The best locking pliers that’s the sound you make when you drop a bolt (again) into the depths of your engine compartment after tearing a dime-sized piece of skin off your finger (again). After using duct tape to stop the bleeding, you might wonder: How can I hold onto something in a tight area so that I can move something else? I have only two hands.
This is why we have tools that lock. They are pliers that can be locked in place with a “over-center” motion. The width is usually adjustable. This means that when the jaws of the pliers reach their tightest point, they clamp down on an item with more force because steel is springy. That means that if the jaws are set at the right distance and there is enough strain, the tool will not let go of whatever it is holding. Below we have mentioned the best locking pliers.
Best Locking Pliers Comparison Table
| Brand and Model | Size | Type of Locking Pliers | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grip-On 111-10 | 10-Inch | Straight Jaw | Nickel-plated finish, ergonomic grip handles |
| IRWIN Vise-Grip Locking Plier | 10-Inch | Straight Jaw | Hardened teeth grip from any angle, built-in wire cutter |
| Auto-Grip Locking Pliers | N/A | Curved Jaw | One-handed operation, automatic locking mechanism |
| CRAFTSMAN 10-Inch Locking Pliers | 10-Inch | Straight Jaw | Adjustable pressure, release trigger for easy one-handed opening |
| IRWIN Locking Pliers with Wire Cutter | N/A | Straight Jaw | Wire cutter for cutting wire up to 1/8 inch, hardened teeth grip from any angle |
Grip-On 111-10
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Grip-On |
| Model | 111-10 |
| Length | 10 inches |
| Jaw Capacity | 2-1/4 inches |
| Material | Chrome vanadium steel |
| Handle Material | Non-slip rubberized grip |
| Locking Mechanism | Thumb screw |
| Weight | 14.4 ounces |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s limited lifetime |
After three builders tried out 10 different sets of pliers, they all liked the Grip-Ons the best. We have been using and reviewing tools for 15 years, and we have never seen a pair of locking pliers with so much skill and such strong gripping power. Overall, this is one of the best locking pliers that you can buy right now.
By far, this pair of pliers has the easiest and smoothest way to open up of all the ones we tried. They also have an easy-to-turn knob for adjusting the size of the jaw, a great build quality overall, and a funky orange color that looks good and is easy to like for that reason alone.
Pros
- High-quality construction for durability and longevity.
- Features a quick-release mechanism for easy one-handed operation.
- Provides a strong and secure grip.
Cons
- May not have as wide of a jaw opening as some other models.
- Limited availability and less well-known brand compared to other options.
IRWIN Vise-Grip Locking Plier
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | IRWIN |
| Model | Vise-Grip |
| Length | Varies (Depends on specific model) |
| Jaw Capacity | Varies (Depends on specific model) |
| Material | Alloy steel |
| Handle Material | Cushioned grip |
| Locking Mechanism | Release trigger |
| Weight | Varies (Depends on specific model) |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s limited lifetime |
About a hundred years ago, a Danish immigrant working as a blacksmith in Nebraska named William Petersen invented what he called “Vise Grip Locking Pliers.” The company he started is still making much better versions of these pliers today, but the chain of ownership is complicated. They are no longer made in Nebraska, which is a shame, but they still have a reputation for being strong and well-made.
Bill Petersen kept making improvements to the first Vise-Grip up until he died in 1962, and you can use them. In the late 1940s, a screw was added to make adjustments, and about 20 years later, a quick-release button was added. Currently, this is one of the best locking pliers that you can buy right now.
Straight-jaw locking pliers are the most common type, and no toolbox should be without them. The straight, toothed jaws can grip round, flat, square, and hexagonal surfaces with all the grip you need, making them very useful. The whole thing is made of heat-treated metal steel that doesn’t rust, and we’ve found that the 10 inch is the best size for use in cars.
Pros
- Well-established and trusted brand in the market.
- Durable and built to last.
- Provides a secure grip with adjustable tension.
Cons
- The release mechanism can be a bit stiff and may require more effort to operate.
- Some users have reported the jaws slipping under heavy pressure.
Auto-Grip Locking Pliers
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Auto-Grip |
| Length | Varies (Depends on specific model) |
| Jaw Capacity | Varies (Depends on specific model) |
| Material | Carbon steel |
| Handle Material | Plastic |
| Locking Mechanism | Self-adjusting |
| Weight | Varies (Depends on specific model) |
| Warranty | Varies (Depends on specific model) |
This is probably a lot more about locking pliers than you need to know, but old Bill Petersen wanted to make locking pliers that a mechanic could use with only one hand. He died before that happened, but 39 years after his death, engineers found some ideas Petersen had written down and put in an old shoebox. They used those ideas to finish the design.
Look at these bent locking pliers from Auto-Grip. Once you have set the amount of tension you want with a hidden adjustment screw, the clever dual rivet design clamps down on thick or thin items with the same amount of force, and a release lever lets you take it off with one hand. For now, this is one of the best locking pliers that you can buy right now.
It’s tested to 2,500 pounds of jaw pressure and comes with a lifetime guarantee, but it’s not made in the U.S., though some parts are put together at Auto-Grip’s plant in Virginia. The curved jaw is great for pipes and other round items, and you can get it in six-inch, eight-inch, or seven-inch flat/curved long nose combinations.
Pros
- Self-adjusting mechanism allows for quick and easy gripping.
- Eliminates the need for constant adjustment during use.
- Offers a secure and strong grip.
Cons
- Limited jaw opening size compared to traditional adjustable locking pliers.
- May not be suitable for precise or delicate work due to the auto-adjusting feature.
CRAFTSMAN 10-Inch Locking Pliers
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | CRAFTSMAN |
| Length | 10 inches |
| Jaw Capacity | 1-7/8 inches |
| Material | Alloy steel |
| Handle Material | Cushioned grip |
| Locking Mechanism | Release lever |
| Weight | 12 ounces |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s limited lifetime |
Craftsman’s straight jaw pliers are made of high-quality alloy steel that has been heated and treated. They have an adjustment screw that lets you change how much the jaws open and close, as well as an easy-release feature. The rubberized, durable, and non-slip grip on these locking pliers makes them easy and safe to use every day.
One customer said of this vise grip tool, “Nice quality; still has lifetime warranty, good handle, good spring strength, wrench jaws have good teeth.” Another happy customer said, “I can’t believe how easy it is to get these off. Just one finger, so I can use them with one hand when I need to.” Sill, this is one of the best locking pliers that you can buy right now.
Pros
- Sturdy and well-built for heavy-duty applications.
- Wide jaw opening for versatile use.
- Comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- The release lever can be somewhat stiff and difficult to operate.
- The adjustment mechanism may require periodic tightening to maintain desired tension.
IRWIN Locking Pliers with Wire Cutter
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | IRWIN |
| Length | Varies (Depends on specific model) |
| Jaw Capacity | Varies (Depends on specific model) |
| Material | Alloy steel |
| Handle Material | Cushioned grip |
| Locking Mechanism | Release trigger |
| Wire Cutter | Included |
| Weight | Varies (Depends on specific model) |
| Warranty | Manufacturer’s limited lifetime |
At just over US$30, this high-quality two-piece set of Irwin vise-grip pliers is a steal for people who like to do their own projects. This pair has a 7-inch bent jaw locking plier and a 6-inch long nose locking plier with wire cutters built right in. Other important features include a sensitive easy-release lever for full locking power, hardened teeth, screw adjustment, and a heat-treated alloy steel construction.
Even though they might be a little small for bigger hands, one of their best features is that they don’t slip. One happy customer said that these long nose locking “pliers lock and stay locked. At this price, the combo was a very good deal. They helped me keep a garage door track steady while I changed the wheels.” Thus, this is one of the best locking pliers that you can buy right now.
Pros
- Provides a strong locking grip and integrated wire cutter.
- Durable construction for long-lasting use.
- Offers versatility for various tasks.
Cons
- The wire cutter may not be as effective or precise as dedicated wire cutters.
- Some users have reported the release lever being less smooth and more difficult to operate compared to other models.
FAQs
Locking pliers, which are also called Vise-Grip pliers or mole grips, are useful hand tools that can be used to grip, clamp, and hold things firmly. They have an adjustable locking device that keeps a firm grip on the object without the user having to press down on it all the time.
Most locking pliers are made of high-quality steel to make sure they are strong and last a long time. For comfort and better control, the handles may have extra coverings or grips.
