Irwin recently updated the design of their Vise Grip GrooveLock adjustable pliers, which first came out a couple of years ago. These pliers feature an easy push-button adjustment mechanism and V-groove jaws that are great for holding round materials. Although we have several higher-end pliers available, we often use these GrooveLocks for random tasks.
Taking a look at a 10-inch version purchased in March 2007, model VG10, and one that was purchased in early December, we observed a number of differences. The older pliers are on the left, newer ones on the right.
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Symmetrical Design
Whereas the older style features a 3-piece design with slightly offset handles, the new style is more symmetrical with one straight handle mounted through the other. We’re not sure if this change was done to save on cost, but it does offer a few advantages.
At the very least, the newer style pliers are slightly more slender than the older style, which might make a difference when working in tighter areas. Besides that, the symmetrical construction just looks more finished and thoughtfully designed. Perhaps it’s more rugged as well, but we’ve never had any issues with our older pliers.
Improved Jaw Design
Irwin’s engineers also managed to tweak the jaws for better gripping performance. Looking at the photo, you should be able to see the longer gripping zone at the tip of the newer pliers’ jaws.
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But not only is the front gripping zone area longer, the grooves are a bit coarser and more pronounced. This should help the pliers bite into materials just a little bit better.
How to Tell the Difference?
There’s nothing wrong with the older style pliers, but why buy an older design when the newer improved design is available at the same price point? The model numbers are the same, but you should be able to tell the difference just by looking at the pliers.
Rather than inspect all the pliers on a rack, look for the two silver pins – one on the lower jaw and and one on the upper handle. If they’re present, then the pliers are of the older design. Note that most online retailers have not updated their product images, probably since the updated pliers share all of the same model numbers.
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AndrewC
From a quick glance, it looks that the design change was due to a manufacturing process change. The original design would allow the main piece to be forged, though it could have just as easily been cast. The second design, where the clevis of the joint is made from one piece, would be cast and require a slighly more complicated mold.
In general, the smaller number of components (6 vs 3), the cheaper the production cost. The old design used a cast part along with a piece of sheet steel and two rivets to form the clevis, where the new design casts the entire clevis part as one piece.
And cheaper here does not mean “lower quality” or weaker. For many mechanisms, the point of failure is at joints or fastener locations. The new design removes two rivets and the offset design that would create some unsymmetrical loading. Most likely these changes made the pliers cheaper to produce and improved upon the design.
David Bushay
Made in China always means cheaper and they are. They rust is the first thing I noticed and the top lip will break much easier. Too bad I’ll purchase from Germany as others in my business are already doing.
Allen
Country of origin for each the same ?
Stuart
Originals were imported, I don’t remember if from China or Taiwan, and the new ones are made in China. I had to squint, the font on the back of the card was smaller than I remember seeing before.
Andrew, thank you for the clarification! I suppose it makes sense – maybe Irwin waited until they sold a certain amount of pliers before investing in the new production molds and whatnot.
The original style can be pressed closer to a work surface on the left side. Not flush, but just a wee bit closer than the new style can. But most of the time I need to press it up close, the right side is what contacts the work surface.
I do like the new version, and can recommend them as much as I recommended the originals. I have more pliers than I need, so they’re heading to my brother in law’s tool kit.
Joe Gravelle
I’ve been looking at these and might have to pick up a set now
Dave
How about a review on the mini-channel locks / better known as ‘ignition pliers”. Sear’s Craftsman sells them for $10 (and made in the USA) A good companion for a Leatherman. Check them out, them come in very handy.
Stuart
Thanks for the suggestion! A pair of Channellock 424s are on my wishlist, but I don’t have a real need for them at the moment. (Like that’s really going to stop me from eventually ordering a pair.)
I know a few people who carry a pair of 424 ignition pliers everyday, and they love them. They work even better with Swiss Army Knives and other multi-tools that don’t come with pliers.
Dave
Thank you for thanking me 🙂 Here’s some reasons to own one: for anybody w/steam radiators-you can install a new air vent by hand, but for removing the faulty one I use these pliers (larger ones are too thick) so as not to have the body of the air vent break off & your left with the little piece sticking out. For camping I bring along a pair to pick pots off the campfire, I don’t want to risk dropping my leatherman into the coals. btw-I do like Craftman’s black insulated handles better, though.
Joe
No matter what brand or model dach of us like………..has anybody devised a Pocket clip to carry them easier, or some other method ?