An online promotion will award a custom-built IRWIN® VISE-GRIP® chopper to the consumer with the best story.

IRWIN Industrial Tools, a Newell Rubbermaid company and maker of the IRWIN® VISE-GRIP®, announced the “Tell Us Your IRWIN VISE-GRIP Story” promotion whereby consumers are asked to share the different and unique ways they have used VISE-GRIP locking pliers or wrenches to solve various problems either in the workplace or at home.

For years, IRWIN has received hundreds of unsolicited stories from professional tradesmen, contractors and do-it-yourselfers about the unique ways they’ve used a VISE-GRIP product outside of its traditional use to solve various problems either in a pinch or as a permanent solution. The stories range from makeshift nut crackers and portable camera stands to temporary gear levers for dirt bikes and door handles.

From July 1 – Oct. 31, 2008, consumers can enter their VISE-GRIP stories at www.irwin.com/vise-grip. Entries must describe the way they used their VISE-GRIP in 100 words or less and can include a photo of the product in use. The contest entries will be judged from Nov. 1 – 15, 2008 to identify the top 50 stories. The story entries will be selected based on creativity, originality and how the story fits with the product theme. Consumers will have a chance to vote on the top entries to help select the winner from Nov. 16 – Dec. 19, 2008. The contest winner will be announced by Feb. 2009.

“IRWIN VISE-GRIP tools have been a mainstay in the toolboxes of professional tradesmen, contractors and home owners for more than 80 years. During that time, we’ve seen many imaginative ways that people have used VISE-GRIP tools to solve a variety of construction or every day challenges that highlight its performance and durability,” said Curt Weber, director of marketing, IRWIN Industrial Tools. “We’re excited to create a formal opportunity for consumers to share their unique VISE-GRIP stories with us and reward them for their loyalty and creativity.”

The “Tell Us Your IRWIN VISE-GRIP Story” promotion grand prize is an IRWIN VISE-GRIP custom-branded chopper valued at $25,000 built by East Coast Custom Cycles. Throughout the promotion, consumers can log on to the Web site and vote for their favorite story; enter a sweepstakes to win an IRWIN VISE-GRIP tool set; or play Instant Win games for a chance to win other IRWIN VISE-GRIP prizes such as the Quick Adjusting Wrench, GrooveLock pliers or various professional pliers.