Engineer Brandon Daniel from Kannapolis (NC) Fire Department send in these photos of his modified vise grips. As you can see from the photo, he made two simple modifications to the vise grips that make the tool more versatile.
The first is replacing the set screw with a threaded eye bolt. This modification not only makes the eye bolt easier to manipulate with a gloved hand, it also serves as an attachment point for webbing when using the vise grips to stabilize a padlock when cutting with the rotary saw. The other modification was welding a key tool to the handle of the vise grips. This ensures that the key tool is always readily available when utilizing thru-the-lock techniques. Its worth mentioning that may be beneficial to make the tip of the key tool a bit more slender about 3/16″ or so to ensure it fits inside the lock sufficiently to manipulate the mechanism.
I was also wondering if the key tool should be turned the other direction to allow for application in locks at an easier angle? Just a thought, seems like the tool may not open enough to allow for the key tool to work correctly?
When the jaws are adjusted to the point of grabbing a lock. Open the pliers and the key tool is long enough to be used at any angle. I have another version since this one. Here it is on YouTube.https://youtu.be/wdbOYLYoOmM. The main reason for the key tool facing inwards, is to protect the pockets.
What size bolt are you using?
Are you referring to the eye bolt? I don’t remember. I just took my pliers to Lowes and found one that was long enough and correct thread.
I just purchased a vise grip and eye bolt after seeing this today. The eye bolt was 5/16″ if that helps.