A CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE
The iconic VISE-GRIP® received its first patent in 1924. Over the years the company changed ownership, helped America in WWII, and became the go-to tool for trade specialists in more than 120 countries worldwide.
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF VISE-GRIP®
TRADE TRUSTED LOCKING TOOLS
VISE-GRIP® FROM 1924 TO TODAY
In 1921, William S. Petersen, a Danish immigrant and blacksmith, invented pliers with a vise-like grip to assist him in his work. Petersen was granted a patent for VISE-GRIP® locking pliers in 1924.
The Petersen Manufacturing Company was formed in 1934 in DeWitt, Nebraska and opened its first manufacturing plant in 1938.
By 1941, the patent had run out, but the plant was operating at capacity to cover government contracts. Liberty Cargo Shipbuilders were under pressure to finish ships on time, so VISE-GRIP® locking pliers, used to hold metal parts together, were left in place and welded into the hulls.
With the war over, America was in the midst of a building boom. The first National Hardware Show opened in New York City, and the company introduced VISE-GRIP® Locking Pliers to contractors and DIYers.
Petersen adds an easy-release trigger, curved jaws, and a wire cutter to the design, creating the modern locking pliers.
New forms of VISE-GRIP® tools are introduced to serve an expanding list of trade specialties and featured in Popular Science Magazine.
VISE-GRIP® Fast Release™ launch featuring one-handed, triggerless release. There have been grip iterations over the years, but the one-handed triggerless release remains as popular as ever in pliers and c-clamps.
Stanley Black & Decker Inc. agreed to buy the business, completing the acquisition in March 2017.
IRWIN® introduces VISE-GRIP® Fast Release™ Reduced Hand Span with a 20% hand span reduction*.
LOOKING AHEAD
OUR NEXT CENTURY
Now a globally recognized brand, VISE-GRIP® has expanded to a full line of specialty tools.
Trade specialists around the world depend on IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® — from lineman’s, diagonals and long nose pliers, to wire strippers, quick adjusting Groovelock™, locking pliers, and locking c-clamps.
Moving forward, IRWIN® will continue to lead the way in quality and innovation as we introduce new tools, standing behind our tradespersons who get the job done right every day.
*Compared to IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® previous FAST RELEASE™ design.