OX TOOLS MOLE GRIPS
OX mole grips lock on hard and stay put for holding, twisting and clamping rounded, seized or awkward bits when ordinary pliers keep slipping.
On snagging, strip-out or repair jobs, these are the grips you reach for when a fixing is chewed, a pipe fitting will not budge, or you need a third hand that will not let go. OX locking pliers are built for proper site abuse, with jaws that bite cleanly and adjusters that do not feel flimsy. Pick the size to suit the work and keep a curved jaw pair in the van because they earn their keep fast.
What Are OX Mole Grips Used For?
- Freeing rounded nuts, bolts and seized fixings on site repairs where a spanner keeps slipping and you need the jaws to lock on and hold proper tight.
- Clamping sheet, flat bar or awkward sections in place during drilling, cutting or tack-up work so both hands stay free for the job that matters.
- Gripping damaged pipe fittings, clips and small metal parts during plumbing, maintenance and strip-out when there is not enough room for bigger kit.
- Holding hot, oily or sharp components safely at the bench or in the plant room where ordinary pliers can shift and skin your knuckles.
- Pinching and securing parts for quick temporary holds during first fix, fabrication or van-side repairs when you just need something to stay exactly where you put it.
Choosing the Right OX Mole Grips
Match the jaw shape and size to the work. If they cannot get a proper bite, they are the wrong grips.
1. Curved Jaw for General Site Use
If you want one pair for the van, start with curved jaw OX locking pliers. They are the best all-rounder for gripping rounded fasteners, pipe, and mixed site materials where you need bite more than finesse.
2. Size Matters More Than Most Lads Think
If you are working on small fixings, clips or tight mechanical bits, go shorter so you can actually get them in. If you are dealing with bigger seized fittings or thicker stock, step up in size for more leverage and a steadier hold.
3. Adjuster and Release Feel
If the adjuster is too loose or fiddly, it slows you down all day. Look for OX mole grips with a positive screw adjustment and a release lever you can work cleanly without fighting it in gloves.
4. Buy for Abuse, Not Shelf Appeal
If these are for daily site use, do not go too light. You want jaws that keep their shape, a body that will take knocks in the tool bag, and a mechanism that still locks up properly after dirt, oil and rain.
Who Uses These on Site?
- Plumbers keep OX mole grips close for seized compression fittings, rounded nuts and pipework jobs where one hand needs to hold while the other turns.
- Fabricators and steel fixers use them for clamping sections together before drilling, cutting or welding, especially when quick setup matters more than hauling out a clamp.
- Maintenance teams swear by them for plant rooms, service cupboards and repair work where damaged fasteners and awkward access are part of the day.
- Sparkies and fitters use them on containment, brackets and site fixes when a stubborn bolt or bent bit of metal needs locking down before it can be sorted.
- General builders and chippies usually keep a pair in the van for those jobs that go wrong, where a standard pair of pliers just will not hold on.
Choose the Right OX Mole Grips for the Job
Use this quick guide to match the grip to the fixing and the space you are working in.
| Your Job | Category or Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| General van and site repairs | Curved jaw OX mole grips | Good all-round bite on nuts, bolts, pipe and mixed materials with fast setup. |
| Working in tight cupboards or cramped plant areas | Shorter OX locking pliers | Better access, easier one-handed use and less faff around nearby fittings. |
| Freeing stubborn or rounded fixings | Larger OX vice grips | More leverage, stronger clamping force and a steadier hold on damaged heads. |
| Holding metal sections during drilling or cutting | Medium self locking grips | Locks materials together securely so both hands stay free for the tool. |
| Small parts, clips and light repair work | Compact OX grip pliers | Finer control on smaller jobs without crushing everything around the work area. |
Common Buying and Usage Mistakes
- Buying them too small for the work is a common one. You end up with poor jaw contact, less leverage and more slipping, so size up if you are regularly tackling seized fittings or larger fasteners.
- Over-tightening the adjuster screw can mark softer materials and make the release awkward. Set them firm enough to lock cleanly, not so tight that you have to fight the tool to get it off.
- Using mole grips as a substitute for the correct spanner on every job will wreck fixings and slow you down. They are best for damaged, rounded or awkward parts, not routine tightening where a proper spanner fits.
- Ignoring jaw shape catches people out. A general curved jaw pair is fine for mixed work, but if the jaws cannot sit square on the part, the hold will never be as good as it should be.
- Leaving them wet, gritty or covered in swarf shortens their life fast. Wipe them down and keep the mechanism clean or the locking action will go stiff when you need it most.
Mole Grips vs Pliers vs Clamps
OX Mole Grips
Best when you need the tool to lock on and stay there without constant hand pressure. They are the right call for seized fixings, damaged nuts and holding parts steady while you work, but they are slower to adjust than standard pliers.
Standard Pliers
Better for quick gripping, bending and snipping tasks where speed matters and you are constantly moving from one hold to the next. They do not lock, so they are no good when you need a firm clamped hold or extra leverage on a rounded fixing.
Clamps
Stronger for holding larger materials together over a wider area, especially on woodwork or fabrication setups. They are not as handy as OX self locking pliers for grabbing a small fitting, pipe or bolt in awkward spaces.
Maintenance and Care
Clean the Jaws After Dirty Work
After working on rusty fixings, sealants or oily plant, wipe the jaws clean so they keep a sharp bite. Built-up grime is one of the quickest ways to lose grip.
Keep the Locking Mechanism Free
A drop of light oil on the pivot and release lever now and then keeps the action smooth. If the mechanism starts sticking, sort it early before lads start forcing it.
Store Them Dry
Do not leave them sat wet in the bottom of the van or tool bag. Dry storage helps stop surface rust and keeps the screw adjuster turning properly.
Check Jaw Alignment
If they have taken a proper knock or been abused as a makeshift spanner, check the jaws still meet as they should. Twisted or worn jaws mean less bite and more slipping.
Replace When the Hold Is Gone
If the teeth are rounded off or the lock will not hold under pressure, retire them. Once mole grips stop locking reliably, they are more nuisance than help.
Why Shop for OX Mole Grips at ITS?
Whether you need a compact pair for tight access or larger OX locking pliers for stubborn fixings, we stock the range in the sizes and types trades actually use. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery, so you can get the right grips on site without hanging about.
OX Mole Grips FAQs
What are mole grips used for?
Mole grips are used for locking onto nuts, bolts, pipe, sheet metal and awkward parts so they stay put without you squeezing the handles the whole time. They are especially useful for rounded fixings, seized fittings and clamping bits together while you drill, cut or repair.
What is the difference between mole grips and pliers?
The big difference is that mole grips lock. Standard pliers need constant hand pressure and are better for quick grabbing and moving on. Mole grips clamp down and stay there, which makes them far better for stubborn fixings, holding parts steady and jobs where you need both hands free.
How do you use locking pliers?
Set the jaw opening with the adjuster screw, place the jaws square on the part, then squeeze the handles until they lock. You want them tight enough to bite properly but not so tight that the release is a fight. To remove them, use the release lever and back the screw off if needed.
Are OX mole grips any good?
Yes, for site and van use they are a solid shout. OX kit is generally made to take trade abuse, and their mole grips are built for real holding and clamping jobs rather than sitting clean in a drawer. They are not magic, but if you choose the right size and use them properly, they do the job well.
What size mole grips do I need?
For general repair and van work, a medium pair usually covers most jobs. Go smaller for tight spaces, clips and lighter fixings. Go larger if you regularly deal with stubborn fittings, thicker materials or want more leverage. If you can only buy one pair to start with, choose a general-purpose curved jaw size.
