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Grip Strength

Which pliers can stay clamped during a 6-foot drop? We gave our contestants 10 tries.

Petersen Vise-Grip: With a grip like a pit bull, this was the only pair to stay locked shut after all 10 drops.

Irwin Vise-Grip: On eight of 10 drops, the trigger-free quick release popped open.

Buyer's Value: Despite a fragile-feeling frame that suggested each fall might be the last, the pliers stayed shut through eight of the drops.

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Winner: Petersen Vise-Grip

Clamp Force

How many pinches does it take to completely crush 1/2-inch copper tubing?

Petersen Vise-Grip: After 12 squeezes, the pipe collapsed, and our fatigued testers nearly did the same. Operating the tool repeatedly proved so challenging that it became hard to muster enough hand strength just to release the trigger.

Irwin Vise-Grip: Like the Petersen Vise-Grips, the Irwin also took 12 squeezes to pinch the pipe shut. But thanks to the cushioned grip, it felt like less.

Buyer's Value: Crushing the copper took 21 squeezes. The tool just didn't do as good a job as the others at translating our hand movements into jaw force.

Winner: Irwin Vise-Grip


How do our testers' hands hold up to the strain of squeezing for hours on end?

Petersen Vise-Grip: Ouch. Slick, skinny metal hurt our palms, and pliers-shaped bruises appeared on our thighs after bracing the tools against our legs during doubled-over squeezing.

Irwin Vise-Grip:
The cushioned grips added considerable comfort. These clamped with as much force as the Petersen classics, but took much less effort.

Buyer's Value: Squeezing didn't hurt our hands too much, but the cheap-feeling jaws didn't transfer much force, either.

Winner: Irwin Vise-Grip

Bottom Line

The Irwin update wins when it comes to comfort--the cushioned handle was easy on our hands. But when you need tenacious gripping strength, nothing beats the original Petersen Vise-Grips.

What do you think?