Is Vise Grips still in business?
In 2003, the company officially changed its name to Irwin Industrial Tool Company. In 2008, Irwin announced the closing of its DeWitt, Nebraska plant, ending 80 years of American production for Vise-Grips, citing a necessity to move production to China "to keep the Vise-Grip name competitive.".
What is a vise grip tool?
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original locking tools, with a classic trigger release, are designed to provide maximum locking force. IRWIN VISE-GRIP has been the go-to tool of professionals since 1924. Shop from locking pliers to wrenches, crimpers, cutters and more. Find A Retailer.
What is an Irwin Vise Grip?
IRWIN VISE-GRIP Original locking tools, with a classic trigger release, are designed to provide maximum locking force. IRWIN VISE-GRIP has been the go-to tool of professionals since 1924. Shop from locking pliers to wrenches, crimpers, cutters and more.
Who invented the Vise-Grip?
William Petersen was a Danish immigrant who invented the first locking pliers in his blacksmith shop, and began selling them from the trunk of his car to farmers and people in surrounding towns. He patented his new idea and called it Vise-Grip.
Does Irwin own Vise-Grip?
It is owned by Stanley Black & Decker. It is best known for producing Vise-Grip locking pliers....Irwin Industrial Tools.TypeSubsidiary of Stanley Black & DeckerFounderCharles IrwinHeadquartersHuntersville, NCKey peopleCharles Irwin, William PetersenProductsHand tools4 more rows
Who bought Vise-Grip?
Newell Rubbermaid, Inc.They are now known as Irwin Industrial Tools and are now a division of Newell Rubbermaid, Inc. In 2008, the original Vise-Grip manufacturing plant in Dewitt, Nebraska, closed when the parent company moved production to China. Over 330 people from Dewitt (population 600) and surrounding communities were out of work.
Who made the original Vise-Grip?
William PetersenWilliam Petersen was a Danish immigrant who invented the first locking pliers in his blacksmith shop, and began selling them from the trunk of his car to farmers and people in surrounding towns. He patented his new idea and called it Vise-Grip.
Is Vise-Grip a brand name?
In the United States, the brand name "Vise Grips" is close to a generic name for this type of pliers. The same is true in the United Kingdom of the brand name "Mole Wrench". The spelling "vise" is mentioned in Samuel Johnson's 1755 dictionary.
Did vice Grip go out of business?
Vice-grips the brand is no longer manufactured in America, production stopped in 2008 and was moved to China. Interestingly though, in 2018 a small tool company called Malco bought the original vice-grips factory in DeWitt, Nebraska, and has employed some of the original workers.
Is Irwin tools still in business?
Owners of the Irwin Industrial Tools plant in the Saline County town where Vise-Grip tools have been made for 87 years told employees Wednesday the plant will close at the end of October. That will end the jobs of 330 people.
Did DeWalt buy Irwin?
DeWalt Company History The DeWalt brand actually falls under the umbrella of Stanley Black & Decker. This parent company also owns Irwin Tools, Craftsman, Lenox, Porter-Cable, Proto, Bostitch, Vidmar, and several others. DeWalt was officially formed in 1923 by Raymond E. DeWalt (who invented the radial arm saw).
Is record owned by Irwin?
The re-branding of Record to Irwin comes four years after the company was acquired by the American Tool Company (ATC) and almost a year after ATC was subsequently acquired by Newell Rubbermaid, the US organisation that turns over $7 billion per year selling brands such as Parker pens, Pyrex cookware, Swish curtain ...
Are Irwin Tools Made in the USA?
Where are Irwin Tools Made? We manufacture here in the U.S. and throughout the world.
Are Irwin Vise-Grips Made in USA?
Made in USA The Original 11SP Vise Grip Locking Clamp with Swivel Pads, 2-Pack.
Where are Irwin vices made?
Irwin Vise-Grip Launches New Line of Premium-Styled Pliers That are Made in Taiwan.
Where are grip tools made?
the UKABOUT GRIP TOOLS All of our Grip Tools are designed, manufactured and tested by us in the UK. We take great pride in our selection of grip tools and honestly, we just have an absolute blast creating and using them.
Do vise grips have lifetime warranty?
Full lifetime warranty. Each Vise-Grip tool is warranted to be free from defects in, material and workmanship for the life of the tool, except for damage caused by abuse, misuse, or alteration.
What is a vise grip used for?
What Are Vice Grips Used For? Vice grips are used for just about anything you can think of. For house projects they can be used to temporarily hold a long straight edge on plywood so you can mark a line. They can also be used to remove stripped bolt heads if they are not too tight.
Where are vice grips made?
Interestingly though, in 2018 a small tool company called Malco bought the original vice-grips factory in DeWitt, Nebraska and has employed some of the original workers. They plan to manufacture a line of vice grips called Eagle Grip ...
Who invented the vice grip?
William Petersen was granted a basic patent on the vice-grips in 1924, and he sold his invention from the trunk of his car in neighboring towns and farms. The first evolution of the grips had the adjusting screw, but it took several more before the grips became a locking grips.
When did the C grips come out?
In 1948, larger jawed grips and in 1951 the locking C grips hit the stores. The final evolution came in 57 when the whole range got the quick release trigger we're familiar with today and the curved jaw vice-grips made its debut.
Why were vice grips used in trucks?
The Vice-grips was a staple tool in every truck and on every farm and eventually in every home. Tools were sent to the UK to help with aircraft manufacturing and ship building during the war years. By 1941 Peterson's Vice-grips patent had run out, but they got busy improving their product and expanded the range.
Who owns Irwin tools?
Irwin Tools are owned by the Stanley Black & Decker Inc.
When did Petersen change its name to American Tool Companies?
In 1993 the company's histories would converge. Petersen Manufacturing, which changed its name to American Tool Companies in 1985, acquired the IRWIN Tool Company. This strategy of growth through acquisition and innovation has been proven with an unparalleled history of breakthrough products.
Who invented the auger bit?
He sold the rights to this invention to Mr. IRWIN and a year later, after patenting the Auger bit, Charles IRWIN, along with four other business partners formed the IRWIN Auger Bit Co.
Where did Charles Irwin own a pharmacy?
In 1884 Charles IRWIN owned a pharmacy in Martinsville, Ohio.
When did Irwin Tool Company change its name?
In 1993, American acquired the Irwin Tool Company, and in 2002, Newell Rubbermaid acquired American. In 2003, the company officially changed its name to Irwin Industrial Tool Company.
Who invented the auger bit?
History. Irwin was founded in 1885 in Martinsville, Ohio as the Irwin Auger Bit Company by Charles Irwin, a pharmacist. Irwin had bought the rights to a solid-center auger bit from a local blacksmith. In 1924, another blacksmith, Danish immigrant William Petersen of DeWitt, Nebraska, invented the first locking pliers and named them Vise-Grips.
Where is Irwin's customer service office?
In 2010, Irwin closed the customer service office in Wilmington, OH and moved the customer service department to Huntersville, NC .
Where were Mole wrenches made?
K. Mole and Son. The wrenches were manufactured in Newport, Wales, just off the M4, near to the Brynglas Tunnels; travelling west on the motorway, the Mole sign was visible immediately before entering the tunnels.
When were locking pliers invented?
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.
What is the purpose of a lever on a locking plier?
One side of the handle of locking pliers includes a bolt that is used to adjust the spacing of the jaws, while the other side (especially in larger models) often includes a lever to push the two sides of the handles apart to unlock the pliers. "Mole" and "Vise-Grip" are trade names of different brands of locking pliers, yet mechanics and do-it-yourself hobbyists and craftspeople generically refer to locking pliers as "Vise-Grips" in the US, and "Mole grips" in the UK. In Ireland the tool is known as a "vice grip".
Do pliers need to be pulled open?
The inherent flexibility of the pliers maintains a spring pressure on the jaws such that the handle needs to be pulled open to release the clamping pressure. Thus the pliers will safely remain clamped on the object without requiring continuous pressure on the handle levers.
Ajkeiser2000 New OPE Member
I have a bunch of old US made Irwin vice grips that work great. I handled a new Chinese made pair on a job and it was junk. After checking online, it looks like no one makes them in the US anymore (I guess Klein did briefly).
Rob Stafari Pinnacle OPE Member
I am fortunate I inherited some nice old ones. Following along to see what might be out there should I need another set some day and don't find some gems at a garage sale in the meantime...
CR888 Here For The Long Haul!
GripOn are popular new ones. But I like the old Peterson vice grips. Many think the Milwaukee ones are 'ok' for they money. There is a lot of cheap junk out there though.
Al Smith Here For The Long Haul!
As far as I know they still make the real "McCoy " --Vise Grip ---Often referred to as a hill billy socket set .
Al Smith Here For The Long Haul!
I just found out Irwin acquired vise grip .Some times it's hard to tell the players without a score card .I got a shocker maybe 25 years ago .I bought a Klein hawk bill skinning knife that said "Klein Tools Chicago " on one side and made in Japan on the other side .That one sat a long time in one of my tool boxes .To say I was pizzed would be an under statement ..
countryhog BTDT
Yall looking for quality hand tools should check out the flea markets. Thats where all mine come from
ray benson Pinnacle OPE Member
The old Petersen Dewitt vise grips were the best. Malco reopened a vise grip plant in Dewitt, Nebraska - but haven't seen them on the shelves.
