Can one buy pliers with parallel jaws that lock like mol

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Thanks, Pete

I’ve just watched a short video on the RS-components website, and am suitably impressed.

MichaelG.

[Pete.Participant @pete-2]

Michael, they are incredibly useful, wouldn't want to be without them now I've owned them.

If you ever consider buying any, the 180mm size are probably the best all round, the bigger sizes are a bit less natural to manipulate the size adjust.

The updated 180mm size in black finish also have the ability to fit removable plastic Jaws, useful for chrome bathroom fittings etc.

[John Smith 47Participant @johnsmith47]

@Dave S – No, I want to clamp things pretty hard. Hard enough to work on.

@Pete –

Yes, those Knipex "Plier Wrench" things do look extremely useful. If you push them to the limit, what breaks first? Are they as strong as an conventional adjustable spanner?

Are the steps roughly the right size? i.e. If your nut is an odd size do you ever find that the handles are either too widely or too narrowly spaced?

However for me I want something that will robustly clamp onto a part when I release my hands.
i.e. Sometimes it's about stopping a hidden nut from turning at the other end of a bolt you are turning. And at other times it's about literally using the the tool as a precision vice to hold a part (using a larger vice to hold the base).

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Posted by John Smith 47 on 07/05/2021 00:38:08:…

…

However for me I want something that will robustly clamp onto a part when I release my hands.
i.e. Sometimes it's about stopping a hidden nut from turning at the other end of a bolt you are turning. And at other times it's about literally using the the tool as a precision vice to hold a part (using a larger vice to hold the base).

That's two completely different jobs, requiring completely different tools. Trying to do both with one will inevitably lead to compromises that make it less than ideal for either. No wonder the tool you are looking for "has not been invented yet".

For your first scenario, if you absolutely can't use a proper spanner, and can't bring yourself to use Mole Grips AKA Vice Grips in a pinch, you need a locking wrench like below. Combines a shifting spanner with a Mole Grip locking handle mechanism. The jaw stays parallel (withing the necessary working clearances of a shifting spanner jaw) and it clamps on tight.The Vice Grip action acts on the adjusting screw, not the jaw directly.

 

Then for your second scenario, holding small parts firm while work is performed on them, perhaps while itself being held in a larger bench vice etc, the correct tool is a toolmaker's clamp. They come in a wide variety of sizes and styles, some with one leg extended longer to clamp in a bench vice, others with one screw only so access to the other side is open.

 

 

You are wasting your time searching for a magical unicorn tool that will do both these functions well. Use the right tool for the right job. Obviously the locking wrench could be used to hold small parts but the tapered handle profile will not clamp well in a vice. And the toolmaker's clamp could be clamped on to a nut but needs more access space than the proper spanner for the job.

Personally, I use long-nosed Vice Grips to gently hold a nut to get it started on an obscured bolt behind something else etc where fingers won't fit, then once its on the thread, the proper spanner takes over. Where Vice Grips will fit, a spanner will too. And I still have the toolmakers clamps, including a larger flatter one with one long leg, I made as an apprentice. I don't use them that often, but when you need them they are gold. Buy a set of two each of two, four and six inch models. They are also very handy for holding small parts on the drill press. 

Edited By Hopper on 07/05/2021 05:31:44

Edited By Hopper on 07/05/2021 05:34:31

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

If the knurled screw sticking out is going to get in your way just change it for amodified cap or button head screw and use an Allen key to tighten or simply saw it off short and saw a screwdriver slot across the end. Plain guide pin could also be shortened if you are only going to want to hold small items then the full opening range is not needed

[Bob StevensonParticipant @bobstevenson13909]

It might be worth mentioning that 'Vise-Grip' make a specific locking wrench for gripping nuts and bolt heads, see here…https://www.irwin.com/tools/locking-tools/the-original-locking-wrenches

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, those vice grips that have those swivel pads will hold parallel items and even tapered ones and they can be gripped in a vice, OK, the jaws stick out a bit each side, but with most things with an advantage, there's usually a disadvantage, but the two in the photo below are only budget ones but hold extremely well, got them from one of the traders at Ally Pally exhibition several years ago.

Regards Nick.

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

I assumed that what was meant is this sort of parallel jaw pliers, which have been around for donkey's years. these are available from Cookson Gold:

[Michael GilliganParticipant @michaelgilligan61133]

Posted by Neil Wyatt on 07/05/2021 11:54:45:

I assumed that what was meant is this sort of parallel jaw pliers, which have been around for donkey's years. these are available from Cookson Gold:

.

Yes, Neil …

But John wants a locking version

… See the opening post.

MichaelG.

[Robert Atkinson 2Participant @robertatkinson2]

How about Cleco grips

https://eumro.co.uk/cleco-side-grip-clamps-from-omega-technologies.aspx

with pliers

https://eumro.co.uk/other-fastening-systems-and-accessories.aspx

other bits including 55 lb force ones

https://eumro.co.uk/cleco-fasteners-skin-pins.aspx

Robert G8RPI

[John Smith 47Participant @johnsmith47]

@Hopper – I'm going to ignore your comments that in your opinion the two completely different jobs, MUST require completely different tools.

At first blush it looks like that Stanley tool could be the holy grail!
Unforunately the build quality is not great and it seems that it is quite easy to destroy them.

Other makes seem to be available, e.g.:
– "Craftsman Extreme Grip 10" Adjustable Wrench" RRP £98.00(!)
https://www.homeloft.uk/products/craftsman-extreme-grip-10-adjustable-wrench

Makita B-65470 Locking Adjustable Wrench
https://www.amazon.co.uk/B-65470-Locking-Adjustable-Wrench-250mm/dp/B085DZWPL7

They all look pretty similar. It looks like they are being made under license. I am tempted to buy one but the design does look rather weak to me. It would be interesting to know what fails first under load… but I'll have a think.

I have already told you why the Toolmaker's Clamp is not acceptable.
Likewise long-nosed Vice Grips are a cludge, that do not have genuinely parallel side and so they will potentially damage any part with that does have parallel sides.

@JasonB – Interesting thought but no, I think something like a Mole or Vice Grips will be much more convenient.

@Nicholas Farr – Like I say swivel pads aren't good for small parts.

@MichaelG – thanks!

@Robert Atkinson 2
– Cleco grips are quite clever but ultimately they only grip with the force of a spring, rather than having a clamping action that locks.

[Tim StevensParticipant @timstevens64731]

Facom made a truly parallel tool in the 1970s. Like a Mole Grip with a lever to release, but the moving jaw slid along the tail end holding the fixed jaw. Nice design, I'm still using mine.

If anyone is interested I will try to send a photo, with model number details.

Cheers, Tim

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Posted by John Smith 47 on 07/05/2021 14:33:11:

@Nicholas Farr – Like I say swivel pads aren't good for small parts.

Hi John, well I suppose it all depends on how small and exactly what you wish to do. I just wanted to take a photo of these three pieces below, but I could have used this set-up if I wanted to soft solder the brass piece to the 10 x 5 x 0.101mm piece of steel.

Regards Nick.

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

Posted by John Smith 47 on 07/05/2021 14:33:11:

@Hopper – I'm going to ignore your comments that in your opinion the two completely different jobs, MUST require completely different tools.

My apologies for wasting your time. Don't worry, it won't happen again.

[ANDY CAWLEYParticipant @andycawley24921]

I can report that the comments about the Stanley tool are unfounded. I have had and used one of these for some years now and can’t imagine that they would “be quite easy to destroy”. I think to do so would require a level of clumsyness that I find difficult to imagine exists among this group.

Build quality is in the eye of the beholder, try one they really do work.

[larry phelan 1Participant @larryphelan1]

no one ever said life was easy !

[Jeff DaymanParticipant @jeffdayman43397]

If there was an actual frequent need or purpose for the tool the OP describes you would likely be able to buy one anywhere. Much like the enormous variety of existing hand tools out there, all of which originated by people actually needing such a tool often. There are usually many ways to do a particular job.

A vise seems suited to the task the OP describes, except they are not as portable as hand tools.

Rather than wish / speculate / use people's time to research rare tools which may not exist, why not improvise or use what is at hand and get on with life?

[Steve Skelton 1Participant @steveskelton1]

I have to say that the Stanley mole type spanner is extremely handy and sometimes gives you a spare hand when working on plumbing jobs. Whilst I would not like to exert a huge torque on it it is more than adequate for its job.

It is not a bench vice and could not replace one but it has a place in the toolbox.

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Posted by Jeff Dayman on 11/05/2021 14:16:03:

Snip

why not improvise or use what is at hand and get on with life?

Hi Jeff, yes, something I had to do many times during my maintenance years when called out in the middle of the night to a breakdown, with the production manager breathing down your neck. It wasn't any good to say that it would have to wait until morning to go into town a buy a particular tool, rather you would have to butcher one if need be to do the job, even if it was a brand new one. Production always had priority.

Regards Nick.

[Tim StevensParticipant @timstevens64731]

Why not improvise or use what is at hand and get on with life?

Why not indeed? The same question was asked of Hero, Gallileo, Leornado, Cugnot , Newcomen, Watt, and many others. I think they knew why not.

Cheers, Tim

[John Smith 47Participant @johnsmith47]

@Hopper – Everyone has an opinion. However I have learned the hard way that sweeping opinions are very often incorrect. I hope no offence caused.

@Andy Crawley – I think the Stanley looks good. I like that (unlike it near competitors) that it doesn't have even small teeth. From what I can see the user just screws the adjuster to completely close the jaws on your workpiece and then you close the levers. But if so, that's a very different action from mole grips where you can screw it so close that it becomes impossible to clamp the work piece. So how hard does it clamp?

Also have you tried putting a lot of force through it (e.g. on a rusty nut on a bolt)?
==> Do the jaws separate significantly?

@Jeff Dayman – "If there was an actual frequent need or purpose for the tool the OP describes you would likely be able to buy one anywhere."
Another sweeping statement. You may or may not be correct. You are choosing to ignore packaging, promotions, patents & IP, porfolios, materials, quality control, vested interests, brand names, geography… Personally I have often looked for but never seen a tool like the "Stanley Locking Adjustable Wrench" in any shop/store, so my money has not yet been allowed to vote.

@Tim Stephen – Absolutely. I couldn't have put it better myself.

Right now I think the Stanley looks best for my purposes.

J

PS Btw, can any of you work out how this thing works?
I'm pretty sure its of no use to me – some sort of racket mechanism??
But what does the orange button near the jaws actually do?

 

https://www.screwfix.com/p/monument-tools-adjustable-wrench-8-/8096K

Edited By John Smith 47 on 11/05/2021 22:36:26

Edited By John Smith 47 on 11/05/2021 22:37:01

[ANDY CAWLEYParticipant @andycawley24921]

Yes I I have used the spanner on very tight nuts. The technique is to wind the jaws in as tight as possible on the thumb screw with the locking mechanism open then apply the locking action, this removes any play that may have been there. I have never used it as a small piece work holding device but it has occurred to me in the past(before this thread started) that it gripped nuts firmly. Typically I use it as a third hand (typically on the underside of a chassis) where it grips a nut and can be left to its own devices whilst I have at the bolt head with two hands. I was recommended the tool by a fellow vintage motorist and I found mine on Amazon by its reference number which is embossed on the handle.

[peak4Participant @peak4]

Something like the Facom 518A-5 looks like a useful bit of kit.
https://www.primetools.co.uk/product/facom-518a-5-vice-compact-pliers-for-body-work/

Bill

[VicParticipant @vic]

Posted by peak4 on 13/05/2021 11:27:27:

Something like the Facom 518A-5 looks like a useful bit of kit.
https://www.primetools.co.uk/product/facom-518a-5-vice-compact-pliers-for-body-work/

Bill

They look really good. I have absolutely no use for them at the moment but I’m thinking about it!

[HopperParticipant @hopper]

After all that, a simple Google search for "parallel pliers locking" reveals several pages of choices like the below.

The black ones are even made with flat sided handles specifically for clamping in a larger bench vice while holding small delicate parts to work on.

But of course they might not be as tough as the Stanley shifter for undoing rusty nuts on car chassis etc. It's almost like you need two different tools for those two different jobs.

I like the look of the black ones and can see a pair in my toolbox in the not distant future. Then again, I like the look of the Facom posted above a lot too.

Edited By Hopper on 13/05/2021 12:00:12

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