Milwaukee 9" Torque Lock Long Nose Locking Pliers with Grip

There’s something satisfying about holding a powerful, reliable tool in your hand, especially when it’s as well-designed as Milwaukee’s 9" Torque Lock Long Nose Locking Pliers. From the moment you grasp these pliers, you can tell they’re built with both durability and user comfort in mind. The ergonomic handles are just the beginning of what makes these pliers stand out.

The forged alloy steel construction gives these pliers a robust feel, and the hardened jaws grip materials with impressive tenacity. As someone who frequently works in tight spaces, I found the narrow jaws particularly useful. They can reach into those hard-to-access spots where wider jaws simply wouldn’t fit. This feature alone makes them indispensable for tasks like extracting broken bolts or reaching into tight engine compartments.

One of the most innovative features of these pliers is the thumb screw adjustment. Unlike the traditional knurled round end, the thumb screw is more user-friendly and allows for faster setup and additional locking force. You can even use a screwdriver through the hole in the thumb screw for extra leverage, which is a game-changer when you need that additional grip strength. This feature isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a practical solution that makes the pliers more versatile and easier to use.

The one-handed control release mechanism is another highlight. It allows for efficient operation without the need to use both hands, which is particularly useful when you’re working in awkward positions or holding other tools. However, I did notice that the absence of a quick-release lever might be a drawback for some users. In situations where you need to repeatedly clamp and release the jaws, the process can become cumbersome and might even lead to pinched fingers if you’re not careful. This is something Milwaukee might want to reconsider in future iterations of the tool.

Comfort is often overlooked in tools, but Milwaukee has given it due consideration. The ergonomic handles with non-slip grips are designed to prevent pinching and reduce hand fatigue. Even after prolonged use, my hands didn’t feel strained, which is a significant improvement over older models with metal handles. However, these grips might not be ideal for high-temperature applications, such as welding, where molten metal spatters could potentially damage the rubberized surface.

Durability is always a concern with hand tools, and these pliers are no exception. While the majority of users will likely find them to be long-lasting, there have been instances where the teeth wore down quickly, or parts of the pliers broke off during heavy use. This is disappointing, especially considering Milwaukee’s reputation for producing high-quality tools. It’s worth noting that the pliers come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty, but the process for warranty claims might not be as straightforward as one would hope, requiring the tool to be mailed back to a factory service center.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the pliers excel in performance. The curved jaw design provides better pressure points on bolts and nuts, making it easier to loosen or tighten them without slipping. The rust protection is another thoughtful addition, ensuring that the tool remains in good working condition even in less-than-ideal environments.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the versatility of these pliers. They’re not just for mechanics or professional tradespeople. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or someone who occasionally needs a reliable tool for home repairs, these pliers are a valuable addition to any toolbox. The combination of grip strength, ease of use, and ergonomic design makes them suitable for a wide range of applications.

In conclusion, Milwaukee’s 9" Torque Lock Long Nose Locking Pliers are a commendable tool that offers a blend of durability, comfort, and functionality. While there are a few areas for improvement, such as the addition of a quick-release lever and better durability under extreme conditions, the positives far outweigh the negatives. The ergonomic design, innovative thumb screw adjustment, and robust construction make these pliers a worthwhile investment for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Would I recommend them? Absolutely. Their performance in various tasks, from extracting stuck bolts to reaching into tight spaces, has proven their worth. If you’re in the market for a reliable set of locking pliers that offer both strength and comfort, these are definitely worth considering. They may not be perfect, but they come pretty close, and that’s good enough for me.