Good mid-grade long nose pliers (11")

[mrjaw14]

I'm looking for a set of 11" long nose pliers in straight and bent nose. I'm not a pro mechanic, I'm a weekend warrior, so no snap-on, matco, etc unless I can get it used. But I don't want to buy **** either, I want the best quality I can get that makes sense, meaning spend enough to get good quality without wasting money I could be spending on other tools. HD doesn't carry any, Lowes and HF are total ****. Bad machining, poor fit, metal bends by looking at it. I've searched on GJ forums and found someone who has the proto set below and had decent things to say about it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-SET-O...8-/120693486699?pt=Pliers&hash=item1c19e4746b

I'm probably going to be buying online, which makes me nervous about bad machining. Is it reasonable that these proto will be of good quality. What are some comparable options that are good quality?

 

[Skin]

As long as you arent stooping to HF cheapness any decent brand will be fine, import or domestic.

 

[pacsguy]

I'm looking for a set of 11" long nose pliers in straight and bent nose. I'm not a pro mechanic, I'm a weekend warrior, so no snap-on, matco, etc unless I can get it used. But I don't want to buy **** either, I want the best quality I can get that makes sense, meaning spend enough to get good quality without wasting money I could be spending on other tools. HD doesn't carry any, Lowes and HF are total ****. Bad machining, poor fit, metal bends by looking at it. I've searched on GJ forums and found someone who has the proto set below and had decent things to say about it.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROTO-SET-O...8-/120693486699?pt=Pliers&hash=item1c19e4746b

I'm probably going to be buying online, which makes me nervous about bad machining. Is it reasonable that these proto will be of good quality. What are some comparable options that are good quality?

I have this exact set and have been very happy with them.

 

[franzdom]

I got a set from him for perhaps $30 with duckbill & the long bent nose. These are not mid-grade, they are about as good as you can get anywhere. The seller is good too, obviously has a nice supply of surplus Proto pliers.

 

[bcradio]

My vote goes to the $30 set of Crescent pliers at Sears. I have them and they are great quality.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00929319000P?vName=Tool%20Catalog&cName=GeneralPurposeHandTools&sName=Pliersmv=rr

They may be longer than 11" though.

 

[bobcatdan]

Those look to be the same as the old USA mac long nose, from a time when mac was a good brand.

 

[mrjaw14]

I thought about that Crescent set at Sears, but I didn't know if the double X kind would be as strong. The proto off ebay look more in line with SO. Also, the handles are more "S" shaped on the proto than a regular pair of pliers being just curved shaped...does the "s" shape of the proto provide any real benifit? can't find anything like it locally to handle and see for myself.

 

[archirelic]

I thought about that Crescent set at Sears, but I didn't know if the double X kind would be as strong. The proto off ebay look more in line with SO. Also, the handles are more "S" shaped on the proto than a regular pair of pliers being just curved shaped...does the "s" shape of the proto provide any real benifit? can't find anything like it locally to handle and see for myself.

I've got both the Proto set you linked to and the Crescent set sold at Sears, which can be had for under 20 bucks out the door if you find the right sale.

I've been extremely satisfied with my Proto pliers and the way the handles are formed/shaped, is very agreeable with my hands. Ergonomic is the word I'm looking for there.

The Crescent double-x pliers have surprised me with their durability and versatility. There's a slight bit of flex in the handles when a lot of pressure, not sure if that's due to the design of the pliers or perhaps a "fault" in their general construction/materials.

In my opinion, you won't be dissatisfied with either set you choose. Now with that being said, I'm a DIYer and not using these in a Pro environment, but they have seen plenty of usage and have been put through their paces many times. I've contemplated picking up an additional set of the Crescent ones when they go back on sale again.