Vice Grips vs. Leatherman Crunch

[symphonyincminor]

I'm in need of a new pair of Vice Grip pliers [mine seem to have walked away ]. Prefer USA made. Are their any brands out there that compare to the Leatherman Crunch? The other tools in the Leatherman seem to be lacking compared to other Leatherman products, but I realize this is because of design constraints.

I'm more interested in the actual pliers. From the YouTube reviews I've watched, the Leatherman looks top-notch and bulletproof.

Anything else out there? Comments about your own Crunch or pair of Vice Grips?

 

[Getahl]

Maybe a pair of Vice Grips (the actual brand. Or Stanley, they're just as good), and a Leatherman of some sort. Perhaps a Core, or the yet to be released Super Tool 300.

 

[Disaster Monkey]

I bought a couple of Leatherman Crunch tools lately. I like the design so much, when I found a reasonable price, I got two. I agree that the additional tools on the Crunch are a little limited, but I really like the locking plier function. I've put it to good use already in some unusual functions only locking pliers could perform.

My plan is to buy another Leatherman tool, perhaps a Wave, or maybe use the Charge I already have, and have a sheath / holster custom made to hold them both. I think a carefully considered pairing like that could give you a great deal of functionality.

The Crunch is an excellent tool. I don't think the plier functionality of it would let you down for any uses suited to its size.

 

[Bill_H]

I'm in need of a new pair of Vice Grip pliers [mine seem to have walked away ]. Prefer USA made.

I'm speaking of the original tool here, NOT a multitool, so just FYI: Irwin, manufacturer of Vise-Grip brand locking pliers, has moved production to China. If you want to replace your lost ones, check local hardware stores and look at the back of the shelf for the USA made ones, they're not going to be available much longer, if you can even find them now. Link

 

[supratentorial]

It's sad to see the Dewitt Nebraska factory closing.

Before the Schrade factory closed, they collaborated with Vise Grip and produced multi-tools built on Vise Grip pliers. The tools occupy one handle of the pliers and there's no quick release. They're no longer made but there's ususally a few on eBay. There were several variations. Of the bunch I like the "Vise Grip Toolbox" the best--it was built on the 5WR.

 

[akula83]

I am not sure I follow what you are asking but Channel Lock tools (pliers) are still made in Meadville PA, I believe.

 

[SOLEIL]

I have a Crunch but do not carry it any more. When I would really have to torque and twist it was not stable and would come apart. Not break, but become unhinged. If you own one you know what I mean by that. I carry a Kershaw A100 that has a needle nose vise grip and it has held up very well for over 10 years. Unfortunately they are discontinued. You can still find them and Kershaw still has replacement parts for them. This is the only multi-tool I carry that is not a Leatherman. I have used or bought many different brands but always go back to the LM. Currently carry a Ti-Charge also.