Locking pliers are the workshop tool everyone owns, almost nobody learns properly, and most people buy the wrong type of for the job in front of them. Five distinct jaw geometries (curved, straight, needle nose, sheet metal, welding clamp), three different size classes, four different brand quality tiers, and a trademark that's become so generic that "Vise-Grip" now means the category more often than the actual Irwin product. This guide covers how to choose locking pliers properly — curved-vs-straight decision, sheet metal pliers vs welding clamps vs C-jaw variants, the Vise-Grip trademark reality, Lockjaw + Stahlwille + Strong Hand + Excision GripLox supply at AIMS, and the forum-validated common mistakes from Garage Journal, MIG Welding Forum and Practical Machinist that turn an inexpensive tool into something you replace every six months.
Honest scope: AIMS stocks 30 locking pliers products in our locking pliers collection — Lockjaw dominant (curved + straight + needle nose + dual sets), Stahlwille German premium (Self Grip Quick Release), Strong Hand welding/fabrication specialty (sheet metal, U-prong, C-jaw, chain), Excision Xtreme GripLox range (long nose, C-clamp, welding, mega-flex), Trax workshop tier (curved + straight + welder's grip + long nose + chain wrench + 4-piece sets), Lang Tools hose pinch-off specialty, plus Wiha precision grip pliers. AIMS does NOT sell Irwin Vise-Grip — the trademark owner is direct retail / Bunnings tier. The original USA Petersen Vise-Grip (1924-2008 vintage) is long discontinued. Knipex and Snap-On are specialty premium imports — source-on-request via our supplier network. Note: locking pliers are handheld gripping tools — for workbench-mounted vices that hold workpieces, see our bench vice guide.
The Vise-Grip Trademark Reality
"Vise-Grip" became a generic term the same way "Dynabolt" did for sleeve anchors and "Hoover" did for vacuum cleaners. The actual story:
- 1924 — DeWitt-Seabury, Nebraska: Danish-American blacksmith William Petersen invents the locking pliers mechanism, files patent, founds Petersen Manufacturing
- 1924-1985: Petersen produces the original USA-made Vise-Grip in DeWitt, Nebraska. Forum-validated reputation as the gold-standard tool — heat-treated jaws, smooth screw thread, decades of service life
- 1985-2002: American Tool Companies acquires Petersen; production stays USA
- 2002-2018: Newell-Rubbermaid (Irwin parent) acquires American Tool. Production gradually moves to China. Forum consensus: noticeable quality drop, but still beats no-name imports
- 2018-present: Stanley Black & Decker acquires Irwin. Current Vise-Grip is Irwin-branded, Chinese-made, sold direct retail (Bunnings, Total Tools, retail tiers)
What this means for AU buyers: the "Vise-Grip" name on a current Irwin product doesn't guarantee the USA-quality reputation. Independent testing (Popular Mechanics 2009, multiple Garage Journal threads) shows modern Chinese-production Vise-Grip is functional but inferior to the USA original. Quality-tier locking pliers in AU industrial supply come from European brands (Stahlwille, Knipex), specialty Australian brands (Lockjaw is the AU industrial workhorse), and specialty fabrication brands (Strong Hand for welding, Excision for production trade).
| Term | Origin | Means Today |
|---|---|---|
| Vise-Grip | Petersen Manufacturing 1924, now Irwin trademark (Stanley Black & Decker) | Used generically for any locking pliers; specifically refers to Irwin product range |
| Vice Grip | AU/UK spelling variant of Vise-Grip | Same tool, AU/UK spelling |
| Mole Grips / Mole Wrench | UK Mole Tools (M&W), separate locking pliers trademark | UK colloquial — same product category, different trademark |
| Lockjaw | AU industrial brand (chrome-moly construction) | AU industrial standard — AIMS-stocked, mid-premium tier |
| GripLox | Excision brand range — AU industrial | AU industrial brand — Xtreme range for fabrication and trade |
| Self-Grip | Stahlwille German trademark for locking pliers | German premium-tier locking pliers (Self Grip Quick Release) |
Five Jaw Types — Match the Geometry to the Job
The single biggest selection mistake is buying the wrong jaw geometry. Different jaws are designed for different gripping tasks:
| Jaw Type | Profile | Best For | Avoid Using On |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curved jaw (the workshop default) | Concave teeth that wrap around round/hex objects | Stuck bolts, rounded nuts, pipe, shaft, anything cylindrical or hex | Flat sheet metal, precision welding work |
| Straight jaw | Flat teeth, parallel jaws | Flat plate, sheet metal edges, welding fit-up, square work | Rounded bolts, hex nuts (less grip than curved) |
| Needle nose / long nose | Long thin jaws, gripping point | Tight access, small wire, electronics, broken bolt stub gripping | High torque applications (jaws bend under load) |
| Sheet metal | Wide flat jaws, longer handle for leverage | HVAC ductwork, panel beating, sheet metal fold/seam work | Rounded objects (no grip on hex/bolt) |
| Welding clamp (U-prong / C-jaw / X-jaw) | U-shape or C-shape open jaw for visibility | Holding fabrication work in tack-weld setup, third-hand fab clamping | General gripping (designed for clamping not bolt removal) |
Curved Jaw — The Workshop Default
If you only own one set of locking pliers, make it curved jaw. The concave tooth profile wraps around hex bolts, rounded fasteners, pipe, shaft and any cylindrical workpiece. Stuck-bolt removal is the killer application — the curved jaw bites into the rounded corners of a stripped hex head where a spanner can no longer grip. Forum-validated practitioner consensus from Garage Journal "best locking plier jaw for stuck fasteners" thread 185386: curved jaw is the default choice for fastener removal.
AIMS curved jaw range: Lockjaw L2100150 175mm Curved Jaw 28mm, Trax Curved Jaw Locking Pliers, Excision Xtreme GripLox Original Plier, Excision 332250 Xtreme Mega-Flex 250mm, Lockjaw L2920002 250mm Curved + 175mm Needle Nose 2-Piece Set, Lockjaw L2920001 250mm/175mm Curved Jaw Chrome Molybdenum Set.
Straight Jaw — Sheet Metal + Welding Fit-Up
Straight jaws have parallel flat teeth that match the surface of flat workpieces. Welders and sheet metal workers use straight jaw locking pliers to clamp two pieces of flat plate for tack-welding, hold sheet metal joints during forming, or grip the edge of plate for handling. Less grip than curved on rounded fasteners but better grip on flat work.
AIMS straight jaw range: Lockjaw L2110250 250mm Straight Jaw 5mm, Trax ARX-308AS 48mm Straight Jaw.
Needle Nose / Long Nose
Long thin jaws reach into tight access spaces — automotive electronics, broken bolt stubs extending above the surface, tight engine bay work. The jaws bend under high torque, so don't use needle nose locking pliers as your bolt-removal tool of choice. They're a precision gripping tool, not a force amplifier.
AIMS needle nose range: Lockjaw L2120175 200mm Needle Nose 5mm, Excision 336230 Xtreme Long Nose GripLox 230mm, Trax ARX-408LA 43mm Long Nose Locking Pliers.
Sheet Metal Pliers
Wide flat jaws spread the gripping force across a larger contact area on thin material. HVAC fitters, panel beaters and sheet metal workers use these for crimping flange joints, holding sheet edges during forming, and pulling/handling sheet metal that would otherwise need two hands. The longer handles provide leverage for sheet folding.
AIMS sheet metal range: Strong Hand Sheet Metal Locking Pliers, Trax ARX-808SG 33mm Sheet Metal Grips Locking Pliers.
Welding Clamps — U-Prong, C-Jaw, X-Jaw
Welding-specific locking pliers have open jaw shapes that let the operator see the weld joint while clamping. Three common configurations:
- U-prong: two parallel prongs extending from the jaw, ideal for holding two pieces of flat plate in fit-up for tack welding. Visibility from above is critical.
- C-jaw: open C-shape that grips around the edge of a workpiece, leaving the weld zone exposed. Fabricators use these as "third hand" tools while running a bead.
- X-jaw: crossed jaw design that grips at four points, ideal for irregular shapes and clamping around corners.
AIMS welding clamp range: Strong Hand U-Prong Locking Pliers, Strong Hand C-Jaw Locking Pliers, Strong Hand 300mm C-Jaw Pliers with Hammer Head, Excision Xtreme C-Clamp GripLox Plier, Excision 333280 Xtreme Welding GripLox 280mm, Trax ARX-708WG 45mm Welder's Grip Wrench, Trax ARX-308XA 45mm X-Jaw Locking Pliers.
The Locking Mechanism — How It Actually Works
Every locking pliers uses an over-centre cam mechanism — the same principle as a toggle clamp. Three parts:
- Adjustment screw at the rear of the handle — pre-sets jaw opening to match workpiece size. Smooth thread quality is the single biggest indicator of premium vs cheap locking pliers.
- Over-centre cam linking the handles to the jaw — squeeze the handles, the cam passes over its dead-centre point, jaws clamp and lock.
- Side-lever release — finger pressure on the release lever breaks the over-centre lock and frees the jaws.
Premium locking pliers have heat-treated alloy steel jaws (Rockwell 50-55 HRC typical), smooth-thread adjustment screws that hold setting under vibration, and tight-tolerance over-centre mechanisms that engage with a clean click. Cheap locking pliers have soft jaws that wear rapidly, rough adjustment threads that won't maintain setting, and sloppy over-centre mechanisms that don't lock positively.
Jaw Opening + Size Selection
Locking pliers are sized by overall length (handle tip to jaw nose) and by maximum jaw opening. Both matter:
| Size | Typical Jaw Opening | Best For | AIMS Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| 125mm (5-inch) | Up to 20mm | Electronics, tight spaces, precision work | Wiha 180mm Basic Grip |
| 175mm (7-inch) | Up to 28mm | General workshop, automotive, light fabrication | Lockjaw L2100150 (curved) |
| 200mm (8-inch) | Up to 35mm | Workshop universal — most-used size | Lockjaw L2120175 (needle nose) |
| 250mm (10-inch) | Up to 45mm | Heavy fabrication, stuck-bolt removal with leverage | Lockjaw L2110250 (straight) or L2920002 dual set |
| 280-300mm (11-12 inch) | Up to 60mm | Heavy industrial, very stuck fasteners | Excision 333280 Xtreme Welding 280mm or Strong Hand 300mm C-Jaw |
Practical kit recommendation (forum-validated practitioner consensus): every workshop should have at minimum a 175mm curved + 250mm straight + a needle-nose long-nose. The Lockjaw L2930001 3-Piece set (175mm curved + 250mm curved + 200mm needle nose) covers all three positions in one purchase. Welders and fabricators add a sheet metal pair + a U-prong or C-jaw welding clamp.
The Specialty Variants — Beyond Standard Workshop Pliers
Locking Chain Pliers + Chain Wrench
For very large round objects (oil filters, hose flanges, pipe over 50mm diameter), standard locking pliers can't open wide enough. Locking chain pliers use a chain loop around the workpiece, tightened by the locking mechanism — effectively a strap wrench with a locking action. The chain wraps around any diameter from 50mm to the chain length (typically 300-600mm), giving you grip on pipe, drum, large round work that conventional pliers can't span.
AIMS chain range: Strong Hand Tools Locking Chain Pliers with 600mm Chain, Trax ARX-318CW 460mm Locking Chain Wrench.
Hose Pinch-Off Pliers
Specialty automotive tool — soft jaws designed to pinch a fuel line, brake hose or coolant hose closed without damaging the hose. The locking action holds the hose pinched while you work on the disconnected end. Don't use standard locking pliers (sharp jaws will cut or damage the hose).
AIMS hose pinch-off range: Lang Hose Pinch Off Self Locking Pliers, Lang Hose Pinch Off Self Locking Pliers Set of 3.
4-Piece Locking Pliers Set
For starter kits or budget-conscious workshop fit-out: the Trax ARX-LP4P 4-Piece Locking Pliers Set with Knife covers the four most-common jaw configurations in one purchase. Suitable for general workshop use; production trade typically upgrades to dedicated single-purchase Lockjaw or Excision pieces for higher-cycle work.
Brand Reality — Quality Tier Breakdown
| Brand | Position | AU Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Lockjaw | AU industrial dominant — chrome-molybdenum construction, curved + straight + needle nose + dual sets | Stocked at AIMS |
| Stahlwille | German premium — Self Grip Quick Release with optional wire cutter | Stocked at AIMS |
| Strong Hand Tools | US fabrication specialist — welding clamps (U-prong, C-jaw, C-jaw with hammer head), sheet metal, chain | Stocked at AIMS |
| Excision Xtreme GripLox | AU industrial — long nose, C-clamp, welding, mega-flex variants | Stocked at AIMS |
| Trax | AU workshop tier — curved, straight, welder's grip, long nose, chain wrench, 4-piece sets | Stocked at AIMS |
| Lang Tools | US automotive specialty — hose pinch-off self-locking pliers | Stocked at AIMS |
| Wiha | German precision — basic grip with wire cutter, electrician tier | Stocked at AIMS |
| Irwin Vise-Grip | Trademark owner (Stanley Black & Decker). Current Chinese-production. Consumer/trade retail tier | Not stocked — direct retail / Bunnings / Total Tools |
| Knipex (Germany) | German engineering premium — push-button adjustment, premium locking grip range | Specialty importer — source-on-request |
| Mole Tools (UK) | UK heritage brand — "Mole Grips" / "Mole Wrench" trademark | Specialty importer — source-on-request |
| Original USA Petersen Vise-Grip (vintage) | 1924-2008 USA production — forum-validated gold standard, long discontinued | Estate sales / flea markets / vintage tool dealers only |
| Snap-On | US automotive premium — mobile-truck dealer network only | Snap-On franchisee direct |
Common Locking Pliers Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Over-tightening adjustment screw | Damages locking mechanism; can crack jaw casting | Set jaw opening to grip workpiece firmly but not crush; rely on cam lock, not screw torque |
| Curved jaw on flat sheet metal | Slips off, marks workpiece, no grip | Use straight jaw or sheet metal pliers for flat work |
| Straight jaw on rounded bolt | Slips, rounds the bolt head further, increases removal difficulty | Use curved jaw — concave teeth wrap around hex |
| "Cheater bar" extension for more leverage | Bends handles, breaks cam mechanism, injury risk | Step up to a longer-handled locking pliers; use proper breaker bar for high torque |
| Striking locking pliers with hammer | Jaw can shatter; serious injury risk | Locking pliers are NOT impact tools; use breaker bar + socket for impact work |
| Needle nose on high-torque stuck bolt | Long thin jaws bend under load; ruins the tool | Use curved jaw 175-250mm; reserve needle nose for precision/access tasks |
| Cheap pliers on chrome bolt without protection | Serrated jaws mar/scratch chrome finish | Wrap chrome with cloth or use Stahlwille premium with finer teeth |
| Hose pinch-off with standard pliers | Cuts or damages fuel line / brake hose / coolant hose | Use dedicated hose pinch-off pliers (Lang Tools) |
| Welding clamp on hot weld | Handle plastic degrades; pliers grip loosens with heat | Clamp BEFORE welding; let cool before re-positioning |
| Buying cheap import "Vise-Grip-style" | Adjustment screw rough, jaws soft, mechanism slop — fails in months | Buy quality (Lockjaw, Stahlwille, Strong Hand, Excision) once instead of cheap thrice |
Locking Pliers vs Bench Vice — Don't Confuse the Tools
"Vice" the noun has two completely different workshop meanings:
- Bench vice (workbench-mounted vise) — large stationary jaws bolted to a workbench, used to hold workpieces still while you machine, file, weld or assemble them. Permanent fixture, capacity to ~6 inches jaw width, holds the work — not a portable tool. See our bench vice guide for full coverage.
- Locking pliers (Vise-Grip type) — handheld portable gripping tool with locking cam mechanism. Takes anywhere, grips small/medium workpieces, fits in a tool bag. The subject of this guide.
The forum question "what vise do I need?" is ambiguous and you need to clarify with the customer whether they mean the bench-mounted workshop fixture or the handheld locking pliers. Different tools, different applications, different price tiers.
Workshop Starter Kit — Recommended Lockjaw Configurations
For workshops buying locking pliers from scratch, the practical AIMS-stocked configurations:
- Solo workshop / general repair — Lockjaw L2930001 3-Piece Set covers 175mm + 250mm curved + 200mm needle nose. One purchase covers 90% of locking pliers tasks for a general workshop.
- Automotive workshop — Add Lang Hose Pinch Off Self-Locking Pliers Set of 3 for fuel/brake/coolant line work. Hose pinch-off is auto-specific.
- Fabrication / welding workshop — Add Strong Hand U-Prong Locking Pliers, Strong Hand C-Jaw Locking Pliers, and Excision 333280 Xtreme Welding 280mm for tack-weld fit-up. Welding clamps are fab-specific.
- Sheet metal / HVAC workshop — Add Strong Hand Sheet Metal Locking Pliers and Trax ARX-808SG 33mm Sheet Metal Grips for ductwork and panel work.
- Electronics / precision — Add Wiha 180mm Basic Grip Pliers with Wire Cutter for electrical/wire work where precision matters more than grip force.
- Heavy industrial / mining — Step up to Stahlwille Self Grip Quick Release or Stahlwille Self Grip Quick Release with Wire Cutter for premium-tier daily-cycle work.
- Large diameter (pipe / drum / oversize) — Strong Hand 600mm Locking Chain Pliers or Trax ARX-318CW 460mm Chain Wrench for round work beyond standard jaw opening.
Selection Checklist
- What shape is the workpiece? Round/hex = curved jaw. Flat = straight jaw or sheet metal. Open weld zone = U-prong / C-jaw. Hose = pinch-off.
- What size? Match jaw opening to workpiece dia + 10-20% margin. 175mm = general, 250mm = workshop universal, 300mm = heavy.
- How tight? Access space drives length — needle nose for tight, standard for general, 250mm+ for leverage.
- How often used? Daily production = premium tier (Stahlwille, top Lockjaw). Occasional use = Trax workshop tier.
- Specific application? Welding fit-up = welding clamps. Hose pinch = Lang. Wire stripping = Wiha. Pipe = chain wrench.
- Set or singles? Starter = 3-piece Lockjaw set (curved/curved/needle). Specialist = individual purpose-built tools.
- Adjustment screw quality? Smooth thread = quality. Rough/grippy thread = cheap tier, won't hold setting.
- Heat-treated jaws? Premium tier specifies heat-treated alloy steel (Rockwell 50-55 HRC). Don't compromise on jaw hardness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a Vise-Grip and locking pliers?
None as a tool — Vise-Grip is a trademark (Irwin / Stanley Black & Decker, originally Petersen Manufacturing 1924) for locking pliers. Like Dynabolt is to sleeve anchors and Hoover is to vacuum cleaners, "Vise-Grip" has become the generic name for the category. AIMS doesn't sell Irwin Vise-Grip products; we sell equivalent locking pliers from Lockjaw (AU industrial), Stahlwille (German premium), Strong Hand (US fabrication specialty), Excision (AU industrial), Trax (AU workshop) and Wiha (German precision).
What's the difference between curved jaw and straight jaw locking pliers?
Curved jaw has concave teeth designed to wrap around rounded/hex workpieces — the workshop default for stuck bolts, hex nuts, pipe and shaft. Straight jaw has parallel flat teeth designed for flat workpieces — sheet metal, welding fit-up, edge gripping. Use curved for fastener removal; use straight for flat work and welding.
Should I buy Irwin Vise-Grip or one of the AIMS alternatives?
Current Irwin Vise-Grip (Chinese-production since the Newell-Rubbermaid era) is a step down from the original USA Petersen quality but still functional for occasional use. AIMS-stocked alternatives: Lockjaw is the AU industrial workhorse with chrome-molybdenum construction; Stahlwille is the German precision premium; Strong Hand is the fabrication welding specialist; Excision Xtreme GripLox is the AU heavy-trade range. For daily production work, the AIMS industrial tier outlasts current Irwin by 3-5x typical service life.
What size locking pliers should I buy first?
For a general workshop, the universal first purchase is a 200mm or 250mm curved jaw. Forum-validated practitioner consensus: most workshops own at least three sizes (175mm + 250mm + needle nose), and the Lockjaw L2930001 3-Piece Set covers exactly that in one purchase. Welding/fabrication adds a U-prong or C-jaw welding clamp; automotive adds a hose pinch-off set.
Why do my locking pliers slip on bolts?
Five possible causes: (1) wrong jaw shape — straight jaw on rounded hex doesn't grip; (2) jaw opening too wide for the workpiece — teeth not engaging properly; (3) soft cheap jaws have flattened from previous use; (4) adjustment screw worn — won't hold setting; (5) chrome or oily bolt surface — clean with brake cleaner or wrap with cloth. The fix is usually a curved jaw, properly sized to the workpiece + 10-20% margin, with quality heat-treated teeth.
Can I use locking pliers to remove a rounded bolt head?
Yes — this is the killer application for curved jaw locking pliers. A 175mm or 250mm curved jaw bites into the rounded corners of a hex head that a spanner can no longer grip. Use moderate force, don't impact-strike the pliers, and apply a turning force rather than levering. For severely rounded heads or extremely tight bolts, step up to a dedicated bolt extractor — see our bolt extractor guide.
What's the difference between welding clamp locking pliers and standard?
Welding clamps have open U-shape, C-shape or X-shape jaws that let the operator see the weld joint while clamping. Standard locking pliers have closed jaws optimised for gripping force, which obscures the work area. Use welding clamps for tack-weld fit-up (third-hand clamping during fabrication). Use standard locking pliers for general gripping, bolt removal, sheet metal handling.
Are sheet metal locking pliers different to standard?
Yes — wide flat jaws spread the gripping force across a larger contact area, and longer handles provide leverage for sheet folding and forming. Used for HVAC ductwork, panel beating, sheet metal seam work. Standard jaw locking pliers have narrower jaws that concentrate force at a small contact patch — poor on thin sheet metal but better on rounded fasteners.
What is a hose pinch-off pliers and why can't I use regular locking pliers?
Hose pinch-off pliers have specially shaped soft jaws designed to pinch a flexible hose (fuel line, brake hose, coolant line) closed without damaging the hose. The locking mechanism holds the pinch while you work on the disconnected end. Standard locking pliers have sharp serrated jaws that will cut, crush or damage the hose — not safe for automotive line work. AIMS stocks Lang Tools hose pinch-off self-locking pliers for this application.
What's a locking chain pliers used for?
Very large round objects — oil filters, hose flanges, drums, pipe over 50mm diameter — that exceed standard locking pliers jaw opening. The chain wraps around the workpiece and the locking mechanism tightens it, effectively a strap wrench with a locking cam. Used in automotive (oil filter removal) and industrial (large pipe assembly). AIMS stocks the Strong Hand 600mm Locking Chain Pliers and Trax ARX-318CW 460mm Locking Chain Wrench.
Can I strike locking pliers with a hammer to tighten them?
No. Locking pliers are over-centre cam tools — they're not designed for impact load. Striking with a hammer can shatter the jaw casting (especially on cheaper imports), bend the handle, or break the cam mechanism — all of which create serious injury risk. For high-torque or impact applications, use a breaker bar with a socket. Forum-validated practitioner consensus: cheater bars and hammers on locking pliers are the #1 cause of catastrophic tool failure.
Why is the adjustment screw thread quality so important?
The adjustment screw pre-sets jaw opening to match the workpiece. A smooth-thread screw on quality locking pliers holds the setting under vibration and use — set it once, the jaw opening stays. A rough-thread screw on cheap imports won't hold setting — you set the jaw opening, use the tool, set it again next time and it's loose. This is the single biggest signal of premium vs cheap locking pliers when you handle them at the trade counter.
Are Stahlwille locking pliers worth the extra cost?
For daily production use — yes. German precision construction, smooth quick-release mechanism, finer tooth profile that grips without marring chrome, holds setting through long service. For occasional workshop use — the AU industrial tier (Lockjaw, Excision) delivers most of the same performance at lower cost. The Stahlwille Self Grip Quick Release shines in production fitter / mechanic environments where the tool is used hundreds of times per day.
What is "Lockjaw" and how does it compare to Irwin Vise-Grip?
Lockjaw is an AU industrial locking pliers brand using chrome-molybdenum jaw construction. Comparable quality tier to Irwin Vise-Grip's pre-2002 USA production — better quality than the current Chinese-production Irwin product. Forum-validated AU practitioner sentiment: Lockjaw is the local industrial workhorse that AU trades default to when they can't source vintage USA Petersen. AIMS stocks the full Lockjaw range including L2120175 needle nose, L2100150 curved, L2110250 straight, and the L2920001 + L2920002 + L2930001 multi-piece sets.
Are locking pliers and a bench vice the same thing?
No — completely different tools. Bench vice (workbench-mounted vise) is a large stationary fixture bolted to a workbench, used to hold workpieces during machining, filing, welding or assembly. Locking pliers are handheld portable gripping tools with locking cam mechanism. The shared "vise/vice" nomenclature confuses customers but the tools have different applications, sizes and price tiers. See our bench vice guide for stationary workshop vice coverage.
For complete trade workshop fit-out context, see our companion guides: types of pliers (parent pliers hub), bench vice guide (workbench-mounted), bolt extractor guide (severely rounded bolts beyond locking pliers capacity), types of spanners (the related fastener-turning tool family), MIG welding guide, stick welding guide (welding clamp context).
Need help selecting locking pliers for a specific trade application? Browse the full locking pliers collection (30 products), call AIMS Industrial on (02) 9773 0122, or contact our trade team — we'll match the jaw type, size and quality tier to your workshop needs, and source specialty options (Knipex, Mole Tools, Snap-On) through our supplier network.
