Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
When we crafted our what tools are made in the USA article, we didn’t realize we would eventually get deluged with tools…tools made right here in the United States. Case in point—we got sent Malco Eagle Grip locking pliers and clamps to try out. Billed as the “strongest locking pliers ever made” we wanted to see just how well these USA-made products would perform.
Back in 1924 when Bill Petersen received a patent for locking pliers, what eventually became Irwin Vise Grips dominated the scene. Now, multiple manufacturers make similar products. A surprisingly small number of differentiating factors determines which brand you might prefer over another.
First off, both the Malco Eagle Grip locking pliers and clamps have an exceptional grip. They have that satisfying (and familiar) locking system we’ve all used for years. Unlike Irwin, Malco upped their game on the adjustment knob and where it ties into the tool (called the “power ring”). The additional surface area provided by the wider threads made it even easier to set the amount of clamping force perfectly.
Irwin uses a traditional adjustment knob, and the Milwaukee MaxBite Torque Lock Locking Pliers use an even thinner design that incorporates a screwdriver loop. The Eagle Grip locking pliers use a coated steel adjustment knob with a thicker diameter. It also includes hex key access for torquing it down when needed.
As we sought to challenge these tools to see how hard they could clamp, the design lent itself to an aggressive bite without any special torquing. We used this process to get a typical strong grip:
For an even stronger hold, you can twist the adjustment knob a bit further. This let us get a really solid grip on pipe, flat steel, and just about anything else we put these pliers on. You can even crank down on it once you have the tool attached. The “power ring” it threads through looks solid. It needs to be—if it breaks, the entire tool fails.
The polished steel handles really clean up easily, so this tool can handle any sort of environment. Mechanics and metalworkers will appreciate this the most.
USA-made steel goes into the jaws of these tools. We like that on principle and they do seem incredibly durable. That also goes for the swivel pads on the Eagle Grip locking clamps. They move easily, and the thickness lets you know they won’t end up as a failure point on the tool.
The included steel trigger provided straightforward releasing of the tool from a locked position. As always, inexperienced users can pinch themselves if not careful. We have seen some other takes on this release lever, but this one offers a very secure hold and release.
Malco Eagle Grip locking pliers range in price from ~$43 for the 7-inch to around $45 for the 10-inch. The Eagle Grip locking C-clamps Run less than $55 each.
When it comes to the Malco Eagle Grip locking pliers and clamps, strength is not the issue. These tools offer excellent built quality and strength. They just don’t innovate much on a design that has worked for decades. Quite possibly, that’s the right call. If you want familiar tools that work well, are made in the USA, and include a limited lifetime warranty, check out the Malco Eagle Grip locking pliers and clamps for yourself.
When he's not playing with the latest power tool, Clint DeBoer enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader—especially the Bible. He loves Jesus, has a degree in recording engineering, and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.
Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films & television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years.
Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint DeBoer dealt extensively with client management as well as film & video editing, color correction, and digital video & MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified.
After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades.
Crediting God and his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros