Thread: Vice Grips........... Help me kit up!

It shouldn't be hard Lou.Everyone and their dog has had a go at making them at one time or another.There are plenty out there.

During the week, I had a look at the Vice Grip brand now owned by Irwin.I have a pair made by Petersen's company of the blacksmith that invented them.
The difference in the new VGs is weaker pivot pins or rivets ,poorer chroming and the springs don't seem as big.

Lou yours look much better and stronger than the Irwin current models that don't look like they will survive the sort of service that a metalworker can impose on them.

I have a couple of pair of Lockjaw brand and their much tougher than Vise Grips but a PITA to use at times.

I do like the look of European tools like the Facom and Turnus but have not seen them for sale here as yet.

I have a couples of Chinese one with the lock button outside and they work a treat.They are the ones I use near the welding arc.

They were cheap as chips at the big Green for a while then they disappeared never to be seen again.

What sort of dollars are they asking for the Stronghand Grips ? They look good if they are not too dear.I like the cast arms.

Grahame

Thanx for that Grahame

The stronghand tools are well priced (Lost me price list DOH!) n u can order them online if u have an account with BOC

What Vice grips do you find yourself reaching for the most? Im not too sure what sizes to go with (Though generally i go with big is better/stronger) or wether to go with flat or round mouth style ?

Are the specialist welder type vise grips any good n worth my hardearnt cash?

Lou, I agree with Grahame, the new Lockjaws are a PITA to adjust bare handed, let alone in gloves. The older style, with the knurled screw at the end of one handle is much more user friendly.

Originally Posted by Pat

Lou, I agree with Grahame, the new Lockjaws are a PITA to adjust bare handed, let alone in gloves. The older style, with the knurled screw at the end of one handle is much more user friendly.

Thx Pat is just the kind a thing im after really appreciated!!!!!

Just found the Vicegrip Vs Lockjaw thread here:

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/vi...lockjaw-48268/

Is a great read with some more top advice!!!

Also a great little thread on some Vicegrip modifications:

http://www.shopfloortalk.com/forums/...ight=Vise+Grip

I've got an assortment of the Stronghand clamps, very useful, great value and pipe clamps with interchangeable jaws.

Hi NewLou,
I've had a set of Vicegrips in my toolbox for many years with the chain instead of jaws. Really handy when I was working as a fitter- for gripping pipes, rams, tight filters etc. Maybe a bit limited for you welding, unless you want to hold pipes I guess.

Cheers,

Originally Posted by Andy Mac

Hi NewLou,
I've had a set of Vicegrips in my toolbox for many years with the chain instead of jaws. Really handy when I was working as a fitter- for gripping pipes, rams, tight filters etc. Maybe a bit limited for you welding, unless you want to hold pipes I guess.

Cheers,

Yes, I also have vicegrips....At 3 to 4 times the price of stronghand!

Originally Posted by DoctorWu

I've got an assortment of the Stronghand clamps, very useful, great value and pipe clamps with interchangeable jaws.

Yeah I reckon Stronghand is the way to go they look like a good piece a kit! n I agree @ a far better price!

DoctorWu how has your Stronghand gear held up to your typical workshop abuse???????

Ive been thinking of getting a few pairs of the specialist welders vice grips n wanted to know has anyone had any experience with them n are they worth having in your kit???

[IMG]file:///C:/Users/Taramus/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG]Regards Lou

Originally Posted by NewLou

Snip...

Ive been thinking of getting a few pairs of the specialist welders vice grips n wanted to know has anyone had any experience with them n are they worth having in your kit???

Regards Lou

I have a few pairs of each used for panel repair/replacement, very handy for fitting up panels but the ones I have are the cheap versions and bend buy decent quality ones!

cheers

Kevin

Originally Posted by NewLou

Yeah I reckon Stronghand is the way to go they look like a good piece a kit! n I agree @ a far better price!

DoctorWu how has your Stronghand gear held up to your typical workshop abuse???????

Ive been thinking of getting a few pairs of the specialist welders vice grips n wanted to know has anyone had any experience with them n are they worth having in your kit???

[IMG]file:///C:/Users/Taramus/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG]Regards Lou

I've only had mine for a couple of years so far and can't see a problem. Rivets are a potential weak point but they look as good as the Vicegrips.

All the vicegrips i have are the original ones and they seem to be the best i have had, some of the cheaper copies seem to break easier

I happened to drop into the big green B store yesterday, and they had C clamps and a packet of a pair of cute little mini* grips on sale for $5 each. For tools that can be abused, I'm happy to pay that price!

*Hold your index and middle fingers together, and these grips are about that large.

Gidday

Thx for all the tips n feedback fellas muchly appreciated!!! Luckily Total tools has a great insiders sale on @ the moment you get 5 of the quick release models for 80 Bucks which is great value! Im a bit apprehensive about the new 'quick release' feature but @ the present price I don't think i go wrong!

Regards Lou

Originally Posted by NewLou

Gidday

Thx for all the tips n feedback fellas muchly appreciated!!! Luckily Total tools has a great insiders sale on @ the moment you get 5 of the quick release models for 80 Bucks which is great value! Im a bit apprehensive about the new 'quick release' feature but @ the present price I don't think i go wrong!

Regards Lou

Which quick release would they be?