Locking Pliers

Locking pliers from Irwin, Crescent and Milwaukee in 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 in., in straight jaw, curved jaw and long nose, plus two-piece sets. Straight jaw grips flat stock and square edges; curved jaw bites round stock and rounded-off fasteners, which is what most people actually buy them for. Long nose reaches into a recess a standard jaw will not enter. Fast-release models open with a lever instead of prying the handles apart, which matters when the pliers are clamped onto something hot or awkward.