You should own a set of pipe clamps.  Sure, they’re not usually the first clamps you reach for — especially if you’ve got a few of the new trigger clamps around the shop.  But when you finally end up needing to clamp something really big together, you’ll wish you had pipe clamps.

And kudos to Irwin for their clutch system that lets you use these clamps with whatever 1/2″ or 3/4″ pipe you happen to have lying around — no threading required!

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Last month we tested Irwin’s GrooveLock pliers and loved them; They kick the crap out of standard tongue-in-grove pliers in ease of use, adjustability, and comfort.  Back then Irwin only offered 8″, 10″ and 12″ versions.  Now they’ve expanded the line to include 16″ and 20″ pliers.

For those of you not familiar with GrooveLocks (and too lazy to click on the above link to read our in-depth hands-on), think of them as tongue-in-groove pliers on speed.

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We’ve heard good things about Irwin’s new Fast Release locking pliers – sold under the Vise-Grip name, of course – but this week we got to spend some time with a set in person. 

In short: they’re a neat innovation for a tool that’s been around for scores of years and has found a place in toolboxes everywhere.

Unboxing

First off, we should mention that besides the new Fast Release mechanism, these are essentially the Vise-Grips you’ve come to love.  They’re made of a high-grade heat-treated alloy steel and feature Irwin’s no-slip ProTouch grips. 

We’re big fans of the ProTouch grips, by the way.  We’ve tested a couple of other Irwin tools with them, and each time we’re surprised at how comfortable they are and at how well they clean up.

Of course, What sets these Vise-Grips apart is the Fast Release mechanism, which eliminates the trigger-style release assembly used on most other locking pliers.  To release the Fast Release pliers, you simply pull outward on the grip.

The particular model we checked out was the long-nose version, though almost all of the Vise-Grip line is now available in Fast Release versions – including their locking clamps.

In Use

Latching the Fast Release Vise-Grips is just as easy as older versions.  As you squeeze the handles you can feel the “over-center” bump that indicates the pliers are locked.  It requires a bit of pulling force to release them, but not as much as you’d think.

The major advantage to the Fast Release system comes when you’re locking and unlocking the pliers in a tight environment – especially when you’re dealing with an obstruction near the handles since you don’t have to worry about how to fish your finger down in there to release them.   It’s less significant, but still important, that they can’t pinch your fingers as the trigger-style pliers sometimes can.

Summary

These are slick pliers.  If you use your locking pliers in tight spaces, or you’ve had some bad experiences with pinching, the Fast Release Vise-Grips are probably just the ticket for you.  We found the set we checked out especially handy when trying to hold a small part in place in an engine compartment where releasing a trigger-style set would be difficult at best.

We found Fast Release Vise-Grips online starting at around $22 for a set of two, but don’t take our word for it with pricing – go check it out yourself.  Irwin offers an incredible number of different packages ranging from single tools to 15-piece sets in all sorts of styles.  It’s hard to nail down a specific price with all those options.

Vise-Grip Long Nose Fast Release Locking Pliers [Irwin]
Street Pricing [Froogle]

Everyone has need of a utility blade at home or at the office for one use or another.  Irwin’s new ProTouch Retractable Blade Knife is aimed at that kind of total all-purpose utility. Coupled with 6 of Irwin’s “Unbreakable” Bi-Metal blade system, the ProTouch makes for a handy addition to the toolbox.

Other than the beefy appearance and rubber grip — the one that gives it the ProTouch name — the ProTouch looks a lot like any other of its competitors.  However, like many other things in life, it’s the inside that counts. The ProTouch puts a new twist on the half-split blade change design by adding a spring loaded hinge and pushbutton lock. The knife splits in half, hinging at the rear.  A spring located on the inner right portion of the case pushes the case open at the release of the button lock on the side of the knife.

Upon opening, the kinfe reveals a storage area and access to the inner workings. You can, however, load the knife through the front opening as well.  The blade is neatly secured into the magnetic slot which holds it firmly with two clips that prevent sliding.  To close the knife, press the halves back together and push the button lock back into place.

Like many other utility knives the ProTouch has a blade storage area in the rear portion of the handle.  The blades are held in place by a metal clip and a small stop on both ends to prevent the spare blades from wandering into places they’re not supposed to go, which we find a great deal more desirable than the old school “throw them in and hope for the best” approach.

  

In use, we found that the angle of the blade applies more cutting force where it’s needed and makes for a very clean quick cut, even through thick material.  It seems as if it’s just easier to cut with this particular knife.  The locking mutli-position slider on the top of the blade is easy to use and feels firm.  When gripping the blade, even in a gloved hand, the knife feels comfortable and easy to control.

We enjoyed the ProTouch, and found that it delivers a good solid feel and a few welcome surprises under the hood.  We’re still putting the Blue Blades to the test and intend to report back to you soon with our experiences.  We can tell you in the short run that they cut at least as well as other blades we’ve used, and we’ll know more about durability as time marches on.

Considering that you receive quite a number of blades with the knife as well, the $11 asking price is well worth the investment.  We’re happy to add one to our ‘kit.

Pricing on the street is often as low as $9 according to our research.

The ProTouch Retractable Knife [Irwin]
Street Pricing [Froogle]

We’ve had a three-pack of Irwin’s Unibit step drills sitting around the shop for a few days, and today we got the chance to put them to use — in this case creating a 3/4″ hole in a steel bracket we were fabricating.

If you’re not already familiar with step drills, they’re quite simple:  They’re essentially of a cylindrical pyramid shape and alow you drill a number of different sized holes with a single bit.  As the drill cuts through the material it “steps” to each new step of the pyramid, enlarging the hole that much more.  When you’ve reached the desired size, you just stop at that step and you’re done.

The kit we have includes three bits: one which handles hole sizes from 1/8″ through 1/2″, one that handles 1/4″ through 3/4″ and one that handles 3/16″ through 1/2″.  Each one features quite a few steps, so carrying around this one three-piece set is almost like carrying around a huge set of 19 different drills.

The Unibits feature Irwin’s SpeedPoint tip which is a two-flute drill on the bit’s tip which quickly cuts material to create the initial hole — Irwin claims up to 6X faster than their original Unibit step drills.  The steps themselves cut with a single flute — a large notch cut into the “pyramid” all the way down the bit.  Fewer flutes, by the way, makes for a more aggressive drill, and a single flute drill is the most aggressive of all.

In our use, we were very happy with the Unibits.  They cut quickly and leave a surprisingly clean hole considering the aggressiveness of their design.  Of course sometimes a more aggressive bit can actually lead to a cleaner hole as users are less likely to “bear down” hard on the bit creating a punch-through and, hence, a distortion of the drilled hole.  The Unibits cut so easily that they required little pressure to generate satisfactory progress through the material.

Though the sizes are clearly marked and it’s easy to select and drill a particular size of hole, it’s also handy using the Unibits in fabrication situations where you’re not sure exactly how large a hole you need.  For example, we were creating a hanging bracket and wanted enough room for a particular fastener to fit, and it was very easy to just run the Unibit through until we reached a size that looked like it’d fit.

Irwin recommends the Unibit for drilling materials up to 1/8″ thick.  (Larger materials won’t fit over the steps.)  One of our brackets was 1/8″ thick and we had no problems at all.

Irwin carries quite a line of Unibits ranging widely in size.  Some are self-starting (with the SpeedPoint tip) and some (especially the larger ones) are used just to expand holes.  Most are high-speed steel, and some feature titanium coatings.

Unibits are available at most hardware and home improvement stores and start at around $12.

Unibit Step Drills [Irwin]
Street Pricing [Froogle]

We’ve got a massive drawer full of pliers in the Toolmonger shop, including a good many tongue-in-groove pliers.  They’re particularly handy because they’re adjustable to fit even large items and the long handles let you get a good purchase on what you’re gripping.  (Ironically, it seems that in many cases a firmer grip, while still biting into the object more than a softer hold, actually does less damage because you’re less likely to slip/rotate and machine in gouges.)

When we tried out Irwin’s new Vise-Grip-branded GrooveLock pliers, we thought just what you’re probably thinking: Decent quality pliers are decent quality pliers, right?  We were thoroughly (and happily) surprised.  While the GrooveLocks fill the same role as a set of standard tongue-in-groove pliers, they function quite differently, and are significantly easier to use.  Read on to find out what’s so different about them and why you’ll want to own a set (or three).

Unboxing

The GrooveLocks come in a partial package so you can feel the nice molded rubber grips when you’re shelf-shopping.  They’re the same thermal plastic rubber (TPR) ProTouch grips shared with a number of other hand tools in the Vise-Grip lineup, and they make the tool very comfortable to hold in your hand.  The grips are larger than they seem in photos, and their molded shape is designed to encourage you to hold them in a way that keeps your fingers out from between the handles (where they can get pinched).

The majority of the tool is forged from chrome nickel steel and incorporates a black oxide finish.

The GrooveLocks’ most noticeable feature, though, is the ratcheting adjustment system.  Unlike standard tongue-in-groove pliers where you adjust them by moving the handles out and slipping the tongue in the groove, the GrooveLocks’ adjust with a button release.  To adjust the jaws, you simply push the button and slide them to the desired position.  They slide freely as long as the button is depressed, and lock into the closest groove when released.

It’s worth noting that the GrooveLocks grooves are much smaller than those you’re used to as they’ve been relieved of the additional machining required for a slip-adjustment mechanism.  In fact, the 12″ version we tested had 19 grooves — about twice as many as other similar pliers.  This means you can adjust the GrooveLocks much more accurately.

Irwin also touts their “metal injection molding” (MIM) metal forming process which is used to create the GrooveLocks’ internal mechanism.  They claim MIM gives them the ability to mold small and complex-shaped metal parts with improced surface finish, close porosity, and high final density.  What this means to you is that the GrooveLocks’ mechanism is quite strong and should last for quite a while.

GrooveLocks feature an “all-purpose” jaw that’s shaped to grip flat, square, and hex shapes more accurately than a simple curved-with-teeth design.

Read on to see how the GrooveLocks performed for us in everyday use.

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If you don’t have a variety of clamps around your shop, you’re missing out.  Sure, they’re useful for holding wood together while glue dries, but that’s just the start.  They’re useful in just about any situation where you could use an extra hand.  We’ve even used them to hold a book open on the workbench.  Really.

Irwin’s Handi-Clamps are one of our favorites for these “special” tasks because they’re so easy to use — simply ratchet them down and pull the trigger to release ‘em when you’re done.  We can’t give you numbers, but we can tell you that their clamping force is pretty substantial.  Best yet, you don’t really have to break your hand to get them to clamp down firmly.

The Handi-Clamps come in 1-1/2″, 2″, and 4″ sizes with corresponding throat depths of 1-1/2″, 2″, and 3″.  We have about half a dozen in the clamp drawer here.

Street pricing starts around $4 each, and you can sometimes find them in sets for an even better value.  (Believe us when we say you’ll want a few of ‘em.)

Quick-Grip Handi-Clamp [Irwin]
Street Pricing [Froogle]

The last time we installed a new door lock, we had a hell of a time getting everything lined up.  A pro we were talking to last week turned us on to the easy way to do the job: a door lock installation kit like this one available from Irwin.

These kits are essentially a jig that clamps right to the door and properly positions two hole saws — one for the lock and the other for the mechanism.  Irwin also includes a slick bolt-plate template, so all you have to do is align it with the mechanism hole on the side of the door and run the included custom router bit through the slots to create a recess for the bolt plate. 

Separate kits are available for wood doors and metal doors, though Irwin now offers a kit with bi-metal blades that’ll work with either type.  Street pricing starts around $21 for the bi-metal kit, which means you can afford to pick one up even for a single door installation.  And when you’re done, you can become everyone’s best friend by loaning it out.

Metal & Wood Door Lock Installation Kit [Irwin]
Street Pricing [Irwin]

Anyone who’s spent a little time in a fab shop knows the value of a step drill.  With one of these handy bits you can quickly enlarge a hole to a known size without multiple trips to the bit set to get different drills.

What makes these particularly handy is the fact that they have a small fluted drill bit at the top so they drill the pilot hole for you.  Essentially, each one of these bits gives you the ability to drill from 2 to 13 different size holes with a single bit.

Like most step bits, these work best with thin material.  Irwin suggests that you’ll get the best results with stainless steel, brass, or aluminum sheet metal, or with plastic and laminates.  They’re made of high-speed steel and can be had with a titanium coating for a little more money.  Other features include a single-flute cutting edge (for greater control through steps) and a three-flatted shank (to prevent slipping in your drill’s chuck).

An interesting note: According to Wikipeda, the step bit was invented by Harry C. Oakes of Wyoming, VA in 1971 but was introduced to the market in the 1980s by the Unibit Corporation, which is now a part of — you guessed it — Irwin Industrial Tools.  So it looks like Irwin’s has some serious legacy when it comes to step bits.

Fractional and metric sizes are available starting at around $18.

Self-Starting Step Drills [Irwin]

A utillity knife finds its way into quite a few of our projects, and quite a few utility knife blades have found their way into fingers and hands when the blade breaks.  That is, until a friend of ours (who, because of his last job, used to use utility knives way more than is healthy) turned us on to bi-metal blades, like these released by Irwin a few years ago.

Bi-metal refers to the manufacture of the blades from a unique material combining the best of two metals electro-welded together: a high speed steel cutting edge electron beam welded to a flexible alloy body. What this means in layman’s terms is that the blades bend, not break, when too much force is applied.

Irwin goes a bit further, claiming that their Blue Blades are “virtually unbreakable” (with the note beside them “under normal use”).  After a bit field testing, we have this to say: while we had no real trouble breaking them, it was more difficult than other blades we’ve tried.

The Blue Blade system also tended not to splinter or shatter upon breakage.  So, if you’re a splinter magnet – like we are – it’s worth the extra dollar or two for these blades.

Bi-Metal Blue Blade [Irwin]

Here’s a great idea we came across when doing some plumbing work this weekend and thought we’d share: cast aluminum pipe wrenches.  They’re 40% lighter than the cast iron wrenches you’ve used forever, which is great when you’re weilding one above your head.

The one we saw was the Vise-Grip (read: Irwin) model, which comes in 10″ to 48″ sizes and starts around $30.  However, numerous companies make them.  That’s about twice as expensive as an old iron model, but then again we’re only talking about $15 or so (in common sizes).  It’s worth a look.

Vise-Grip Cast Aluminum Pipe Wrenches [Irwin]
Aluminum Pipe Wrenches [Froogle]

We mentioned this tool briefly in an earlier post about a sweepstakes Irwin’s currently running, but we thought it was worth a mention of its own.  By bolting this item to your old (but reliable) miter saw, you can easily add the laser guiding capability available on most newer saws.

The laser guide ships with extra long bolts to ease installation, and it automatically turns on and off with the saw’s blade rotation.  Batteries are included.

It’s available at Lowe’s, Home Depot, and other brick-and-mortar hardware shops for $30, or you still have time to sign up for the sweepstakes where they’re giving away one a day until May 26th.

Miter Saw Laser Guide [Irwin USA]
Sweepstakes Entry Form [Irwin USA]

Irwin claims their new Blue-Groove point and cutting edge promotes faster chip removal: 4x faster than standard spade bits.  Other features include:

• double cutting spurs to scribe the outside of the hole, reducing breakout
• a 10% larger shank for added durability
• grooved hex shank to prevent slipping in drill chuck or bit extension

Irwin says it’ll fit all standard quick change chucks, and they come in short, standard, and extra-long lengths.

Irwin’s SPEEDBOR Spade Bit Product Line [Irwin]

Irwin Industrial tools released a one-handed clamp/spreader. Here’s the feature list from their website;

• Patented POWER LOCKS™ hold more pressure, longer. Provides 550 lbs of one-handed force (900 lbs of two-handed force)
• I-Beam bar resists twisting and bowing allowing maximum force to be applied
• QUICK-RELEASE™ trigger for non-explosive pressure release
• QUICK-CHANGE™ jaw converts quickly into a spreader
• 3 foot throat depth accommodates larger workpieces
• Non-marring pads grip securely and protect workpiece finish

The Irwin XP Quick Grip clamp line ranges in sizes from 3 inches to 3 feet. The 3-foot model seems quite useful for any small to medium-sized carpentry job. We found these products all over the web with the best deals (as of this moment) found at pricegrabber.

Irwin XP Quickgrip Line [Irwin Industrial tools]
Irwin XP QuickGrip prices [Pricegrabber page]

Irwin (manufacturer of numerous tools, including the well-known Vise-Grip™ line) is giving away a Miter Saw Laser Guide each day between now and May 26, 2006.  They’re also giving away a pair of Quick Grip XP 24″ Clamps every day until June 2, 2006.

You give them your information, they (maybe) give you a tool.

The Laser Guide seems pretty slick.  You replace the washer on your old-non-laser-equipped miter saw with it and you’re all caught up on 21st century miter saw tech.

Entry Form [Irwin USA]
Entry Form (Clamps) [Irwin USA]
Miter Saw Laser Guide Product Page [Irwin USA]
Quick Grip XP Product Page [Irwin USA]