The Irwin Tools Vise-Grip Curved Jaw Locking Pliers delivers three times more gripping power than traditional locking pliers, with absolutely no slipping or stripping, the company says. They are available in two models: Fast Release, with a one-handed, triggerless release and anti-pinch and non-slip ProTouch Grips, and Original, with a classic trigger release. The pliers feature a patented 10CR curved jaw for securely gripping and torquing multiple surface shapes and for putting pressure on four points of any style nut or bolt head.
The review
Lou Fort, lead technician at K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg, Ind., enjoyed the comfort of the soft form grip handles on the Irwin Vise-Grip Curved Jaw Locking Pliers as he used the tool on a multitude of projects around his shop.
“I have been using vise-grip pliers for more than 30 years,” says Fort. While Fort says there was no noticeable time savings compared to working with older vise-grip pliers, the new 10CR jaw design on the Irwin Vise-Grip Curved Jaw Locking Pliers worked better than the traditional jaws found on vice-grips.
“The new jaw design seems to provide a better hold on your work,” Fort says. For improvements, Fort suggested a thinner jaw with the same clamping force would be ideal.
Fort says he appreciated the pleasant grip on the easy-to-use tool.
“The soft form grips on the handles, they give these pliers a more comfortable feel in my hand,” says Fort.
Whether it was making toe adjustments during vehicle alignments, changing out stabilizer links or keeping rounded bolt heads from turning while removing nuts, the tech found a number of uses for the Irwin Vise-Grip Curved Jaw Locking Pliers.
“In general whatever messed up job that needed something held fast,” says Fort.
The only setup required to use the tool, which comes packaged in a simple, clear plastic cover, was adjusting the screw to suit each specific task.
Fort gave the Irwin Vise-Grip Curved Jaw Locking Pliers a rating of 10 out of 10 because in addition to the better hold, he liked having the option of using an Allen wrench to make force screw adjustments and appreciated that the tool still comes with a lifetime warranty.
“The quality of construction is excellent,” says Fort. “The clamping force is outstanding.”
