The Brute is lighter and tougher than the comparable VT-001, weighing in at just 0.28 pounds with a hardness rating of HRC60. Its black oxide finish acts as a protection against rust, according to the company.
The Brute also sports a number of design changes compared to the VT-001. The new tool was optimized to extract fasteners of a variety of sizes. The newly redesigned surface allows for a set of new functions, and the weight and size make it a versatile choice for a range of tasks, according to Vampire Tools.
The Brute features a longer wire cutting surface and larger opening for electrical jobs, while its intermesh teeth interlock over a wider surface area, allowing for more control and greater bite for hard-to-grip items like sheet metal, according to the company. The tool’s nose has the signature VamPLIERS jaws for gripping fasteners, but comes with a slenderer nose that allows it to get into smaller spaces.