Lock-grip plier test
Lock grip pliers are a toolbox must for any car DIY fan. But which ones should you go for? We test 12 sets.
Under-bonnet DIY can present you with a host of tasks – and there is no more versatile piece of kit to have in your toolbox than a pair of lock grip pliers. Unlike conventional pliers, their self-locking mechanism means they’re ideal for removing stuck brake pads or just gripping rounded nuts, bolts or pipework.
Until recently, there were only a couple of brands worth considering – Vise Grips from America and Molegrips from Birmingham. Now, though, most other tool firms have perfected their own lock grip pliers, which means a good pair costs less than ever. In fact, it is often worth buying a full set, rather than a single tool.
Curved, flat and long nose jaws all have their uses, while compact models are a bonus, as there are times when a tool’s sheer bulk will stop it being used.
The test
Ideally a set should have at least four pairs of pliers with flat, curved and long nose jaws, as well as one compact tool. To test their mettle, we tried to loosen wheel nuts tightened to various torques. After these tests, we made sure the adjuster screws still worked perfectly – as threads on some can fail after hard usage. Extra points were awarded for those supplied with cases or wallets, wide opening jaws on the larger tools and overall performance from the wire cutter.
Verdict
Draper's 88293 gets a well deserved Best Buy award – it’s good to use, durable, and the jaw configurations cater for most scenarios. Despite coming from the brand’s premium Expert range, the set costs less than £15.
Vise Grip’s VG428G is absolute top quality, and the tools are easily the most effective on test, meriting their premium price. The last podium place goes to Clarke’s CHT352, which is a great budget alternative to Draper’s 88293.
Contacts
Clarke 01992 565300 www.clarkeinternational.com
Draper 023 8049 4333 www.draper.co.uk
Halfords 08457 626625 www.halfords.com
Kennedy 0116 288 8000 www.cromwell.co.uk
Screwfix 0500 414141 www.screwfix.com
Kamasa 01926 815000 www.toolconnection.co.uk
Sealey 01284 757500 www.sealey.co.uk
Vise Grip 0114 2449066 www.irwin.com
