Snap-On Quality Control On Diagonal Pliers...The Hell?

[Skin]

This is the third and final straw on this so i want to vent a bit. Two pair of 87CF ($40.25 list) and now a brand new 86EP Pistol Grip Diagonal ($50.75 list) have a substantial gap between the cutting edges so much so that they're completely useless for anything except abuse work (pulling cotter pins and woodruff keys etc..). For the money they're charging for these this quality is disgusting. My Cman Pro were great, until i chipped an edge doing something stupid. I thought i'd treat myself to a "quality" pair and got the first Snap-On as part of a set. Second one was sent to replace the first which didnt help and now the pistol grip just arrived today. My newest Knipex rebranded Matco is superb on the first shot but Snap-On? Zero for three. I actually have a Snap-On high leverage diagonal coming as well but at this point im pretty much set on returning it and this pistol grip and buying the Matco. Now for the pictures.

First failure, major gap.



Second failure, less than the first but still cant cut anything.



Third failure, the fifty dollar pistol grips, large gap.



The three failures.



And thats it...oh wait one more



Perfectly formed cutting edge straight from the third world. Part of a set of 3 pliers that cost less than $10.

I dont know if this is the fault of the person grinding the edges or the person joining the two halves but this product *****. As far as diagonals are concerned buy anything except Snap-On unless you just want an expensive pair of koolaid drinker cotter pin pullers because thats all they're good for...unless you have to cut the cotter pin.

 

[Mario]

Damn! 0/3!

EDIT: No On-line ordering for me for this kind of tools anymore! And (won't help you, I know), i LOVE my Channelock cutter, 22$"

 

[Sh1thead]

Not completely sure but I think that may be the way they are designed?

 

[Sparkfarmer]

That blows...
No one has perfect QC as we all know, I got 3 sets of snappy screwdrivers in a row all had chrome problems. I still love the screwdrivers though. Just means its Warranty time... again!

 

[MoToys]

I have never been a fan of snap-on's dikes. Even with no gap I didn't like how they cut. As for quality control, that is unacceptable.
My recommendations would be nws fantasticos or for klien journeymen.

 

[Skin]

Not completely sure but I think that may be the way they are designed?

Designed not to be able to cut? Then its not a diagonal.

That blows...
No one has perfect QC as we all know, I got 3 sets of snappy screwdrivers in a row all had chrome problems. I still love the screwdrivers though. Just means its Warranty time... again!

Well you know i gave them the benefit of the doubt the first two times but now i just give up. If you notice the date code stamps the first pair is 2010, second 2011, and third 2012 so this is a long running issue not just some isolated bad batch.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Seems to be common to a lot of brands these days, whether it's the high or the low end of the spectrum. I don't remember there ever being so many threads on quality control from so many manufacturers, and certainly not from Snap-On.

I wonder, who is the OEM for those pliers?

 

[MrMark]

The second one looks right. Can't tell for sure on the others.

They are designed that way and, in fact, it is one of their major advertising points and claims of superior performance. I have that pair of 87cf and I think it is my finest cutter, other than the larger 88 model. I prefer it over the 10 inch Knipex and certainly the 8 inch Knipex. The idea is that they can cut very small gauge wire very precisely at the tip and thicker wire very well at the base. They work well at these differing jobs. Snap-on pliers are made by Snap-on and I'd take them over anything else I have used.

 

[canuckian]

Just checked all my snap on diagonal cutters and all but one pair has some kind of gap. None of them have as big of a gap as the first pair posted but I can see light between the edges for are. Funny enough the only pair that didn't have a gap is an older pair of pistol grip cutters. My Channel lock, NWS and even el cheapo Mastercraft cutters all have no gaps. I knew I wasn't losing my mind when I was thinking the snap on's didn't cut as well as my other sets. One thing I have noticed is the type of steel they're using lately. It's like a dull grey finish. They used to have a shinier appearance.

 

[MrMark]

See the light. You don't like SO power edge? Come on Skin. You are usually dead on but on this one?

 

[Skin]

The second one looks right. Can't tell for sure on the others.

They are designed that way and, in fact, it is one of their major advertising points and claims of superior performance. I have that pair of 87cf and I think it is my finest cutter, other than the larger 88 model. I prefer it over the 10 inch Knipex and certainly the 8 inch Knipex. The idea is that they can cut very small gauge wire very precisely at the tip and thicker wire very well at the base. They work well at these differing jobs. Snap-on pliers are made by Snap-on and I'd take them over anything else I have used.

I assure you they arent right, they cant cut anything (i tried). All 3 of my pair dont even meet at the joint, just the extreme tips like they're turned down. They arent suppose to have a gap between most of the area of the cutting blades, they're just suppose to taper toward the tip and joint to reduce wear to those two portions when doing "power cuts". Thats what i was told over the phone. Yes to make sure i wasnt insane and this wasnt an intentional design to make a diagonal that cant cut cleanly i did infact call.

 

[Infidel]

I got some NWS Fantasticos from German-hand-tools.com that are putting my coworkers Snap On to shame right now. I plan on picking up several more pliers in my near future.

One of my coworkers who has some 10in Knipex cutters that are very worn out from years of service picks up my NWS and walks away, come back with like 10 pennies he snapped in half and a ton of other stuff lol. Jaws are still sharp as hell with no deformation. He say "ok where can i get some of these"

 

[synergy321]

I'll take those "quality control failures" off your hands for you.

 

[Sparkfarmer]

Well you know i gave them the benefit of the doubt the first two times but now i just give up. If you notice the date code stamps the first pair is 2010, second 2011, and third 2012 so this is a long running issue not just some isolated bad batch.

I see... Time for some fantasticos!

 

[MrMark]

Yeah, send them to me Skin, I'll find some use for them rejects.

 

[Skin]

Yeah, send them to me Skin, I'll find some use for them rejects.

The tip is turned down, you wont be able to cut anything. If i can take better pictures to satisfy you i will.

"Slight gap close to the joint" my ****.

 

[magova1104]

I have that model in older version (MADE IN USA) for several years, I use them a lot, and the edges still intact, I did purchased the new ones and broke 2 right away, I know a lot of people don't believe me here,unless they had a bad experience,they start to speculating why. Snap on is not what they use to be.Maybe these are made with different material.
ASK FOR USA (STAMPED)TOOLS. Also, Knipex makes the best bolt cutters in the market.

 

[boostedgt]

the factory in china sent snap on one of the dollar store tool batches by mistake

 

[Chuckdeeznutz]

I'll try and find out the real answers on the pliers and get back ASAP!

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Snap-On is up against the ropes with all the higher quality products available their competition at a lower price. As a result, they are loosing market share.

Part of their cost cutting is what you have experienced: poorer quality of tools and no QC from their vendor.

There's probably a very good chance that those cutters were made in China


Stick with Channel locks for all you pliers and cutters, you will be much happier.

 

[Vibrolux]

Hmm, here's what the Snap on site says, for what it's worth:

"The slight gap close to the joint keeps the tips from wearing prematurely during power cuts, keeping them sharp for more delicate cutting."

 

[dieselmike]

pliers and side cutters- Klein alllll day long!

 

[Toolhorder]

Mine work just fine and I just got the pistol grip ones. Cut just fine. I haven't got time to mic them and compare with every other brand made though I'm too busy making that $$$

 

[cbracer]

Snap-On doesn't make their own pliers. Heck almost none of our beloved USA made tool companies make their own pliers. Germany and other nations kick our **** with pliers

 

[MrMark]

Snap-on absolutely makes their own pliers.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

crescent,Klein and channel lock makes good diagonal cutters.

 

[Chamkila]

The second one looks right. Can't tell for sure on the others.

They are designed that way and, in fact, it is one of their major advertising points and claims of superior performance. I have that pair of 87cf and I think it is my finest cutter, other than the larger 88 model. I prefer it over the 10 inch Knipex and certainly the 8 inch Knipex. The idea is that they can cut very small gauge wire very precisely at the tip and thicker wire very well at the base. They work well at these differing jobs. Snap-on pliers are made by Snap-on and I'd take them over anything else I have used.

can you please explain how the second part of your sentence is supposed to work???? if there is a gap, even a small one the wire will not be cut! I suppose once you make the cut, you are supposed to "pull" on the wire until it breaks? wiggle it maybe? or maybe as some would say you need to make a 2 part attack on a smaller gauge wire by step on cutting it where there is a gap, then step 2 cut it with the tip where there is no gap.....maybe??? NO. These are defects....believe it or not the last picture is the best ones he has.




the video says tiny sliver, not the tiny slivers he has

 

[Big Johnson]

the factory in china sent snap on one of the dollar store tool batches by mistake

Snap On needs to step up their game. They no longer have that competitive edge. Us younger generation are very well informed when it comes to things we take seriously, our tools(investments). My Snap On guy can't wait to get me off his truck, very impatient. I hear all of you guys talking about paying for the service, what service. I truly believe Trucks are a thing of the past, just like the newspaper; why would I pay for a paper when I can read it for free online. These cutters are just one of Snap Ons Gimmicks trying to change something good into some bullcrap science experiment and, of course, charging premium prices.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I have a snappy side cutter that has to be at least 20 years old. There is no gap in it like in the pictures posted here---it's flush.

Unfortunately my wife used it to cut down a steel rod used to hold up insulation under a floor so now there is a half hole in each of the jaws.

Now you can strip 12 gauge wire with it really well

 

[CD1]

I have a snappy side cutter that has to be at least 20 years old. There is no gap in it like in the pictures posted here---it's flush.

Unfortunately my wife used it to cut down a steel rod used to hold up insulation under a floor so now there is a half hole in each of the jaws.

Now you can strip 12 gauge wire with it really well

That is why I keep my toolbox locked. My wife has abused needlenose for cutting the wires of artificial flowers.

 

[otis66]

I've had my Channel Lock dia. pliers since 1988 and there still going strong.

 

[MattPersman]

Mine work just fine and I just got the pistol grip ones. Cut just fine. I haven't got time to mic them and compare with every other brand made though I'm too busy making that $$$

+1 amen, that is what i do, if i needed side cuts i buy them chuck them in the box with a dirty hand, use them when needed dont even look at them, if there is a problem when i need them to perform...i will look at that point. if they do what I want i don't care if the gap is there or not. really don't even think about it

 

[Black89LX]

i just warrantied a 1/2" drive 24mm impact swivel that.... couldnt swivel. right out of the package i thought it looked weird and sure enough, nothing. it was locked up.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I have 2 pairs of the 87CF...I like them better than the Kleins I have used for years!

 

[osborn.ozzy]

They are made that on purpose, watch their video on youtube about it.

 

[RedFordTruck]

For pliers go with channellock.

I got two pairs of USA made channellock 337 diag. cutters on clearance at HD for $8 bucks a pair. Regular price around 18. Flush cut. They work great.

 

[JayL]

I have the older 87CP USA. No gap at all except for a pinhole near the joint. Excellent cutter.

 

[KEH]

The gap along the cutting edge is the first thing I check when thinking of buying a pair of new or used pliers. Thanks for post, now I know not to buy mail order.

KEH

 

[DRhodes]

You should call Snap on. They will make it right.

 

[mrshaun]

We do make our own pliers. Yours have more gap than i have ever seen in any of the cutters. I also sell knipex and they have zero gap. I sell the knipex 10-1 vs the snap on cutters like you guys are talking about.. those would go in the warranty pile because they look useless for sure.