Pliers are probably the most useful hand tool and I definitely consider them indispensable. I had them in different sizes from different manufacturers. The original vise was made by Irwin and is now made in China like this one. Some brands are still made in the USA. Designs from different manufacturers are nearly identical, typically using wire cutters and quick release skewers. But quality matters - I've used locking pliers whose jaws aren't aligned properly or don't close fully, the cam doesn't work smoothly, or the lag screw doesn't turn smoothly. And since the prices are about the same, there's little point in buying second-rate pliers that are meant to last a lifetime. These pliers are as good as anything I've tried. Everything works smoothly. The edges around the jaw teeth are a bit sharp, but I don't see that as a problem. Wire cutters work well. If you don't want it made in the USA, that's fine.