A few months ago I received a pair of new C.H. Hanson Automatic locking pliers, which can grip different sized parts without the need for adjustment. While the pliers are quite handy and I like them a lot, I still find myself preferring regular locking pliers for certain applications.
I created a short video to show why I think the Automatic pliers complement Vise Grip, Grip-on, and other conventionally styled pliers, but won’t replace their function anytime soon.
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Conventional locking pliers are adjusted with two hands but can be opened and closed with one. These pliers require no adjustment but cannot be closed with one hand when gripping larger objects.
After sharing the video on our Facebook page, someone asked about how much pressure the Automatic pliers can apply. To show this, I adjusted the clamping pressure set and forget thumbscrew for light pressure, medium pressure, and heavy pressure. Clamping onto a piece of 3/4″ wood left jaw-tooth depressions of varying depths.
Light pressure resulted in the wood being loosely gripped. Medium pressure provided a secure grip and the tool was comfortable to open and close. Mid-high pressure required substantial hand strength to close.
Scott Carlson says
Where can you buy just the soft grips,,, to put on my ch Hanson pliers 10″ and the needle nose?
Mine did have them on it ,,, because there a little cheaper