What are Mole grips made of?

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Mole grips/locking pliers are usually made of steel alloy, with a coating of nickel, or chrome plating. The extended release lever may be rubber covered, and sometimes so are one or both of the handles.

To ensure that you buy the best quality tool, look for a well known brand where the manufacturer provides plenty of information on the product. 

Alloy steel

Mole grips body

Alloy steel is most commonly used to make the body of Mole grips/locking pliers because it is a steel which has been blended with other metallic elements to make a strong and durable material. Strength and durability are important as you want the tool to work efficiently and last. 

The two most common alloy steels used are chrome vanadium steel and carbon steel which, depending on the grade of steel, are equally strong, tough, and resistant to wear and fatigue. The alloy steel used is due to the manufacturer’s preference, not because there is an advantage of using one metal over the other.

Some Mole grips/locking pliers may be further strengthened with an alloy of chrome molybdenum, which is a hard-wearing metal and will increase the life of your Mole grips/locking pliers.

Forged and machined jaws

The jaws of Mole grips/locking pliers are forged and machined to have maximum strength and durability.  

Rubber 

Handles

One or both of the handles of Mole grips/locking pliers can be rubber covered. This is for the comfort of the user, and makes the grips/pliers easier to hold in wet conditions.

The release lever of Mole grips/locking pliers is made of the same alloy steel material as the body. The extended release lever of Mole grips/locking pliers, however, is usually rubber tipped for an easy grip and for the comfort of the user.

Coatings

Nickel or chrome plating

Some Mole grips/locking pliers are given a bright nickel-plated or chrome-plated surface for an attractive, corrosion resistant finish. Both coatings are equally efficient at protecting the tool. Resistance to corrosion is important for any steel tool in order to prolong its life. 

 Summary

• Handles can have rubber grips for non-slip comfort

• The coating of Mole grips/locking pliers should be corrosion resistant

• As with most tools, the more you pay, the better the quality is likely to be