Channellock media event thoughts

So, what were everyone’s thoughts on the Channellock media event? Any surprises?

Personally, I was surprised at the number of pliers produced each day. I was also surprised to learn that the T&G models will still function without the pivot bolt.

I read on another blog that they did a comparison between some other brands and Channellock and the author of the article said that Channellock came out on top. I wish I had a better idea of what models they were comparing and exactly what they were using as their test subject. I would like to see a real comparison on neutral ground with an impartial group of judges.

I wish they’d have disclosed which of the lineman’s pliers had no heat treating at all on the cutting edges. I’ve always been a big Channellock fan since….well, since forever, but it’s still nice to what’s out there.

One of if not the only pliers in which I do not prefer the Channellock brand is with the 386 bent nose model

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The thicker jaws are great for strength, but for the tight spaces I use them for I prefer the thinner jaws of the Proto models

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The Channellocks are only slightly thicker, but in a tight spot a little goes a long way.

Conductor562 wrote:

One of if not the only pliers in which I do not prefer the Channellock brand is with the 386 bent nose model [External image (ak.buy.com), not copied] The thicker jaws are great for strength, but for the tight spaces I use them for I prefer the thinner jaws of the Proto models [External image (images.drillspot.com), not copied] The Channellocks are only slightly thicker, but in a tight spot a little goes a long way.

You owe it to yourself to try a pair of Knipex plierswrench IMHO they are a lot better than Channellocks smooth jaw offering. Channellock does not offer anything like the Knipex mini bolt cutter. Most of my small precision pliers are Snap-on again Channelocks offerings in this area are pretty slim.

Conductor562 wrote:

I wish they’d have disclosed which of the lineman’s pliers had no heat treating at all on the cutting edges. I’ve always been a big Channellock fan since….well, since forever, but it’s still nice to what’s out there.

Don’t they list on the packaging which pliers are good for cutting hard wire? I wouldn’t really count on linesmans type pliers for much of that type of use, they are meant to cut copper wire predominately.

I was referring to one of the article where they tested the different brands of linemans to show the heat treated area. They said one of the leading brands wasn’t heat treated at the cutting jaws at all. If all but one are heat treated I want to know which one was not.

I use my smooth jaws primarily on kitchen and bathroom fixtures. It’s certainly not a real demanding application so it always puzzled me why Channellock only offers these in a 12″ model. I would be better served by a 10″ or possibly even an 8″ model.

Water pump pliers are a real pain in the arse because they all bust eventually.

I have an old pair of U.S made with blue handles and they are the only ones that have lasted. ( an example of U.S quality product).

The only competition has been my footprint grips which are just indestructible. 🙂

Conductor562 wrote:

I was referring to one of the article where they tested the different brands of linemans to show the heat treated area. They said one of the leading brands wasn’t heat treated at the cutting jaws at all. If all but one are heat treated I want to know which one was not.

I suspect it would be some house brand like Craftsman, Husky, or Kobalt.

Conductor562 wrote:

I use my smooth jaws primarily on kitchen and bathroom fixtures. It’s certainly not a real demanding application so it always puzzled me why Channellock only offers these in a 12″ model. I would be better served by a 10″ or possibly even an 8″ model.

I believe you can get the Knipex pliers wrench in three different sizes and in your choice of hard or soft grips.

Wayne Burgess wrote:

Water pump pliers are a real pain in the arse because they all bust eventually.

I have an old pair of U.S made with blue handles and they are the only ones that have lasted. ( an example of U.S quality product).

The only competition has been my footprint grips which are just indestructible. 🙂

You have broken Knipex pliers? How about Kleins or Snap-ons?

Speaking of which have you ever run across NWS tools and do you have an opinion on them?

They appear to be well made.

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I’ve never really ran into a situation where the 10″ were too big, just situations where smaller would be better.

I will check out the Knipex though.

I find the pin on these type of tool rounds off or the holes elongate after time.

Wayne Burgess wrote:

I find the pin on these type of tool rounds off or the holes elongate after time.

I guess that is one of the advantages of being a tool addict, there is almost always some new tool coming along that I have to try out before I wear the old ones out.

I’m in the same boat Eco. I usually replace things before they wear out. Pliers and combination wrenches seem to be the exception though.

Remember though Guys I use the water pump pliers all day every day for months on end and have a grip like an angry bear so any that last are doing bloody well really. 🙂