Yeah, Fubar, vise grips are great. I have a couple of pair. But they are not good to use as a wrench unless you are really desperate. The teeth can chew up a nut or hex head screw/bolt.

Further to my mention of the locking adjustable wrench, turns out the actual brand is Stanley, Crescent's parent. I just discovered a sorta similar thing and ordered on. Proto tools makes adjustable wrenches that look just like regular Crescent wrenches. However, one model line has click stop adjustment that holds the jaws at a particular opening width. According to the description, when you put more pressure, the jaws are actually locked more tightly in place, minimizing the chance of slipping. This model comes in the usual sizes 4", 6", 8", 10", etc.. The description also says the jaws are thinner so it may even be a substitute for a pedal wrench in a pinch. I just ordered a 6" on sale for $10.49 from MSC Industrial Supply. I will report back later.