In 2024 it is not uncommon for tool companies to outsource manufacturing of their products to specialists in each kind of tool. You can imagine that having a factory capable of making sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, ratchets, extensions, etc, etc, would require some serious variety in tooling, workings, etc. So instead, brands use specialty manufacturing facilities. For example, you might send your designs off to a company who only makes sockets to make yours. Or to a screwdriver factory for your screwdrivers. But what if you instead went to a factory that already builds a tool and told them you wanted to sell that same tool but with your brand name on it? Would there be any reason for someone to actually buy yours if they could buy the same thing already? What if your brand name was better than the other?

Well all these scenarios are real, and in this video the latter is being explored, because the 11″ Eagle Grip locking pliers are available under both the Malco and Snap-On brands but at VERY different prices.

Make no mistake, I’m a fan of Snap-On tools. I mean who isn’t? But I can’t afford them. I never have been able to, so any Snap-On tools that I do have are ones I bought used from Russ The Tool Guy at either the Long Beach or Pomona Swap Meets, or inherited somewhere. So if I was in the market for a nice set of locking pliers like this, there is no way I could justify the extra expense.

Check out the video and let us know what you think.