Why we can't have nice things: The death of the Malco Eagle Grip Locking Plier. Get em while you can

[CPthetooladdict]

It's sad after only 1 yr after they hit the market they are shutting down its even more disappointing that they are not supported enough they failed great video Doc thanks for the mention!

[krisnrg]

I bought these based on project farm review. Really happy to have these

[AttaXXR]

Such a sad day. I bought a pair for myself and a friend, it is the best and will now be a “grail” tool that’ll be with me forever.

[drengskap]

'There is hardly anything in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and the people who consider price only are this man's lawful prey.' John Ruskin

[jackof]

Very unfortunate. Not that I want to go from paying $45 to $90, but hopefully Snap-On buys the plant and keeps some production going

[VeniVidiVid]

Just bought one, and I completely agree. Very well-made, and a grip that won’t quit.

[bloom]

Hi Doc. As a Veteran, it is very disheartening to hear that any United States company shuts down due to corporate greed, to make things elsewhere, for piss poor quality. I cannot control the corporate greed, but I can do something to help out when I can. I have been on a mission to only purchase American Made products when I can. After watching your video, I purchased one of these pliers. Thank You again for all of your reviews.

[bloom]

After seeing this review I had ordered these Malco pliers, and just received them in the mail today. These look and feel like a piece of art. Just gorgeous, and sad to hear they are soon, to no longer being available. I pray that the employee's at Malco will be okay.

[MaestroSmoke]

Bought the 10" last year, just bought the 7" today before it's gone, they really are the finest looking and strongest locking pliers you can buy.

[febobartoli]

I bought a pair of these when they started selling them and compared to my dad's old vice grips, they are just as good if not identical. I used them extensively when we were doing construction on the house last year. They did the job when my other Irwin pliers failed to grip properly. Sometimes even getting 10 cheap tools won't equal one high quality tool. I'm sorry to see the plan to shutting down.

[brycemcgoey]

Already owned the 7 & 10Inch Curved but immediately ordered 7 & 10 Inch Straight Jaws as soon as I heard the news 🥲
Was really hoping to see a Needle Nose pair from them at some point....

[paultrujillo]

Doc, bought my "Malco-Eagle Grip" locking pliers, about a year ago. FAR SUPERIOR, to what I was expecting, anticipated, and had, compared to ANY OTHER BRAND in my tool box! The "industry", is accurate, they are the pinnacle of locking pliers, period. By the "industry", I refer to skilled craftsman, journeyman professionals, AND ESPECIALLY UNIONIZED WORKERS, who make or break their careers, livelihood, and litteral future, on the performance and durability of their tools. The "real professionals" never exaggerate, embellish, sugarcoat anything, ever. Either it's legit, or it's not. They swear by Malco's, and generally have had the same pairs, FOR YEARS, if not inherited from other professionals, with well earned respect because of their extremely well built characteristics - features. I purchased them, based solely on a union ironworker's recommendation and demonstration of features, he valued and expected from his personal choice of locking pliers. I appreciated that info, and appreciate my Malco's as well. Sorry to ramble on Doc/folks, but just felt compelled 🙄, if at all possible, affordable, and within reason, please buy tools "responsibly", you'll never regret it, I promise. --Paul.

[brianlashomb]

Been on my list for awhile. Thanks for the heads up.

[nicholasb]

They are the best locking plyers ever made. Hands down.

[justinelliott]

They have the best finish I have ever seen on a pair of Locking Pliers

[fltchr]

Been putting off getting these and getting the original DeWitt, Nebraska produced locking pliers in the meantime. Just bought 5 of a few different types. I guess that is what I will have of them for a while.

[inkster]

I found out a few days ago on Malco’s website that they have stopped production so I bought three different pairs (7" and 10" straight jaw and 11" clamp). The clamp just arrived today and it looks absolutely stunning! Spent nearly $200 for just three pairs but the level of quality is unmatched and I would rather have my first locking pliers be the ONLY locking pliers I’ll ever need to buy. Very sad that these weren’t around very long!

[danielgeng]

Thanks for the heads up, just stocked up!

[dyercycle]

I think they suffered not only in competition and price, but the fact they had no presence in brick and mortar...I have some Eagle Grips, and they were expensive, but they are absolutely top notch...but a lot of tool buyers do not want to buy all their tools online...I bought mine online, but I prefer to see, pick up, feel tools before I buy them...and many are an impulse buy to complete a job, etc....I think S-K suffered from no retail presence as well, and Wright tool I feel does also...If they had a presence, I would own a lot more of them. I would not like to see them cheapened and sold in big box stores, but if major professional supply chains, like plumbing and electrical, HVAC, etc. supply stores sold them, that would be a plus.

[Callelle]

The writing was on the wall, and it's Malco's fault. Not a drop of marketing, lack of variety, and an obscene price tag for something that's really just to nice to use. I mainly use vicegrips for welding, and I would NEVER get my Malcos near anywhere weld spatter will be, they're just to nice. It's a shame for the workers, not for Malco.