Apparently this is something that actually exists and you can buy… looks like an AI-fail to me, but maybe it has some advantage over at adjustable wrench and vice-grips? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L6V5WV8
If I understand the mechanism here, it looks like the vise part is really just engaging the worm screw and keeping it still. That said, I’ve never needed to worry about my adjustable wrench worm screw that much. Maybe the tolerances are extra sloppy and that somehow makes it cheaper to manufacture and the vise bits are just extra shit they are trying to get rid of? With a proper adjustable wrench with good tolerances, there isn’t enough slop in the worm screw to justify this mechanical nonsense.
Yeah, that’s the whole point of it being a worm gear right? They are very hard if not impossible to back feed. By the time the wrench gets sloppy enough for that to matter, it’s time to replace the wrench.
But looking at it, it might actually open up and clamp down a bit? With the whole part moving in and out? That could be useful.
It might also be easier to use if someone has only one hand.
I think it also clamps the jaws by pushing the worm screw tightly.
It’s an alternative to the thumb screw at the bottom of ordinary locking pliers. Maybe more convenient to use with one hand.
Oh wow. I want that bad.
I know right! I grew up using vicegrips as probably my second most used tools. This is so terribly bad.
I want to see someone actually try these. First time using it what most grips are made for, gripping, the worm gear is getting bent and then it’s just that size forever.
