Every-time you go to Costco they have some sort of new take on the standard locking pliers. They never seem to work right and always end up being returned. Sometimes the simple original design is the best. Take these new pliers from Milwaukee, they have the standard proven locking pliers design. But they also have a feature on the adjuster that allows you to use a screwdriver to tighten or loosen the jaws. The leverage that a screwdriver can give you beats any thumb screw.. Just enough innovation to make it better than most other locking pliers , but keeping it on the simple proven mechanical design.
The Torque Lock is pretty much the only visual feature you will see on the pliers. A few people have asked if it is made of plastic, no it is not. On the package some of the features are, forged strength, machine precision and rust protection. The pliers have a Lifetime Warranty and are made in Taiwan. If you are in the market for a new set of locking pliers take a look at the new ones from Milwaukee. They are available currently Available at Home Depot.
Milwaukee Locking Pliers
- 10? Curved Jaw, 48-22-3420 – $12.97
- 10? Straight Jaw, 48-22-3510 – $12.97
- 7? Straight Jaw, 48-22-3507 – $11.49
Milwaukee Locking C-Clamps
- 11? Swivel Jaws, 48-22-3521 – $22.97
- 6? Swivel Jaws, 48-22-3522 – $14.97
- 11? Regular Jaws, 48-22-3531 – $22.49
- 6? Regular Jaws, 48-22-3532 – $13.97
The torque lock looks like a pretty interesting feature, but I still prefer trying to find old made in USA locking pliers at estate sales, etc…
They look fairly nice. Most of the Vise Grips I have bought lately (Ace $5 specials, so I guess I shouldn’t whine) haven’t been put together very well. I assume these are PRC-sourced, so I’ll have to think about whether I really want to buy some, or just bite the bullet for Protos or Grip Ons.
This is Larry the “Tool Guy”. Thanks for giving me the chance to find those new Milwaukee tools for you. Love your reviews on new tools. It helps me to be ahead of the rest.
Ha, Larry you are the Man!
Dan–Rather than replacing all of my older locking pliers, is just the Torque Lock component available yet (as a replacement)? I’d be tempted to try one on a Vise Grip pliers to see if it’s a direct replacement; it looks easier to adjust by hand. I don’t think I’d try tightening the TL once it’s locked on. Release it, adjust it tighter or looser as needed, and reinstall. Tightening with a screwdriver as shown might over-torque it (making it difficult to release), could break the tension spring and/or may mar the work surface. The hole in the TL is for safety at heights. You thread some chain or a lanyard through it and attach the other end to your tool belt or ladder/scaffolding to keep it from falling on a co-worker’s head (that’s one reason why people wear hard hats).
If folks start cranking down on the adjuster too much, there may be tool failures or weakening of components leading to personal injuries. No one wants that, especially not Milwaukee’s lawyers. If the company touts the hole for tightening the adjuster without having to release the pliers, they might want to rethink that.
Hmm good points. I am sure you can just get an eyelet bolt and put it in there. Someone else mentioned that on the video comments.
That was a smart idea!
hmm going to buy one..like the adjuster..my irwin visegrip 12 piece set has 5mm hex on bottom
as a adjuster..used many times..love them for loosing them up before using handle .cool
feature.irwin square clamps like using adjuster on clamping go little tighter.still have old petersen
10wr and 6ln needle nose over 20 years old..comes to visegrips as a auto tool on rusted rounded
nuts,no mercy..cheater bars, torches, sledge hammers.never broke one.if milwaukee is forged
and made out solid metal it will not break using adjuster to tightened tighter.really usefull for
loosing when squeezed really tight,eliminate backlash.old crescent usa 108 visegrip also
stood up to my abuse.like know how old it is..opens on handle opposite way than usa visegrips.
take irwin 10 cr put on a old riding lawnmower bolt .impact it to 750 foot pounds.use irwin
first tightened by handle..use 5mm mac t handle tight as i can.know irwin brand in past is
good..now made in china.also use shaft with hex on usa ones to.want to see if overseas
visegrips can be as tough as the older usa ones.if irwin breaks or bends ,,whole set
go in the trash.be another china co. on my blacklist.look home depot tomorrow for
milwaukee visegrip test them to.TIG guys have fun in texas ..waiting for klein review
after trip.Dan notice your red watch in video..is that ones those new internet gizmo
check emails on.looks cool.cheers