Snap-on has been hyping up their USA-made locking pliers on social media, giving more credibility to rumors that the company bought liquidated tooling and machinery following the closure of Malco’s Eagle Grip factory.
Malco produced locking pliers in the USA for Snap-on and also their own Eagle Grip brand. The factory is closed, the workers were all laid off, the machinery and tooling was liquidated, and the property is up for sale.
A sizable cache of unsold tools are still available at USA retailers, including ones that specialize in closeouts.
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Snap-on has been advertising their USA-made locking pliers recently, including a recent style that was apparently introduced following the factory closure. Additional Eagle Grip pliers were also introduced after the factory closure, which works against the assumption that the new Snap-on long nose locking pliers are newly produced.
I’ve been asking Snap-on press and media contacts about the matter for more than 3 weeks now, and still don’t have any anwers.
Is Snap-on now producing these locking pliers themselves, or are they simply “new old stock” that were manufactured prior to the factory closure?
Photos from the factory property listings, as well as news from a closeout retailer, suggest there are copious amounts of unsold pliers.
The Snap-on-branded locking pliers continue to be priced comparable to when they were certainly manufactured by Malco and Eagle Grip. For example, the 6-1/2″ long nose locking pliers are $82.
Other retailers have similarly sized Eagle Grip locking pliers priced at $30 to $45.
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Snap-on has been advertising their USA-made locking pliers as being a “game changer” and the only locking pliers made in the USA.
Are they made by Snap-on, or “made by Snap-on?”
If these tools are indeed manufactured by Snap-on, I would expect the price to soften a bit; $80+ for each locking pliers is a lot of money, especially if Malco and Eagle Grip are no longer involved in the production.
Or is Snap-on simply trying to sell a large cache of “new old stock” pliers that were purchased before the factory closed?
Snap-on has not yet answered any of our questions about the matter.
Neighbor Joe
Plenty of internet posting such as Reddit that claim Snap On purchased Malco’s tooling equipment from the Eagle Grip plant.
Stuart
Plenty of internet postings also claim Dewalt owns Milwaukee, and Harbor Freight owns Snap-on.
A lot of people parrot what they read, whether it’s true or not.
Every now and then rumors start to spread that Milwaukee is launching a “new” M28 cordless power tool system.
It’s possible the rumor about Snap-on buying the liquidating tooling and machinery is true, but there hasn’t been any evidence. “I read it on the internet” isn’t proof.
Snap-on needs to say “we are now making this in-house” or “we’re selling tools produced before the factory closure.” That’s the only way to settle this outside of seeing additional new-to-world designs down the road.
Snap-on has a long history of contracting with different OEMs to produce locking pliers for their brand and for Bluepoint.
If they were now producing these themselves, there would normally be press or corporate communications, and I haven’t seen or found any yet. Snap-on’s pretty consistent with their communications.
Jared
This seems especially true with Snap-on.
Snap-on makes tools, so lots of items that are produced FOR Snap-on are mistakenly assumed to be made BY Snap-on.
I would be happy to hear Snap-on bought the tooling and kept production of these high-grade pliers going- but I don’t think there is strong evidence of that, just speculation.
In the know
Very interesting topic. Could the publicity be to try and liquidate overstock that they are having a hard time getting rid of at $80 a pop? Buying time for them to move the plier to Spain or Argentina. Who knows.
They recently did a similar move with adjustable wrenches. Buying western forge equipment to in-house their Spain Bahco stuff.
Stuart
If that was the case, wouldn’t they have lowered the price, or given dealers incentives to offer their customers?
In the know
No, they raised the price on the adjustables. Snapon does not “lower” their prices. They may do bulk buy discounts to dealers for promos but you won’t see their list price ever lower.
William L Morken
My tool truck guy said snap on bought the tooling and made a few modifications to the mold to make them stronger near the adjustment screw.
ITCD
@William L Morken are you talking about the locking pliers? Because the “Power Ring” that already beefs up the adjustment screw was already present, Malco took the patent on that. There’s not really much else to do to strengthen that area, usually welding it is already more than good enough. That might just be hearsay from the rep.
Adam
My local dealer says that Snap-on bought the tooling, and is setting up a factory in Ohio. He wasn’t clear on whether they bought an existing building, or built a new building. He said it was done for the purpose of filling government contracts for locking pliers.
Stuart
That’s more promising, but still hearsay.
Retail workers and managers claim all kinds of things about power tool brands, such as Makita tools coming to Lowe’s.
Scott K
Very true. I just had a Klein NCVT go bad and Klein said swapping it out at HD would be quicker than their warranty process. When I asked at the customer service desk, they told me they no longer sold Klein tools after losing the contract. I decided to double check – since the app said they had the same model in stock – and they did in fact have a whole bunch of Klein tools. Though, not as many as they used to.
William Adams
The government contracts thing is interesting, and one of the things which just mystifies me about Malco/Eagle Grip — you’d think that they would have been able to snag such a contract and stay afloat.
ITCD
Probably depends on just how badly and how much the government needs locking pliers specifically. They aren’t in GMTKs that I can recall for example.
Jeremiah McKenna
Meh, it’s all speculation at this point, like you said.
It is pretty lousy on Snap On to keep everything on the hush-hush. If they are doing this to keep people interested, then they are dropping the ball, because when we get excited, but then there isn’t any new news coming to us, we lose interest amd move on. With these prices, it is even ridiculous from Snap On, so I see more passes that receptions.
However, I still have USA made Vice Grips and they are a lot better than the current offerings from VG.
Scottie
There are still too many NOS versions of the original USA Petersen Vice Grips for sale at tag sales,etc to even consider buying these for $80.00.I pick them up all the time and probably have a good dozen of these pliers.Petersens,Irwin’s,various sizes and tips,people practically give these away at estate sales.And I grab everyone of them when they are brand new in the pack.Never paying more than $10.00 for a brand new USA Petersen pair.People have to live smart.With that $70.00 I saved that goes towards taking the wife out to a restaurant.Happy wife,happy life.So very true.
Al
I think might be an east coast vs west coast thing. Decent used tools are hard to come by in southern California. I can find more new/stolen tools on CL than decent old tools at less-than-boutique prices.
Too many people here think that tool prices should increase with age like home prices.
Johnez
Swap meets. You have to pore through an ungodly amount of junk, but I’ve amassed quite a collection of good old American C-clamps. I miss them now that I’m in the Midwest. :-/
ITCD
If you’re wanting C clamps specifically Wright and Proto (maybe others?) still have USA-made C-clamps. But they are very very expensive.
Another Bob
I wasn’t aware of the regional differences availability in the used tool market.
I wonder if it’s because many of the manufacturers were located in the East Coast. Stanley’s headquarters were in New Britain Connecticut for instance. I guess I’m lucky I’m on the right coast lol.
JR Ramos
Quality tools in the used market do seem to center on where they are first being put to use! Where I live, that market is pretty poor these days…so much HF type junk. A lot of our bigger manufacturing and skilled industry jobs disappeared, and after awhile the offerings at estate and garage sales dried up as far as nice tooling is concerned. And this area was never huge in that regard, compared to say Chicago or Cleveland or PA/MA/NY where the country was built and where you can still find a lot of great old tools easily.
It’s bizarre how old quality tools have fallen into that “vintage” category with grossly inflated prices. Especially when some goof has wire brushed poorly cared for tools and thinks that because they’re less rusty now, they command double any new retail value. But for some things if you want the old quality (or if you can’t find it available new at all these days) then you’re stuck. Clamps and files are especially affected by this now. I’ve not been fortunate enough to find decent NOS or un-thrashed vise grips…I find them often but usually clapped out with dull or chipped teeth, etc. Picked up some Malco models that will last longer than I will and have some decent Taiwan models too. For as little as I use them I have too many probably. I wish someone would bring back those large curved/pipe jaw models and actually that bulky nutbuster type as well…neither of which were that popular I guess.
Adam
I own many Petersen’s, a couple of Irwin’s, and the 1st 2 curves jaw sizes of Eagle Grip/Snap-on locking pliers.
The improvements made by Malco make them an incredibly better pliers than the others. The teeth in the jaws are sharper, and don’t deform like the Irwin or Petersen pliers do. The locking bar link is heavier, and doesn’t bend like either of the others. The improvements to the tightening screw and threads in the body are smoother and stronger.
I will happily pay the extra for a superior product
Hank
I agree Adam. The Malco Eagle grip is better in every way to the old vise grips made in USA.
ITCD
I would like for them to give some sort of concrete answer on it as well. They don’t have to give all the specifics, just an official yes or no to the question of “are these being currently, at this moment, produced domestically?”
Though perhaps their upcoming quarterly shareholder meeting will shed some light on it. Once in a while Nick will mention stuff like this in there but it’s no guarantee it’ll come up.
ITCD
Another interesting thing that came out but still not quite a direct statement from a corporate representative; this video they posted on YouTube. Just shows off the goodies until the very end, where they state specifically “…Made in the USA by Snap-on.” https://youtu.be/FeWGP7kRV_g
That’s at least a little more than a vague mention of COO, they’re making a claim of who is making at least the new small ones.
ITCD
The previous video from a couple years ago showing off the larger ones just said “exclusive Snapon design made in USA”
Stuart
Things are definitely looking more optimistic, but Snap-on still hasn’t answered any of my questions. It’s been 5 weeks now.
The video you linked to is the same as the one embedded in the post.
ITCD
Oh you’re right it is! Between the “Made in the USA by Snap-on” part at the end, and their recent release speaking entirely in present-tense about their production https://www.snapon.com/Snap-on-Files/News-Business-Units/News-Tools/2024/Snap-onAdvancesitsLockingPliersLinewithPatent-Pending.pdf (PDF Link) in my view at least it’s most likely they’re making them now. That release has an email address in the corner that they say you can hit up for more info, wonder if they would respond and provide concrete clarity on the matter?
S
Let’s be honest. They want $80 for a set of locking pliers, and can’t even answer an email.
If you’re going to charge so 200% up from everyone else, at least have decent customer service.
Stuart
I didn’t ask customer service, I asked PR/media relations.
JR Ramos
Most manufacturers do not have great customer service…imho. I’ve always seen that as because they are manufacturers and focused on distribution sales, as opposed to a more retail slant on service and attentiveness. I’m fine with that – let them focus on what they do best. That said, the “best” companies have learned to make that extra effort as long as it’s financially feasible to staff it…sometimes it isn’t. I’d rather have $80 product instead of $88 product and faster emails. Phone usually works pretty quick, though, after all these years.
HGForage
I wouldn’t be surprised if they bought the tooling.However, in reality they probably negotiated a good deal on a large quantity. Now will sell there overpriced pliers with one extra for warranty.
Mnoswad
I can’t remember the last time I actually used some vice-grips. …for anything. At this point I use the right bit socket or tool,….or break out the cut off disc.
But somehow I still want the full compliment of sizes and styles.
Keiko
Maybe this:
https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/state-snap-on-expansion-will-create-50-jobs/
Keiko
I will expand this article published 30-Jan-24
ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — An expansion project underway at Snap-On Tools in Elizabethton is expected to create 50 jobs.
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development revealed new details about the project, which the state called a $44 million investment by the tool manufacturer.
According to the state, the nearly 49,000-square-foot expansion will create space for new equipment and allow the company to increase capacity for forging, machining, heat treating, assembly, and more at its plant on State Line Road.
Last year, the City of Elizabethton approved the proposed expansion, which includes adding 25,350 square feet to the north side of the building and another 25,400 square feet to the east side.
Grading work at the Snap-On plant in Elizabethton in March 2023. (Photo: WJHL)
The first phase of the expansion project is already complete and work is underway on the second phase, according to Logan Engle with the City of Elizabethton.
With the additional jobs, the company will employ nearly 500 people at its Elizabethton site post-expansion, according to the state.
Joseph Bourque
Made in the USA or not, ViseGrips still have the same flaws as always, and that is not having replaceable teeth. Let’s be honest, the teeth on these things are soft, malleable and just don’t last like they should. They can do so much better than they do.
Another Bob
What kind of materials are you using the pliers on? Is it super hardened steel?
Curious because that’s been the exact opposite of my experience. The only jaws that have stayed sharp for me are my original Peterson manufactured ones. I’ve not tried the Malco’s or Falcom yet but the new irwins, Milwaukee, DeWalt etc have deformed on the jaws easily.
My typical use case is for rounded off damaged rusty fastener removal, grabbing irregular shaped objects, and welding/fabricating (Careful with the heat you can anneal the jaws)
I don’t typically have the locking pliers slip once I get them onto the fastener. I’ll adjust the tightening screw several times to where I can barely close the pliers with two hands and all my strength and get a good bite into the fastener. Maybe the abrasive nature of the material you’re grabbing is deforming the jaws? Although if you throw a file on Peterson jaws it skates. The jaws are very hard. Which boggles my mind. How do they keep the heat treat in the sharp part of the jaws when they’re welded to the body. The heat from the weld should saturate the jaws. The heat affected zone should anneal the jaws making them soft. Maybe they heat treat them after it’s fully assemble? Whatever it is, that’s the secret sauce to good locking pliers.
Anyways try to He-Man (80’s cartoons are the best!!!!) the jaws closed. Keeping them from slipping may prolong the life of your pliers? I’ve only had good luck with the Petersons. Hope this helps. Worst case keep an eye out for swap meets and eBay for old-school Petersons.
Greg
I was on the snap on truck about a week ago and I asked a guy about some of the long nose locking pliers and he was under the impression that they just came out but those guys really don’t know anything but I sure hope snap on bought the equipment.
DC
I have over a hundred USA-made Petersens, couple USA-made Irwins and a bunch of Malco’s/Eagle Grip. It is a little beefier than the Petersens and wish Malco made a straight and bent long nose version.
Christian Ness
No idea, why your Snap-On contacts aren’t being upfront with you about what they did, but I can tell you based off of reputable sources, they did buy the liquidated tooling and they moved it to one of their own plants since the Malco plant was apparently absolutely disgusting and not worth keeping for production. The pliers are here to stay, but they will cost a little more since they’re being sold by Snap-On.
JR Ramos
Seems like the rumors may be true…sure would be nice and hopefully the price doesn’t increase terribly under Snap-On.
On a related note, has anyone snooped further on the Shop-Vac fiasco? It’s been a couple years….last I heard they were salvaging the PA facilities somewhat and attempting to rehire as many of the old employees as possible…a couple ongoing lawsuits at that time. I haven’t seen anything to suggest course correction or maintaining share for Shop-Vac in retail observations.
ITCD
What Shop-Vac fiasco, where the original owners suddenly closed shop? Great Star bought it out and kept some stuff going. They moved what S-K stuff they wanted to keep US-made into the same facility. But early last year they closed up the Shop-Vac side of the shop or at least most of it. https://www.wnep.com/article/news/local/lycoming-county/shop-vac-overseas/523-fccbf755-2dec-465b-a786-502f58153e6d
Greg
Did anyone notice they started making their adjustable wrenches in USA again ? For a long time it was Sweden then Spain but I’ve heard their newest ones are USA.
ITCD
They still offer the Bahco Spain-made ones as well. But they have I think 4 sizes of US-made now. They’re plain-jane looking but hey, for the MIUSA sticklers out there they got it now. As for locking pliers, Nick Pinchuk mentioned “new long nose pliers” while talking about reorganizing how they use their capacity to put out what’s hot-sellers right now in their Feb 8 quarterly investor presentation. Their new carts in Algona, the new “Synergy” ratchets as they’re being called now (100 tooth ones) in Elizabethton, and “new long nose pliers” in Milwaukee.
But he didn’t say locking. Perhaps he meant the LN47ACF, but I don’t know if I’d call those new by this point, they’ve been out what 2-3 years? So maybe it was a hint about locking pliers, but maybe it was just a reference to the LN46 or 47s. Shame the investors who participated in the Q&A were more worried about seeing numbers go higher than finding out for us 😆
Dimwittedmoose51
I’ve seen photos of the SnapOn marked Eagle Grips and was told they sold for $96 off the mobile trucks. The Petersens used USA steel. The second generation. Irwins were fom Asia and were/are crap when it comes to the “jaw teeth” models. The clampers might still be okay. Contacting tool wizard Harry Epstein in KCMO might shed some light on Malco. They were closing out the 6 Malco models at $30 each. I bought one of each after buying a full set from Acme Tool on line as they had none in stock at their Cedar Rapids store. I’ve yet to see a pair of the Snap on-branded Malcos show up on EbaY.
The Malcos are the bomb and some of the duplicates I have, I’ve given out as gifts. They are the perfect gift for someone that would really like pair of them but would never spend their own money on them. We all know folks that would fit that profile. I hope these locking pliers continue to be made.
Chris
“A sizable cache of unsold tools are still available at USA retailers, including ones that specialize in closeouts.”
Which retailer specializes in closeouts? I’m just started filling my tool chest and would like to get a good price on a pair of Eagle Grips.
Stuart
https://www.harryepstein.com/search?q=eagle+grip+malco