Which plier set?

[JonDick13926]

I've bought a lot of tools over the years, but for whatever reason pliers have always been something that I borrow. I decided to bought a general set, and add more later on.

I came across two highly rated 5 piece sets.

Channellock 431KB

SK 17835

The sets contain the same pliers and are approximately the same price. They both also have 5 star reviews on Amazon. So, does anyone here have anything bad to say about either one? Or anything good? Or anything at all.

 

[SweetD]

Welcome Jon to the forum!

Channellock are pliers I own personally in various shapes, sizes and vintage (mostly modern new ones). Most will tell you that they are Made In USA great value for the money.

SK - also Made In USA nice stuff - I don't personally own any SK pliers as of yet, but that may change with the upcoming "SK-Day" sale here on GJ through the Harry Epstein website (see sticky thread in the General Tool Discussion forum for info).

Probably can't go wrong with either. I love the Channellocks and they go on sale fairly frequently on Amazon.

Edit: Wilde also makes nice USA-Made pliers, also available on the Harry Epstein site...



Dave

 

[kts]

+1 to I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Personally when I'm reaching for pliers out of my toolbox I finds myself reaching for my Channellock pliers over my SK pliers most of the time. That really comes down to personal preference and probably that I've had the Channellocks a bit longer so I'm more used to them. The SK pliers (made by Western Forge, also owned by Ideal) are solid pliers just like Channellocks.

Flip a coin? Or wait for SK Day and order the SK pliers for a bit less from Harry Epstein.

 

[Travisnd]

Channellock gets my vote!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Most of my pliers (slip joint, arc joint (3 sizes), needle nose (2 sizes), diagonal cutters (2 sizes), locking pliers) are Craftsman, acquired over many years. I have added some genuine Vise Grips (several, but 6LN is a "must have"). HF long reach "bent" needle nose (2) and HF "small hose" pliers (3).

The last 2 are fantastic for working on small engines !

 

[zkling]

If I was you I would piece together a set. Here is my take
Slip joints-> craftsman or wilde (same?) I really like the flush sides.
Needle nose-> snap on, channellock, craftsman, in that order
T&G -> Knipex, craftsman, channellock, I actually have to give a nod to craftsman over channellock on those for common size (420,430), 440+ size and 426 or smaller go channellock. And add, that the knipex alligators or cobras are not a replacement for 420 style pliers.
Diag cutters-> Knipex, klein, channellock, not craftsman
Duck bills-> Craftsman, but I don't have too many other duck bills for comparison.
Bent needle nose-> Snap on, channellock
Linemans-> Knipex, klein, channellock, ideal

I'm one short of that SK set and personally I think they are over priced for what they are. What I don't like about both of those sets is I feel the T&G included are a bit redundant. End use, in my experience the 420's and 430's really aren't that much different. Now if it was a 420 and a 440 that would be one thing, but.

 

[rick carpenter]

Welcome Jon to the forum!

...

Edit: Wilde also makes nice USA-Made pliers, also available on the Harry Epstein site...



Dave

Hi Jon. I agree with Channellocks in general as being good but I'm sure any of the others are good too. I mostly have Channellocks with the exception of: an old pair of 10" Champion-DeArment nutbusters, an old 6" Diamond slip-joint pair, and a nice new pair of 8" USA Tekton slip-joint (they are rebranded Wilde pliers and were cheaper than Wildes ).

 

[bcradio]

Nws.

 

[garfunkle24]

And add, that the knipex alligators or cobras are not a replacement for 420 style pliers.

What makes you say that? Not disagreeing, just genuinely curious.

 

[ZRX61]

When ever I buy pliers these days they are ChannelLocks.

 

[Conductor562]

26 pairs of Channellock brand pliers and no regrets.

 

[zkling]

What makes you say that? Not disagreeing, just genuinely curious.

The knipex have fine, sharp teeth, fantastic for grabbing and turning out a screw by the the head or say a pipe ******. They will really bite in, but will also really marr up the work if they happen to slip. The channellock and craftsman on the other hand have larger, coarser teeth that although don't grip as fine they don't also bite in or mar as much. Overall I'd say the channellock or craftsman T&G are more robust, but the knipex are extremely useful, almost like a small pipe wrench.
Just my 2¢

 

[aaronrkelly]

Honestly I think they are both good sets and are equally well made. I have alot of Channelocks and no SK pliers but thats only because SK pliers werent available to me locally. If your ordering.....either way is a go.

I have soooo many pliers and use them on almost a daily basis.....I cant fathom not having them, what projects do you do were you can by with borrowing pliers?

Either of those sets are a very good set to get started....when you get a few more bucks and can expand look at Knipex Cobra pliers - they are excellent and very handy. I bought Irwin Groovelock pliers, they are very similar but much cheaper and might be an option - I bought a set of two for about 2/3 the cost of a single pair of Knipex Cobras.

 

[92integra]

**** wears out buy something you can warrenty or so cheep it wont matter when it give up...... knipex are great so is SO...... every one and their mother love's knipex cobras, ive found the irwin groove lock pliers can do all the things i ask of my cobras

 

[Buster21]

Another vote for Channel Lock, except for the slip joint pliers, I prefer my Wilde set. With all my choices I reach for the Channel Locks the most.

 

[aaronrkelly]

**** wears out buy something you can warrenty or so cheep it wont matter when it give up...... knipex are great so is SO...... every one and their mother love's knipex cobras, ive found the irwin groove lock pliers can do all the things i ask of my cobras

Ive also had similiar luck with the Irwin's. My buddy has the Knipex's and admittedly they do have a thinner head.....but I havent came across a situation in which that was an issue.

Another vote for Channel Lock, except for the slip joint pliers, I prefer my Wilde set. With all my choices I reach for the Channel Locks the most.

I do like my Wilde Flush Joint pliers over tradition pliers. Superbly made.

 

[sonvolt]

I have channelocks and SK and I would go with channelocks.

 

[kjbenner]

Most of my pliers (slip joint, arc joint (3 sizes), needle nose (2 sizes), diagonal cutters (2 sizes), locking pliers) are Craftsman, acquired over many years. ...

If you're interested in the SK set, I second that you take a look at Craftsman. The made in USA stuff is Western Forge and I believe is exactly the same as the SK stuff. These 2 sets would give you everything in the SK set you posted, plus a couple extra pieces, for less:

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...0945410000P?prdNo=12&blockNo=12&blockType=G12
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-4-pc-pliers-set/p-00931799000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

I do prefer my Channellocks to Craftsman, and Channellock is my go-to brand for new pliers, but I think both are good options.

 

[jeffmoss26]

My vote is for Channellock, though I also have a lot of Klein pliers.

 

[Dust Devil]

I have plenty of Klein and Channel lock pliers, and I always thought they were great......then I put my hands on some Snap-on pliers and they just feel so good in your hand. Better grips, better steel, better fit, just plain better than all the rest.

 

[woody 73]

My vote is for the following set:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Channellock-431KB-Pliers-Set-in-Kit-Bag-5-Piece/16487701

They will not let you down!

 

[d.mcfarland]

Channellock!

 

[Brownsfan]

Between those 2 sets. Channellock. Better value. Less expensive and same quality.

 

[JonDick13926]

If I was you I would piece together a set. Here is my take
Slip joints-> craftsman or wilde (same?) I really like the flush sides.
Needle nose-> snap on, channellock, craftsman, in that order
T&G -> Knipex, craftsman, channellock, I actually have to give a nod to craftsman over channellock on those for common size (420,430), 440+ size and 426 or smaller go channellock. And add, that the knipex alligators or cobras are not a replacement for 420 style pliers.
Diag cutters-> Knipex, klein, channellock, not craftsman
Duck bills-> Craftsman, but I don't have too many other duck bills for comparison.
Bent needle nose-> Snap on, channellock
Linemans-> Knipex, klein, channellock, ideal

I'm one short of that SK set and personally I think they are over priced for what they are. What I don't like about both of those sets is I feel the T&G included are a bit redundant. End use, in my experience the 420's and 430's really aren't that much different. Now if it was a 420 and a 440 that would be one thing, but.

This made me think of something. I saw this snap on set (see link below) a while back, and with my student discount, I can get it for about $56. That's a bit cheaper than either of the other sets. Maybe that's something I should also consider. And like I said, I do plan to add to the set as I go, but I also have a good bit of other stuff to pick up too. I'd like to grab a quick set with needle nose, diagonal cut, adjustable joint, and slip joint for the time being.

http://store.snapon.com/Pliers-and-Cutter-Sets-Set-Cutters-Pliers-4-pcs--P646007.aspx

 

[JonDick13926]

Honestly I think they are both good sets and are equally well made. I have alot of Channelocks and no SK pliers but thats only because SK pliers werent available to me locally. If your ordering.....either way is a go.

I have soooo many pliers and use them on almost a daily basis.....I cant fathom not having them, what projects do you do were you can by with borrowing pliers?

Either of those sets are a very good set to get started....when you get a few more bucks and can expand look at Knipex Cobra pliers - they are excellent and very handy. I bought Irwin Groovelock pliers, they are very similar but much cheaper and might be an option - I bought a set of two for about 2/3 the cost of a single pair of Knipex Cobras.

Automotive work mostly. When I was living at home (lived with my grandparents) I had my own tool box sitting in my grandpa's garage. If I didn't have something, he did. Every time. So, I would use it, and put it back when I was done. Not just pliers, but I've used his drill press and Sawzall more than I can remember. Amongst many other things. Lol. I moved 200 miles away in August, so I have to buy this stuff now instead of borrowing it.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

My SK pliers are very nice.

 

[Brownsfan]

This made me think of something. I saw this snap on set (see link below) a while back, and with my student discount, I can get it for about $56. That's a bit cheaper than either of the other sets. Maybe that's something I should also consider. And like I said, I do plan to add to the set as I go, but I also have a good bit of other stuff to pick up too. I'd like to grab a quick set with needle nose, diagonal cut, adjustable joint, and slip joint for the time being.

http://store.snapon.com/Pliers-and-Cutter-Sets-Set-Cutters-Pliers-4-pcs--P646007.aspx

I have that set. They are great. At that price i wouldn't hesitate. Better pliers at a better price.
Those needle nose will be the best you have ever used. I also own some Channellock pliers. They are nice and work well. Look at it this way. Mac and Cornwell rebrand them and charge more. Also I LOVE the Snap On grips. The most comfortable i have ever used. And they dont get slippery when you sweat or greasy.

 

[stage20]

ive used a good many of sk tools but never their pliers. by the pictures i would say my hands would prefer the channellock. its just what im used to. im sure the sk set is quality if you choose to go that route.

 

[wmartin]

This made me think of something. I saw this snap on set (see link below) a while back, and with my student discount, I can get it for about $56. That's a bit cheaper than either of the other sets. Maybe that's something I should also consider. And like I said, I do plan to add to the set as I go, but I also have a good bit of other stuff to pick up too. I'd like to grab a quick set with needle nose, diagonal cut, adjustable joint, and slip joint for the time being.

http://store.snapon.com/Pliers-and-Cutter-Sets-Set-Cutters-Pliers-4-pcs--P646007.aspx

End of thread.

Just buy those for $56.

 

[kjbenner]

What's your price for the 3 piece set ( http://store.snapon.com/Pliers-and-Cutter-Sets-Set-Cutters-Pliers-3-pcs--P647709.aspx)?

I've heard great things about the snap on needle nose, dikes, and slip joints, but not the tongue and groove (haven't heard anything bad, just nobody raving about them). If the 3 piece is even cheaper, you might want to get that and get Channellock 420s and 440s.

That's a crazy deal at $56.

 

[jdmstr]

Cant Go wrong with either have some of both mostly Channellock and i may offend a lot of people on gj but i don't see the point of all those fancy pliers. Channellock's have never let me down and when it comes down to it their pliers! not a precision tool.

 

[jdmstr]

End of thread.

Just buy those for $56.

+1 if you can get the snapon set for $56 buy it done deal.

 

[SASORacing]

I recommend the awesome channellocks 718, 7.88-Inch Flat Nose Long Reach Plier. The grip is really good compared to most needle nose because of the wider flat surface area. Also the tips are cross hatched vs most that are only engraved one direction.

 

[JonDick13926]

I'm getting an error with opening the link, but the rule of thumb for the discount is 65% off or cost to manufacture, whichever is greater. Most things get the full 65% off. I haven't found anything yet that doesn't get at least 50%.

It's a very good deal. It's only while I'm in school, and it's somewhat a pain to order, because you have to order through the account manager and wait for it to come in the mail after he places the order for you with the discount applied (discount will not work with a truck or online, although there is a VERY incomplete SEP snap on site with some stuff on it). At least the shipping is always free. The discount applies to everything, except very expensive service equipment. We get better discounts than dealerships, and they don't want us letting our bosses use the discount to buy equipment.

He said the idea is to get us hooked on Snap On tools and buy them at retail later on when we no longer get the discount. Lol. I'm okay with that.

 

[JonDick13926]

A lot of great suggestions on here. Regardless of what "set" I buy right now (gonna buy the snap on), I have some more to add to my list of "to buy later".

 

[SASORacing]

 

[JonDick13926]

I see what you mean. I'm going to go ahead and throw those on my Amazon wish list so that I don't forgot to buy them.

 

[SASORacing]

I see what you mean. I'm going to go ahead and throw those on my Amazon wish list so that I don't forgot to buy them.

Wow thanks that you found my recommendation useful, sometimes I feel like my oppinion goes unnoticed.

 

[Dust Devil]

A lot of great suggestions on here. Regardless of what "set" I buy right now (gonna buy the snap on), I have some more to add to my list of "to buy later".

You are in for a treat.

 

[Ncognito]

It's only while I'm in school, and it's somewhat a pain to order, because you have to order through the account manager and wait for it to come in the mail after he places the order for you with the discount applied (discount will not work with a truck or online, although there is a VERY incomplete SEP snap on site with some stuff on it).

I've ordered through the SEP site before. If I can't find what I'm looking for on the SEP site, I will copy and paste a part number from the regular Snap-on website and do a search for that number on the SEP site. The discount will be included. I've had a lot of success finding items that way.