Irwin has been steadily expanding their line of Pro-focused hand tools, and sent over a selection for me to check out.
I came across a couple of others I thought were especially interesting – with one being a must-have – and so it made sense to put together a gift guide.
Irwin is a ToolGuyd sponsor – more on this below.
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Irwin Max Strike High-Velocity Hammers
Almost three years ago now, I spoke with an Irwin product engineer, and they gave me a glimpse into their research and development process.
It was a memorable conversation, and quite frankly I was thrilled to see how much energy was going into Irwin’s next generation of hammers.
What stood out to me most was how focused the engineer was on the user experience.
The Irwin Max-Strike hammers are out now, and they do not disappoint.
There are two sizes – a 19oz (IWHT51019) that was “designed to strike like a 28oz hammer” and a 15oz (IWHT51015) that was “designed to strike like a 20oz hammer.”
The Irwin Max-Strike hammers feature a streamlined design for “efficiency and lightweight feel.” They are also built for reduced vibration, with a one-piece steel handle and multi-shot handle grip with finger rest zone.
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It’s a comfortable hammer with a high-velocity design that’s designed to swing like a heavier – and more fatiguing – hammer.
This is hammer you need to pick up and swing to get a feel for.
Both sizes feature a straight rip claw, side nail puller, and magnetic nail starter.
Also Consider: Irwin 20oz Smooth-Face Hammer
Irwin also has a new 20oz hammer (IWHT51220) with a more traditional design and lower price point.
Irwin Vise-Grip Electrical Tools
Irwin has new Vise-Grip electrical tools, and you might have seen that I have already posted about these separately.
Here are the 3 new tools and their main benefits:
7-in-1 Electrical Tool (IWHT84002) – do more with just one tool – it cuts, strips, and loops wire, reams conduit, cuts machine screws, crimps terminals, and you have multi-zone pliers jaws.
Diagonal Cutters (IWHT84001) – high-leverage curved PowerSlot design provides 30% reduced cutting effort, on average, when cutting 12/2 thermoplastic-sheathed cable vs Irwin’s traditional pliers design (model 2078308).
Lineman’s Pliers (IWHT84000) – high-leverage curved PowerSlot design provides 50% reduced cutting effort, on average, when cutting 12/2 thermoplastic-sheathed cable vs Irwin’s traditional pliers design (model 2078209).
All 3 tools feature bi-material 3-shot grips for user comfort.
Irwin Vise-Grip Groove-Lock Pliers
I came across the latest Irwin Vise-Grip GrooveLock adjustable pliers in a 2-piece set, and I’m sold on the new style of handle grips.
Irwin GrooveLock pliers have been hands-down the best pliers I’ve ever used at anywhere close to their price point. This has been my sentiment for well over 10 years now.
I don’t need more adjustable pliers in my kit, but I liked the feel of these so much that I’m looking for an excuse to buy a set. The sub-$25 price makes these an incredible value.
Look for these the next time you’re at a retailer that carries Irwin hand tools, and let me know what you think.
Update: Apparently the latest versions of Irwin GrooveLock pliers have been on the market since 2019. I’ve been missing out!
Irwin Steel Utility Bar
YES! The FUBAR is back – AND it’s better! Sorry for shouting – I got a bit excited when I first saw this and felt it appropriate to channel it here.
The Irwin 18″ steel utility bar is a board-twisting, gap-widening, and nail-removing multi-functional demolition tool, and it also has a sturdy striking face.
Compared to older designs, this new model gives your hand up to 3 inches of hand clearance when gripping studs.
Also Consider: Irwin Contoured Pry Bar
Irwin also has new steel contoured pry bars, in 15″ and 21″ lengths.
It features a large strikable surface, and perhaps more importantly, an abundance of hand clearance that helps to protect your hands when prying down.
Irwin Folding Chisel
Irwin’s folding chisel, IWHT16701, is exactly what it looks like. It features a 1″ blade and steel striking cap.
I love the concept and look forward to giving this one a try.
Brought to You By: Irwin Strait-Line Chalk Reels
Irwin – a ToolGuyd sponsor – has introduced an updated SPEEDLINE PRO chalk reels.
Irwin sent over a selection of their Strait-Line chalk reels. While I have long understood Strait-Line to be the industry benchmark for chalk line reels, I don’t have extensive enough experience with chalk reels to have formed a well-developed opinion yet.
I asked Irwin to “lay it out” for me:
Irwin Strait-Line chalk reels, chalk, and reel/chalk combo packs let you get straight to the point. A variety of reels are available with traditional or quick rewind, aluminum or ABS housings, large or extra-large chalk capacities, extra-wide prong hooks, and anti-jam spools.
The latest and perhaps most innovative feature in the lineup is the nested hook dock, which keeps the hook in place when not being used to prevent any snagging as well as easy hook-and-go access to get the job done faster.
Here’s the new model and what’s special about it:
Strait-Line SPEEDLINE PRO Chalk Reel w/ Blue Chalk (IWHT48443BC) – 100ft hi-tensile line, 6:1 planetary gear ratio, rewinds 6X faster than traditional chalk line reels, overmold grip, 1/4 turn cap with quick chalk fill and increased visibility, wide prong hook with hook dock.
For context, here’s a review of Irwin’s other models:
Strait-Line MACH6 Chalk Reel (IWHT48445) – 100ft hi-tensile line, 6:1 planetary gear ratio, rewinds 6X faster than traditional chalk reels, 1/4 turn cap with quick chalk fill and increased visibility, durable aluminum housing for impact resistance, open access back door for tool-free chalk line replacement.
Strait-Line SPEEDLINE Chalk Reel (IWHT48442) – 100ft abrasion-resistant poly line, provides multiple strikes per pull, 3:1 gear ratio, slim design for improved grip.
Strait-Line CLASSIC Chalk Reel (IWHT48441) – 100ft abrasion-resistant poly line, provides multiple strikes per pull, 1:1 gear ratio, durable aluminum housing for impact resistance, upgraded hook dock, all with the classic design users enjoy.
Strait-Line COMPACT Chalk Reel (IWHT48440) – 30ft twisted polyester line, compact size for easy storage and portability, 3:1 gear ratio for quick retraction.
Strait-Line LAYOUT PRO Chalk Reel (IWHT48446) – 100ft heavy braided line, resists fraying and breaking over long distances, 2:1 gear ratio, large sliding door for easy filling, molded rubber hand grip for comfort.
Honorary Mention:
Jared
I really like my Stanley folding chisel – that Irwin looks very similar, except with a textured grip (instead of smooth). That’s a good addition.
I wish Stanley or now Irwin would come out with more sizes though. I have a few Fascap folding chisels – which are good, but not as robust.
Nathan
How does the Irwin hammer compare to the DeWalt? Looks pretty similar
I keep saying I’m going to buy a framing hammer but never do
MichaelT
The Irwin 24 oz demo hammer (https://www.irwintools.com/product/iwht51024/24-oz-demolition-hammer?tid=578021) adds a “stud gripper” feature, but otherwise seems to follow the design philosophy of the Max Strike hammers as well. Irwin doesn’t call it out as such, but the appearance and model number scheme seem to imply it’s “in the family”.
Stuart
Yes – that’s the demolition hammer I had linked to at the end of the post. It’s useful for installation and board manipulation as well. It’s like a cross between the utility bar and Max Strike hammer.
MichaelT
I went back and re-read the original post and finally saw the “Honorary mention” section. TBH, the first couple times I completely skipped that box as at a glance, I thought it was some sort of inserted advertisement. Didn’t mean to be Captain Obvious with the duplicated link.
Stuart
Sorry – I already posted about it and figured that and image and headline type of article link would be more visible than a text link, while still being less than my talking about it all over again. If you missed it, I’m sure others did too.
Plus, it’s good feedback.
This kind of thing happens a LOT. I usually respond naturally but then add a note so that it’s clear I’m not stealing ideas without giving due credit.
Robert
Stuart, you do know what the acronym FUBAR means in the military, correct?
MichaelT
Maybe in this case the “bar” is really a bar while the first two letters maintain their acronym meaning.
Stuart
The Functional Utility BAR been around for a while – I posted about Stanley’s as early as mid-2009.
I couldn’t remember if Stanley’s tools were branded as FuBar or FUBAR.
Steve
Yeah, that’s not what that means, sorry…
Stuart
That’s what the Stanley tools were called and why.
Andy
I always interpreted the Stanley branding as a deliberate riff on the original acronym – the Fatmax FuBars were targeted for demo work so the link between the original “Fouled Up Beyond All Repair” (or other “F” words / not Fouled…) made sense to me
Stuart
Yes, it’s a demo tool after all.
But the Functional Utility Bar aspect is what I was told and makes sense from a retail marketing standpoint.
Even though Irwin’s not using the same name, it’s a FuBar/FUBAR tool to me for demo work, twisting warped boards, and similar.
Joellikestools
I have been pretty happy with the Irwin tools I have used. I still prefer Knipex or an American brand like Klein or Channelock. I would take Irein over husky or Milwaukee pliers most days. The groove locks are the best budget groove plier Ive tried.
Scott K
I really like the look of those groove-lock pliers and that seems like a really reasonable price for two. I think this is what I envisioned when I initially saw the Crescent auto-bite. I didn’t totally understand them when I read your post and I still don’t totally get the benefit after trying them out at HD recently. I also need (cough want cough) a new hammer – the 15oz looks like a nice change from what I’m used to. There’s a Lowe’s that I’ve gone to a handful of times but it isn’t nearly as convenient as the various HDs.
Jack D
The FuBar looks similar to the Vaughan Rage demo hammer. Handy tools to have when deep into any demo project. Might have to add the bar for my next project…
Richard
There is a venn diagram of people who buy that Irwin Folding Chisel and kids who had a switchblade comb and it’s practically a circle.
Jokes aside it looks practical. But I can’t imagine apprentices not throwing it across the room while trying to do sweet butterfly knife tricks.
Andy
I have the Stanley folding chisel that is basically the same thing. I bought it for “general use” not for fine carpentry and it’s great to keep in my tool belt without worrying about an exposed edge.
The handles lock together for striking and are surprisingly sturdy for how they operate.
Jared
I have it too – and several of the FasCap versions. None of them are compatible with balisong tricks unfortunately. Their joints are too stiff.
It’s a slightly gimmicky feature for sure – but I love it. Keep them sharp and they all work fine. The Stanley version is very robust.
Like Andy mentioned, it keeps the sharp edge protected. Those chisels are also nice and compact.
The Hultaflors chisels with sheaths look like a decent alternative if you don’t want your chisels to fold.