Strong Hand Tools - STRONG - PG114V Strong hand Tools PG114V Pipe Pliers with Large V-Pads, 11-Inch

Why these pipe pliers earned a spot in my welding cart

In my fab shop, I reach for a dedicated pipe clamp more often than I expected, especially on exhaust builds and handrail sections where a round profile wants to roll just as I’m lining up tack welds. The PG114V pipe pliers from Strong Hand have become the fast, repeatable solution for that problem. They’re essentially 11-inch locking pliers with broad V-pads and an adjustable top spindle that centers and secures round stock in seconds. Within their size range, they hold confidently, release cleanly, and speed up fit-up in a way a standard C-clamp rarely does.

Design and build quality

• OAL: 11 inches
• Max clamping capacity: 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches (38–64 mm)
• Throat depth: 3-1/2 inches (89 mm)
• Spindle thread: M10
• Finish: Chrome

The design is straightforward: a locking plier body with a fixed V-pad on one side and an adjustable top spindle that seats into the opposing V-pad. That top screw isn’t just an “adjustment”; it’s what makes the tool truly useful for pipes. As you close the handles, the spindle lands the workpiece into the V, self-centering and preventing the kind of skating you get with flat pads.

The chrome finish is practical. It shrugs off shop grime, resists rust, and cleans up easily after a day of sparks and spatter. After a few weeks of tack welding and exhaust mockups, mine shows the usual scuffs but no corrosion, and the pivot feels as solid as new. The release lever operates predictably without needing two hands or a fight, which matters when you’re holding an awkward piece in the other hand.

If there’s a nitpick, it’s the aesthetic and feel of the handles—this isn’t a boutique tool with mirror-polished grips. The finish is workmanlike rather than refined. That said, the mechanism itself has held adjustment reliably, and the jaws haven’t crept or sprung under reasonable pressure.

Clamping performance

Within its 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inch capacity, the PG114V grips with authority. I’ve used it to:

• Align 2-inch stainless exhaust sections for tack welding
• Hold 1-1/2 inch schedule 10 tubing against a plate for tab placement
• Secure round to square transitions where a flat clamp would twist the joint

The V-pads offer a generous contact area. Compared to narrow jaws, the larger pads distribute force and reduce the risk of denting thin-wall tube, provided you set the tension sensibly. On thin stainless, I dial back the locking screw and let the top spindle do most of the work. On thicker carbon steel, I crank it a touch tighter. Either way, the part stays put without walking.

The 3-1/2 inch throat depth is enough to reach past a flange or clear a small bead, which is handy when you need to clamp just behind a weld prep. I’ve used that reach to bridge a gap between two pipes and an L-bracket, with the V-pads straddling the round and the bracket supported on the opposite jaw—something a normal locking plier can’t do as neatly.

Do note the practical limitations. Below 1-1/2 inches, the tool is simply the wrong size; for 1-inch conduit or 3/4-inch tube, I switch to a smaller V-pad clamp or soft-jawed vise grips. Above 2-1/2 inches, it won’t wrap, and you’ll want a chain clamp or a larger capacity pipe alignment tool.

Accuracy and alignment

The selling point here is alignment speed. With traditional clamps, I spend time fussing to keep round stock from rotating or sagging. The V-pads on this tool naturally seat the pipe along a consistent centerline, and the top spindle offers micro-adjustment without losing grip. That sequence—close, snug, tweak—makes it easy to:

• Hold two pipe sections coaxial while measuring gap
• Maintain square alignment to a bracket or plate
• Keep a coping cut seated correctly as you tack

Because the pads are wide, they resist twisting forces better than narrow jaws. I can apply a bit of side load to nudge a fit-up without the joint slipping out of alignment. It’s a small thing that translates into cleaner tack placement and fewer regrinds.

Ergonomics and usability

At 11 inches overall, these are a comfortable mid-size clamp. One-handed operation is realistic: I can set the work, close the handles, and fine-tune the top spindle without letting go of the part. The release lever is positive and hasn’t gouged my fingers, though like most locking pliers, snapping it open under heavy preload can feel abrupt. If you’re clamping near delicate finishes, keep a hand behind the tool to catch it on release.

The only time the size works against me is in tight engine bays or around crowded fixtures. The head is bulkier than a plain-jaw plier, and the V-pad assembly adds height. If you do lots of under-car work in cramped spots, consider pairing this with a smaller V-pad clamp for sub-1-1/2 inch and tighter access.

Durability and maintenance

Mechanically, the tool has been trouble-free. The M10 top spindle runs smoothly and hasn’t picked up grit quickly, though I make it a habit to wipe the threads and add a drop of light oil every few days. That small bit of maintenance keeps the spindle’s feel consistent and prevents galling, especially after exposure to grinding dust.

The pads themselves have taken some heat tint and a little spatter. Chrome helps, but nothing is spatter-proof. A quick brush or scrape keeps them clean, and when I’m working on softer materials or finished tubing, I add a layer of painter’s tape on the pads to avoid witness marks. If you manage to damage the spindle, the standard thread size should make replacement straightforward.

Where it fits in a clamping kit

• For 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inch round stock: This is faster and more repeatable than improvising with standard locking pliers or C-clamps.
• For square and angle: The V-pads still shine. You get a stable two-point seat that resists roll, and the throat depth helps in awkward geometries.
• For larger diameter pipe (3 inches and up): A chain clamp or dedicated pipe alignment system is better suited.
• For miniature work: A smaller V-pad clamp is the right tool.

In other words, treat these as a purpose-built mid-range pipe clamp, not a universal solution. Used that way, they’re excellent.

Tips from the bench

• Set tension with the handle screw first, then use the top spindle for final seating. That sequence keeps control and avoids over-torquing.
• Keep the pads clean. A bit of grinding dust acts like ball bearings on polished tube.
• For thin-wall stainless or aluminum, add tape or soft jaws to prevent marking.
• Don’t chase extra holding power with brute force. If the joint slips, re-seat the V-pads or adjust your contact points instead of cranking harder.

Value

These pipe pliers offer a strong combination of speed, control, and build quality for their niche. You can find cheaper generic locking pliers, but the V-pad geometry and adjustable top spindle are what make this tool productive. In practice, the time saved during fit-up easily justifies the cost if you frequently work in the 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inch range.

Final recommendation

I recommend the PG114V pipe pliers to fabricators, exhaust techs, and anyone regularly aligning 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inch tubing or pipe. They grip securely, center the work quickly, and hold alignment while you tack—exactly what you want from a specialized clamp. The chrome finish and solid mechanism inspire confidence, and maintenance is minimal.

They’re not a do-everything clamp and they won’t replace chain-style alignment tools for larger diameters, but within their design window they’re efficient and reliable. If that size range matches your work, this tool earns its place on the cart.