Best Locking Pliers by Job: Curved Jaw, Long Nose and Screw-Removal Locking Pliers
Quick answer: pick locking pliers by jaw shape and what you need to grip
- Round parts, nuts and pipes: curved-jaw locking pliers such as the KTC 175WR (opens to 41 mm) or the larger KTC 250WR (57 mm). Both have a wire cutter.
- Tight spaces and flat parts: long-nose locking pliers such as the KTC 225LN (opens to 71 mm).
- Stripped or rusted screws: ENGINEER's Neji-Saurus VP series, locking pliers made for screw removal, for screw heads listed from φ3 to φ9.5 mm (VP-3: φ3 to φ5.5 mm).
- The rule: set the clamping pressure with the adjustment screw before you lock, and release with the trigger. TheDrive warns that the teeth can damage the part if you pinch too tightly.
Locking pliers (commonly known as vise grips or mole grips, after brand names, according to Tooled-Up and AIMS Industrial) clamp onto a part and stay locked, so your hand is free to turn, pull or hold something else. This guide explains the main jaw types and how to choose, then compares eight locking pliers from two Japanese brands, KTC and ENGINEER, using the specifications on their product pages. Sources are listed at the end.
Why look at Japanese locking pliers?
We sell Japanese tools, so this guide covers Japanese brands only. Here is what the product pages show, rather than general claims about quality:
- Locking pliers built for screw removal. ENGINEER's Neji-Saurus range is known for screw removal pliers; the VP models are the locking versions, and each product page lists the screw head sizes it fits. Fastener World describes the original Neji-Saurus jaws as having vertical and horizontal serrations to prevent slipping. Whether the VP models use the same jaw pattern is Not confirmed.
- Stated jaw opening and wire cutter capacity. KTC lists the maximum jaw opening and a soft iron wire cutting capacity for each model.
- Made in Taiwan. All eight models in this guide list Taiwan as the country of origin on their product pages. They are Japanese brands, not Japanese-made tools.
What we do not claim: that these grip harder or last longer than American or European locking pliers. We have not found a test that compares them.
How locking pliers work
- Adjust: turn the adjustment screw at the end of the handle to set how far the jaws close. TheDrive explains that tightening the screw adds clamping pressure and loosening it releases pressure.
- Lock: squeeze the handles until they snap closed. The jaws now hold the part without you squeezing.
- Release: pull the release trigger (lever) on the handle, which TheDrive describes as relieving the clamping pressure so the pliers come off easily.
If the pliers lock too loosely, tighten the screw a little and lock again; if you cannot close the handles, loosen it.
Step 1: choose the jaw type
| Jaw type | Best for | In this guide |
|---|---|---|
| Curved jaw | Rounded and cylindrical objects; serrated teeth inside the jaw (TheDrive). AIMS Industrial also lists curved jaws for rounded or hex fasteners | KTC 175WR, KTC 250WR |
| Long nose | Flat surfaces (TheDrive); tight access (AIMS Industrial) | KTC 225LN |
| C-clamp | Thicker objects and jobs that need clearance, such as clamping glued wood (TheDrive) | Not in this guide |
| Screw-removal locking pliers | Not covered by TheDrive. ENGINEER lists screw head sizes for each model | ENGINEER Neji-Saurus VP-1, VP-2, VP-3, VP-4, VP-7 |
Step 2: check the size
- Jaw opening. The maximum jaw opening limits the largest part you can clamp. KTC lists 41 mm (175WR), 57 mm (250WR) and 71 mm (225LN). ENGINEER lists a maximum gripping width of φ28 mm (VP-1), φ40 mm (VP-2) and φ20 mm (VP-4); for the VP-7 it lists 15 mm on plate and φ7 to φ20 mm on pipe.
- Length. The models here run from 150 mm (VP-1, VP-3) to 220 mm (KTC 250WR and 225LN). Length and opening do not always go together, so check both.
- Screw size (screw-removal models). The VP-1, VP-2, VP-4 and VP-7 list screw heads from φ3 to φ9.5 mm; the VP-3 lists φ3 to φ5.5 mm.
The 8 locking pliers compared
Specs are copied from each product page.
| Model | Type | Max opening / gripping width | Screw heads | Wire cutter | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KTC 175WR | Curved jaw | 41 mm | — | Soft iron φ2.3 mm | 180 mm | 325 g |
| KTC 250WR | Curved jaw | 57 mm | — | Soft iron φ2.3 mm | 220 mm | 500 g |
| KTC 225LN | Long nose | 71 mm | — | Soft iron φ1.2 mm | 220 mm | 375 g |
| ENGINEER VP-1 (PZ-64) | Screw removal | φ28 mm | φ3–9.5 mm | Not confirmed | 150 mm | 205 g |
| ENGINEER VP-2 (PZ-65) | Screw removal | φ40 mm | φ3–9.5 mm | Not confirmed | 190 mm | 400 g |
| ENGINEER VP-3 (PZ-66) | Screw removal, 5 mm jaw (tip length 35 mm) | Not confirmed | φ3–5.5 mm | Not confirmed | 150 mm | 210 g |
| ENGINEER VP-4 (PZ-67) | Screw removal, for truss and pan heads | φ20 mm | φ3–9.5 mm | Not confirmed | 175 mm | 265 g |
| ENGINEER VP-7 (PZ-87) | Screw removal | Plate 15 mm, pipe φ7–20 mm | φ3–9.5 mm | Not confirmed | 165 mm | 260 g |
Jaw widths listed by ENGINEER: VP-1 8 mm, VP-2 10 mm, VP-3 5 mm, VP-4 8 mm; the VP-7 lists a tip width of 9 mm. The VP-7 also comes in pink (PZ-87P).
Best locking pliers by job
Holding nuts, bolts and round parts
- KTC 175WR: curved jaw, 41 mm maximum opening and a wire cutter for soft iron wire up to φ2.3 mm, at 180 mm and 325 g.
- KTC 250WR: the same design in a larger size, opening to 57 mm, at 220 mm and 500 g.
Reaching into narrow spaces
The KTC 225LN has a long nose, the widest stated opening in this guide (71 mm) and a wire cutter (soft iron φ1.2 mm). TheDrive suggests long-nose locking pliers for flat surfaces.
Removing stripped or rusted screws
- ENGINEER VP-1: a 150 mm, 205 g screw-removal locking plier for screw heads φ3 to φ9.5 mm, also gripping up to φ28 mm.
- ENGINEER VP-3: the narrowest jaw in the VP series here (5 mm) with a 35 mm tip, for screw heads φ3 to φ5.5 mm.
- ENGINEER VP-4: listed for truss and pan head screws from φ3 to φ9.5 mm.
- ENGINEER VP-2: the largest of the series here (190 mm, 400 g), gripping up to φ40 mm.
- ENGINEER VP-7: lists separate gripping widths for plate (15 mm) and pipe (φ7 to φ20 mm), plus screw heads φ3 to φ9.5 mm.
Screw-removal pliers need a screw head that stands at least slightly above the surface. PC Watch notes that a flush countersunk screw gives the jaws nothing to grip. For screws sunk flush, and for the other methods to try in order, see our guide How to Remove a Stripped Screw and the Neji-Saurus model guide.
Tips for using locking pliers
- Do not over-tighten. TheDrive notes that the angled teeth can damage the part you clamp if you pinch too tightly. We suggest padding finished surfaces.
- Set the pressure before locking. Adjust the screw, test-lock, and fine-tune rather than forcing the handles closed.
- Release with the trigger, not by prying the handles apart.
- Keep a pair in the car. TheDrive suggests keeping locking pliers in a vehicle kit for breakdowns.
FAQ
Are locking pliers the same as Vise-Grips?
Yes, in everyday use. Tooled-Up describes locking pliers as commonly known as mole grips or vise grips, and AIMS Industrial notes they are commonly known by the Vise-Grip brand name. The tools in this guide are KTC and ENGINEER locking pliers, not Vise-Grip products.
What size locking pliers should I buy first?
A curved-jaw model of about 180 mm, such as the KTC 175WR, opens to 41 mm, which is enough for many round parts up to that size. Add a long-nose model (KTC 225LN) for narrow spaces, or a larger curved jaw (KTC 250WR, 57 mm) for bigger parts.
Can locking pliers remove a stripped screw?
They can, if the screw head stands above the surface. They may not work on very hard screws or on screws fully seized by rust or adhesive. ENGINEER's Neji-Saurus VP models are locking pliers made for screw removal and list the screw head sizes they fit (φ3 to φ9.5 mm, or φ3 to φ5.5 mm for the VP-3).
Are these locking pliers made in Japan?
No. KTC and ENGINEER are Japanese brands, but all eight models here list Taiwan as the country of origin on their product pages.
Related guides
- Neji Saurus: The Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Model
- How to Remove a Stripped Screw: 6 Methods in Order
- Japanese Alternatives to KNIPEX: Cobra, Pliers Wrench, TwinGrip and More
- ENGINEER Tools from Japan: Brand Guide
- KTC Tools Guide
- Japanese locking pliers
- Japanese screw and bolt extractors
Find your locking pliers
Browse curved-jaw, long-nose and screw-removal locking pliers from KTC and ENGINEER.
Shop locking pliersSources
- TheDrive, Best Locking Pliers
- Fastener World, Japan Engineer Inc.'s Screw Plier "Nejisaurus"
- AIMS Industrial, Locking Pliers Guide
- Tooled-Up, Locking Pliers
- PC Watch (Impress), Neji-Saurus column (Japanese)
- Product specifications: each linked product page in our store (KTC, ENGINEER).
Last reviewed: October 2026. Vise-Grip and Mole Grips are trademarks of their respective owners; this guide is not affiliated with them.
