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The headline says a helpful feature took 100 years to reach vice grips, but the sources we could check do not identify that feature, name the company that added it, or confirm the timeline. What we can establish is what vice grips are, where the name and the basic design come from, and how to check any “new feature” claim for locking pliers before you accept it.
What “vice grips” actually refers to
“Vice grips” is a common name for locking pliers. These are pliers with a toggle mechanism that clamps the jaws shut on a workpiece and holds them there without hand pressure. Vise-Grip is the best-known brand name, and the word is often used for any locking plier, much as “Kleenex” is used for facial tissue. Because of that, a headline about “vice grips” can refer to the tool category in general or to one specific brand’s product line. The article below treats it as the category.
Where the history is solid and where it is not
A secondary retailer-authored guide from Torqpoint Tools, published 23 April 2026, credits William S. Petersen with inventing locking pliers and gives 1924 as the year. That is a useful starting point, but it is a secondary account. We did not find a manufacturer or archival primary source that confirms the date, so treat 1924 as the commonly cited date rather than a verified one. The Torqpoint Tools locking-pliers guide is also a general overview of tool styles, not a record of product changes.
The “100 years” framing has a visible source. A forum thread titled “Happy 100th birthday vice grips” links to IRWIN’s “100 Years of Vise Grip” page, which suggests the centenary was marked by the brand. The forum thread is community discussion, not an official announcement, and it does not say what changed in the product. The centenary page is the place to look for the brand’s own account of its history.
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- 【PROFESSIONAL-GRADE CR-V CONSTRUCTION】Drop-forged chrome vanadium steel delivers superior strength and long-lasting durability to withstand tough jobs in the garage, workshop, or jobsite.
- 【MAXIMUM HOLDING POWER】Precision-adjustable locking mechanism creates a strong, reliable grip that won't slip under pressure, making stubborn fasteners and materials easier to handle.
- 【MULTI-PURPOSE JAWS WITH WIRE CUTTER】Curved jaws grip round, square, and flat materials securely, while the integrated wire cutter provides added functionality for electrical and repair tasks.
- 【5 ESSENTIAL LOCKING PLIERS INCLUDED】Complete set features three curved jaw locking pliers (5", 7", 10") and two long nose locking pliers (6-1/2", 9") for reaching tight spaces and handling a wide range of applications.
- 【BUILT FOR WORKSHOP & JOBSITE】Designed for welding, automotive repair, plumbing, fabrication, maintenance, and everyday DIY projects. A dependable tool set for professionals and homeowners alike.
The main styles of locking pliers
Headlines about new features often assume a single tool, but locking pliers come in several shapes, and a feature that suits one style may not apply to another. The Torqpoint guide groups them into curved-jaw, long-nose, and C-clamp styles. The table below summarises the general purpose of each.
| Style | Jaw shape | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Curved-jaw locking pliers | Curved jaws that grip round or irregular stock | Holding pipe, rod, bolt heads, and round objects |
| Long-nose locking pliers | Narrow, pointed jaws on an extended reach | Working in tight spaces and holding small parts |
| C-clamp locking pliers | A clamp body with a screw-style pad | Clamping flat panels, welding fixtures, and assemblies |
Curved-jaw designs are the most widely listed style in shops and online catalogues, which is one reason a feature claim is most likely to appear in their listings first. Even so, the presence of a curved-jaw listing does not show that it carries any particular feature.
Rank #2
- Ultimate Durability & Toughness: This locking pliers is made from high-grade chrome vanadium steel. The steel is heat-treated to offer the toughness that you need and remain new at service for a prolonged period regardless of the conditions of use
- Adjustable Screw Design: The adjustable screw is perfect for different vise jaw openings, providing the ideal clamping pressure for all different tasks and making your grip work easier
- Perfect Trigger Design: It can provide maximum locking force.Easy to operate, allowing you to freely open the locking pliers with only one hand
- Comfortable Anti-slip Handle: The argyle pattern handle design is not only anti-slip, but also comfortable, and easier to grip and turn
- Package includes: 7-inch curved jaw locking plier, ideal for tightening, clamping, twisting, and turning flat objects such as sheet metal
How to check a “new feature” claim for locking pliers
- Find the original announcement. Look for a press release or product page from the manufacturer, not a re-post. If the claim appears only in a video title, a forum post, or a retailer’s marketing copy, treat it as unconfirmed.
- Identify the exact feature in the spec sheet. A real feature should be named in the manufacturer’s product specifications, such as jaw style, jaw capacity, lock adjustment, release mechanism, or material. Vague phrases like “smarter grip” are not enough.
- Check the date. Compare the announcement date with the product’s first catalogue listing. A feature that is described as new should have a traceable first appearance.
- Search for patent records. If a feature is genuinely novel, it may be described in a patent. Search the USPTO patent database for the feature’s wording and the manufacturer’s name. A patent shows what was claimed, not whether the product shipped with it.
- Compare with the plain version. Find the same model without the feature, if one exists, and compare the jaw, lock, and release details side by side.
What to look at when buying locking pliers
Whatever the feature turns out to be, the basic checks for any locking plier are the same:
- Jaw capacity: the maximum opening the jaws reach, which determines the stock size the pliers can hold.
- Lock adjustment: most toggle-lock models use an adjustment screw at the end of the handle to set the clamping force and the jaw opening.
- Release lever: check that the release lever is easy to reach with your hand position, since a stuck lock is a common complaint.
- Jaw style: match curved, long-nose, or C-clamp jaws to the job rather than choosing by appearance.
- Manufacturer specification: use the official spec sheet as the reference, not a retailer’s summary.
If a listing or video claims a feature that none of these checks can confirm, the claim should be treated as a marketing statement until the manufacturer documents it.
Rank #3
- Heat-Treated Carbon Steel: Evertools 6-piece vice grips pliers set is built from high-quality carbon steel with heat-treated jaws, providing wear resistance and maintaining strength over time. Perfect for tough materials without bending or deforming
- Adjustable Clamping Screw for Precise Control: Customize the jaw opening and clamping force to suit different sizes and materials. The adjustable screw ensures locking pliers set holds firmly every time, giving you consistent, reliable results
- Quick Release Lever for Smooth One-Handed Use: The built-in quick release lever allows you to open needle nose vise grips, jaw locking pliers and c clamp easily with just one hand. This feature makes repetitive clamping tasks faster and more efficient, saving time and effort while keeping your workflow smooth and controlled
- Ergonomic TPR Handles for Comfort and Grip: Soft, anti-slip handles provide a firm grip and reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Work confidently with Evertools vise grips & locking pliers set for long periods without discomfort
- Versatile Set for Multiple Tasks: This 6-piece set is designed for a wide range of tasks, including welding, metal bending, woodworking, and general clamping or gripping jobs. This vice grips pliers set provides flexibility to handle different materials and projects, making it a practical addition to any toolbox
Where this leaves the headline
The clearest established fact is that vice grips are locking pliers, and that locking pliers are a long-standing hand-tool category with several distinct styles. The 1924 invention date and the IRWIN centenary are reported in secondary or community sources. The feature the headline describes is not identified in the sources available for this article. If you find the original video or manufacturer announcement, the checklist above will tell you whether the claim holds up.
(Note: no purchase recommendation is made here, because no product carrying the headline’s feature could be verified.)
Rank #4
- Ideal for tightening, clamping, twisting, and turning
- Constructed of high-grade heat-treated alloy steel for durability
- Classic trigger release designed to provide maximum locking force
- Hardened teeth are designed to grip from any angle
- Set includes 7" curved jaw locking pliers with wire cutter and 6" long nose locking pliers with wire cutter
What is known: the basic tool category, its name, and a secondary account of its origin. What is unknown: which feature is meant, who introduced it, and when.
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See also: the forum thread linking to IRWIN’s centenary page for the community context around the 100-year framing.
Best Value
- HIGH LOCKING FORCE PLIERS: Expertly designed for a secure hold with maximum locking force
- ALL-DAY COMFORT: Molded grips on pliers for long-lasting comfort during extended use
- PINCH-FREE DESIGN: Lever-less quick release handles ensure pinch free operation
- EFFORTLESS ADJUSTMENT: Modify sizes with an intuitive thumb knob for quick and easy changes
- RUST PREVENTATIVE COATING: Provides optimal protection against corrosion
Readers who find the source video or announcement can use the steps above to test it.
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