Locking pliers
Locking pliers (also called Vise-Grips, a vice grip, or a Mole wrench) are pliers that can be locked into position, using an "over-center" cam action. Locking pliers are available with many different jaw styles, such as needle-nose pliers, wrenches, clamps and various shapes to fix metal parts for welding. They also come in many sizes. History. The first locking pliers, with the trade name Vise-Grip, were invented by William S. Petersen in De Witt, Nebraska, United States in 1924. Later, in 1955, in the United Kingdom, M K Mole and Son, a hand tool  manufacturing company, under the managing direction of Thomas Coughtrie, began making a nearly identical pliers. Etymology. In the United States, the brand name ""Vise Grips"" is nearly a generic name for this type of pliers. In the United Kingdom, the brand name ""Mole Wrench"" is nearly a generic name for this type of pliers. The spelling of ""vise"" is the older spelling as attested in Samuel Johnson's 1755 dictionary. This spelling has been retained in the United States. The spelling of ""vice"" can be traced back to 1584 for the clamping use of the word. This is the current  spelling in the English speaking world except for the United States. Mechanism. Locking pliers remain clamped to an object without requiring continuous pressure on the handles based on the "over-center" principle. After being properly adjusted using a threaded screw, the pliers are brought to bear by cam action. In the process of being closed on an object the mechanism passes through a point of maximum tightest clamping and as the handle levers are closed further, the jaws release slightly. This means that to open the jaws have to be tightened, thus maintaining the clamping pressure. The inherent flexibility of  the pliers maintains a spring pressure on the jaws such that the handle needs to be pulled open to release the clamping pressure. In many modern versions an additional inner lever aids release. Operation. The bolt is used to set the jaws to a size slightly smaller than what is to be gripped. The jaws are then closed on the gripped object. Because of the lever action the jaws move only slightly but with much force. Locking pliers have four advantages: A typical use would be to hold metal parts in place for welding. Other uses include holding a nut  or bolt that has been 'rounded', helping pull out nails, holding pipes without squeezing them, and acting as temporary substitute levers or knobs on equipment and machinery.