Bear Jaws 155 Variations

There are a large number of variations to the original Bear Jaws tool. These variations basically fall into three categories. Manufacturing Variations; that occured through the years as the manufacturing process changed. Related Bear Models; a number of which were based on the original model 155. Rebrands; nearly identical tools produced by Bear for other companies.
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Manufacturing Variations
Bear Jaws 155 variations
Plier Jaws
Bear Jaws 155 variations
Plier Pivots
Bear Jaws 155 variations
Bolsters
Bear Jaws 155 variations
Backsprings

  • Jaws
    • Early models have needlenose jaws that are quite narrow and pointy. Later models have a more blunt profile to their jaws.



  • Plier Pivots
    • Pivots on early models have a center post with flats, and BEAR JAWS USA cast in. Later models have full round pivots with no cast logo.



  • Bolsters
    • Earlys have plier pivot bolsters welded on the outside of handles then polished smooth. Later bolsters were trapped on the inside of the handles.



  • Backsprings
    • patent pending was originally stamped on the backsprings. Later on the full US Patent numbers were stamped on. Backsprings on 155L locking models have a hole through them in order to allow easier flexing.








  • Bear Jaws 155L
    • A locking version of the Bear Jaws was introduced at the 2001 Shot Show. It incorporates an L-shaped tab on each backspring that engages a notch in the blades. (method first seen on the Leatherman Super Tool)
    • Depressing a lever in the blade set releases the locked blade. Early levers were blank, later they were stamped with "depress here to unlock components"
    • The blade can also be released by opening a neighboring blade part way.
Image



  • Color Variations
    • Handles were colored with a crinkle finish powder coat paint. No other portion of the tool was colored.
    • Black, blue, green, and red models were available.
Bear Jaws 155L, blue finish.jpg Bear Jaws 155, green finish.jpg Bear Jaws 155, red finish.jpg
Blue 155L
Green 155
Red 155



  • Bear Jaws 155LN
    • The LN model is simply a Locking Bear Jaws with an ordinary set of fingernail clippers attached. (Locking Nailclippers)
    • Clippers were attached by fitting the head of the clipper's pivot pin through a notch cut in one handle of the Bear Jaws. A bent piece of metal held down by the blade torx screw stabilized the other end of the clipper.
Bear Jaws 155LN Bear Jaws 155LN
Bear Jaws 155LN



  • Bear Jaws Sportsman 155SM
    • The Sportsman model differed only in its blade selection:
      • Partially serrated knife blade instead of plain edge
      • Small flathead screwdriver instead of serrated sheepsfoot blade
      • Saw blade instead of file
    • The word SPORTSMAN was stamped into both handles
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Rebrands

In addition to tools sold with the Bear logo, the company also produced and rebranded tools for a number of other firms. Following is a partial list: (Unique characteristics are mentioned)
Sears Craftsman 45521.jpg
Sears Craftsman
Moore Maker Needle Nose Plier (Bear).jpg
Moore Maker
Nicholson MultiMax Pro NMP14V.jpg
Nicholson
LL Bean (Bear Jaws) 155L, gold finish.jpg
LL Bean

  • Crescent ToolZall Pro
    • ToolZall PRO is stamped on one handle in large font. MADE IN USA is stamped on the other.

  • Sears Craftsman 45521
    • CRAFTSMAN is stamped in large font on one handle. 45521 and USA is on the other.
    • A sharp awl blade has replaced the serrated sheepsfoot knife blade.
    • Seen in both non-locking and locking variations.

  • Moore Maker
    • Moore Maker logo on one handle

  • Nicholson MultiMax Pro
    • Model number NMP14V
    • NICHOLSON is stamped on one handle in large font. MULTIMAX PRO is stamped on the other.

  • LL Bean
    • Titanium nitride (TiN) gold finish.
    • L.L. Bean stamped in one handle.

  • promotional model
    • One side of both handles left completely blank (no logo, no inch scale) allowing space for etching.
    • Review of Hard Hat model - at Multitool.org

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Created by Bob. Last Modification: Tuesday 19 of April, 2016 17:16:38 CEST by Poncho65.

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