To add to yesterday’s post where I mentioned how fond I am of Grip-on pliers, I’ll share with you my reasoning for trying them out. First of all, I love trying out new and unfamiliar tools. With that in mind, the primary reason I ordered a pair of Grip-on pliers was “just because.”
Sure, I’ve seen Grip-on pliers mentioned positively here and there, but that’s no substitute for a hands-on introduction.
This brings me to my second reason for giving Grip-on a try. It’s generally good to be familiar with the quality and feel of more than one brand of tools, and it’s better to try out a new brand or tool style at your leisure than when it is urgently necessary. When you need to impress a hot date, do you try out a new and unfamiliar recipe, or do you go with something tried and true?
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What if your prefered tool brand discontinues or drastically changes their tools’ design or style? What if the tool you need is not available at your favorite tool sources? What if a certain company decides to close their factory in DeWitt Nebraska USA and move manufacturing overseas?
When I look to purchase a new tool, I consider (in no particular order) its quality, comfort of use, functionality, price, country of origin, availability, its company’s business practices, amongst other things.
When a tool company does something that disappoints or upsets you, the best recourse is to let your wallet and future spending habits speak for you. Written complaints can sometimes help vent some frustration, but in most cases your wallet is more influential than your pen.
There are of course functional differences that led me to prefer Grip-on locking pliers over Vise-Grip pliers, but this will be explained later on in an in-depth comparison review.
cannibal says
I’ll be looking forward to that side-by-side comparison.
Personally I like the smooth finish to the tool. At first I thought this would be a problem in terms of grip when it’s oily, but I found it to have the same amount of grab as the vise grips in the same conditions. both brands had the same atf and motor oil on different occasions.
The Grip-on’s just seem to fit better in my hand too.
John says
I’m also interested in hearing your comparison. I was planning to buy some more vice-grips soon, so I’ll wait to hear your side-by-side.
John says
I’m also interested in hearing your side-by-side. I was planning to purchase a few more vice grip pliers in the next couple weeks.
Flathead Red says
Bring on the comparison! My thoughts are that unless there is somekind of gripping substance that neither one will be easy to hold onto wet or oily.
FHR
Stuart says
A review is in the works!
At first I also worried whether a smooth metal handle would provide enough of a grip, but remember that Vise-Grips sold for many decades before optional rubber grips were added.
river1 says
as i was disappointed in irwin moving visegrip off shore i look forward to the review.
later jim
Tom says
I find it dissappointing that Vise-Grip has closed shop in Nebraska and moved overseas. In protest I will not by Vise-Grip brand in future. People lost jobs because of corporate greed!