Milwaukee vs Channellock vs Klein, Made in USA

[Renegade1LI]

So I picked up a pair of Milwaukee made in USA 8" needle noise pliers at home depot, 34$. Same pair of channellocks and Kleins were 10$ less, so are the milwaukee pliers better? They look well made, just at a higher price point. I love to buy usa made whenever I can and will probably get a few more of the milwaukee usa tools as is like to try them out. The question will be of they're worth the premium above comprable usa made tools. Any good real world experience with milwaukee usa?

 

[Banjorear]

Would be great to do a quick comparison between the Channel Locks V. Milwaukee. Judging by the pictures, the Milwaukees look beefier.

 

[Farmall450]

Would be great to do a quick comparison between the Channel Locks V. Milwaukee. Judging by the pictures, the Milwaukees look beefier.

Yeah, I've bent at least 2 needle nose Channellocks now, so I'm thinking that might not be the "perfect" needlenose.

 

[Renegade1LI]

They do feel good in hand, although a little thicker jaws, might not be good for intricate stuff. These seemed to be aimed at electricians, which is OK, i did notice i paid 39$ for them. The mt505 are a better comparison to the cl 3017 an are 35$.

 

[BrandonV]

I have most of the new Milwaukee USA pliers. They work like pliers should. Probably put them above Channellock but below Klein. All below Knipex/NWS/various Japanese pliers.

Honestly the biggest thing for me is consistency for things like diagonal cutters and comfortable grips.

Klein seems like they want to continue the USA production which is a plus.

 

[Dixie_Flatline]

I only bought and used Klein for the longest time, then was given some Knipex pliers. Still like my Klein gear, but if I ever need anything new I will be looking hard at Knipex. Oddly enough, the only Channellock tool I own is a small screwdriver that is perfect for tiny screws.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have some channel locks that I like. I have not tried the Milwaukee.

Most recently, however, I purchased some Williams double dipped.

https://www.suncoasttools.com/crm/ItemPage.aspx?ItemNumber=JHPL-47C++++++++++JH&VendorNumber=WILLIAMS

That is just one example of their double dipped pliers. I really like them. I like them enough. I ordered some more. Oh and made in the USA. I don't know if all their pliers are made in the USA, but the ones I bought are

 

[Renegade1LI]

I see there usa screwdrivers are in stock, going to pick them and see how they are. Like to get all there usa tools.

 

[lardy1]

I have the 8 inch needle nose in several brands. I gave the Knipex to my nephew. I never liked the Channellock ones very well. Until I got the Milwaukee, Wiha was my favorite and still is for finer work. The Milwaukee impresses me but it doesn't seem to impress many others. They have aggressive teeth and will stand up to moderate twisting. My thinking is that they are designed with the electrician in mind.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have the 8 inch needle nose in several brands. I gave the Knipex to my nephew. I never liked the Channellock ones very well. Until I got the Milwaukee, Wiha was my favorite and still is for finer work. The Milwaukee impresses me but it doesn't seem to impress many others. They have aggressive teeth and will stand up to moderate twisting. My thinking is that they are designed with the electrician in mind.

My guess is not that they don't impress, just that others have not tried them... Just guessing though.

 

[lardy1]

Yeah. They're a bit pricy compared to some others. That's always a factor. I got mine pretty reasonable.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Yeah. They're a bit pricy compared to some others. That's always a factor. I got mine pretty reasonable.

I might try one though, based on the recommendation... Which is your favorite?

 

[lardy1]

I only have the 8 inch needle nose.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I only have the 8 inch needle nose.

Office the Amazon pricing, much cheaper at my local ace, but easy to grab links. No idea where this one is made.

For Milwaukee 48-22-6101 8-Inch Gripping Nose Reaming Head Long Nose Pliers

https://a.co/d/bdm0PaH

Dipped handle, made in USA I think. So I assume these.

Milwaukee PLIER Long Nose Grip DIPPD 8IN MT505

https://a.co/d/aO3pNEx

 

[d.mcfarland]

Why not just buy once and cry once by purchasing the best in this category? SNAP ON 96ACF (current version part number). Buying two other pliers is already more than the cost of the Snap On ones in the first place.

All this talk about bent jaws and trouble twisting ... isn't an issue for the Snap On needle nose pliers. They are not tweezers so they shouldn't perform like them.

 

[LOW1]

Channelocks have always been good enough for me,

I have a pair of Knipex. They still are pretty. Because I don’t use them.

My Channelocks look like they have been tap danced on by the old East German swim team.

 

[lardy1]

Dipped handle, made in USA I think. So I assume these.

Milwaukee PLIER Long Nose Grip DIPPD 8IN MT505

https://a.co/d/aO3pNEx

Those are the ones I'm referring to. I've never used the imported style Milwaukee.

 

[AEAdam]

Why not just buy once and cry once by purchasing the best in this category? SNAP ON 96ACF (current version part number). Buying two other pliers is already more than the cost of the Snap On ones in the first place.

All this talk about bent jaws and trouble twisting ... isn't an issue for the Snap On needle nose pliers. They are not tweezers so they shouldn't perform like them.

Snap On pliers are VERY nice and don't get the praise they deserve on GJ. In my opinion, they are head and shoulders better than Knipex, which I find soft, and spongey by comparison. I bought a lot of Knpex based on recommendations here and have been generally disappointed. There are a few specific models I like that no one else makes (or I've never seen - e.g. "assembly pliers")

I just bought a pair of Channellock duck bills. I think duck bills are better for electrical than needle nose (altho I find I use both types). Just so happens, I have Snap On and Knipex versions as well.

The Channellocks were nicely ground, have the wide flat handles Snap On have (better than Knipex) and feel stiffer (not the joint, but maybe higher heat treat/lower temper, like Snap On). The business ends match nicely, and are chunkier than Snap On, which are pretty delicate.

The one thing I noticed about the Channellocks was the outside corners were not finished beautifully. They were pretty sharp. Maybe the finish work helps explain the price differential. I wouldn't hesitate to buy Klein or Channellock in the future, especially for rougher work. But be prepared to stone/deburr them.

 

[Steve_P]

Channellock is just meh IMO; I doubt I'll ever buy another because there are so many other options now. I have quite a few CL, and they were the default plier 20+ years ago in the US; but, in the 21st century they're far below Knipex and NWS; yes, both of those cost more than CL, but if you can afford it, they're miles ahead. The only Channellock that I regularly use anymore is my lineman plier- for some reason the proportions of it are just right for me. Everything else CL went in the mobile tool bags for very occasional use. I do have a couple of Wiha that I bought a few months ago and they're very nice, especially for the sale price I paid. I bought the Icon copy of the Snap On needlenose mentioned above and they're quite nice for the $18? that I paid. Of course, I also have a few Tsunoda, King, TTC..... If I had to only pick one plier brand it'd be Knipex.

 

[Professional Tool User]

My first impressions of the Milwaukee made in USA pliers models after looking at them in store is that they seem to look cruder than the Channellock, Knipex, and Klein ones. I wouldn't bother with the USA made Milwaukee pliers unless they are significantly cheaper than the Klein or Knipex equivalent.

 

[Banjorear]

Why not just buy once and cry once by purchasing the best in this category? SNAP ON 96ACF (current version part number). Buying two other pliers is already more than the cost of the Snap On ones in the first place.

All this talk about bent jaws and trouble twisting ... isn't an issue for the Snap On needle nose pliers. They are not tweezers so they shouldn't perform like them.

You convinced me. I just ordered a pair of 8" Snap-On 196ACFO's. These are talon grip ones with cutter. I have a pair of the slip joint talons and love them, so I figured I'll give these a try.

 

[Renegade1LI]

So I picked up the screwdrivers, why not, they didn't have the dikes, have to stop at another depot. They feel comfortable in hand, ill have to give them to one of my crews today to really abuse them and see how they are liked.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Picked up a pair of dikes, might as well get the rest of the usa made tools. So far I only used the needle nose, but I'm thinking these are aimed at the trades. They feel good in a gloved hand, built solid, looks like they'll take some abuse. The thicker grips give them a good feel and it feels good they're usa made.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Picked up a pair of dikes, might as well get the rest of the usa made tools. So far I only used the needle nose, but I'm thinking these are aimed at the trades. They feel good in a gloved hand, built solid, looks like they'll take some abuse. The thicker grips give them a good feel and it feels good they're usa made.

I like the screwdrivers too. not my favorite but I like them. If they sold a single set with more than eight screwdrivers in and I would buy the set. I don't really want fill out the set doing individuals like I did with my USA made Williams screwdrivers to get more than those offered in the 19 piece set.

No I do have the set of eight screwdrivers

 

[Renegade1LI]

Well after using the dikes a few days I really like them. They have a nice burly feel to them, definitely construction tool belt material. Yet at the same time they are smooth and precise, will definitely buy more.

 

[impactims]

I would bet the Milwaukie pliers are superior. It would not take much to build a better plier than Channellock...

 

[d.mcfarland]

I would bet the Milwaukie pliers are superior. It would not take much to build a better plier than Channellock...

Double the price they better be twice as good, right....


This thread isn't really going anywhere.

 

[3jakes]

What purpose do the holes in the handles of the Milwaukee pliers serve?

 

[BrandonV]

What purpose do the holes in the handles of the Milwaukee pliers serve?

Tool tether.

 

[kngelv]

I'm an Industrial Electrician and I carry five different needle nose in my tool bag. I use different ones for different things. One pair is used exclusively for tugging on wires in electrical panels and control boxes to make sure they are landed properly. The bag is on a vehicle so I don't have to carry it. The new USA made Milwaukee are a solid pair of pliers. The jaws are grippy and open smoothly plus it has a nice built in conduit reamer. It's for larger work not the delicate stuff. I have a typical pair of 7" Klein's a 6" Snap-On Talon and a very thin longer nose pair that are so worn I don't know who made them. My most used pair is a USA made Crescent brand that fits perfect in my hand. It's at least thirty years old but I love it and obviously they are not made here anymore if at all. I have plenty of Knipex tools but I think they make crappy needle nose pliers.

James

 

[Robinson1]

Ive probably got 30 pairs of assorted Channel Lock pliers. I’ve been using them for 20 years but here lately I’ve been slowing buying Klein. Currently have all my most used pliers swapped over to Klein. I don’t know if they are better but they are different. Can’t quite put my finger on it.

 

[glenng]

I have some channel locks that I like. I have not tried the Milwaukee.

Most recently, however, I purchased some Williams double dipped.

https://www.suncoasttools.com/crm/ItemPage.aspx?ItemNumber=JHPL-47C++++++++++JH&VendorNumber=WILLIAMS

That is just one example of their double dipped pliers. I really like them. I like them enough. I ordered some more. Oh and made in the USA. I don't know if all their pliers are made in the USA, but the ones I bought are

I have a pair of Williams double-dipped. I have these bent needle nose. Really nice and made in USA too. Only pair of Williams pliers that I have though.




The only reason I got the Williams was because I bought these Channellock bent needle nose and didn't really like them because they are kinda small, fat and thick. The Williams is a much thinner bent needle nose and can get into tighter places.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have a pair of Williams double-dipped. I have these bent needle nose. Really nice and made in USA too. Only pair of Williams pliers that I have though.




The only reason I got the Williams was because I bought these Channellock bent needle nose and didn't really like them because they are kinda small, fat and thick. The Williams is a much thinner bent needle nose and can get into tighter places.

I tried the Williams on a whim and I really like those double dipped handles. I find them quite comfy to use.

If I'm not mistaken, I bought them at Suncoast tools

 

[willf650]

I have a Milwaukee American made screw driver and bought it because its got a unique tip. It's nice but I won't buy the pliers.

I know they are made in the USA but Milwaukee is a Chinese company and there are other options at the same price point that truly are American. You named a few in your post.

I guess I like my crude rusty pliers. Honestly I'm set for pliers for life or until I lose another pair.

 

[glenng]

I tried the Williams on a web and I really like those double dipped handles. I find them quite comfy to use.

If I'm not mistaken, I bought them at Suncoast tools

Yeah they're great. I got mine on Amazon. I think I read on here that the Williams double dipped are actually rebranded Pro America pliers.