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 | $20.99 at Amazon | $169.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $79.95 at Amazon | $99.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $129.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Full function locking pliers, good bit driver, can (and should be) be modified | Sophisticated, comprehensive | Compact, light, with multiple carry options, smart, effective tools | Comprehensive, well-made, aftermarket accessories and carry options | Large, excellent construction, full-size functions, customizable |
Cons | Strange initial configuration, limited other tools | Heavy, expensive | Few features | Proprietary bit driver, no pocket clip included | Heavy and large; limited portability. Proprietary bit driver |
Bottom Line | Purpose-built locking pliers with blade and screwdriver bit, this product has limited appeal | The sky-high standard by which other multi tools are compared | Clever and clean, with only a few tools, all of which are executed well for everyday carry | All you should need, with proven pedigree, at a forgiving price | This tool pulls no punches: it optimizes for function at the cost of portability |
Rating Categories | Irwin 5WR Vise-Grip | Leatherman Charge+ TTi | Leatherman Skeletool CX | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Surge |
Functions (40%) | |||||
Construction Quality (25%) | |||||
Ergonomics (20%) | |||||
Portability (15%) | |||||
Specs | Irwin 5WR Vise-Grip | Leatherman Charge+... | Leatherman... | Leatherman Wave+ | Leatherman Surge |
Number of Functions | 3 + bits | 19 + bits | 5 + bits | 18 + bits | 19 + bits |
Weight (ounces) | 9.5 oz | 8.8 oz | 5.0 oz | 8.5 oz. 9.5 oz with case | 12.2 oz. 14.3 oz with case |
Locking Tools? | Pliers and blade | All but pliers | All but pliers | All but pliers | All but pliers |
Pliers Type | Locking | Needlenose with wire cutters, crimper | Needlenose with 2 wire cutters | Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper | Needlenose, regular, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, crimper |
Tools Accessible Without Deploying Pliers | All | Blades, saw, file | Blade | Blades, saw, file | Blades, saw, file |
Blades and Type | 1 partially serrated | 1 serrated gut hook type, 1 straight drop point | 1 straight drop point | 1 straight, 1 serrated | 1 straight, 1 serrated |
Scissors | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Number of screwdrivers | 2 incuded. Infinitely more available as aftermarket bits | 1 integrated. Many bits included, with more available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 4 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 5 included/integrated. More available aftermarket for proprietary driver | 4 included, more available aftermarket for proprietary driver |
File? | No | Yes, wood/metal and a diamond-coated file | No | Yes, wood/metal and a diamond-coated file | Yes, wood/metal and a diamond-coated file |
Saw? | No | Metal and wood | No | Yes | Yes |
Openers | None | Can and bottle | Bottle | Can and bottle | Can and bottle |
Other important Features | Ruler, cutting hook, wire stripper | None | Ruler | Ruler, awl, wire stripper | |
Sheath Included? | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Other carry options | Pocket clip, key ring | Carabiner style clip, pocket clip | |||
Closed dimensions (Length by thickness, in inches) | 6.0 x 0.7 | 4 x 0.8 | 4.3 x 0.6 | 4 x 0.7 | 4.5 x 0.8 |
Open Length (Pliers) (inches) | 6.0 in | 6.2 in | 6.2 in | 6.3 in | 7.1in |
Open Overall Length (Primary blade deployed) (inches) | 6.6 in | 7 in | 6.8 in | 6.9 in | 7.6 in |
Length of Primary Blade Effective Edge (inches) | 2.3 in | 2.8 in | 2.6 in | 2.8in | 3.1 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