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.
I was literally at the hardware store this morning buying locking pliers. As I normally do, checked PF and saw nothing, so I bought the Irwin. Then I saw the notification pop up on my way home and immediately pulled over and stopped to watch. Based on what I saw, I decided it was a good purchase, had no reason to switch, and now I'm home with some decent tools and a few bucks in my pocket to spare. Thanks!
I've had my Milwaukee pliers (I have multiple torque lock pliers) where there's no handle, and red handle. And I love them all. I used to have a pair of Irwins, but they broke, I figured I'd give Milwaukee a shot, and never looked back. They're great pliers! Now my next investment will be a set of flat tooth channel locks from Knipex I think they're actually called Pliers Wrench or something. Irwin makes a set too. I don't own Knipex stuff because it's fancy stufd lol But I'd like to get some
I had struggled with the choice over a year ago and settled on the irwins, fortunately the choice seemed very much worth it! I always check PF before buying tools.
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'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.
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.
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...
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.
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!
@@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?
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.
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
Is there any update on the breaker bars test? It's been a minute now, ( not that I'm rushing you or demanding, but i was lookiing for this test also) keep doing what you are doing man, thanks for all the knowledge you share.
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!
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
@@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.
@@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.
i originally bought a set of pitsburg ones because I just need something, but after a few weeks of them constnatly slipping on things I was fed up and replaced all of them with the Irwin ones, much better and actually grip. Now they sit in my spares drawer for modifcation (welded/grinded to custom tools)
Stanley black and decker makes and owns all of them and they are the original vise grip name that was in DeWitt Nebraska and malco reopened it making the same pliers 15yrs after they shut it down lots to be said malco gave back what Irwin and Stanley took away.
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.
"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? 😂
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
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
@@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.
@@porkstamina unfortunately the "proudly american" brands are moving over seas like klien but the german tools are moving over here. i'll support a good american product like the new crescent line up of pliers and high quality german tools like knipex every day but a company that brands themself american while moving more over seas is a no go for me
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.
If I remember correctly, malco is making their pliers in vise grips old factory in Nebraska, and is also where snap on is sourcing their pliers. Very happy to buy from them in the fiture
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!
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 😷⚒
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 !
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.
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.
Vice Grips … Don’t leave Home without them … I hope I’m not alone in wanting to hear Project Farm’s opinion on the best emergency items or kit to carry in the car … Thanks Really enjoyed your inflators and the jump starter episodes …!
Great series of tests, I am personally sold on the Irwin (c) Vise-Grip(tm) pliers, they showed acceptable performance at a reasonable price; breaking a pair of these wouldn't hurt the wallet too bad.
Wonder if they've ever thought about branching out and making more Project channels? Like a Project Kitchen or Project Home, with reviews for pots, pans, utensils, furniture, light bulbs, etc.
Lol yes, and now this man has a lifetime of work ahead of him (as if he wasn't already busy enough, I'd hate to see his "to do" list). Wish them all the best!
who can agree with this?? watching your videos has become one of the most important "tools" in my tool box thank you for enlightening me and all your seriously interested fans who just cant wait till the next test!!!
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.
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!
I love my Craftsman tools. Granted, they were made almost 2 decades ago when they actually made great products. I have never had one break, or my dad before me. Irwin is always a damn good brand for the price. I have a few things from them and they’re awesome. My favorite part of watching these tests is going, “Oh, I really did buy the best tools.” Love 💕 the comparisons and keep ‘em coming. God bless!
Congratulations on 1 million viewers! I am one of them. Thank you for all your hard work and saving all of us $ and frustration from inferior products. I won't buy until I check out your test results first. You have saved me so much time and money. Thanks!!!
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.
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!
I have Pittsburgh and Milwaukees. My Pitts are pressed and welded. Weird. My Milwaukees, with the way you can tighten and loosen them have saved my butt so many times. And have held yp incredibly well! Thx for your time as always!
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
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}
@@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
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 !
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.
I've learned many years ago that when it comes to pliers and plier type tools to just go for the Irwin's. Not the best, but usually will outlast most DIY'ers and the price is just right.
I’m constantly impressed by Irwin. For everything they sell. It’s never the very best out there. But they are very nice products for the price. I find they almost always far exceed the quality of anything similar in price.
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.
@@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.
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.
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.
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!!!*
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 : )
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.
The Craftsman and Stanley did much better than expected. I didn't realize they were keeping quality up still. I have some tools from both brands not because of quality but because I like the beefy grips they have. The black chrome on Stanley tools is cool, too.
the Craftsman's tool image is based mainly on their Guarantee which used to be "Life-time" for wrenches & sockets. now Sears also sells a cheaper version (Companion) which has a limited guarantee ( since so many Sears stores have closed that may not be true any more) a lot of people bought Sears tools thinking they were craftsman only to find they had companion when they needed an exchange. Very few if any sears items were made by Sears. many were made by(the lowest bid) name- brand companies under contract. when that contract was about to expire Sears would look for lower bids. the name- brand had already invested in the necessary manufacturing tooling, which would be scraped without a new contract, so would take the lower bid &/or up grade the item even at a loss. Either way sears got a cheaper/better item.Bottom line has become the norm I know of at least to local businesses having to close because although they were making money it wasn't as much as corporate wanted so, so what if the local customers suffered. LL&P
Thanks for a great video. I would go with the USA made Malco. Nowadays, all tools are covered with life time warranty but when a tool fails, it will take an additional day or more, plus frustration to complete the work. And when a tool fails because it's not up for the job, a replacement will likely fail again.
@@ProjectFarm I actually ordered the Malco (Snap-On branded) because of this video and I can say they are amazing hopefully they release some longnose variants sooner than later by far the best I have ever used and don't feel cheap and grip like hell compared to even the other Snap-On and mac ones I have irwin and vice-grip are just not what they used to be even the bench vice from irwin are horrible cant beat a Record vice from before I was born
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.
I use their locking 11" c clamp with swivel pads and 6" needle nose for welding. First thing is grind off coating from seam where the adjusting screw screws in then coat the screw with Grease and mig weld the seam. The hold up fine after that and are dirt cheap
Pure junk that will fail on you and bust your knuckle. Not ALL Pittsburgh, some of it is decent for the price, appreciate Harbor freight but don't buy Pittsburgh vice grips!
This was super informative. I own a few different brands of vice grips. I know that the original vice grips are now made by Irwin (I've purchased some). I wasn't expecting Irwin to do so well. I guess the original manufacturer does know something about making vice grips. As always, thanks for another great video.
Original Vice Grips are now made by Malco, at the same Peterson Co factory location . The Peterson Co, the original makers of Vice Grips, changed their name to Irwin and moved to China. So it is "debatable' as to which are "original" now. I would say the Malco's have a better claim , being still made in the USA at the same place, but they cost alot more than the Irwin ones.
I really love the eye on the adjustment screw for my Milwaukee pliers. Super easy to just grab almost any screwdriver and really torque down on a bolt head. It has saved me a few times.
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!
@@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...
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
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)
@@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.
Once again testing tools till destruction..very thorough and informative, when ever I think about buying a tool I don't have, I always look for a video on project farm first 😀
I was waiting for this one! Thanks for sharing! The original Petersen Co. Vise-Grip pliers from several years ago would probably stand up to that Malco brand today. Today's Vise-Grip pliers made by Irwin aren't quite as well made as the original ones, but still a good value. Certainly better than some of those knock-offs.
Congrats on your 2 million status. One thing about you...You have Never swayed or yielded to be a pond. You have always bought the products yourself which is admiral thus making it UnBiased. Thank you
This will probably get buried, but I'd love more hand tool comparisons. Claw hammer would be a great one. Checking on the strength of the flaw for pulling, does the head of the hammer crack if hitting edge of nail, general durability and flex. May be a simple tool but worth testing!
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🤣
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.
As a semi truck and trailer, as well as Auto mechanic most of my life. And 7 years as an industrial maintenance tech, starting at the tender age of 6 or 7 my dad always had Irwin Vice Grips in every tool boxes, at the shop or home. Throughout my life I've tried several other brand locking pliers and most failed miserably with a couple that did so so, but nothing compared to Irwin. Although, over the past ten years or so, some Chinese knockoffs did ok, but you can see a lot of intellectual theft in the designs. I'm commenting before I watch this video because I still without knowing any new tools or design out there, I still swear by irwin Vice Grip. But hey. I just might get my rear humbled today on this one. Thanks Mr. T for these awesome test videos. Your thoroughness really says a lot compared to most other tests and reviews. ..
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".
After watching several PF videos I'm never buying anything from Harbor Freight ever again. I have some Irwin tools I decided to purchase after simply looking over the build quality in the store and I've also been impressed with the Irwin products compared to some more expensive competitors. Thanks for doing these video's I put the top performers in an Amazon list simply called PF so I remember which product to buy when the time comes. Extremely helpful and money saving by preventing me from buying a garbage product.
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?
I was literally at the hardware store this morning buying locking pliers. As I normally do, checked PF and saw nothing, so I bought the Irwin. Then I saw the notification pop up on my way home and immediately pulled over and stopped to watch. Based on what I saw, I decided it was a good purchase, had no reason to switch, and now I'm home with some decent tools and a few bucks in my pocket to spare. Thanks!
You are welcome!
I watch PF before I make purchases too. But I've had my irwins for about 2yrs, I'm happy to see I'm not just bias
I've had my Milwaukee pliers (I have multiple torque lock pliers) where there's no handle, and red handle. And I love them all. I used to have a pair of Irwins, but they broke, I figured I'd give Milwaukee a shot, and never looked back. They're great pliers! Now my next investment will be a set of flat tooth channel locks from Knipex I think they're actually called Pliers Wrench or something. Irwin makes a set too. I don't own Knipex stuff because it's fancy stufd lol But I'd like to get some
I had struggled with the choice over a year ago and settled on the irwins, fortunately the choice seemed very much worth it! I always check PF before buying tools.
I kinda wish you had to go back to exchange
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'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.
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!
Thank you! I always watch your video for unbiased reviews. keep it up! Love from the Philippines. ❤ 🇵🇭
Thanks for supporting the channel! I really appreciate it!
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!
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!
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...
Is there any update on the breaker bars test? It's been a minute now, ( not that I'm rushing you or demanding, but i was lookiing for this test also) keep doing what you are doing man, thanks for all the knowledge you share.
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
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!!!
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!
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.
Ha. The soft grip on the Pittburgh wasn’t for comfort. It was for covering up how it was assembled
-Lot of Pittsburgh vice grips end up burned and battered... as welding clamps.. ;}
@@blogengeezer4507 🤣😂😅🥰
Nodens Suck! Just kidding, I’m playing WR myself😂
@@ghiagoo is
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
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!
Thank you - really appreciate your product testing!
Thanks so much! Thanks for your support for the channel! I greatly appreciate it!
Vice Grips ! One of the best inventions of our existence. 🧰
Yes, I make use of the all the time!
That and Duct Tape!
Agreed, it's all you need for a drum brake job.
Hell yeah. I have a small 4" one in my EDC, and use it more often than i'd care to admit.
The most useless tool ever
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.
Seriously impressed with Irwin and Craftsman. Well done as always my friend. Keep up the amazing work.
Irwim seems to always be best value for money.
i originally bought a set of pitsburg ones because I just need something, but after a few weeks of them constnatly slipping on things I was fed up and replaced all of them with the Irwin ones, much better and actually grip. Now they sit in my spares drawer for modifcation (welded/grinded to custom tools)
Stanley black and decker makes and owns all of them and they are the original vise grip name that was in DeWitt Nebraska and malco reopened it making the same pliers 15yrs after they shut it down lots to be said malco gave back what Irwin and Stanley took away.
Irwin I believe bought vice grip company the original guys came with tool. It like locks
@@CPthetooladdict those Malco tools are just beautiful too. Definitely worth buying American made when possible.
This is the man who needs to be overseeing our DoD competitions.
Next on project farms, submarines! Electric boat vs. Huntington. On time and under budget? We'll test that!
Excellent combination of Truth and a good Laugh!
Day of Defeat is still a thing? I played it 15 years ago!
Thanks for the nice comment!
Not sure. That much efficiency could bring our economy to a screeching halt.
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 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? 😂
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.
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.
Thanks for making these videos, I hope you will continue making them.
Thanks, will do! Thanks for supporting the channel! I really appreciate it.
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
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.
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!
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
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
It was good to see the Malco crush the competition. This is a tool that can be passed down to your children. I support American manufacturing
If more American consumers were willing to pay more, we could bring manufacturing back from overseas.
Crush is not the word to use maybe squeak out a win? Irwin looked real good to me. My father gave me my canal locks old brand still going.
@@porkstamina unfortunately the "proudly american" brands are moving over seas like klien but the german tools are moving over here. i'll support a good american product like the new crescent line up of pliers and high quality german tools like knipex every day but a company that brands themself american while moving more over seas is a no go for me
-says the guy typing on his Chinese produced phone/computer.
@@uriahotten3895 Which American made phone do you suggest he buys?
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
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!
If I remember correctly, malco is making their pliers in vise grips old factory in Nebraska, and is also where snap on is sourcing their pliers. Very happy to buy from them in the fiture
I believe this is true. I'm happy to see Snap-on have good vice grips. The ones produced in Spain are garbage
Thanks for sharing!
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.
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 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!
Anyone else get excited whenever he says “We’re gonna test that!”?
Thank you!
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.
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.
Vice Grips … Don’t leave Home without them … I hope I’m not alone in wanting to hear Project Farm’s opinion on the best emergency items or kit to carry in the car … Thanks Really enjoyed your inflators and the jump starter episodes …!
Great suggestion! Thank you
Oh while you are at it, what about the LED and other roadside "flare replacement" emergency flashing lights?
Get some Bleed Stop.
Great series of tests, I am personally sold on the Irwin (c) Vise-Grip(tm) pliers, they showed acceptable performance at a reasonable price; breaking a pair of these wouldn't hurt the wallet too bad.
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
Wonder if they've ever thought about branching out and making more Project channels? Like a Project Kitchen or Project Home, with reviews for pots, pans, utensils, furniture, light bulbs, etc.
Great suggestion! Thank you
Lol yes, and now this man has a lifetime of work ahead of him (as if he wasn't already busy enough, I'd hate to see his "to do" list). Wish them all the best!
who can agree with this?? watching your videos has become one of the most important "tools" in my tool box thank you for enlightening me and all your seriously interested fans who just cant wait till the next test!!!
Thank you very much!
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.
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
I love my Craftsman tools. Granted, they were made almost 2 decades ago when they actually made great products. I have never had one break, or my dad before me. Irwin is always a damn good brand for the price. I have a few things from them and they’re awesome. My favorite part of watching these tests is going, “Oh, I really did buy the best tools.” Love 💕 the comparisons and keep ‘em coming. God bless!
Not sure it wasn't easco or matco made them when American made. Just like their old power tools skil or black and decker.
Craftsman still makes good tools
Congratulations on 1 million viewers! I am one of them. Thank you for all your hard work and saving all of us $ and frustration from inferior products. I won't buy until I check out your test results first. You have saved me so much time and money. Thanks!!!
Thanks for being one of the viewers!
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.
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!
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.
I have Pittsburgh and Milwaukees. My Pitts are pressed and welded. Weird. My Milwaukees, with the way you can tighten and loosen them have saved my butt so many times. And have held yp incredibly well! Thx for your time as always!
Great feedback. Thank you
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
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
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!
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.
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.
I've learned many years ago that when it comes to pliers and plier type tools to just go for the Irwin's. Not the best, but usually will outlast most DIY'ers and the price is just right.
I’m constantly impressed by Irwin. For everything they sell. It’s never the very best out there. But they are very nice products for the price. I find they almost always far exceed the quality of anything similar in price.
Thanks for the feedback.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Before this, I never would’ve considered spending $45 ona. Vice grips, but after this, those malco grips are looking realllllll convincing.
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!
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!
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.
The Craftsman and Stanley did much better than expected. I didn't realize they were keeping quality up still. I have some tools from both brands not because of quality but because I like the beefy grips they have. The black chrome on Stanley tools is cool, too.
Thanks for the feedback.
the Craftsman's tool image is based mainly on their Guarantee which used to be "Life-time" for wrenches & sockets. now Sears also sells a cheaper version (Companion) which has a limited guarantee ( since so many Sears stores have closed that may not be true any more) a lot of people bought Sears tools thinking they were craftsman only to find they had companion when they needed an exchange. Very few if any sears items were made by Sears. many were made by(the lowest bid) name- brand companies under contract. when that contract was about to expire Sears would look for lower bids. the name- brand had already invested in the necessary manufacturing tooling, which would be scraped without a new contract, so would take the lower bid &/or up grade the item even at a loss. Either way sears got a cheaper/better item.Bottom line has become the norm I know of at least to local businesses having to close because although they were making money it wasn't as much as corporate wanted so, so what if the local customers suffered. LL&P
Thanks for a great video. I would go with the USA made Malco. Nowadays, all tools are covered with life time warranty but when a tool fails, it will take an additional day or more, plus frustration to complete the work. And when a tool fails because it's not up for the job, a replacement will likely fail again.
You are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
@@ProjectFarm I actually ordered the Malco (Snap-On branded) because of this video and I can say they are amazing hopefully they release some longnose variants sooner than later by far the best I have ever used and don't feel cheap and grip like hell compared to even the other Snap-On and mac ones I have irwin and vice-grip are just not what they used to be even the bench vice from irwin are horrible cant beat a Record vice from before I was born
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.
I love how he just gave up on the Pittsburghs after the first test 😂
@@craigjensen6853 they're sockets are pretty good though. It's just a brand. Some of their tools suck, some are good.
I use their locking 11" c clamp with swivel pads and 6" needle nose for welding. First thing is grind off coating from seam where the adjusting screw screws in then coat the screw with Grease and mig weld the seam. The hold up fine after that and are dirt cheap
Thanks for watching!
Pure junk that will fail on you and bust your knuckle. Not ALL Pittsburgh, some of it is decent for the price, appreciate Harbor freight but don't buy Pittsburgh vice grips!
I bought a set of tin snips and they couldn't cut anything. Threw them away and bought a real brand.
Maybe PF can do tin snips
This was super informative. I own a few different brands of vice grips. I know that the original vice grips are now made by Irwin (I've purchased some).
I wasn't expecting Irwin to do so well. I guess the original manufacturer does know something about making vice grips. As always, thanks for another great video.
You are welcome!
Kinda like how Milwaukee invented the Sawzall. Yeah. I chose wisely when the time for that purchase came
Original Vice Grips are now made by Malco, at the same Peterson Co factory location . The Peterson Co, the original makers of Vice Grips, changed their name to Irwin and moved to China. So it is "debatable' as to which are "original" now. I would say the Malco's have a better claim , being still made in the USA at the same place, but they cost alot more than the Irwin ones.
I really love the eye on the adjustment screw for my Milwaukee pliers. Super easy to just grab almost any screwdriver and really torque down on a bolt head. It has saved me a few times.
Thank for sharing!
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...
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'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.
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!
Once again testing tools till destruction..very thorough and informative, when ever I think about buying a tool I don't have, I always look for a video on project farm first 😀
Thank you!
"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 :)
I was waiting for this one! Thanks for sharing! The original Petersen Co. Vise-Grip pliers from several years ago would probably stand up to that Malco brand today. Today's Vise-Grip pliers made by Irwin aren't quite as well made as the original ones, but still a good value. Certainly better than some of those knock-offs.
Thanks!
Malco bought and manufactures Eagle Grips at the old Peterson/Irwin plant
Yup I buy the USA made vise grips at swap meets, rather have old rusty ones that grip than new shinny ones
Congrats on your 2 million status. One thing about you...You have Never swayed or yielded to be a pond. You have always bought the products yourself which is admiral thus making it UnBiased. Thank you
Great video, as usual! Glad to see Irwin did so well. That’s what I have in my tool box.
Thanks!
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!
This will probably get buried, but I'd love more hand tool comparisons. Claw hammer would be a great one. Checking on the strength of the flaw for pulling, does the head of the hammer crack if hitting edge of nail, general durability and flex. May be a simple tool but worth testing!
The Project Farm video came in at 17 minutes and 55 seconds, with 100% more information than the competition. Very impressive!
Thank you very much!
It would be very interesting how accurate torque wrench’s are.
Thanks for the suggestion.
So basically get a Malco to have as the emergency back up in the most extreme situation and get an Irwin for standard use
If you use them right any pair will work
@@corycg9624 even harbor freight?
Ya that was my takeaway too
@@mikeprice8307 speaking from experience-no, harbor freight vise grips are garbage
Malco is made at the original vice grip factory
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
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!
Love it! I always felt the irwins were a great value. Glad to see I'm not crazy.
Thanks for the feedback.
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!
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.
As a semi truck and trailer, as well as Auto mechanic most of my life. And 7 years as an industrial maintenance tech, starting at the tender age of 6 or 7 my dad always had Irwin Vice Grips in every tool boxes, at the shop or home. Throughout my life I've tried several other brand locking pliers and most failed miserably with a couple that did so so, but nothing compared to Irwin. Although, over the past ten years or so, some Chinese knockoffs did ok, but you can see a lot of intellectual theft in the designs. I'm commenting before I watch this video because I still without knowing any new tools or design out there, I still swear by irwin Vice Grip. But hey. I just might get my rear humbled today on this one. Thanks Mr. T for these awesome test videos. Your thoroughness really says a lot compared to most other tests and reviews. ..
Vice Grips have been my go to for well over 30 years, just can't beat the quality and price. Good variety in their range too.
Thanks for sharing.
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.
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.
After watching several PF videos I'm never buying anything from Harbor Freight ever again. I have some Irwin tools I decided to purchase after simply looking over the build quality in the store and I've also been impressed with the Irwin products compared to some more expensive competitors. Thanks for doing these video's I put the top performers in an Amazon list simply called PF so I remember which product to buy when the time comes. Extremely helpful and money saving by preventing me from buying a garbage product.
Thanks for sharing.