Knipex or Snap On? Who makes the best Vise Grips? Locking pliers are similar but actually different.
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- Опубликовано: 4 окт 2024
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Knipex makes a line of locking pliers that have substantial differences in operation compared to other designs. This pair of Knipex 41 14 250 universal jaw galvanized chrome vanadium locking pliers are rough but wonderful. And less than half the price of the Snap On LP7WC version.
The Snap On locking pliers look and feel like jewelry compared to the Kinpex and all are better than the Craftsman and original Vise Grips. What do you think?
Thank you Doc! I know there was some discussion in the comments a while back about you doing a locking pliers review and I am very appreciative of the review. I am a hack who works on rusty things so I love locking pliers. A few additional thoughts and details below for you and the peanut gallery.
The old snap-on were made by Grip-On in Spain. I believe they are independent and not owned or affiliated with Bahco (Bahco is owned by Snap-On).
New snap-on locking pliers are made by Malco in the US (in the old Vise-Grip factory in DeWitt Nebraska). The new snap-on are almost identical to Malco eagle grip. The Malcos are my favorites and have held up the best. You can beat the snot out of them and crank down on the allen head at the end really hard. I have not broken a pair or even really hurt the teeth.
The Knipex are matte chrome (maybe matte nickel, hard to tell), not galvanized (galvanizing is a zinc coating not chrome). This is a feature not a bug according to German tool companies because matte chrome provides a no slip grip and makes the chrome less likely to chip when scratched or damaged. Gedore are similar, but have an extended handle for easier use. I believe the same company (whether Knipex itself or someone else) also makes Hazet and Stahlwille locking pliers (they look the same to me anyway). Gedore are my favorites of the German brand locking pliers. The ones with the triangle in the bottom 137 10 are nice for nuts.
On the knipex 41-14-250 you reviewed, the rounded portion of the jaw is designed to grip pipe. (Like a Swedish style pipe wrench or the VBW S-grip pump pliers - highly recommended both these tools). I worry they are a Jack of all trades master of none tools, but your review caused me to buy the 41-14-250 you showed (I have other Knipex locking pliers and they are ok and the 41 04 250 normal round jaws I get for $20 off German jungle website which is a good value). The quality and sturdiness is not up to Malco or Gedore (also used to get for $20 on German jungle website).
Vise-Grip, the name is owned by Irwin (which was owned by Newell Rubbermaid which bought the original Vise-Grip, closed the plant in Nebraska and moved production to China). Newell Rubbermaid sold the Vise-Grip and Lenox lines to Stanley Black and Decker in 2017. I think Irwin is concerned about losing the Vise-Grip trademark through common usage (like aspirin) so now Irwin calls all its pliers “Irwin VISE-GRIP” brand even if they are not locking pliers.
The new Malco eagle grip are, in my opinion, superior to all others, but the line is limited (7in and 10in straight, 7in and 10in round, and clamps - I have all of them plus spares). The China made Irwin VISE-GRIP locking pliers are ok, but not great (they are only $12 though).
I'm betting the Knipex and many other companies very similar locking pliers from Varuious German companies are probably made by Bollmann , they seem to do a lot of OEM work and they have some just like these Knipex with the red vinyl on the release lever.
Yes, probably Bollman-Selzer. I never really looked to find the OEM, but it appears you are correct. I also don’t know 100%, but I believe all the Hazet, Stahlwille, Knipex, Rennsteig etc. all come out of the same place. The only one I know is different is the Gedore (at least some of them) as it says made in Austria.
They are from Bollmann. That company sells them unbranded a little cheaper, they have almost a monopoly on German grip pliers, which are not so big over here. It’s a small company and they share their factory with Selzer, who make different stuff.
Malco hands down.
Made in USA And unfortunately I believe that they are no longer going to be made.
Ptstouring, thank you, so glad that the lads in the old factory are making the best grips again!
I hope to see them enjoying a good future with Snap-on.
Fun fact. The snap-on locking pliers are actually Malco Eagle grip locking pliers rebranded as "Snap-On"
Extra fun fact, Malco is closing their Texas facility that manufactures these soooooo get em while their hot because they will be gone soon. Everyone should check out the project farm video on locking pliers if they have any doubt. The Malco Eagle Grip are the Real McCoy, nobody compares.
Snap-ons 300mm hacksaw retails for £62 in the UK. It’s manufactured by Bahco, and the exact same hacksaw with the Bahco name retails for £20. So you’re paying over triple just for a different logo on the tool. Madness!
@iknowyourerightbut6806 yup! Most fan boys won't admit that snap-on, is ripping them off!
@@i_know_youre_right_but Bahco is a wholly owned subsidiary of Snap-On. They get your money regardless of who you buy from.
@@williamM-18 Funny how this is so important to you
Being a German pliers enthusiast with some dozens of Knipex pliers (they’re much cheaper here than in the US, whereas Kleins are very expensive in Germany) in my possession who thinks it’s the best brand for pliers in the world, I have to admit that their vise-grips are not to their standards, but they’re relabeled from the leading German manufacturer of those, Bollmann. Good stuff, but by far not as good as their own products. The Snap-ons come from Malco and sure are the best, as far as grip strength is concerned. But there are some niceGrip-on vise-grip pliers coming from Spain. For long nose and other special ones.
Which vise drips has the best metal? I bought some Gedore vise grips, very tight tolerances, no rattle at all, but It seems the metal is soft.
@@Wayne55231 Old Vise Grips made in USA and... FACOM! They're the rolls Royce of vise-grips, but can be pretty expensive. I have the 500 and the 501 A, got them at around € 60.-, ordinarily the charge more than € 100.-! But those have exceptional capabilities, they're ratching like a crescent wrench up to 100 mm with round materials and 90 with square ones.
Well I just looked up Snap-On on Wikipedia and nothing is mentioned about Malco. In my opinion the Malco Eagle Grips are the best of the best. I heard a couple of years ago that they were shutting down but as of April, 2024 they are still available on Amazon.
German engineering is mind blowing. They manage to reinnovate simple things
Correct. Who can match them ?
Sometimes I feel the Germans are capable of over engineering a toothpick ! 2/23
What is also nice, OTC 7948 Silver Slapper 10-Way Slide Hammer Puller Set with Storage Case has one of its accessories that would screw into gripping / locking pliers and then screw into slide hammer to use as a puller. Pretty neat concept if your interested. Thanks again for all the videos.
The eagle claw/snap-on push-away release makes it way easier to tune the locking pressure. You can lock/release, lock/release, over and over very quickly because the release is a natural push-away motion to open the jaws. Then as you do this twist the thread each time until it's exactly how you want it. So basically release and open can be done in one fluid motion by pushing away on the release bar vs a pull to release and push to open on other styles.
These locking pliers are my favorites:
- Malco Eaglegrip
- Gedore 137P
- Facom 501A
Malco or US Made Irwin are the best imo.
Though I do love Knipex in general. Only way I get any Snap On tools is when I have a job at their HQ and they give me a few free tools (I love those days). Otherwise they’re just too expensive.
The knipex design of release, the most common, still smash your fingers when released under high pressure. When that pressure is much higher i find myself hitting the release with a hammer or using another pair of locking pliers to squeeze them as single or 2 finger pressure sometimes isnt enough. The benefit seems to be the ability to grip bolts, you know you can trust the teeth on knipex pliers to really bite. I prefer the Milwaukee style screw for comfort and grip though not having a mechanically advantaged release lever is nothing short of dumb. When I need serious clamping force I want to really clamp down, prying them back open is awkward and I've stabbed my hand with a screwdriver in the past doing that. The perfect locking pliers are still yet to be made in my opinion.
The best use for me with the grey Snap On slim is holding sway bar link ball stud from spinning. Very limited space on a lot of vehicles and they work great. Snap On always warranties when the teeth wear.
Appreciate the effort making the comparo on the locking pliers. If you are not a professional automobile, truck, equipment or aviation technician you are throwing your money away buying anything Snap-On. An exception would be their wrenches (if you know, you know). The Snap-On LP5S Pliers hailed from Spain and produced by Grip-On who specializes and are well known in europe for their expertise in LP's. The pliers you would use for "light loads" are specifically made to remove stabilizer links on cars and trucks. The newer Snap ons are rebranded Malco Eagle grips which are the best LP"s overall bar none. Once again another fast one by the Louis-Vuitton of tools making a killing on rebranded tools. The signature orange Grip-ons from which the LP5S derived from, are very rare. Word has it that Grip-On overlooked the stipulation in their contract that prohibited sales of that design in the Grip-On line up. If you have a pair message me.
Darn it! Now I need to get a pair of those Knipex locking pliers to add to my Vise-Grip collection.
Bollmann makes the locking pliers for Knipex.
Try a pair of malco eagle grip pliers and you'll throw rocks at all the rest. They are made right in the old Petersen factory in DeWitt Nebraska where vice grips were invented.
The Snap-On's ARE rebranded Malcos
@@marko11kram I suspected that. Just bought some Eagle Grip because Malco is discontinuing them.
@@ChaosRules57 So did I. I did not have any of the Clamp versions, and grabbed them as soon as I heard Malco would be discontinuing production
Are they just rebranded Vice-Grips then?
Sold! Ordering a pair of Knipex now! I have fought the Vise Grip brand release lever for years. The release can even be painful on the hands if the pliers are under heavy clamping force. Thanks again for demonstrating another desirable tool.
Thank you Doc, for posting this, as I was looking into a new set and wavering between these two brands. Great review! PS - Your tool collection is stellar! Nice work!
I always used to PREFER the Craftsman locking Pliers because of that release mechanism. I have The Malcos and a few of the old Peterson locking pliers. I may pick up a pair of the Knipex because I really like that release
I just checked the Knipex (Bollmann) here in Germany. € 17,69 is the best price. For that money, m I think I'll buy them. Always wanted to get some Eagle Grips, but they're so awfully difficult to get here. Vintage Grip-Ons made in USA are easier to get on eBay (have some). As I mentioned before in some comment, the Spanish Grip-ons (also marketed as snap-on) are to be considered.
But what is interesting is the different philosophy behind German (Bollmann, they produce for almost all the other brands) and American vise-grip pliers: the American ones are to be very aggressive (Japanese too). That has got advantages, but it damages the objects gripped, whereas the German/Spanish ones rely on gripping power and leave the object gripped in better shape. I think it depends what one wants. I've got a bunch of various ones for different jobs.
Draper done that type of release technique over 25 years ago!
Vampliers ingeneral are great at grabbing stuff if you don't mind marring it. I use their lineman's pliers all the time to grab stuck screws.
The Snap Ons are actually rebranded Malcos. Malco sells them for about $45 which is half the price of the Snap Ons.
Love the design on the jaws!
you also have a grey snap on pair with the pull unlock sitting in the background
I put a pair of these Knipex on my Amazon Chrismas list and received them, so I probably made you a buck or so, but I've noticed they've cheapened the design, the knurling on the adjustment screw is no longer nicely machined and polished as on your set, it's now a simple parallel cut. Also the finish looks cheaper on the tool in general. I have lots of Knipex, and these are a great design for the reasons you point out but I get the sense they're having to cut corners. Edit: I have to slightly contradict myself because the pair I received is absolutely perfect in jaw alignment. Comparing them to the Milwaukees I got on sale just last month, the Milwaukee is the town drunk and the Knipex is a librarian. A really good librarian, with well-aligned jaws.
Doc the one (I dare say mistake )that the Knipex made was leaving out that quarter inch in order to crank down. That is a biggy in my opinion.
Hey Doc,
How about do one more video on this topic.
Keep the usual suspects in the lineup, but bring in two newcomers.
1. Tekton - fairly cheap but great warranty.
2. Malco Eagle Grip - NOT cheap. But possibly the best ever made.
No mention of Irwin the real Vice Grips? Irwin Vice Grips are very durable and inexpensive. I am a heavy duty user and I have lost dozens of pair over the decades, but I have never worn out a pair of real Vice Grips.
I have several vice grips for entry a very versatile tool.
The old design snap-on the ones made in Spain,. Are exactly the same design that Stanley used to have made in Spain in 80s when they stopped making them in the UK, indeed not as heavy duty as the older
I prefer the Knipex style release lever. Proto/Stanleys are like that.
I always end up hurting my fingers with the lever out
I have the blue point sometimes i need 2 hands and force to get them to let go
The old Snap-ons are Gripons, and they are substandard for a Snap-on product. The new Snap-ons are Eaglegrips (and continued Eaglegrip clones now that Malco has shut Eaglegrip down) and are the absolute best locking pliers on the market - period - no comparison. Are they expensive? Absolutely. But they are the best and worth it. I have every size Malco made, plus the needle nose that Malco never offered but Snap-on sells. I do not know if Malco made the needle nose for Snap-on before shutting down, or if the Snap-on needle nose was made when Snap-on took over making the pliers for themselves, but I can say the quality, design, craftsmanship, etc, are identical to the Malcos I have, and are, again, the absolute best made.
I believe the k in Knipex is a silent K
Go to their RUclips channel and they have at least a couple of videos on how it's pronounced......Hint: it's KUH-NIP-X they even make a shirt with it spelled out this way.
Hello again Doc
Thank you for another Great Video. I knew you would have quite the following on this channel. I own Vice Grip Pliers, mine are probably more than twenty five years old. And still going. Although, I am looking to upgrade my tools. Again thank you
Malco Eagle Grip FTW
Wondering if there’s any locking pliers that have a torque multiplying mechanism? Yesterday I was struggling with a tight rounded nut that only had side access. Mechanics like I usually have to summon the almighty gorilla grip to get them even close to tight enough to hold a rounded stubborn fastener.
Any tool recommendations
Knipex takes vise grips to another level! Gotta get 'em!
Eagle Malco vise grips are far better their really expensive their like $50.00 for one pair but their American made
Yeh - I get it. I just prefer the Knipex release lever.
But these pliers are among the very few not produced by Knipex. As has been suggested by others, these are made in Germany by Bollmann.
Incidentally, a certain massive online encyclopedia has an entry... search for 'locking pliers'.
1:51.. you can still control your work with one hand with this style of release rather than the traditional Snap-on style that takes two hands typically
I have some older Peterson, a Crescent (poorly made), a Gearwrench (not bad), and a few Milwaukee. Would like to try the Malco; I just don't use locking pliers that often and looking at unused tools in my box drives me up a wall. Even the tools that I collect are used regularly.
Doc the Malco's are the best on the planet. Just like Scott says none other are even close. I own both 7 & 10 inch straight and curved jaws
Hi Larry. The Malcos look just like the new snap on version. Are they the same?
@@lastbesttool Malco makes snap on's new locking pliers.
another great review and showcase thank you so much Doc.
Try a pair of the new Milwaukee I like the eye on the set bolt I have the thin Snap on grips they have warranted several sets they are great for removing stabilizer links
Vise grip makes the best vise grip.
I love snap on and petersen
excellent compare and contrast. good job.
The Knipex are still $31 today on Amazon
Eagle Malco makes the best vise grips today their really expensive their like $50.00 for one pair but their American made
Hy What do you think is the best all around size for locking pliers
My knipex locking pliers suck. Stripped the teeth first time using them. Malco/snap-on are fantastic malco eagle grip $42 amazon
10:14 Parallels? Like really parallels?
Will you do a video on the knipex 10” quickset cobras? I just got a set and I’m not convinced I like them more than the normal cobras I would like to hear your thoughts
The Snap Ons look waay cooler, easily x10 the cost 😂😂😂
The malcos are the best out there period
I stay with Milwaukee , those are crappy made still utilizing the clip to open the the plier.
I find unbiased reviews interesting, maybe you could do one ?
ruclips.net/video/-Civ0BsIx8E/видео.html
I find the Gedore ones to be nicest.
You realize both of those pliers are not made by Snap-on. they're made by other companies and rebranded Snap on. The Chrome ones are made by Malco in the United States. The gray ones are made by Gripon in Spain. Who also makes that same one for Proto in a black version.
US Made Irwin baby is all i use, they are probably as good as any of those if not better and cost less 15 bucks or so.
Can't beat Taparia.
Best grip pliers? Have you ever heard of FACOM automatic grip pliers? No comparison of all those you showcasing in both innovation and quality. I believe you're in the US region and in case it's not possible for you to lay your hands on one, I heard CH Hanson makes similar. Give them a try and thank me later.
I'm interested, and if I purchase one, it will be my cheapest Kinipex purchase 😂
Those snap on are made by Malco. Eagle grip. Just rebranded.
For general use.. the husky China are holding up great feel very consistent with old school vice grip.
For me no need to step up to better brand
Neither.
Malco makes the best locking pliers money can buy, those Snapon locking pliers are actually just way overpriced rebranded Eagle grip pliers.
They are made in DeWitt Nebraska at the old Peterson Vise grip factory by some former Vise grip employees, the OEM Malco eagle grips are about $45.
The Malco Eagle grip pliers have been tested to be far superior to the Knipex locking pliers in grip strength.
Have been tested? Are you referring to project farms’ videos?
I take the Snap on one's that are the Malco eagle grips can buy at half the price knipix makes some great pliers but not the best in all some other beat them out
Hey buddy!! Stay safe out there on the road & watch out for those crazy 4 wheelers as well as some other big truck steering wheel holders on who should be doing something else!! I got both sizes of the Malcos with curved & straight heads.
@@larrycroft470 thanks Larry
snap-on didn't make that LP7WC, Malco did. Malco had to shut down their factory, so snap-on took over. snap-on acquired those pliers, they didn't design them.
To release locking pliers under high tension just turn the adjustable tension screw/bolt in bottom before releasing them. Saves pinched fingers and flying pliers from the sudden release of tension.
Knipex doesn't actually make their own locking pliers - I believe they are OEM by German company Bollmann.
As if the admittedly wonderful MALCO pliers are not expensive enough, to label then as "$nap-On" only serves to worsen the price.
AFAIK, there is only one reason to pay extra for Snap-on to rebrand a product ... you can put it on your account and pay (through the nose) over time.
that slim is good for one thing and its pinching fingers and hands
Fyi.. those "snap on " pliers are rebranded from Malco ok so snap on didn't make those pliers but Malco did like always snap on slapping there name on other brands
I have to say this cuz I'm going to take it as well there the best vise grip is the good old vise grip brand vice grips that are grandfather's used go to swap meets find them covered and fucking weld spatter grind all the weld spatter off lengthen the Jaws lengthen the locking handle lengthen the handle itself change out the screw so you can hook it up directly to your welding leads and God they run better than anything else. But I guess I might be one of the last generations of need a tool make a tool
I prefer the spanish made locking pliers from grip-on.
Knipex, makes at least 4 deferent pairs of that type of locking pliers.
Malco makes the best vise grips you would be able to tell a big difference in quality from the Malco to Knipex the Malco ones are heavier and just solid.
@@corygriffiths4394 it's interesting to hear that. Because knipex makes the best quality tools that I've used. Hand tools that is of course. However, I'll have to pick up a pair of those vice grips and check them out. Thanks for the info bud.
@@brentfowler2317 your welcome I didn’t know anything about the Eagle Malco ones until someone I know mentioned to me about them.
👍
are the snapons made in usa?
Yes they are made by Malco in the old Vise-Grip Nebraska factory but they are shutting down now.
Vise Grips... 'the wrong tool for every job'. But now & again, nothing else will do.
I remember many years ago when some guy thought he would start up a bicycle repair business. The ad he ran in the newspaper had a picture of him working on a front brake (old school cantilever) with adjustable wrench (Crescent) in one hand and a locking plier in the other (Vise Grip). Needless to say his business failed fairly quickly. In 100% of the cases, those two tools should never be used with bikes out side of frame building and trail/road emergencies.
Well I know what I’m ordering next…
MALCO EagleGrip is THE best in the WORLD ❤
Snap-on did not make those Malco is the toolmaker
How do you afford all these expensive tools?!
Snap on is a very well built old school design with the best grip but no innovation
Malco makes the best.
I really like your tool reviews , snap-on copied vise grips, I like them both. FYI the k is silent in knipex 😃😃😃
If the knipex are nice but they rust very easily
I don’t know snap-on but knipex visegrips are no good. I own a lot of knipex tools including most of their electrician tools & these are the only ones that have disappointed me. The metal is too soft & I promptly damaged the teeth on the 1st use!! Everything else has been 1st rate. I left a comment on a RUclips channel & got a response that knipex doesn’t make them; they are a Bahco rebrand.
Perhaps Knipex has rebranded Bahco pliers in the past, but the current products are made by Bollmann-Selzer. Simply cruise to the respective websites and look at the products from each.
The Mr. Pen pliers will be worth 2.6 million online in 15 years. No one will remember Malco....
Oven brazed collar.
Those snap on pliers are made by Malco snap on just slap the name on them that's all they didn't make those pliers
You know those Germans make good stuff.
Looks a bit loose and cheap for a knipex product
Who makes the best Vise Grips? MOLE
IRWIN
Suprise VISE GRIP not there's get it did not sponsor,,,,,VISE GRIp THE BEST
Malco
Vise Grip makes the best Vise Grips ,,,, simple.
The rest are self locking pliers or what ever they want to call them , but only Vise Grips can be called Vise Grips .
True that. But recognize you are dealing with a nation that calls all linesman pliers "kleins." And tissues Kleenex. And tongue-in-groove pliers Channellocks.
@@rachavya and cant say , solder or aluminium ,,, what chance have we really.
I am with you, Irwin Vice Grips are durable, inexpensive and the best value. I am a heavy duty user and I have lost dozens of pairs over the decades but I have never worn out a pair.
ruclips.net/video/X8BDMF8KKlQ/видео.html
Project Farm puts vice grips to the test in this video! Sadly no knipex in the line up though.
No review of pliers that fails to include Knipex can be considered complete. Knipex is the leading brand for pliers, at least in Europe, and very possibly also the US, at least among tradespeople who depend on and must have the finest. I have yet to find a category of plier that I would prefer to buy from a company other than Knipex. That said, I am not yet proficient in the Japanese brands.
Try the facom one. It's sweet.
ruclips.net/video/eAF-tXGjgrI/видео.html this video shows them.
I was looking to put about Facom lockjaw pliers and agree they are sweet.
For those who don't speak French, it's important to note that the plier at the top of the screen is the new, improved model. Both the old and new models are EXTRAORDINARY in that they accommodate a wide range of clamping widths. However, the new version releases SO much better! I must find out where/how these can be bought in the US.
Neither. Best vise grips are Mahco Eagle.
irwin is "vise grip"
No Peterson is " vise grip " the Irwin's are a shell or the real deal and do not deserve to use that name.
@@TylerSnyder305 irwin is vise grip it's printed right on the handle and always has been i don't know what you are trying to say
@@MrTehudson
They are not real vise grips, the real vise grips were made in DeWitt Nebraska by peterson.
When production moved overseas and the irwin name was used on them quality went way down.
They are not deserving of the Vise grip name and should certainly not be allowed to call them " original " when they most certainly are not.
@@TylerSnyder305 well your welcome to have your opinion im 53 and never heard of this story so ill stick with my opinion until you can prove what you are trying to say irwin is and has always been to only "vise grip" i have ever owned in 40 years so think ill stick to tried and true
@@MrTehudson
1924 - Bill Petersen granted basic patent for locking pliers
1934 - Petersen Manufacturing Co. formed to manufacture and market Vise-Grip locking tools
1938 - First official Vise-Grip tools plant opens in an old DeWitt, Nebraska drug store with a staff of 37
1945 - First National Hardware Show; Vise-Grip tools are there
1957 - Modern-design 10WR Vise-Grip locking pliers go on the market with curved jaw and wire cutter
1962 - Petersen Manufacturing opens a plant in Cumberland, Wisconsin for manufacturing twist drills
1978 - Petersen Manufacturing workforce expands to 637 people
1985 - American Tool Companies, Inc. is formed by the Petersen family and acquires Petersen Manufacturing
1993 - American Tool acquires The IRWIN Tool Company, a revered manufacturer of power tool accessories and cutting tools
2002 - Newell Brands acquires American Tool
2002 - American Tool name officially changes to IRWIN Industrial Tool Company.
Vise grip pliers were not branded Irwin until production was moved to China as far as I'm aware, and the real ones were always Peterson vise grips.
Current Irwin branded locking pliers are cheap Chinese junk that does not hold a candle to the DeWitt made petersons.
Frankly however great my petersons are the Malco eagle grips are even better.