IRWIN Vise-Grip GrooveLock Plier Review

IRWIN Vise-Grip GrooveLock Pliers

Irwin recently introduced Vise-Grip GrooveLock Pliers in three different models including the Straight Jaw, V-Jaw and Smooth Jaw. Irwin recently sent us a pair of the Straight Jaw pliers to test and share our thoughts with all of you.

Features

Simple push of innovative press-n-slide button adjusts lower jaw 2X faster than traditional groove joint pliers.
Multi-Groove Ratcheting System has twice the groove positions than any other groove joint pliers, providing precise jaw positioning to grip any type of surface.
Anti-pinch, non-slip ProTouch™ Grips provide comfort, control, and less hand fatigue.
Right angle teeth grip in all directions for maximum bite.
Metal Injection Molding (MIM) process for precision parts delivers strength and exceptional performance.
Now available with straight, smooth, and v-shaped jaws.
Backed by the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Lifetime Guarantee.

Our Thoughts

Every plumber and DIY homeowner has a pair of plumbers pliers (or should!) in their tool box. Some folks call these tongue and groove pliers as well. The old design on these type of pliers has a sliding cam that locks into a groove at a certain distance allowing the pliers to be adjusted for different size work pieces. The trouble with those type of pliers is they often slip out of the groove you were previously in when switching to another work piece.

The new GrooveLock Pliers fix that problem with the press-n-slide button that allows you to quickly lock the tool into a groove or adjust it with the press of a finger. For me this is a very effective and cool new feature!

The GrooveLock pliers also have more grooves compared to my old set of pliers. You can see in the adjacent photo the finer set of grooves in the new GrooveLock Pliers. This allows for a much finer adjustment and better gripping.

Overall Impression

The new GrooveLock Pliers are really great. I’m a big fan of Irwin products because of their quality and lifetime warranty. When you pick up these pliers you can tell they are well built. The new press-n-slide feature is impressive and my overall favorite feature on these new pliers. The grip is very comfortable and the overall balance is nice. If you need a new pair of tongue and groove pliers then I recommend you give these a try!

Todd Fratzel

I'm full time builder for a large construction company in New Hampshire. I run their design-build division that specializes in custom homes, commercial design-build projects and sub-divisions. I'm also a licensed civil and structural engineer with extensive experience in civil and structural design and home construction. My hope is that I can share my experience in the home construction, home improvement and home renovation profession with other builders and home owners. I'm also the Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Tool Box Buzz. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, suggestions or you'd like to inquire about advertising on this site.

Next How To Install Tile On Kitchen Backsplashes »

Previous « Channellock® 9.5 Inch 369 High-Leverage Linemen's Plier Review

View Comments

Concord Carpenter says:
August 21, 2010 at 7:53 am
They look super solid and the warranty can't be beat.
Barrie Pfaff says:
December 12, 2011 at 9:45 pm
Your TV. commercial is very poor , as a Steamfitter all my life it is obvious the Bushing in the valve is leaking on the pipe thread portion and you showing the bushing being tightend into the valve would cause a larger leak as you are unscruing the pipe from the bushing obviously the person responsible for this advertisement has never worked with pipe before.