Irwin 5WR Vise-Grip Review
Cons: Strange initial configuration, limited other tools
Manufacturer: Irwin
Our Verdict
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Irwin 5WR Vise-Grip | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $25 List $24.99 at Amazon | $108.00 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $69.95 at REI Compare at 2 sellers | $29 List $29.00 at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Full function locking pliers, good bit driver, can (and should be) be modified | Comprehensive, well-made, aftermarket accessories and carry options | Inexpensive and well-made, spring-loaded pliers, scissors, pocket clip, one-handed blade | Tiny, well made, excellent bottle opener | Small, inexpensive, two blades |
Cons | Strange initial configuration, limited other tools | Proprietary bit driver, no pocket clip included | Hybrid straight/serrated blade, squashed Phillips driver, short main blade | Package opener is specialized, screwdrivers are tiny | Flexible construction, stiff hinges |
Bottom Line | Full-function locking pliers with a knife blade and bit driver included; as compared to other multi-tools, these are some of the best pliers available | A full-function tool from a great manufacturer at a reasonable price | A budget tool with real value and function, this model is compact with a feature set that does much of what you want and little that you don't | A keychain tool whose utility belies its tiny stature | A keychain tool with some basic features and two blades; the serrated blade is unique in this sub category |
Rating Categories | Irwin 5WR Vise-Grip | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Wingman | Gerber Dime | Gerber Vise |
Functions (40%) | |||||
Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
Ergonomics (20%) | |||||
Portability (15%) | |||||
Specs | Irwin 5WR Vise-Grip | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Wingman | Gerber Dime | Gerber Vise |
Number of functions | 3 + bits | 18 + bits | 10 | 9 | 9 |
Weight (ounces) | 9.5 oz | 8.5 oz, 9.5 oz with case | 6.8 oz, 7.8 oz with sheath | 2.3 oz | 2.4 oz |
Locking tools? | Pliers and blade | All but pliers | Scissors and blade | None | None |
Pliers type | Locking | Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper | Spring-loaded regular and needlenose | Spring loaded needlenose pliers | Mini pliers with wire cutters |
Tools accessible without deploying pliers | All | Blades, saw, file | Blade and scissors | All | All |
Blades and type | 1 partially serrated | 1 straight, 1 serrated | 1 hybrid serrated/straight drop point | 1 straight blade | 1 straight, 1 serated |
Scissors | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Number of screwdrivers | 2 incuded. Infinitely more available as aftermarket bits | 5 included/integrated. More available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 3 | 2 | 3 |
File? | No | Yes, wood/metal and a diamond-coated file | Yes | No | Yes |
Saw? | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Openers | None | Can and bottle | Can, bottle, and a unique box opener | Bottle, package | Bottle |
Other important features | None | Ruler | Very small ruler | Tweezers | None |
Sheath included? | No | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Other carry options | Pocket, Pocket clip | Key ring attachment | Keychain | ||
Closed dimensions (Length by thickness, in inches) | 6.0 x 0.7 | 4 x 0.7 | 3.8 x 0.7 | 2.8 x 0.6 | 2.2 x 0.5 |
Open length (pliers, in inches) | 6.0 in | 6.3 in | 6.2 in | 4 in | 3.9 in |
Open overall length (primary blade deployed, in inches) | 6.6 in | 6.9 in | 6.4 in | 4.1 in | 3.6 in |
Length of primary blade effective edge (inches) | 2.3 in | 2.8in | 2.4 in | 1.4 in | 1.4 in |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Irwin made the original Vise Grip. Like Kleenex, "vise grip" has become synonymous with locking pliers. It says right on our test pair: "The Original." Locking pliers are incredibly useful. In most cases, locking pliers are better than non-locking pliers. The mechanism is a little more complicated, so combining other features into locking pliers is harder. Irwin's entry, the 5WR Vise-Grip is a pair of their standard six-inch pliers with a blade bolted to one arm and a bit driver hinging from within the end of that same arm. There are no other features. The locking pliers suffer little to none for the inclusion of the other tools, but the other tools aren't nearly as useful as stand-alone versions. As made, the blade of the 5WR is only marginally useful.
Performance Comparison
Functions
This is about as minimalist as a product can get and still be called a "multi-tool." There are pliers, a blade, and a bit driver. Irwin includes one double-ended driver bit, but you can accessorize with any of a nearly infinite supply of standardized 1/4" aftermarket bits. Any multi-tool will make compromises, when you compare its individual functions to their respective stand-alone versions. Some make more compromises than others. The pliers of the 5WR are essentially the same as those on a standalone set. The bit driver is full-size and effective but suffers a little in ergonomics. See below. The blade is good, but also suffers, ergonomically.
Ergonomics
There is a total mixed bag, in terms of ergonomics, to report on with the 5WR Vise-Grip. First, as mentioned above, the pliers are essentially the same as a standalone tool. As compared to Irwin's standard 6 inch Vise Grips (with no multi-tool functions) the 5WR has one handle that is a little bulkier. The actual use of the pliers doesn't suffer for this. This is a pretty big win. Full-functioned locking pliers are worthy on their own in most tool kits. We could stop there and say that any added functionality is worthwhile. But we won't stop there.
The bit driver is totally "good enough." As multi-tool bit drivers go, it is relatively uninterrupted by other protrusions, will reach many screws without an extension, and is attached to a handle that gives you good enough leverage without sharp edges. A bit driver that is centered in the multi-tool handle is even better, but it is more difficult to engineer.
The blade of the Irwin 5WR is thoroughly perplexing. It is simple, opens with one hand, and securely locks in place. That's not confusing. What is confusing is the way it opens. The blade, as manufactured and designed, opens in such a way that the plier jaws interfere with many types of use you might encounter. We used and tested the 5WR this way and found it marginally useful. It is better than not having a blade but not as good as it could be.
Because we won't settle for mediocre, we did a little further investigation and tinkering. With a couple of allen wrenches, a Dremel tool, and about 15 minutes, we were able to reconfigure the blade of the 5WR to work much, much better. We thought long and hard about the reasoning behind the original design and any issues with our modification and came up with nothing. Our modification only improves this tool. Why wasn't it made this way to begin with?
Portability
Functions and ergonomics are usually at odds with portability. The full-function, large pliers of the Irwin 5WR are heavier and bulkier than most. This isn't the multi-tool you carry, day-to-day, in your pocket. It weighs nearly 10 ounces, and is 150% the length, when stowed, of our Editors' Choice product.
Construction Quality
The Irwin 5WR is built like a proper shop tool. It is built like a shop tool because it is a shop tool, with a knife blade added. This is a good thing. Our testing of the 5WR is measured in months, but our familiarity with Vise-Grips includes products in use for decades. We are very confident that Irwin made the 5WR Vise Grips to the same rigorous standards. None of the parts are "miniaturized" and none are compromised for lighter weight. Irwin isn't forthcoming about the blade steel they use, but it seems good enough so far. The pliers will work as intended for decades.
Value
As compared to other multi-tools of this stature and sturdiness, the Irwin 5WR is a great value. As compared to standard Irwin Vise Grips, the 5WR is a little more expensive. For the additional dollars, you get a blade and bit driver. Buy those things separately for your toolbox and you'll spend more than you do on the 5WR. Our main value wish is that Irwin had done a little bit more research and development on the 5WR. Why it wasn't originally configured as we've modified it is a mystery.
Conclusion
The Irwin 5WR Vise-Grip is a good idea, but strangely executed. The good news is that if you want one and are pretty handy, you can modify it with very little hassle.
— Jediah Porter
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