I use the very small vice grips, 5 in. works very well.

I actually own a 5 inch lock pliers so I'll give it a try.

Thanks

Best way? Clockwise. It's so much easier if you wind them all the same way. I start out with a loose twist with fingers, then tension them with small long nose pliers which fit neatly in my hand. The main thing to remember is to use straps and clamps to pull panels into shape, and the wires to hold it in place. Try to avoid using the wires as a tourniquet.