$40 for pliers - what do you buy?

[ls1dreams]

So, I have a $40 gift card to newegg (paid $20) from Google Offers.

I pretty much have all the electronics junks I need right now, so am thinking about picking up some tools.

They have a big selection of channellock stuff, so considering that route.
That said, I didn't realize that there are about 10,000 variations of every channellock plier, so could use some help picking 2 or 3 out.

What 2 or 3 pliers would be most useful for general home and auto repair? I also mess around with speaker wire a fair amount (home audio/car audio), so should probably invest in a good pair of wire strippers as well.

A few thoughts:

- Do I really need diagonal cutters, or could I simply get away with a long-nose + cutter combo? Seems like a nice way to cut down on # of tools.

- Debating how I'd use the slip joint or tongue-and-groove pliers. Where do you find yourself using these? Which would be more useful?

- Thoughts on best practical size? There are a billion variations from 6" - 10" or so.

- As far as quality, who warantees wear & tear? For the tongue and groove I'll probably just go chanellock. For the cutting pliers though, it might be worth it to spend more if a company offers a replacement if the cutting edge gets worn down/destroyed.

 

[shoturtle]

channellock 10" tongue and groove plier , linemen, and diagonal cutters 7" and a pair of grip lock 10" that would be a good start with pliers.

 

[ls1dreams]

channellock 10" tongue and groove plier , linemen, and diagonal cutters 7" and a pair of grip lock 10" that would be a good start with pliers.

Do you feel the diagonal cutters are necessary if I already have linemen pliers (or needlenose pliers) with a cutting edge?

 

[shoturtle]

There are places that a line can not get into easy, so I use my diagonal allot. If you have linemen's already, I would get a needle nose.

 

[ajchien]

You know, the big channellock 460 are something that I don't use much, but am really glad to have. Ok, you're not using this for any electronic stuff, but geez, when some plumbing or backyard sprinkler or swimming pool valve goes, I sure enjoy the size and leverage.

Aside from that. I use the 440s the most. The nutbusters may be a consideration too.

 

[ls1dreams]

There are places that a lime can not get into easy, so I use my diagonal allot. If you have linemen's already, I would get a needle nose.

Fair point on that. I currently only own a super cheap pair of needlenose pliers that came with a soldering kit.

 

[ls1dreams]

Hmmm....

Just noticed in another thread that Channellock stuff is not rust-proofed.

What brands are similar in price/quality that might prevent corrosion? I suppose I could just spray them down with Corrosion Block, but that doesn't seem like a great long term solution.

 

[ls1dreams]

Also, what brands do you guys like for wire strippers? Somewhat tempted to switch to Klein tools for electronic based pliers.

 

[John316]

I have a ton of Channellock and very few issues with rust. Take care of them and they are fine. They are great pliers for the money. I like Knipex Cobra or Irwin Groovelock better though for "waterpump" style pliers. The Groovelock smooth jaw is also great for cosmetic pluming fixtures and they are pretty inexpensive.

Newegg prices on tools generally ****, but here would be my suggestions:

Channellock 447 (If you need a larger cutter)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0PZ0626194&Tpk=cha447

Channellock 436 (If you need a smaller cutter)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0PZ0626184&Tpk=cha 436

Groovelock 10" V-Jaw
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0PZ05W3652

Channellock 317 (Long/Needle Nose Pliers)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0PZ0624604&Tpk=cha317

I own all these and recommend them highly. Are Knipex equivalents generally better? Yes, but for a price. Channellock are an excellent quality to value choice for pliers.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I'm a big fan of Klein wire strippers, I have several pairs..
When did Newegg become Amazon and sell everything (through third parties)? Yikes...

 

[volunteers]

Do you know the difference between the following channellock 369 and 350s?
If I have one, is it necessary to buy another one?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SBD6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000271IO8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have a ton of Channellock and very few issues with rust. Take care of them and they are fine. They are great pliers for the money. I like Knipex Cobra or Irwin Groovelock better though for "waterpump" style pliers. The Groovelock smooth jaw is also great for cosmetic pluming fixtures and they are pretty inexpensive.

Newegg prices on tools generally ****, but here would be my suggestions:

Channellock 447 (If you need a larger cutter)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0PZ0626194&Tpk=cha447

Channellock 436 (If you need a smaller cutter)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0PZ0626184&Tpk=cha 436

Groovelock 10" V-Jaw
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0PZ05W3652

Channellock 317 (Long/Needle Nose Pliers)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0PZ0624604&Tpk=cha317

I own all these and recommend them highly. Are Knipex equivalents generally better? Yes, but for a price. Channellock are an excellent quality to value choice for pliers.

 

[sumner52000]

Channellock is good. Knipex is better.

I also love my Klein wire strippers. I did melt mine a little and it is time for a new pair.

 

[mrpizza]

Seems like a nice way to cut down on # of tools.

Why would someone want to do that????

 

[John316]

Do you know the difference between the following channellock 369 and 350s?
If I have one, is it necessary to buy another one?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004SBD6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000271IO8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Yep. I also have these. The 350s is a linesman style that is more handy. The head and handles are smaller than the beefy 369, and the 350s has the bent handle for leverage. The weight of the 369 brings more power to the table, while the 350 is probably more versatile. Whether you would want both depends on the work you do.

I like to have a variety of styles because I use tools for so many different kinds of jobs. I have rental property, so I always have homeowner/renovation jobs going on. I have my own automotive, tractor/snow/lawn equipment repairs and maintenance and at work I am involved in a lot of electronic and lighter mechanical stuff.

 

[shoturtle]

They do not rust if you wipe them off after you get water on them, but that is something you need to do even if they are chromed or treated. I have wiha pliers and channel lock. The wiha are better, but they are also allot more expensive. I like to use the wiha for the finer work, and the channel lock of the rougher work.

If you want on very good tool, the wiha, kipnex or nws pilers will be good options. But they are almost 40 dollars for 1 pieces.

 

[Danglerb]

Newegg has some odd products, and I have the same coupon, but not using mine on tools, or anything else that isn't on a REAL sale price.

 

[Outlawmws]

SNIP
What 2 or 3 pliers would be most useful for general home and auto repair? I also mess around with speaker wire a fair amount (home audio/car audio), so should probably invest in a good pair of wire strippers as well.

A few thoughts:

- Do I really need diagonal cutters, or could I simply get away with a long-nose + cutter combo? Seems like a nice way to cut down on # of tools.

- Debating how I'd use the slip joint or tongue-and-groove pliers. Where do you find yourself using these? Which would be more useful?

- Thoughts on best practical size? There are a billion variations from 6" - 10" or so.

- As far as quality, who warantees wear & tear? For the tongue and groove I'll probably just go chanellock. For the cutting pliers though, it might be worth it to spend more if a company offers a replacement if the cutting edge gets worn down/destroyed.

10" #420's for the most generally used pair I have.

I'd guess you would get by with the needle nose and cutters for most use, HOWEVER if you do electrical work (house wire) you NEED a pair of lineman's pliers for cutting heavy wire, for twisting bare wire together and for trimming the twisted wire before the wire nut goes on.

Do you need to be able to cut reasonably flush? if not, dykes just dropped lower on the priority list.

Wire stripper/crimpers. don't stint here, you will use them more than you realize, and cheap ones just make you frustrated. Make sure they also have the machine screw cutting feature. (threaded holes on one side, clearance hole/shear on the other)

Duck Bills. (Just damn useful all around)

Slip joints are handy, but low on any priority list. I use them for wire wheeling small fasteners more than anything else.


Warranties are all over the map, and not many will warranty wear and tear except Craftsman (as I was surprised to discover recently).

 

[Matt018]

There are times that you need the diagonal pliers to cut something in an area that the needle nose/linesmans cant get to. Like an area the isnt room for the extra gripping jaws.