Kobalt has come out with new Magnum Grip pliers. You might remember the Kobalt Magnum Pliers from last year, but these to me look sturdier and more functional.
Kobalt’s original Magnum Grip self-adjusting kind-of-locking pliers were okay, but I didn’t really like them much. They were somewhat clunky and not very comfortable to use.
Update: Check out our review of the Kobalt Magnum Grip Locking Pliers!
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These new Magnum Grips look substantially better, with their beefier jaws, larger handles, and seemingly better cushioned handle grip liners.
The new pliers are self-adjusting, so a quick squeeze is all you need to grab onto small parts and workpieces, and a thumb screw at the base of the handle is used to adjust the jaw pressure and gripping strength.
For $20 you get two Kobalt Magnum Grip locking pliers – small (6-inch), and large (9-inch).
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Buy Now(with bonus pouch) (check back for availability)
Update: Special holiday price is $15.
First Impression
These new Magnum Grip self-adjusting locking pliers might actually find a place in my tool box, but possibly not – it depends on how well they’re made. I was optimistic about the original Kobalt Magnum Grip pliers that came out a year ago, but ultimately liked Husky’s auto-adjusting pliers a lot better. They sold quite well and appear to be reasonably positively reviewed by Lowes customers, so my opinion is in the minority.
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The new Kobalt pliers seems more akin to CH Hanson Automatic locking pliers and Kreg Automaxx locking clamps than the last year’s original Magnum Grip pliers, but I suppose the execs at Lowes and Kobalt really liked the Magnum Grip name. Personally, I think the new pliers should have received new distinct branding.
It’s difficult to gauge the pliers’ quality without testing them, but it looks like the jaws are beefier, construction is more robust with thicker steel, and the handles look more comfortable.
Ross
The jaws look like they don’t have any teeth at the larger opening or they are extremely small. Do you think they will even grip at all?
Stuart
They should be able to grip anything but super-smooth very thin materials. The larger opening looks to be designed for use on hex fasteners or cylindrical objects, and are smooth to avoid marring them,
Stan
Those pliers remind me of the USA made Jorgensen/Pony/Adjustable automatic locking pliers I once bought for friend years ago. Although these have more gripping strength as they did have teeth at the opening.
I can’t imagine these locking pliers gripping that well, if at all, with the lack near the opening or even generally speaking.
mike foley
I like the extra thickness of the rolled metal parts. I will be trying these out asap.
KL
I’m not familiar w the Kregs or CH Hansons but wonder how any of them substantially differ from the LockJaw brand which has been on the market for………decades?
Stuart
The CH hanson Automatic pliers were formerly known as LockJaw.
mike
eh ill stick with my grip-ons.
CW
These pliers are the real deal. They work great and have exceptional jaw strength- quickly became my go-to pliers (which is quite a feat as my pliers drawer has about 75 sets in there. The mechanism is smooth but plenty rigid and they will take a pounding. There is no comparison to the former Magnum Grip.
Greg
Never been able to use them, tried them like vise grips, but they won’t lock on and I can’t get them to adjust might help to see a video on how to use them maybe. Or maybe they are just messed up.
Greg Harris
The Kobalt Magnum pliers are possibly one of the worst tools that I ever bought. The only thing positive, they look like they would work.