I have several KNIPEX pliers. I wondered if KNIPEX made locking pliers. They do. But looking at the photos on Amazon they don’t appear to be any better (design & construction) than my 40+ year-old Vise Grip pliers. I was surprised, and a bit disappointed, expecting innovations. Generally, KNIPEX pliers are best in class.
Of course, Vise Grip pliers are probably made in China nowadays.
At least those are made in Germany but all the brands appear to be the same design. However materials and quality of manufacture can still make a tremendous difference.
Meanwhile, a company named Malco bought the rights and attempted to make a quality US made produce. Unfortunately it looks like it didn't work as shown in the link. You can still buy remaining stock from some of the vendors shown in the link.
Locking pliers when I wear out my USA made Visegrip and Craftsman versions.
The link above is the company that I believe bought the old machinery from the USA made original along with hiring some of the former employees. The construction quality is supposed to be way up... along with the price point.
January 21, 2023, 11:42 AM
Aeteocles
Tekton pliers are reasonably priced, well made, and made in Taiwan (not China). Taiwanese tool manufacturing is reputationally very good, like the Japanese and cars.
Also, Tekton has been bringing parts of it's production to the USA (screwdrivers, and some pliers at the moment).
Their tools also have a hassle free warranty. Send a picture of a busted tool, and get a new one in the mail in a couple of days.
January 21, 2023, 12:25 PM
sjtill
I have some older Craftsman locking pliers that have a release lever that you squeeze to open, rather than have to pull apart as with Vise Grip. It's a big advantage.
_________________________ “ What all the wise men promised has not happened, and what all the damned fools said would happen has come to pass.”— Lord Melbourne
January 21, 2023, 12:52 PM
Pipe Smoker
quote:
Originally posted by sjtill: I have some older Craftsman locking pliers that have a release lever that you squeeze to open, rather than have to pull apart as with Vise Grip. It's a big advantage.
My 40+ year old Vise Grip pliers have that release lever too.
Serious about crackers
January 21, 2023, 01:00 PM
cas
quote:
Originally posted by V-Tail: Per the linked Amazon listing
"Customer questions & answers
Question: Where are these made?
Answer: Germany By Uberlegen Seller on November 12, 2022 this is the best vise grip I have in my tools box.
By Sunny Lam on November 12, 2022 Germany is what is cast into them... By Jordan on November 12, 2022"
Another question asks if they're knock offs because the quality isn't great.
So... I dunno? Is it the product or the source?
January 21, 2023, 01:03 PM
mrvmax
quote:
Originally posted by Aeteocles: Tekton pliers are reasonably priced, well made, and made in Taiwan (not China). Taiwanese tool manufacturing is reputationally very good, like the Japanese and cars.
Also, Tekton has been bringing parts of it's production to the USA (screwdrivers, and some pliers at the moment).
Their tools also have a hassle free warranty. Send a picture of a busted tool, and get a new one in the mail in a couple of days.
I have several different Tekton tools and they have been great tools.
January 21, 2023, 01:07 PM
Pipe Smoker
quote:
Originally posted by cas:
quote:
Originally posted by V-Tail: Per the linked Amazon listing
"Customer questions & answers
Question: Where are these made?
Answer: Germany By Uberlegen Seller on November 12, 2022 this is the best vise grip I have in my tools box.
By Sunny Lam on November 12, 2022 Germany is what is cast into them... By Jordan on November 12, 2022"
Another question asks if they're knock offs because the quality isn't great.
So... I dunno? Is it the product or the source?
The Amazon link in my OP does indeed show “Germany” stamped or engraved on the pliers.
Serious about crackers
January 21, 2023, 01:27 PM
ZSMICHAEL
It would not be the first time counterfeit tools were listed on Amazon.
January 21, 2023, 01:57 PM
cas
quote:
Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
The Amazon link in my OP does indeed show “Germany” stamped or engraved on the pliers.
As a knock of would too. lol
Amazon reviews need to me taken with many grains of salt. People seem to want to rush for their 15 minutes, "reviewing" things they just received.
Interestingly my local Lowes shows they carry them in store (for less than the Amazon link). I'll have to try to remember to check them out next time there. But design and construction doesn't seem any different than any other company, so in that regard there's only so much room for improvement.
January 21, 2023, 02:02 PM
V-Tail
quote:
Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
quote:
Originally posted by cas:
quote:
Originally posted by V-Tail: Per the linked Amazon listing
"Customer questions & answers
Question: Where are these made?
Answer: Germany By Uberlegen Seller on November 12, 2022 this is the best vise grip I have in my tools box.
By Sunny Lam on November 12, 2022 Germany is what is cast into them... By Jordan on November 12, 2022"
Another question asks if they're knock offs because the quality isn't great.
So... I dunno? Is it the product or the source?
The Amazon link in my OP does indeed show “Germany” stamped or engraved on the pliers.
quote:
https://a.co/d/4onLx5Y:
Product information Technical Details Manufacturer Knipex Tools Part Number 41 14 250 Item Weight 1.23 pounds Country of Origin China
הרחפת שלי מלאה בצלופחים
January 21, 2023, 02:15 PM
reloader-1
Grip-On pliers are the absolute best I have ever used. The release is also perfect, extremely well engineered.
Made in northern Spain, a stone’s throw from Bergara rifles.
January 21, 2023, 02:27 PM
stoic-one
quote:
Originally posted by shiftyvtec: Locking pliers when I wear out my USA made Visegrip and Craftsman versions.
The link above is the company that I believe bought the old machinery from the USA made original along with hiring some of the former employees. The construction quality is supposed to be way up... along with the price point.
As noted at your link, you better wear them out and replace them soon:
quote:
Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, we have made the difficult decision to exit the locking handle tools business. Our limited remaining inventory of pliers and clamps will be available for purchase until sold out.
Man, that's too bad. Admittedly, I didn't read the page I linked after I verified the manufacturer.
I rarely use locking pliers anymore but it's sad to see the quality versions dissappear.
January 21, 2023, 03:02 PM
Jelly
Irwin owns VISE GRIP these days they are still good to go. Same with Craftsman VG. I would take them over a made in germany over priced twice the cost vice grips. I was a professional abuser of vice grips.
