LoggerHead Tools Introduces the Bionic Grip(TM) - First Open-Ended, Adjustable Wrench with Symmetrical Grip; Does the Job of Several Tools, Covers Multiple Hex and Pipe Sizes.

CHICAGO -- LoggerHead Tools LLC today announced the 8-inch Bionic Grip(TM), an open-ended version of the patented, award-winning Bionic Wrench(TM), which was launched in May 2005. This new hand tool brings together the best features of a pair of pliers and an adjustable wrench. Like the Bionic Wrench(TM), the 8-inch Bionic Grip(TM) distributes force around a work surface and automatically grips multiple sizes of nuts and bolts. However, the Bionic Grip's(TM) open-ended head can go over work difficult or impossible to reach with a closed-headed wrench, including pipes and tubes. It also has four serrated jaw surfaces and a new Interlock(TM) mechanism that says locked while under torque load -- making it ideal for use on household plumbing or hydraulic and air line fittings.

One Tool, Many Uses

"The Bionic Grip(TM) expands the scope of what you can do with an adjustable wrench or pliers," said LoggerHead Tools President Dan Brown. "It can do the job of several different tools, making it one of the most versatile gripping tools available. And unlike pipe wrenches, slip jaw wrenches, locking grips and adjustable pliers, the Bionic Grip(TM) utilizes LoggerHead Tools' patented Bionic Gripping(TM) technology, enhancing a user's ability to grip the work while symmetrically distributing the forces over a larger surface area.

Balanced Grip Reduces Distortion

When the handle of the Bionic Grip(TM) is squeezed, four gripping jaws converge and grab the curved surface of a pipe or the flats of a fastener -- distributing force over 240 degrees. While conventional tools with parallel jaws, such as pipe-style wrenches or pliers, can distort pipes and tubes, the Bionic Grip's(TM) jaws firmly surround the work surface for a distributed and balanced grip. The Bionic Grip(TM) is well-suited for softer materials like copper, plastic and brass.

New Interlock(TM) Mechanism

The Bionic Grip(TM) features LoggerHead Tools' new Interlock(TM) mechanism, which creates an intelligent lock. The Interlock(TM) mechanism engages onto the work, stays locked while under torque load and simply disengages when the force is removed. Whether gripping a hex or a pipe, the user can let go of the grip force while maintaining the torque.

No More Searching for the Exact Wrench Size

With a one-handed squeeze, the Bionic Grip(TM) fits 13 sizes of hex fasteners, from 1/2 inches to 3/4 and 13 mm to 20 mm. This reduces the need to search for the exact size wrench for a job. It also fits pipes and tubes from 1/2 inch to 13/16 inch (outer diameter). The Bionic Grip's(TM) versatility makes it a handy tool for home, work and on the go. It can be used for a wide range of applications that require turning nuts and bolts or pipes and tubes -- such as renovations, repairs, machinery and vehicle maintenance, equipment assembly and plumbing. Weighing just eight ounces, the 8-inch Bionic Grip(TM) is a portable, general-purpose tool to keep around the house or apartment for unanticipated maintenance chores.

Easy to Use for Almost Everyone

The Bionic Grip(TM) has a universal design that is easy to use for almost anyone, regardless of ability and experience with tools. It is simple and intuitive to use and has no knobs or tricky adjustments. It can be gripped in either hand and in almost any orientation. Users can tighten or loosen their work with ratchet-like speed because there is no need to remove the wrench between turns.

LoggerHead Tools' Growing Product Line

The Bionic Grip(TM) supports LoggerHead Tools' mission to create problem-solving innovations that provide enhanced value to its customers. In February, the company expanded its Bionic Wrench(TM) product line to include 6-, 8- and 10-inch versions that together replace 38 SAE and metric wrench sizes from 1/4 inch to 1 1/4 inch or 7 mm to 30 mm. LoggerHead Tools will be launching two additional new-to-the-world hand tools later this year.

Product Design Awards

LoggerHead Tools recently won several international product design competitions for its Bionic Wrench(TM) technology. In March the company received the very highest honors from two international product design competitions, the Red Dot: Best of the Best award and the iF Gold award from the International Design Forum (iF). LoggerHead Tools and Apple Computer were the only U.S. companies to receive the highest honors in both prestigious international competitions this year. The patented Bionic Wrench(TM) also received a 2005 Good Design award from the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, and the 2005 Editor's Choice award from Popular Mechanics for innovative product design.

Manufactured in the United States 

All LoggerHead Tools products are manufactured in the United States at Penn United in Cabot, Pa. LoggerHead Tools intends to demonstrate that American companies can stay competitive with a domestically produced product through strategic partnerships and product differentiation.

Bionic Grip(TM) Availability

The Bionic Grip(TM) will be available for $32.95 this summer through Orchard Supply and ACE Hardware stores and a growing list of retailers and catalogs. Products are also available through Loggerhead Tools: http://www.loggerheadtools.com or 1-888-564-4374 (LOGGERHEAD).

About LoggerHead Tools

LoggerHead Tools LLC designs, develops and commercializes inventive, new-to-the-world tools manufactured in the United States. The company's mission is to create value-added, problem-solving innovations that provide enhanced value to its customers.

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