Stanley FatMax Push-Lock Slip Joint Pliers

Stanley’s FatMax push-lock slip joint pliers look like ordinary slip joint pliers, but feature an easier to use button adjustment. There are also 3 opening width settings instead of just 2.

I tried these out in-store, and the pliers were smooth to adjust and operate. The effect of the 3 push-lock opening width settings is a bit underwhelming, and the middle setting was a little difficult to dial in on. Even so, while the FatMax pliers weren’t mind-blowingly amazing, I was awfully tempted to buy the 2-piece slip joint and groove-lock set. Ultimately, reality set in and I realized I really didn’t need more pliers.

If I did need another pair of slip joint pliers, I would be more inclined to go with a more traditional design, such as Wilde’s flush-joint pliers. That’s not to say that the FatMax push-lock design doesn’t have its merits, but I personally don’t see much benefit in having 3 adjustment settings.

These pliers are available in 6-inch and 8-inch sizes, and are priced from $12-14.

Buy Now(via Amazon)