Popular Mechanics (South Africa)
Locking pliers
Use them to clamp metal for welding, grab onto stripped bolts, pull nails... with locking pliers, suddenly you’re Superman.
A / C. H. Hanson 10CJ
The clamp mechanism is a marvel of design. A small machine screw with fine threading allows for minute adjustments. You can get the exact amount of pressure on whatever it is you want to clamp. Even at maximum force, these pliers were the easiest to release of the products we tested.
From R140, amazon.com (ships to SA) B / Knipex 40 14 250
This beautifully made German tool has a unique pivoting lower jaw that makes it much easier to clamp around pipes and non-standard shapes. It’s more expensive than the competition but that’s because it’s made of chrome vanadium, an extremely tough and fractureresistant material.
R620, amazon.com (ships to SA) C / Milwaukee 48-22-3510
The Milwaukee has a hefty eyebolt threaded into its handle. Insert a screwdriver and twist, and you can really clamp down with some force. The chrome molybdenum construction makes it corrosion-resistant.
From R350, amazon.com (doesn’t ship to SA) D / Irwin Vise- Grip 10WR
The original locking plier is simple, well built, and still great in all respects. The new model has built-in wire cutters and a recess in its adjusting knob to accept an Allen wrench that lets you more easily and precisely adjust and release the tightening force.
From R300 on Amazon.com (ships to SA)