Why are mole grips called mole grips?

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In the 1950s Thomas Coughtrie patented his own version of the locking pliers and called them 'Mole grips'. The name stuck and the tool became extremely popular with mechanics and engineers across the UK.



Similarly one may ask, why is it called a mole wrench?

The first locking pliers, named Vise-Grips, were invented by William S. Petersen in De Witt, Nebraska in 1924. In 1955 "Mole wrenches" were developed by Thomas Coughtrie (1917–2008), who was at that time managing director of M. K. Mole and Son.

Also, how do mole grips work? Mole grips/locking pliers use levers (the handles) and multiple pivot points to expand and contract the jaws in direct proportion to the amount of force applied to the handles. This means that they are able to mechanically multiply the force applied to the lever by as much as tenfold.

Additionally, what are the best mole grips?

The Best Locking Pliers

  1. VISE-GRIP IRWIN Original Locking Pliers. Previous.
  2. Apex Tool Group Crescent Locking Plier Set. Previous.
  3. C. H.
  4. Stanley 94-960 3-Piece Locking Pliers Set.
  5. Craftsman Evolv 3-Piece Locking Pliers Set.
  6. Grip-On 111-10 Curved Jaw Locking Pliers.
  7. Capri Tools 1-1125 Klinge Locking Pliers.
  8. Milwaukee Straight Jaw Pliers.

What is the function of vise grip?

Vice grips are locking pliers which can be locked into a clamped position. They have a handle which on one side has an adjustment bolt to adjust the width of the jaws. The other part of the handle has a lever which is used to release the clamping action of the plier.

26 Related Question Answers Found

How do you unlock a vise grip?

How to Use Locking Pliers
  1. Open the pliers up completely. Do this by pulling the handles away from each other.
  2. Locate the plier mouth adjustment bolt.
  3. Place the gripping mouth on the object to size for adjustment.
  4. Squeeze the handles together until you hear a click.
  5. Push the locking plate down flush with the handle to unlock the pliers.

Is it vice or vise?

The noun vice means an immoral or undesirable practice. In titles (such as vice president), vice means one who acts in the place of another. In American English, the noun vise refers to a gripping or clamping tool. As a verb, vise means to force, hold, or squeeze as if with a vise.

Who owns vise grip?

Irwin Industrial Tools is an American manufacturer and distributor of hand tools and power tool accessories. It is owned by Stanley Black & Decker. It is best known for producing Vise-Grip locking pliers.

Who makes vise grips?

(AP) — The production of locking pliers has returned to the southeast Nebraska town where they were invented. Malco Products says production began Monday in the DeWitt plant where Vise-Grips were made until Vise-Grips owner Newell Rubbermaid closed it in 2008 and moved production to China.

What is a mole tool?


These pneumatic-powered tools create a compact hole that allows contractors to install underground gas, water, cable, irrigation, fiber or electrical lines under yards, buildings or streets with minimal disruption. HammerHead Mole® piercing tools are some of the most reliable in the industry today.

What is a Molegrip?

Mole grips, also known as 'locking pliers', are a hand tool with adjustable jaws which can be locked into place around an object to hold it firmly. Mole grips/locking pliers can be used to remove screws, nuts and bolts. They can also be used as a clamp to hold objects.

How do you use a slip joint pliers?

You can use them to hold a nut steady while loosening a screw with a screwdriver, to bend or straighten a small nail, to cut a thin wire or to compress a light clamp. In addition, slip-joint pliers can be used for grasping tools like screwdriver handles or chisels.

Where are vise grip pliers made?

Vise-Grip pliers have been manufactured in DeWitt, Neb., for more than 80 years.

Are vice grips Made in USA?

As far as I know, usa made "vise grips" are basicly non existent unless you buy old stock, I've been looking and even the mac ones are imports.

What are the best pliers?


Here are the best pliers you can buy:
  • Best pliers overall: Vampliers Pro linesman pliers.
  • Best long nose pliers: Klein long nose pliers.
  • Best locking pliers: Irwin Vise-Grip locking pliers.
  • Best adjustable: Knipex Cobra adjustable pliers.
  • Best pliers set: Channellock 5-plier set.

What are vice grips made of?

Constructed of high-grade heat-treated alloy steel for maximum toughness and durability. Hardened teeth are designed to grip from any angle. Hex key adjusting screw tightens to adjust pressure and draw materials together and provides a controlled release. Backed by the IRWIN VISE-GRIP Lifetime Guarantee.

Who makes the best channel lock pliers?

A Quick Comparison
Model Price Editor Rating
IRWIN Tools 6-inch (Best Value) Check Price 4.5/5
TEKTON 4-1/4-Inch Check Price 4.3/5
Irwin VISE-GRIP Check Price 4.25/5
Pittsburgh Tongue & Groove Joint-Pliers Check Price 3.9/5

How much PP does Vice Grip have?

Vise Grip (move)
Type Normal
Category Physical
PP 30 (max. 48)
Power 55
Accuracy 100%

How much are vice grips?

If you are just after a one stop shop to get the most vise grips you can, buy it. In Stock. These locking pliers are much like other "vise grips", except for the end that grips sheet metals or the like.

Top Selected Products and Reviews.
List Price: $35.01
You Save: $5.31 (15%)

What is the proper term for channel locks?


The multi-groove plier is a type of plier which can have multiple grooves for adjustment of the mouth of the plier. The trade name for such pliers is “channel locks”.

What are pliers used for?

Pliers are made in various shapes and sizes and for many uses. Some are used for gripping something round like a pipe or rod, some are used for twisting wires, and others are designed to be used for a combination of tasks including cutting wire.

What are the types of pliers?

The Different Types of Pliers:
  • Needle nose pliers.
  • Linesman pliers.
  • Slip-joint pliers.
  • Locking pliers.
  • Cutting pliers.
  • Fencing pliers.
  • Tongue-and-groove pliers.
  • Electronics pliers.