-unlocking test for the locking pliers!
Seriously! I've hurt myself more than once trying to release the locking mechanism...
Be well and know you're appreciated : )
Thanks so much!
I love my Milwaukee vise grips. Glad to see they held up well.
Bought a 3 size assortment for $20 at Ace.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you again for this very detailed and enthusiastic analysis. I was glued to the video like I was watching a horse's race, waiting for the contender positions to change at every test !
You are welcome!
In 20 minutes I went from never having heard of Eagle Grip Malco's to purchasing all of them. Great video!
Thanks! Thanks for sharing!
The Malcos are such a work of art, with a really good back story too. Glad they dominated. USA!
Definitely have the "made in USA" price too, not necessarily a bad thing just a killer on the bank compared to Irwin.
Always a joy to see a made in the USA product perform so well. Looks like I'll be spending ~$44 on my next set of locking pliers to go along with my rocket sockets.
They manufacturer the Malcos in the same old factory that used to make Vise Grips, when they were made domestically. I try to hold onto and not aggressively use the ones stamped "DeWitt Nebraska"
@@craigjensen6853 how's their warranty? I'll consider it for sure
Having used almost all the brands listed on this test and a few others, I can say without a single doubt the MalCo eagles function exactly as you expect every vice grip to work. Buy them.
It should also be noted that several tool truck companies are buying Malco tools and putting their names on them at a double or triple brand markup. Buy direct from Malco.
Morning everyone
You’re first! Hope you enjoy the video!
Morning
Morning.
Mornin'
Ah, this is guy is the best when it comes to reading and taking suggestions for his videos. Great as always. Thank you sir
Thank you very much!
My tool quality has improved thanks to your videos. I really appreciate all you do, you have saved me a lot of time and headaches knowing which cheaply made tools to avoid.
You are welcome!
This is incredible. You always come out with the perfect video when I need a tool replacement. At least I know what brand to splurge on. Keep up the great work
Thank you very much!
I have an old pair of vice grips from the early 70's and they are still going strong, too bad. they're now made in China. Looks like you are just about at 2 millions subscribers, congrats for being the best tool review channel on UA-cam!
Quality went downhill when they pulled the plant out of Dewitt Nebraska
Same here I have a few pair of the old ones that are made from Vanadium
Thanks!
I have bought a lot of American made hand tools tools through Ebay. Even if they cost the same as brand new chinese brands, they always work better.
@@MAGAMAN Dad was a Coal miner up here in Canada, Sometimes tools would make there way home Lol, Best stuff was always American made and Canadian made, Not much of that left sadly...
Thank you for this review. Got my Malco pliers today. I got the 10, 7 and LP11 today to replace my 50 year old vicegrips.
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
@@ProjectFarm man you’ve got good stuff. Do you buy all the tools you test? It appears on your videos that you do.
I tried 2 Milwaukee grips, they didn't last long before breaking, so I went back to Irwin vice grips.
Thanks for the feedback.
yeah, Irwin hands down!!
Another great video! I'd love to see a comparison of Torque Wrench's especially the budget ones on Amazon etc!
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
I actually bought one of those Amazon budget "Neiko" torque wrenches. I had to return it to Amazon because it didn't have any clockwise drive, yet it had a "QC Approved" sticker on it🤣
@@REDBIRD-95 haha I've had many similar issues, the best budget ones ive found are 'Venzo'
@@ProjectFarm I'm really curious how all the torque calibrations stack up between brands, and I know you would do a good job!
@@kainatticus Venzo is likely Chinese made mass produced tool brand. One of many odd Chinese brandings
Would love to see a video on wrenches, snap on vs craftsman vs Stanley etc. Great work!
Thanks! Thanks for the video idea.
I have some Vise grips that I purchased in 1974, made in USA they are still good today with very little wear. I use them for removing broken bolts and screws, they work when all else fails, and have such a good grip that they will wring a quarter inch bolt in half.
Nice!
Great video, as usual! Glad to see Irwin did so well. That’s what I have in my tool box.
Thanks!
Great timing, I'm shopping for vise grips this week. Looks like Irwin or Craftsman for me 😊
As a video suggestion, would you consider testing multi-tools from Leatherman, Gerber, etc?
Thanks! Thanks for the video idea.
I had no idea Malco makes vise grips! a moment of silence for all the tools that have laid their life on this channel. Excellent videos😁
Thanks so much!
Excellent video as usual, Todd! I really appreciate your efforts to construct complete, fair, and unbiased tests. The amount of effort you invest is truly impressive! When it comes to doing comparison reviews, your channel is my first stop. You certainly sold me on the Malco locking pliers. It's unfortunate that Malco is exiting the locking-handle market soon. Thank you.
Thanks and you are welcome!
These plier videos are some of my favorites so it's great to see another one!
Thank you very much! I didn't realize just how much difference there is among the brands until testing them!
Good to see Irwin do well. I've bought their stuff for years.
Thank you!
It’s odd how Knipex makes some good stuff, but then they make dudes like these vise grips. Another good review!
I agree, but Knipex's targeted consumers are sparkys and plumbers, not mechanics or welders, so this is more like a novel item for fanboys, at least in my opinion, because their locking pliers and clamps range is fairly limited
They make "dudes"?
You mean duds. Without the "e"
I have a lot of tools from knipex (I'm a sparky), they last long enough to be stolen, they're insulated enough and I get a discount. They mailed them directly to our shop etc. Convenience, price and durability just won out over the others. Was it more durable than other tools, not always but usually those other tools needed me to go get them or had bad costumer service. Time is money, knipex saved me money by saving me time.
I agree these are "duds"; but name another "dud" product they make. I can't think of anything else from them that has been a disappointment.
I've been using Proto locking pliers (which are just re-branded Grip-Ons) and I have the say the squeeze to unlock is much nicer than the push to unlock mechanism you find on a majority of locking pliers. Even if it requires more force, it still feels easier because squeezing is easier than pushing with the backside of your fingers. The other design feels like a knuckle-buster in comparison. I don't use them all the time, but the few times I have reefed on them they've held up well. Excellent testing as always.
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
Good to see the Made in USA brand winning the test!
I’ll be ordering a few
I wonder how an old pair of Vise Grips would have compared (when they were still made in USA)
Great video idea. Thank you.
Malco are the old Irwin factory and employees from when Irwin moved production to china.
this has to be one of the few times where the most expensive product proved to be the best. Very impressive!
The most expensive one is also the only one made in the USA. (Malco Eagle Grips are made at the old ViseGrips factory in DeWitt Nebraska)
@@danielrivers1975 now I know which ones to buy, it makes me sad that Irwin decided to source products from overseas.
@@danielrivers1975 really? that’s awesome. Makes me a little more proud to be a Nebraskan lol
@@rhubarbpie2027 And has that affected the quality? Not according to this video. And the price is right, thanks to that.
@@paulparoma hey man, vote with your dollars. I buy things made in my country because I care about advancing the American people first, then everyone else.
I bought the malcos because of what they did for the people in DeWitt. And your hard work made me feel even better about it. Thankyou.
You are welcome!
Would be interesting to see how they all stack up against a pair of vintage vise grips.
Great video as always.
Thank you
Great suggestion!
Thanks as always for another informative video. Other comparison suggestions: bushcraft saws, non-stick pan/pot surfaces
Thank you for the video ideas!
Thanks for a great video. I've never heard of the Malco brand--good to know... I would love to see more high-end brands in the comparison - Bahco, Engineer, Gedore, Fujiya etc.
Malco acquired the old ViseGrip factory and resumed making locking pliers there. I agree on the brands you mentioned.
You are welcome! Thanks for the suggestion.
I love my Gedore locking pliers
I was kind of surprised by the Knipex not doing better. Though the Irwin was expected to do a good job. I ordered a Malco just to test it out.
Thanks for the feedback.
I was really hoping to see an old pair of vise-grips come out as the control. I'm really enjoying this recent series of hand tools.
I could be mistaken, but I believe vise-grips is a trademark owned by Irwin. Is there a difference in old vise-grips vs. the new one that was tested in this video?
The old ones were made in the US by Vise-Grip I belive, before the name was bought and moved off shore.
Thanks for the feedback.
@@eliot2283 The old ones were made in the USA factory that Malco now owns. The new ones are probably china.
Video suggestion: sound/thermal insulation for vehicles and van conversions. Like Dynamat vs Lizard Skin vs Noico etc.
Malco is the best, and most expensive. But, I’d say the Irwin Crescent brand is the best bang for your buck. Good vid, I enjoy these
That is true but I will support anything made in the 🇺🇸 vs 🇨🇳
As a landscaper, I use concrete/cut off saws every day to cut pavers and cast concrete blocks when installing new patios. It’d be super interesting to see a comparison of either the saws on offer or even the various types/manufacturers of blades out there. I use a Stihl saw at work, but Hilti, makita, and husqvarna all make excellent cut-off/concrete/demo saws, among others. Thanks In advance for reading, love the channel!
Thanks for the suggestion.
You do a great job at making these tool test videos. I thank you for videos like this sometimes I don't mind spending the money for a better tool specially if its made in the USA. I have a hard time choosing and your videos helps a lot!
So what one did you go with ?
I found out today that Malco is closing the plant in Dewitt Nebraska so there won’t be any USA made vise grips now unless Snap On would buy the plant but I don’t know if they will or not I’m just glad I bought 2 of them earlier this year I didn’t see this coming it’s sad.
Thanks for sharing.
Congratulations on 2MM subscribers. I find your product reviews very useful. Could you do a review on freezer baggies to see which ones keep out moisture and are they really better than standard baggies? Thank you.
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
pro tip for auto techs with snapon trucks,
malco is their new one they sell (same part number on the sides)
and the grip on is also rebranded as snap on (im 90% sure about that)
Thanks for the feedback.
I was a Craftsman guy for years, they aren't nearly as good as they used to be and manufacturing shipped to overseas. If I can afford an American made tool, I buy it.
Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, having to buy tools for work, I tried to buy American. Everyone I asked said good luck. Nothing is American anymore. Warner is the only American made tool. I ended up going with it, bought it at Lowe's. Home Depot didn't have it.
Watch garage sales for the old vicegrip brand I had a bolt I couldn't get a grip on kept sliping I had an old pair of vicegrips that had been abused terribly the rivet on the jaw had the no end on it so you had to push the rivet back into the other side of the handle put it on the bolt locked it in place and removed the bolt
@@TheAspiringLawgiver I've yet to regret buying Proto tools. Well, the price I suppose is a bit steep.
@@JoeSmith-lp8fl if the tool works as intended and it lasts, I figure it'd be worth the price.
Grab the Malco Brand while you still can. The company is shutting down the line and is no longer going to be selling the Eagle grips or the clamps.
Thanks for the feedback.
Already a thing
I'd be interested in a video comparing various pocket knives. Sharpness, edge retention, ease of sharpening, etc.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Doge,
From past experience sharpening knives, the easier they are to sharpen the faster they lose their edge. The harder the material the harder they are to sharpen, but the longer they hold an edge.
Since I basically broke three pair (triple set: needle, medium, and large) Kobalt yesterday cutting and bending coat hanger wire to hang Christmas decorations - I came to the Master Tester of all things tools to find some replacements.
Looking like Irwin will be my choice.
*Thank you, again, for all you do for us in your channel!!!*
You are welcome!
Craftsman used to be my go to brand, but then the Chinese inquisition happened and the quality was just never the same.
Agreed love USA made craftsman. However all my Chinese made craftsman tools are Garbage
Irwin is almost always up there in the rankings. Just amazing tools for the price!
They do seem to keep some quality control going on , even in their Chinese mfg.
Thanks for the feedback.
I probably have 30+ irwin vicegrips between home tool box and work box, but I just bought 3 Malco Eagle grip vicegrips, ya can't beat made in the USA. Wish I had learned of them sooner! Thank you project farm!
You are welcome!