Stanley Mole Grips
Stanley mole grips lock on and don't let go when a spanner won't bite.
When you're faced with rounded bolts, seized fixings, or awkward pipework, Stanley locking pliers give you a solid clamp you can trust. Choose curved jaw for general grabbing, straight jaw for flats, and long nose for tight spots and small fixings.
What Are Stanley Mole Grips Used For?
- Gripping rounded or chewed bolt heads on refurbs when the nut has been painted over or rusted solid and you need proper bite to shift it.
- Clamping and holding steel, angle, or flat bar in the workshop so you can drill, file, or tack without the work twisting on you.
- Pinching and turning small pipe fittings and awkward valves where a standard wrench slips, especially in cupboards, risers, and tight service voids.
- Holding broken fixings, nails, and snapped screws proud so you can wind them out cleanly instead of ripping the surrounding timber or plaster.
- Stabilising parts during fit-out and maintenance, using the locking action as a quick third hand while you line up brackets, hinges, and frames.
Choosing the Right Stanley Mole Grips
Pick your jaws for the shape you're grabbing, then buy the size that gives you leverage without being a lump in the pocket.
1. Curved Jaw vs Straight Jaw
If you want one pair to live in the van, go Stanley curved jaw mole grips because they bite round stock, nuts, and general site "grab jobs" well. If you're regularly on flats, plate, or square section, Stanley straight jaw mole grips sit cleaner and are less likely to cam off.
2. Long Nose for Tight Access
If you're working in cupboards, behind boilers, or inside frames, Stanley long nose mole grips get in where standard jaws just won't. They're also the better shout for small fixings and delicate positioning, but don't expect them to pull like a big set.
3. Adjustable Screw and Release Feel
If you're constantly swapping between different sizes, look for Stanley adjustable mole grips with a smooth adjuster you can set quickly with gloves on. A positive release lever matters too, because a sticky release is a pain when you're up steps or working one-handed.
4. Heavy Duty vs Standard
If you're on plant, steelwork, or stubborn fixings all week, Stanley heavy duty mole grips are worth it for the extra clamp force and durability. If it's occasional snagging and general maintenance, standard Stanley professional locking pliers will do the job without overbuying.
Stanley Mole Grips FAQs
Are Stanley mole grips the same thing as Stanley vice grips?
On site, yes, most lads use the terms interchangeably. You're looking at Stanley locking pliers that clamp and stay locked until you hit the release lever.
Will Stanley locking grips actually shift rounded bolts, or do they just slip like pliers?
If you set the adjuster so they lock on hard and you get the jaws square to the head, they bite far better than standard pliers. They're not magic though, if the head is completely gone you may still need heat, penetrating oil, or to cut and replace the fixing.
Curved jaw or straight jaw, which is best for general site work?
Curved jaw is the usual all-rounder because it grabs round and odd shapes well. Straight jaw is the better choice for flat bar, square section, and anything you want to clamp in line without it trying to roll.
Do long nose mole grips have the same clamping power as standard ones?
They clamp well for their size, but they're built for access and control, not maximum leverage. For stubborn fixings and heavy pulling, a bigger pair of Stanley heavy duty mole grips is the right tool.
How do I stop locking pliers chewing up pipe and finished surfaces?
Don't over-tighten the adjuster, and use soft jaws if you're working on chrome, painted metal, or anything on show. If you need grip without marks, wrap the part or use a proper strap wrench instead of forcing it with teeth.
Who Are Stanley Locking Pliers For on Site?
- Plumbers and heating engineers who need a reliable clamp on seized compression nuts, valves, and pipework when access is tight.
- Fabricators, mechanics, and maintenance teams using Stanley vice grips to hold, twist, and pull parts in the workshop without chasing the job round the bench.
- Sparks and fitters who keep a pair in the tool bag for quick gripping, pulling, and holding while they sort fixings and brackets in awkward positions.
How Stanley Mole Grips Work for You
Locking grips aren't just pliers with teeth. Set them right and they clamp like a vice, which is why they save jobs that normal hand tools can't.
1. Set the Jaw Pressure with the Adjuster
Wind the screw in until the jaws need a firm squeeze to lock, then you'll get proper bite without crushing softer materials. Too loose and they slip; too tight and you'll mark everything and struggle to release them.
2. The Over-Centre Lock Does the Holding
Once they click over, the mechanism holds the pressure for you, so you can pull, twist, or clamp parts without constantly squeezing. That's what makes Stanley locking grips handy as a quick clamp when you're drilling or lining up fixings.
3. Use the Release Lever, Don't Yank Them Off
Hit the release lever to open the jaws cleanly, especially on finished surfaces. Yanking them off is how you chew up edges and end up with a grip that feels rough and out of adjustment.
Mole Grip Accessories That Save Time on Site
A couple of simple add-ons stop locking pliers turning into a knuckle-busting, surface-marking nightmare.
1. Replacement Jaw Pads or Soft Jaws
If you're clamping finished metal, chrome, or painted parts, soft jaws stop you leaving tooth marks everywhere. They're the difference between a clean repair and a call-back for damaged fittings.
2. Penetrating Oil
For seized nuts and rusted fixings, a proper penetrating oil saves you from over-tightening the adjuster and wrecking the head. Soak it, lock on square, and you'll shift more without snapping studs.
3. Small File or Wire Brush
Cleaning paint and rust off the flats before you lock on gives the jaws something solid to bite. It's a two-minute prep that stops slipping and rounded corners.
Why Shop for Stanley Mole Grips at ITS?
Whether you need Stanley curved jaw mole grips for everyday grabbing, straight jaw for flats, or long nose for tight access, you can get the right size and style in one place. We stock a full range of Stanley locking pliers in our own warehouse, ready for next day delivery so you're not stuck bodging it with the wrong grips.
