There are many pliers of this type in my shop. The only thing these tongs don't have is a molded handle. It seems that this doesn't matter much and if you are a young person it might not. I can tell you my 63 year old hands have seen better days and pinching with regular pliers hurts me a little from time to time. I just can't get maximum clamping force with regular steel handled pliers. These pliers are much easier to use. Other than that, these pliers work as well or better than any other pair I have, but I can squeeze things tighter with them. Of course, you still have to be careful when loosening any locking pliers (including these) or you'll pinch your finger. I'm taking off a star because the handles help surprisingly well, and if these guys are that good at making pliers, I'm pretty sure they'll find a better locking/unlocking mechanism too.