Need an extra set of hands for your next home renovation project? You need a vice grip! Also known as mole wrenches, mole grips, or locking pliers, vice grips have a locking feature allowing them to clamp tight and lock, helping you make a good cut, get current measurements, free a stripped bolt, and more.

Standard vice grips look like a heavy-duty set of pliers and come in various sizes, making them a valuable addition to anyone’s toolbox! Learn how to use vice grips and see tips about the tool in this video from Mr. Handyman®:

What Are Vice Grips Used For?

Vice grips were born out of frustration with the limited capabilities of traditional pliers, resulting in a highly versatile tool with countless applications. Below are a few examples of when to use a vice grip during your home renovation projects:

  • Holding: When you need to hold materials in place while soldering or gluing, vice grips are the perfect companion! Use a vice grip with a long and tapered jaw if you need to get into a small or cramped area.
  • Pulling nails or other fasteners: In this situation, think of your vice grip as a big staple remover, which can extract broken nails or staples with the proper force and pressure.
  • Clamping: From electrical work to welding, there will be times when you need to clamp two materials together. Vice grips are the perfect solution!
  • Removing rounded nuts and bolts: Have a stripped nut or bolt stuck somewhere it shouldn’t be? Use a vice grip to apply enough force to pull it out.
  • Replacing a broken door knob: In situations where manual turning is impossible, employing a vice grip simplifies removing broken pieces and replacing them with new ones.
  • Wire cutting: There can be risks involved when cutting wire, particularly smaller pieces. However, you can securely hold everything in place by utilizing vice grips, ensuring a precise and safe cut.

There are many more situations where a vice grip might come in handy, but these are just some of the most common.

Types of Vice Grips

The wide range of options available matches the versatility of vice grips. There are two primary types of vice grips: curved jaw and straight jaw. While some vice grips closely resemble pliers, others feature a larger, square-shaped clamp. With their diverse applications, vice grips come in many shapes and sizes, catering to different needs.

Your Local Handyman Experts

While there’s no denying that a vise grip is a versatile tool, it can’t do it all. Sometimes you just need another set of experienced hands to help around the house. When you do, your local Mr. Handyman is ready to help with repairs, installations, and maintenance which can help you get it all done quicker. And with our Neighborly Done Right Promise™, you can enjoy the ultimate peace of mind knowing your satisfaction is guaranteed. Call us today or request service online.