Locking pliers, mole grips (mole wrench) or vise-grips are pliers that can be locked into position, using an over-center action. One side of the handle includes a bolt that is used to adjust the spacing of the jaws, the other side of the handle (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 locking pliers are generically referred to as "Vise-Grips" by mechanics and do-it-yourself hobbyists and craftspeople.
Locking pliers are available in many different configurations, such as needle-nose locking pliers, locking wrenches, locking clamps and various shapes to fix metal parts for welding. They also come in many sizes.
Operation
The bolt is used to set the jaws to a size slightly smaller than what is to be gripped. The jaws are then closed on the gripped object.
Because of the lever action the jaws move only slightly but with much force. Locking pliers have four advantages:
- Their lever action is stronger than that of ordinary pliers, so they can apply much more force;
- Even though they can apply more force, they do so in a very controlled manner; this is because the jaws will never close beyond the set point;
- The closing point and with it the force that is applied on the gripped object can be finely controlled;
- When they are closed they remain closed on their own without the users intervention.
A typical usage would be to hold metal parts in place for welding. They are also used for holding a nut or bolt that has been 'rounded'; pulling out nails; holding pipes without squeezing them; or as temporary levers/knobs on equipment and machinery.
History
The first locking pliers, named Vise-Grips, were invented by William S. Peterson in De Witt, Nebraska in 1924. Mole grips were developed by Thomas Coughtrie (1917â€"2008) in 1955, then managing director of M. K. Mole and Son. Mole Grips were manufactured in Newport South Wales just off the M4 by the Brynglas Tunnels; travelling west, the Mole sign was visible immediately before entering the tunnel.
References
External links
- History of the Vise-Grip
- "New Tool Is Both Pliers And Wrench" Popular Science, December 1935, middle of page 42
- "Wrench With Vise Like Grip Keeps Work From Slipping" Popular Mechanics, September 1935 middle-left of pg. 326
