SNAP ON "Locking Pliers" Best? Let's find out! Snap On vs Irwin, Milwaukee, Irwin, Tekton, CH Hanson
Vložit
- čas přidán 23. 07. 2022
- Brands: Snap On, Grip On, Milwaukee, Crescent, Eastwood, Vintage USA Vise Grips, Imported Irwin Vise Grips, Tolsen, Tekton, Performance Tool, SATA, CH Hanson. Locking pliers nose and large jaws compared for grip strength on fasteners. Locking long nose/needle nose pliers also compared for performance on hardened steel and wire cutter performance cutting through nails. Wear resistance and failure load yield performance proves that some tools are no longer made to the same build quality as vintage ones. I purchased all of the pliers tested. So, thank you for supporting the channel.
➡ Thank you for supporting the channel through memberships:
/ @projectfarm
➡ Thank you very much for supporting the channel through Patreon: / projectfarm
➡ An easy way to find past videos along with products tested: bit.ly/2FCrBpk A big thanks to Jim for putting this together.
➡ Merch: project-farm.com
➡ Click here if you'd like to subscribe: / @projectfarm
➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
CH Hanson: amzn.to/3dhyvBa
SATA: amzn.to/3znMQ88
Performance Tool: amzn.to/3zmNMcT
Tekton: amzn.to/3aR8lVa
Tolsen: amzn.to/3OhRJUg
Irwin: amzn.to/3yT0vCx
Eastwood: amzn.to/3v48V92
Crescent: amzn.to/3B5FLtN
Milwaukee: amzn.to/3OnwuR3
Grip On: amzn.to/3B7ofFI
Snap On: Available online at the Snap On Store
Videography Equipment:
Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera: amzn.to/2YdXvPw
Canon 70D Camera: amzn.to/31b5Gy0
Azden Microphone: amzn.to/34d3DLE
Go Pro Bundle: amzn.to/3Ca0ZVN
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC - Jak na to + styl
Uuuugh! I knew the moment you said “vintage” it was going to be depressing how our new hand tools these days don’t stack up compared to one made decades ago. Thanks so much for this one.
There a big dif between 95>20-0 in price
You are welcome!
We outsourced all manufacturing to the yellow race. We are the birth place of industry and now we don't even make a production car. The UK will not last long if nothing changes. So I know where you are coming from. We need to collectively de-seat our corrupt leader's.
@@Death.Is.Fearless. Thank you, Captain Obvious.
@@herrunsinn774 glad I could help
It always reinforces my trust in someone's testing when the cheap stuff starts doing well. You and AvE are my faves. Not afraid to just show the numbers.
Thanks for sharing.
what about when the american made stuff you can't get anymore, outperforms everything available today? that reinforces my trust.
@@tallswede80 well that makes sense haha they used to build tools to last back then.
@@tallswede80 sometimes they do well in these videos, sometimes they're below average (when he includes a vintage tool). I think the textured finish on the teeth of the vintage one (only one that had it) here made a big difference in the grip strength torque tests
@@tallswede80 malco is the USA made vise grips now
Wow the Vintage just wiped the floor with everyone else. The saying, "They don't make them like they used to," really applies here!
Damn it! Someone already used this saying!
Great point!
that's what i was gonna say
Same as the vintage Craftsman adjustable wrench wiped the floor also.
Yep, corporate greed at its best. Instead of making things better they make them cheaper and charge more. Way to go human kind.
15 years ago I was at a light and noticed a pair of rusty Vice grips like this by the curb. I got out and grabbed them and later on cleaned them up and it turned out to be the vintage USA made Vice Grips and they have never let me down and are a regular addition to my tool line up. They work perfectly.
Nice!
What intersection was that? I lost a pair 15 years ago. Let's touch bases. You might could just send them back to me.
I kid...
@@TheNortonio that was NOT funny, I’m reporting you
@@TheNortonio hahahaa
I started to believe you lol
It's really sad that there is as much of a difference between the vintage and the newer ones. It really shows that the vintage were made to last and the newer ones are Made to be replaced.
I agree and what I feel is even more sad is that as a tradesman that uses hand tools daily I find that most of the USA made brands just are not what they used to be, they are rarely top of the line and my opinion on a lot of them is they are fine but expensive, Klein is one of the big exceptions I am generally happy with Klein hand tools although Knipex makes better pliers, also Ridgid makes the best pipe wrenches period no exceptions.
Old is better, due to the fact it was carefully made to last.
sure, but old ones werent as cheap five decades ago
i own some ~50yo german locking pliers and modern day knipex ones, imo they are similar quality but 50 years ago they were big purchase and knipex ones are $20 in europe right now
Unfortunately today quality has been replaced by quantity.
Really just shows the vintage ones were carefully heat treated, and the identical pattern made in china isn't. Taiwan and China factually have better steel raw materials than we do. They're just a corner cutting culture.
The vintage Vice-Grips were made when a company valued its reputation and source materials were more affordable.
Although, I've always been pleasantly pleased with Irwin tools for the price.
Thanks for the feedback.
For the money and quality I'm going Irwin
Maybe snap on used to value their name too, but why should we if they don’t anymore?
I agree, I buy a lot of Irwin tools, they may not be top of the line, but they always seem to be pretty good and they have a decent cost
They were made before all the cheap knockoffs hit the market, forcing Vice Grip to cut costs to stay competitive. That's the way it is with all innovators once the copycats start flooding in.
The very embodiment of "They just don't make 'em like they used to!" - That vintage tool absolutely crushed the competition.
Thank you!
The one critique I would have here is the use of a specific torque on the adjustment screw. The normal use of these types of tools doesn't involve adjusting the screw under load. You typically set the opening where you need it, THEN lock down using the arms, not the screw. What really matters to the user is the force needed to lock the tool - most of us typically tighten that screw until we can JUST barely close the and lock the arms!
I might suggest that your tests would be better if you set the tools up using the same input force to close the jaws via the handles/arms - NOT via torque on the adjustment screw. I just feel like the same torque on the adjustment will cause wildly different pressures at the jaws, and is the reason for the wide range of results you got. But the main concern here is that's just not how these tools get used in the field or jobsite.
yes, the results are probably irrelevant to actual performance because none of these products were designed to perform this way
I agree, because the actual clamping force achieved could be very different depending on the pitch of the adjustment screw threads.
You can't be consistent with the "guten tite" method. His method isn't to measure max grip force, but to measure grip strength at a certain consistent tightness
You can measure that as well. Use a pressure plate to test your grip strength and then match it by having each set of vice grips too tight and loosen the nut until it closes at your tested grip strength. Then they all match the “good and tight” which would have been measured earlier when he did the test.
Yeah, this is testing the pitch and grease on the screw more than it is the performance of the tool.
Like the Milwaukee makes a point about being fast, they have quite a coarse pitch screw to achieve that and in normal use that's no issue at all. But in this test it'll decrease the clamping force dramatically vs the others.
It'd be better to do all the tests in the hydraulic jig or something similar and use that to apply a specific reasonable grip strength and perhaps a two handed full send, fuck this bolt in particular strength.
The vintage Vice Grips are in the category of tools you set aside in the toolbox for jobs where you know that you are going to need maximum performance to successfully get something apart.
Many years ago I had an imported set of vice grips that in addition to not being the best of tools managed to pinch my palm every time they were unlocked. I got so mad at them one day I took the pliers to the chop saw and cut it into little pieces. It was very satisfying.
Yeah there are two types of release levers. The ones you push towards the lock screw, which can bend to the point you can't unlock the pliers. Then there is the ones you pull away from the lock screw, that pinch your hand every time.
Thank you!
Years ago a friend of mine knocked out a tooth with a pair of vice grips... Lock popped open hit him in the mouth ...😂😂😂 Don't know why he was that close to them to date all I know was he was so mad he threw his tooth... Still hasn't replaced it to date
@@AlexD-fq5zm I had a socket fly off a wobble and smack hy tooth. I saw all white for a moment and thought for sure the tooth was busted.... Nope! Got lucky on that one.
I also punched myself in the face when I was pulling a spring and my pliers let go... Almost knocked myself out, 😂 took a while to see again after that one!
All too often I have found the release levers to be non-operative, necessitating a two handed gorilla pull on the handles to obtain a release. Would have like to have seen the release levers tested in the video.
I've used your test results on several occasions for my purchases. Keep up the great work!!
Gotta use a second pair of vise-grips to loosen the first... DUH! ;-)
@@laurelrunlaurelrun I came here to say this but you got it covered 😂
Especially once they're worn out and sloppy! Difficult to quantitatively test that though.
@@toyorover1313 I could see two relevant tests. First torque the adjustment know to the same value and then measure how hard it is to use the release lever.
Next test you tighten the adjustment until it takes a certain amount of force to turn a hardened bolt or the shaft of a drill bit or something like that. Then test how much force is needed to use the release lever.
Not the most comprehensive test but it would give two points of data to compare. The second test being, in my opinion probably the most relevant. I know I have tightened pliers like this hard enough that they were impossible to disengage using the release lever. But I did so to fixate something and not just for the fun of it. So the use dictates the setting of the vise grips. The construction and materials of the grips then influence how hard they have to be applied and how hard hey are to release.
@@laurelrunlaurelrun , try a large open end wrench. It not only opens the lever but it also helps pry it.
I truly hope that tool manufacturers are watching your channel and see that tools made 40 years ago totally out preform any offering they have. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Thanks so much for the work you do to keep all of us informed and entertained, with all the money you've saved so many folks I'll bet it'd be enough to seriously lower the national debt :)
Tool manufacturers don’t care. They produce cheap tools in hopes that every home and car owner on the planet buys one, knowing that very few people depend on a quality lifetime tool for anything. People who do, are knowledgeable enough to not buy these tools, and will seek the rare highest quality tools and pay a premium. These jackals have out thought the American public for decades now. It’s what Corporate America does to keep making the only thing they really care about- more $. And most of you dopes think the government is behind this. This is slight of hand, lies, and greed from the monopolies who own the entire marketplace.
The poor quality is intended, unfortunately. It's not as profitable to sell you a tool that your grandkids will use, if they can just sell each generation 3 of the same tool as they break.
Indeed.
Wow. I have about 6 old vise grips I found in my father's toolbox. I remember using them as a kid. Had no idea how incredible a tool I was holding. I'll have to take care of these. Blown away at how much better they are
Thanks for sharing.
Yep, taken for granted. l just cleaned and oiled mine.
..I have several old sets of USA Vise-Grips as well..problem is, they don't hold very well anymore because the jaws are just worn, and in some cases nearly worn out..also, I used to abuse them quite a bit, back when I thought we would always be able to just go buy a new pair just as good as the old pair, at a reasonable price..after all, we had been doing that very thing for decades.. :(
@@dyer2cycle Get a good American or European file. Clamp your pliers in a vice and carefully sharpen the teeth.
I've been doing this to pliers and pipe wrenches for years. Good old US made tools are worth the effort as shown in this video.🇺🇸🛠️🔧⚒️🪓⛏️🔨🔧🧰🗜️🥇🏆💯
@@nunyabizness9216 Hadn't thought of that..great idea!
I have an old set of American-made needlenose VGs. You can't part me from them. HOWEVER, based on their performance on this channel, I did order some Eagle Grip lockers, and they are pretty damn good. If Malco made a needlenose variety, I bet they would have scored highly.
I bought the Eagle Grips too after destroying the ones I used for testing. Amazing pliers!
Eagle Grip pliers are manufactured in DeWitt, Nebraska at the old Vise Grip factory. 😎
@@jongankul Whoa! Cool!
Im hoping that if enough people contact Malco they might make a long nose Eagle Grip one day, and when that day comes I hope to be first on the order list
This is EXACTLY what I was going to comment! I even checked their site to see if I missed them coming out with them. When they do--- I'll pick em up on a pre release price if they offer one
As a teen in the 1980’s I built my tool collection on what I could afford and what I needed; so I have a couple pairs of those “vintage” vice-grips. Makes me worry about the quality of tools in another 40+ years. Another outstanding video!
Thanks!
I wonder if things will even be Repairable in 40+ years. As a copier and printer repairman, i watch machines go from repairable and serviceable to non-serviceable , non-repairable or throw away machines that cost more to repair than to replace. Ive seen the same trend with Automobiles
@@HappyHands. Like the bic lighter, throw them out when out of gas.
It is always nice to see the vintage "Made in the USA" tools added to the tests. Made in America tools can still be found at reasonable prices at yard sales, flea markets, estate sales, and in pawn shops. Thanks for the video !!
..or, for very high prices on Ebay...
As an American, I wouldn’t buy American
A great testament to USA made tool quality is older chainsaws. For machines that put up with incredible vibration & constant beating, it amazes me that old 1960s model McCullochs & Homelites etc are still holding up today!
@@jumbomuffin1316 ok German worshipper
You know, I bet if you just asked plenty of people would have vintage tools in good condition that they would be more than happy to send you for "testing".
Keep up the great work 👍
l find the old vise grips at yard sales for a buck or two, they can take a beating for sure, thanks for including the old stuff now and then,
Enjoying your vacation? :P
You are welcome!
When I run across old Grips for a buck they come home with me.
now thats what IM talking about!
some nice old grinders, axe's...and even a sweet ole craftsman floor jack for a 20 spot that needs a little hyd oil
Love it.
I'm gonna get some of those CH Hansons! One thing that amazes me is in the last 40 years we have managed to make lower quality tools that perform worse. I just don't get it! Even with the always overpriced snap on they just couldnt match a 40+ year old design.
Same as "Bremen" brand at harbor freight, they didn't even swap out the CR-MO stamp.
Because people just want less expensive tools, this is why harbor freight is so popular. Also because china pays it people so low they can be chesper.
Planned obsolescence. Integral to capitalism in the minds of some.
Welcome to capitalism. Maximize profits and screw the consumer while making them think they're happy
The CH Hansons are already out of stock on amazon, so good luck with that
I'd love to see a test of permanent markers.
We use them for marking soil samples in the field and there is a huge difference between brand.
What kind of surfaces they stick to, dry time, how they hold up to the elements, if they can still write after a day with the cap off.
Thanks for the suggestion.
@@ProjectFarm A sun fading test would be great as well! I write a lot of calibration tags that are hung outside, and there's a big difference in how much markers fade over a year.
Definitely impressed with the 8 dollar locking pliers consistently finishing in the top 5 in every test
Thanks for sharing,
Vintage Vise Grips crushed the competition! Thank you for including them, Todd. Sadly, it shows us clearly that tools are no longer made to last.
You are welcome!
I’ve been snatching up old US made Vise Grips at swap meets for a reason! The larger snub nose versions are nearly indestructible.
You must mean the ubiquitous 10WR model. They're destructible if you use them as welding clamps. I separate my grips into ones I burn and ones I don't.
@@1pcfred All my imitation vise grips are used for welding . You can weld a washer on the end of adjustment screw to use a bar to tighten .
Thanks for sharing.
I am always so impressed with all the methodology and tools you come up with. You really do a proper job at this. Nobody can beat these tests you come up with.
Thanks so much!
Love that you included the vintage set, makes for good content as well as testing a tool some of us may already have in service to see how it stacks up!
Thanks!
Fantastic, as always. Bought several of your winners and recommendations on Prime Day. Big win! I’m into woodworking, so I’d love to see mitre saws and blades. Thanks for another great review Todd!
You are welcome! Thanks for the suggestion.
Throughout many of your testing videos I've seen the Irwin stuff more or less constantly perform very well for their price point.
But tools from the olden times, when people generally knew a good tool from a bad one, will regularly outperform the modern stuff.
Most of the tools in my workshop are at least 40 years old. With a squirt of oil every now and then they more or less still work as good as new. When in a pinch, (out on jobs, having forgotten to bring the right tool) I've bought newer tools of the same type to get the job done, and most of them will wear out pretty quickly compared to the good old stuff. They say we have a higher standard of living these days because we have more stuff. However, I would argue that we might have more but most of it is of a lesser quality. Just look at a modern car compared to one made in the 70's. Filled with gadgets that no one really needs, and built to fail within 15 years. And to top it off you can hardly work on it yourself. Unfortunately most things seems to go that way, slowly but surely.
But it makes me happy that this channel makes an effort to counter that. Thanks for all your hard work and yet another great video!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I get what you are saying. The cars though, that is survivors bias all the way. The ones left are survivors, not better made. They were taken care of and lasted, most of them are long gone...by and large they were junk from most everywhere compared to the reliability of a modern car when new. New cars in the 1970s didn't even have a warranty...that came later when the car companies "promised" to make more reliable cars.
I do like old tools, I think things made in a less mass produced and profit driven way tend to be better in all things. That is a problem inherent in the switch from pride driven companies to profit driven ones
@@azwepay Let's agree to disagree.
In Sweden we've had guarantees on cars since at least the 50's.
@@GAIS414 My privilege is showing. I forget the USA (where I live) is not a nation of quality products for the masses. American cars from the 70s are survivors for certain, the cars were junk new. Chevrolet in the USA offered a 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty in 1970. But our cars are cheap, not designed to last, and to fit a budget of $0 for care and upkeep by most people. It is a miracle they don't break more often.
The Magnuson-Moss Act of 1975 in the USA really started laying things out in print and they started to grow after that. I am a modern American, I might have a wrench or 2 that are 50 yrs old, but nothing else in my life is that old..not even my house
the old tool thing is also a form of survivor bias. a decent old tool, well taken care of, will last. a dead cheap one is not around to argue the point. if you spend a lot of money on a well made tool today, expect it to be around in a few generations. if you buy a cheap one, it'll fall apart. as for cars - modern cars are more efficient, safer, faster, quieter and just generally far superior to anything from the 70s. they're easy enough to work on if you have the requisite knowledge, just like it was 50 years ago. btw, have you tried working on a car from the 19th century? bet you wouldn't know where to start. and properly taken care of modern cars easily outlast older cars. nobody built - or expected - cars in the 70s to last 3-400000 km. now, it's pretty much the norm. this type of 'everything was better in the olden days' argument is so common, it's just pure bias.
Another awesome video. Thank you for put so much effort in making these videos. from watching your videos I am building a whole collection of good items. and by the way also switched my tubelights to led tubelights in my garagge a few years back after watching one of your video lol.
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for sharing!
As always, quality content from project farm. I’ve made purchases several times based on these tests and have always been more than happy with the purchase. ….Very impressive!
Thank you!
I look forward to your videos, even if I don’t need those particular tools at the moment. I always end up going back up your videos when I do need some tools you tested so I know which is the best fit
I appreciate that!
I have done the same several times.
Same here. Your videos are my go to when I'm looking to purchase new tools.
Review the Linus Tech Tips screwdriver vs others when it comes out soon.
I definitely want to do it! I've contacted LTT to see if they'll let me purchase it early so I can review it ASAP. I'm ready to test it now!!
This will be awesome! You should collaborate too! Maybe he can build you a wireless network for your farm, or something?
I can’t wait to see it go against the historic Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver. I think Linus was originally looking into Snap-On’s ratcheting mechanism when it was being designed. My father gifted me a Snappy one and it’s one of my favorite tools to use.
@@ProjectFarm Hell yeah!
@@husbeard
Collaboration is... a no. Theres reason why PF dont want to be sponsored on products he is testing
Love the content! I'm a plumber so tests on tools/materials I come across on a daily basis always get my interest!
I always love to watch the tests, even if the subject is something I'm unlikely to ever need. Great work as usual!
Thank you!
It hurt to see your test vintage vg to destruction. I never would have guessed that replacing my temporarily misplaced vintage vg (when they weren’t “vintage”) would be a good thing. Since they last forever. I looked up the company history and discovered they are now part of Rubbermaid,
“now known as Irwin Industrial Tools and are now a division of Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. In 2008, the original Vise-Grip manufacturing plant in Dewitt, Nebraska, closed when the parent company moved production to China.”
Thanks for the feedback.
Based on the type of damage, you could likely file down where the bold dug into the lock arm. Then they would likely be better than any of the other tested pliers still.
Now we have someone who is supposed to be President that sends our strategic oil reserves to china not just all our manufacturing.
I have about 40 pairs of Vice Grip brand locking pliers but they are all older than 2008 so now I know not to buy the new ones.
..good news, the old Dewitt, Nebraska plant now makes the Malco Eagle Grip pliers..same design as the old Vise-Grips, but much better tolerances and fit and finish...bad news, you better open your wallet up WIDE when you get ready to purchase them!....
Interesting results, as always! I have personally always found the cutters on locking pliers to be superfluous, as I most definitely have better options for that job. I am not sure why they include them at all, really. They're poorly designed, awkward to use, and just not very good at their job!
The cutters are good for certain things only . I have found that if you can get a groove in something with cutters you can then break it in two pretty easily .
For getting a start on really hard stuff you don't want to mar your good cutters on.
@@snap-off5383 Weird. Not once have I gone that route. My good cutters... Are good and I wouldn't need to do this. To each their own.
@@watcherofwatchers Think of something you wouldn't cut with those cutters. . . that's the application. If you're only ever cutting copper or aluminum then yeah you'd never need them. Some smaller rebar however. . . . lets see you cut through them with your side-dikes.
@@snap-off5383 I get the application, it just isn't one I would use. In the scenario you outline, I would use upgraded cutters, such as snall or large bolt cutters. Or I would break out my grinder wirh a cutoff wheel. Or one of a series of other tools where the cutting function is actually effective and easy. But like I said, to each their own. My way is certainly not the only way. I just really think the cutters on locking pliers is not very functional - just my opinion.
Thanks for producing constantly and consistently good quality content. So much is changing in the world, few times for the better. Thanks for staying awesome
You are welcome!
Thank you for all your hard work. The detail and everyman's garage feel is relatable. Awesome job keep up the great work🤑👊👍👊👍✌
Thanks, will do!
At some point I'd love to see a "how to design an experiment" video from y'all. I've studied your videos and try to apply what I've learned from them to my software work.
Maybe a "second channel" thing if you ever make one. The algorithm doesn't love breaks from format patterns
Great suggestions!! Thank you
Curious on how you apply it to software! 😁
I agree. Todd has better DOE than a quality control lab.
Skill share…
I guess this is one of those times where they really don't make them like they used to. And it always is nice to see a comparison that shows that the bigger price tag doesn't mean better results. As always your video was incredibly informative I applaud the work you do
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
I'm not sure of that, the only thing tested here is the efficiency of the screw, and look at that vintage screw at 3:18, it looks very smooth. A better way to test would be to use a standard clamping force on the handle, that's how you use them in real life.
Love you videos!! And didn’t know if you ever did on on grinding wheels I have done some test in the shop and was surprised with the HarborFreight 1/4” wheels!
Thank you! Thanks for the suggestion.
Another great video, very impressed! I use tarps quite often and if you need an idea, I would love to see a tarp showdown. Thank you for the excellent content.
Thanks! Thanks for the video idea.
When I grow up, I want to be a Project Farmer like Mr. Todd.
Thanks for the positive comment!
Excited to find out who comes on top. Glad you include tekton tools, as I'm a big fan of them!
Thanks!
The Tekton was the clear winner in my book, mostly due to the pull release lever.
What this really says that in 40 years time, no company on Earth, even with all the modern advances in metallurgy and manufacturing, can build a basic tool as good as USA did almost half a century ago.
They CAN…. the question in THEIR minds is…, “why should we?” As distasteful and wrong as that is in my opinion…., that’s the unfortunate reality of the way business is conducted these days.
Mercoid because Evil is in charge. For now.
@@jopo6388that's antisemitic
Says something about the human race when most societies you dig up have the highest quality items and inferstructure towards the beginning not the end.
@@mickeymickey9914hnnnggggg I’m nooooticing
Thanks for the intensive work you do. I use your findings to help me get the best product for my money. Thanks again!
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
Awesome! Another great video. Needed to find some quality pliers to replace my Pittsburgh pliers...
I'd love to see 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2 sockets tested!
Great suggestion!
I remember being a kid and seeing vice grips for the first time. I couldn't stop playing with them. They were so cool
Yeah, until you clamped them so tightly that you couldn't release them. And when you finally did they snapped back and smacked your knuckles. (pull style release for the win)
Thanks for sharing.
The excitement in your voice at 3:30 brought joy to my day.
I can feel your celebration to spending a small fortune in 1980 that paid off 40 years later.
Thanks!
Todd, how about doing a wheel cleaner showdown? Many other channels have done one but you are the GOAT when it comes to honest no holds barred reviews and showdowns.
Thanks for the suggestion.
The Snap-on has "Made in Spain" printed on the tool, although you cited made in Italy. I was surprised when you said that because I had always assumed these pliers were made in the same factory as the Grip On since they look so similar. Proto's locking pliers also look similar and are from Spain.
Yes you right, Grip-On done the snap-on pliers . they not great considering snappy pricing .
I do agree that we've gone past the 'peak performance' of certain things, tools definitely being one of them. Things aren't built to last quite so long as they used to be! I have some basic pliers I inherited from my grandfather, and I still use them very regularly! They must be close to 80 years old. But there's no sign of wear on them at all! I'm glad to see the vintage ones outperform the new ones!
i can get pretty creative on ways to misuse tools and materials to see what they do but these vids are waaaay more informative and useful when it comes to the next trip out to pick up something this info has saved me a lot of b.s.
Thanks! Glad to hear!
Wow at the vintage vice grips results I have a bunch of the Irwin vice grips and the Eagle Grips alo they are great good video @Project Farm
Thanks for sharing.
One of the things that annoys me most about long nose locking pliers specifically is tip twist. Probably had a lot to do with slop.
Very cool to see that this one is a case of “They Don’t Make Em Like They Used To”.
Great point! Agree!
Nature of the beast
The long nosed locking pliers are not as robust as the short nosed ones. It's just a compromise you have to make for the clearance.
@@flhusa1 It's just annoying when you got something that's hard to reach and you really need to clamp down on it and twist/work on it and it feels like you can't even put more than a few pounds of force before the tip is twisting out on you. I have a feeling the more well made brands are less likely to twist.
I have many vintage genuine Vice Grips Including the long nose version in this test. When I have a do or die problem I hammer the rivets and the side plates to remove side play in the jaws. I also file the jaw teeth to better then new.Long nose pliers will twist the jaws because of the design. I try using heaviest versions that will grab the work. Lubing pins and the adjustment screw gives more pressure and less wear. One 7" straight jaw pair dates back to the
late 1940's or early 1950s , still in good shape but not as good as later vintage Vice Grips.
Would have loved to have seen Malco Eagle Grips in this test. Working in sheet metal, I use those all the time and they are the best I’ve ever used.
Malco bought the OG vice grips manufacturing plant in DeWitt, Nebraska. I can't believe he didn't include them!
EDIT: they don't make needle nose. Disregard!
Malco Eagle Grips don't have a long nose version. He can't test was doesn't exist.
Sorry I missed them. I couldn't find 9 inch ones at the time of the testing
@@ProjectFarm after looking, I found out they don’t even make the long nose that you were testing. If you ever test just standard locking pliers, I would highly recommend them.
@@johnnycoolguy9554 they actually won his locking plier test
You've hit another one out of the park with this test! Thanx.
You are welcome!
Absolutely love the videos you do. I try to be very budget conscious when buying tools. Your videos have helped me feel more confident of the decisions I have made. I haven’t seen one on Nutdrivers?
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
It’s hard to beat the classic 9LN VGs. When I was having problems sourcing a few pairs for sheet metal work I tried the Grip-On pliers in several sizes. While they were really nice to use, the jaws were very soft and the teeth wore out very quickly. Grip-on is/was the OE for Snap-On’s locking pliers.
Some years back I needed some long noses for welding clamps. I bought four cheap pairs since I figured why ruin good ones with weld spatter. Used them once and threw them all away. That incident cemented my buy once cry once tool attitude.
The vintage Vise Grips were my first choice even before you started testing, my mechanic father has never used any other then the original VG, and great test as always!
There's a special place in my heart always for Petersen manufacturing. Just on principal I'll never buy a pair of Rice Grips. Fortunately I don't have to. I have over 4 dozen pair of the old tools. So I kinda have enough now. But that's never stopped me from ever buying more tools.
Thanks for sharing.
Great test as always. I wish you would include Husky and Kobalt since these are usually lower price but similar quality to the national brands
Fascinating test! C H Hanson was a real surprise. All my “serious” locking pliers are OLD Vise Grip or new Malco Eagle Grip (from the same factory in DeWitt, NE).
Thanks! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for doing these tests! It’s sad that some of the well respected brands that can produce such great products will slap their names on garbage sometimes just to make a buck. Hand tools are one of those things that they “just don’t make em like they used to” it seems.
Thank you!
They don't make them like they used to, yes. But they're also 1/10 the price they used to be. You get what you pay for!
@@festusssss It's a self fulfilling process. Too many people shop on price only so companies cut prices to keep customers then the customers complain about the quality when it's they who caused the manufacturers to cut costs to keep customers.
@@kennethstaszak9990
The only reason why the vintage pliers were that expensive was because he had to buy them out of production. They weren't that much back when they were being made in the 80s. I remember loads of solid $5-$20 tools back then... Though the dollar in general went a lot further back in those days.
@@CtrlAltRetreat I understood that. I'm talking $20 Vise Grip vs. $5 made in China at the time.
Thanks for the review! I do miss the old stand by Craftsman brand (but they are now made in China). One thought when watching the video is about the metal. In looking at all the various tools you've reviewed it would be interesting if you had a way to test metal hardness (HRC). I know they use HRC for knives, but it would be interesting to see how hand tool metals (or anything else metal for that matter) are the same or different. Just looking online, such a tool could cost around $1,500-$4,000 depending on the device. Something to consider, something to include when you do comment on tool teeth durability, sharpness, and wear.
Yet another awesome video! I've been using Irwin's for a while and I've been pretty happy.
A video suggestion: Anti graffiti coatings (the non sacrificial kind). Graffiti has become a big problem where I live and love some help with the battle! Thanks for considering the idea.
Thanks! Thanks for the video idea.
A video testing the best trash bags would be awesome. We also need more motor oil show down videos. The videos of the engines running until failure were awesome to watch as well. Keep up the awesome work.
Thanks for the suggestions. Thanks, will do!
I remember when the. Vice grips were first outsourced. EVERY SINGLE PAIR in the bin had crooked handles. I was checking them out, and being a bit of a Haus back then I clamped them down tight just to check them out, and the handle started collapsing. They are actually better now, but that was sad. These were full size ones.
Thanks for sharing.
Same pattern, better steel, worse craftsmanship.
You can find vintage Vise-Grips from time to time at the odd garage sale, estate sale, or market.
I suspect after, they'll be harder to find now.
Thanks, as always, good sir, for your testing!
I have an old set of craftsman vice grips. They are far better than the USA or Chinese made Irwin ones.
You are welcome!
@@chrisleggett685 I always, always snap up vintage Craftsman, among others, when I see them. It's a shame Sears went under: Craftsman hasn't been the same since.
I buy extremely rusty ones because they look bad till you remove the rust and then they still perform.
Seriously old tools are so much better. I have an old harden tool steel snap on breaker bar. Couldn’t get a damaged rear arm joint of a Honda. I had 3 guys stand on the breaker bar and snapped the 10 bolt right out.
Breaker bar is still in use with no wobble or flap.
You spend an enormous amount of time on these tests. Very entertaining also. Thank you.
Thanks and you are welcome!
i love your videos man thanks for taking the time to do these experiments
Thanks and you are welcome!
I had a pair of the vintage VG needlenose, they worked great even though I did have to twist them back into shape a couple times after doing some extreme Michigan rusted broken bolt removal ( couldn't use a torch in the area ) finally busted the jaws trying to get a manifold stud out of an old Chrysler 413 We were building. Should've went right out and bought a new set right then. Had no idea they would be so much better than most of the ones today.
Thanks for sharing.
It's funny when a brand says "Since 1886" and you've never even heard of it!
Great point!
Son n mom worthy video approved. Thank you very much for this valuable knowledge. May the youngsters at school watch n learn from you. Just fabulous❣️💯🎯
Thanks!
Keep it coming. Love this channel. When will you do a test on OBD scanners including the 20 buck ones you can find on Amazon and their associated apps?
Thanks, will do! Thanks for the suggestion.
Always love your videos!
If you haven't already done so, could you please review solar trickle chargers for car batteries?
Great suggestion!
@@ProjectFarm Whoa!! Thank you for responding. Love your videos, appreciate the amount of work you put in and how unbiased and to the point your reviews are!! Thank you!!
Great video, as always.
Thanks again!
I love this channel. There is no marketing BS and you tell it straight. Bottom line, people should really review your channel before spending money on tools. Just because you have a Big Name, does not always mean your tools and equipment are truly the best. You have proven more than once Harbor Freight may not be the most expensive, but their tools often get the job done.
Keep it up. It's great to see a guy like you putting Big Box, and Big Brand to the test. Love it!
Thanks, will do!
Another great lineup for testing. Glad to know the vintage vise grips from grandpa's tool box are still the best. I remember him being disappointed with the new one when they came out. Cheers from Wisconsin!
Thanks!
@@ProjectFarm just watched this again with Dad. He made comment that when he worked locking pliers, some brands took more strength to release then others. Not sure how one would test that. I am sure you could come up with some cool jig too. Cheers from Wisconsin.
Cool. One thing I've never had much brand preference on are locking plyers. Here in the rust belt it doesnt take very long to ruin a set. I have husky, old vice grip brand, Pittsburghs...they all get teeth knocked off if you use them enough. Imo they are pretty much consumable..
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
Anyone else find yourselves rooting for a certain tool to be the best? When they don't do as well as you want, it almost feels like your favorite team just lost the championship! Great videos!
Thanks!
Has to be agony for snap-on fanbois.
Really good performance test and thank you for going the extra mile and include a vintage tool to see if the higher quality presumption is only a myth or real. Clearly it is real and kind of shows that many tools today have become much higher consumption products of (probably) intentional lower quality. A bit sad to see that as most people would probably like to feel their tools are a one time purchase only and keep them as part of their lifelong collection. Outstanding work on this video Todd and as usual: thank you.
Thanks and you are welcome!
Thanks for the video and the failure of the adjusting screw..
Great test, thanks for the video. The two sets of grips that really stood out were 1) The CH Hanson because it performed so well despite it's low price and 2) the Snap-on because it shockingly under performed. It had the second highest price and mostly languished in the bottom four. I thought they were supposed to be good.
Thank you!
They're outsourced production tools in this case. It's unfortunately an example of a company burning their name for short term profits. They should have kept production under their own direct control in America if they were going to use their primary brand name imho.
Snap-on is good, just not that good these days. Now you have to watch what you buy from them. It wouldn't surprise me if they go out of business.
I have those made in Spain snap-ons (they’re made in Spain 🇪🇸 not Italy 🇮🇹 ), and let me tell you, I’m not happy with them. They had a wobble right out of the box. To their credit, they sent me a replacement and I didn’t have to send anything back, but the replacement had the same exact wobble 🤦🏻♀️ And I have yet to be able to use them successfully even ONCE! They slip immediately and can’t hold on to anything
Sorry about that! Thanks for the feedback.
Correct, it is made in Spain, in fact it is manufactured by Grip On for Snap ON. There are many Snap On hand tools manufactured in Europe (Spain).
I bought a set of the Spain-made Snap-on locking pliers about 20 years ago. They were so bad, I sold them at a yard sale! Kept my USA Vice-Grips and 35 yo Proto ones which I’m pretty sure were made by Vice-Grip.
@@iangriggs489 And what we have seen in the comparison. Overpriced and mediocre products, both in the case of Grip On and the branded Snap On. I do not understand if 20 years ago they were as bad as you say as Snap On has continued to highlight that product.
In Spain very good hand tools are made (as in all of Western Europe in general), but this is not the case.
Thank you for another helpful video and for saving us some time and money.
Could I suggest you review roof cleaners for moss removal and another for roofing sealers for leaks would be great.
You are welcome! Thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks for another informative & detailed product analysis. I scanned your videos for any tests on fire extinguishers. Having decided I needed a couple for my garage, you were the first place to investigate for ratings. Would that be a possibility for a video? Thank you again. I always recommend you to like minded people.
One other way to test these would have been to normalize the grip needed to squeeze the handles. Set a pair of vice grips to where you can just squeeze them shut. Release them and put the handles in a vice. Set your torque wrench to whatever value just gets them to close again. For all subsequent tests, adjust the tension nut to the point where the same torque setting can just close them.
It would take a bit of trial and error... and a jig to adapt the torque wrench to the vice. But after all the other things I've seen you do, you could probably put together something in less time than it took me to write this comment.
Thanks for the feedback.
One of the things I appreciate about Tekton is they have a lifetime warranty. I had a ratcheting wrench that failed a few years after I bought it, so I sent them a picture of the tool and explained what was wrong and they sent me a replacement no questions asked with no cost to me.
That was great!
Haven't had good luck with Tekton tools, I avoid them now
They have been getting much better recently, like Harbor freight's Icon tools, they have really upped their Quality
Very good testing. You are a mechanical genius. I have always put out the few extra dollars to get Snap-On. They have never let me down. I did notice you said they are made in Italy. However, in the video, it shows they are made in Spain. At any rate, another great comaprison!
Thanks!
Always the best comparisons.Have you ever done a comparison on best roll-on truck bed liners?I know that would be a costly undertaking,but would love to see it.Keep up the great work.
czcams.com/video/e8RY-Z0ObgY/video.html
Hi Project Farm! I always wondered, of all the tools you tested over the years, which one (tool/brand) surprised you the most (unexpected results for the price) and which one disappointed you the most?
Thanks for the great content once again, and for helping enthusiasts and professionals get the best equipment.
That's a great question and a great video idea!! Thank you for the suggestion!
@@ProjectFarm we need a Toddcast series from the mind of Todd.
@@1pcfred Certainly! Todd would have an immediate massive podcast following if ever he started one.
Hear that, Todd, sir!
A brand that stands out but for the wrong reason is Snap On. They’re usually only midfield at best and cost so much more it’s laughable. The jaw misalignment on this pair were woeful.
@@thechumpsbeendumped.7797 Wish you did half as much political research as you do with tools.
I'd love to see a video testing various ultrasonic cleaners, preferably all the same power rating but different brands.
Particularly how well the power is spread throughout the water tank should be interesting.
Thanks for the video idea.
Thinking about making my own using the vibrator motors from my old shake and bake recliner .
Love all of your videos, keep up the good work! If possible could you make one on automotive hose clamp pliers? I use channel locks most of the time but they are not ideal in confined areas.
Thanks, will do! Thanks for the video idea.
Great video, your graph at 10:59 on the 8 penny nail is titled with "6 Penny." Other than that, always a stellar review and I look forward to seeing the next one!
Love when you throw in a classic, NOS tool. I'd love to see some more of the old USA Craftsman tools, particularly up against their modern version made overseas.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Great thorough review, as always.Thanks for sharing. I just wish that Irwin would still produce the same quality as the vintage Vise Grips. BTW, Tolsen is a Chinese-based tool company, so it would be logical to assume that their tools are made in China.
Thank you for the positive feedback and for the information on the Tolsen
All vise grip brand locking pliers made in china from the finest CHINESIUM metals yen can buy . If anybody cares the knuvise locking clamps are a very good tool .
@@flhusa1
I understand that the Eagle Grip Malco brand are being made in USA in the original Vise Grips factory in Nebraska?
I appreciate it how much effort you put into these videos keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do!
No surprise they don't make things like they used too. Lucky for me I have like 4 pairs of the vintage Vice Grips for the last 40 years and don't even think my dad bought them, just found in old tool boxes at the shop, and they are still going strong 👍
Nice!
It would be interesting to have a metallurgy test done on each pair of locking pliers. I suspect that steel composition and jaw hardness feature importantly in performance.
Thanks for the feedback.
I remember getting some new Vise Grips around 2012 or something and being able to engrave my initials so much more neatly than on my old Vise Grips from the early 1990s.
I thought my new engraver was that much better until I tried to put another initial on my old VGs ......the engraver just bounces along...haha...almost impossible to get neat looking initials into them.
Pretty amazing how much difference. Of course in inflation adjusted terms they were twice as expensive.
I would pay it without hesitation if they started making them in the US again to the same quality.
Todd,
On your charts, can you add a line at the top of each chart under the description that states:
“Higher Value is Better” or
“Lower Value is Better”
Love your work!
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
Guess I will hang on to my vintage Vise grip pliers 👍 thanks for your excellent reviews.
You are welcome!
another great video.. and i do enjoy how you treat a lot of your test with fair and unbiased claims.. i just watched your hot glue from before and i think should be a idea about what could come with it is the hot glue guns in stander and mini size to see what can be the best
Thank you for the video idea!