Tekton's New Long Reach Pliers (Initial Impressions)

[winlinmac]

I've been keen on owning a decent set of Long Reach Pliers, but didn't want to spend a premium on a low-count set. I recently came across Tekton's revised design of their Long Reach Pliers (10" through 11"-inch sizes). They "borrowed" Channellocks Cross-Cut Teeth Design, and though they are made in China, the material is Chrome Vanadium (Strengthened), not Heated Carbon Steel (seen in lower quality pliers). I took advantage of the $15 off $50 Tekton Brand Sale on Amazon.com.

Hoping some Garage Journal members can shed some extra light on this product and perhaps share their experience / feedback.

I did notice the 45-degree Long Reach Plier leaves a minuscule gap upon fully closing, not sure if this is a defect, or just the cross-cut teeth getting in the way. The Long Nose model creates a seamless seal. I've also ordered the 1/2" Hose Ring, 90-degree, and Duckbill as well. (Therefore, making it five pieces - total)

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YQ7RSPI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Also available in a four-piece set, http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011L0CTY2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Here's the gap I noticed, when fully closing the 45-degree Plier,

Other Pictures of Tekton's New Long Reach Pliers

 

[winlinmac]

Has anyone else tried them?

 

[Skin]

Well they're extremely cheap.

I never understood the nitpicking of small gaps on pliers meant for gripping. Cutting yes, but gripping? Simply put it wont be noticed in use so I don't see that so much as a defect but rather someone's OCD.

To add to this to apply quality standards in order to cut the teeth so that they meet flush when joined simply wouldn't be economical when you're looking to sell them for less than $15.

 

[lightning02]

I was looking at those but got these in the link instead. I couldn't be happier.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/120693487763?_mwBanner=1

 

[winlinmac]

It's probably to some extent OCD,
The joint did feel a tad bit loose. Otherwise, the other pliers of this so-called set, are immaculate.

Well they're extremely cheap.

I never understood the nitpicking of small gaps on pliers meant for gripping. Cutting yes, but gripping? Simply put it wont be noticed in use so I don't see that so much as a defect but rather someone's OCD.

To add to this to apply quality standards in order to cut the teeth so that they meet flush when joined simply wouldn't be economical when you're looking to sell them for less than $15.

 

[winlinmac]

Yup, I came across those as well. You might have shared that link before with me in the past, haha. I was hoping to find something more compete, including the hose ring pliers. I would have purchased them separately had I gone with the eBay listing. Are the ones from eBay genuine Proto? I couldn't find them in Proto's product directory.

Tekton's offering feels somewhat of a complete set as they have included the commonly used ones.

I was looking at those but got these in the link instead. I couldn't be happier.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/120693487763?_mwBanner=1

 

[lightning02]

Yup, I came across those as well. You might have shared that link before with me in the past, haha. I was hoping to find something more compete, including the hose ring pliers. I would have purchased them separately had I gone with the eBay listing. Are the ones from eBay genuine Proto? I couldn't find them in Proto's product directory.

Tekton's offering feels somewhat of a complete set as they have included the commonly used ones.

I think so. They say all the right things on them and usa made. Very well built as well. Couldn't really ask for more. Well worth the money. Fit and finish is perfect. Handles feel great.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks, I going to get the Proto one's for Straight and Bent and keep the other three from Tekton. What's the angle for the Bent one shown on eBay? Is it 20-degree, 45-degree, or something else?

I think so. They say all the right things on them and usa made. Very well built as well. Couldn't really ask for more. Well worth the money. Fit and finish is perfect. Handles feel great.

 

[lightning02]

Thanks, I going to get the Proto one's for Straight and Bent and keep the other three from Tekton. What's the angle for the Bent one shown on eBay?

I want to say 45* but I'm not 100% sure. I don't have them infront of me. I honestly never really paid attention to what angle they where.

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks, I might need to create another thread pertaining to the Blackhawk Proto

I want to say 45* but I'm not 100% sure. I don't have them infront of me. I honestly never really paid attention to what angle they where.

 

[Davefr]

IMHO that gap is unacceptable if you ever plan to do any precision work.

The tips should be the first to make contact.

(ex: like this SO plier that can pick up a human hair)

You'd be surprised at how many times you'll need needle nose pliers to pick up or securely hold a very small object.

 

[winlinmac]

You're right. That gap is unacceptable. Hopefully, this doesn't occur on the other Tekton pliers as well (on the way).

 

[Jacobson]

Unless you're plucking eyebrows with those pliers, why does that gap matter?

 

[Jacobson]

When would you need a tool like this?

 

[winlinmac]

Particularly when working in tight spots (i.e. Engine Bay), or behind wall studs when distance is far from hand's reach and so on. There are far many uses, the list goes on.

When would you need a tool like this?

 

[Davefr]

Unless you're plucking eyebrows with those pliers, why does that gap matter?

Holding a small wire, thin piece of metal, tiny cotter pin, small connector, piece of thin tape, retrieving a small piece of debris in a tight spot, etc, etc.

It might not matter too much in a lot of situations but once you need them for precision work you'll end up cursing them.

Pliers jaws should come together at the tip. If not, they're poor quality.

 

[dogdad]

When would you need a tool like this?

They're priceless when removing hooks deep in the throats of fish....

 

[winlinmac]

^^^Haha

Coming to my previous question, I managed to find the answer through Proto Industrial's website, the bend angle is 45 degrees. Proto only makes the straight Long Nose and Bend (45 degrees).

Proto revised the design a little bit with newer model numbers which seems to succeed the older ones on eBay

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...Proto®-Long-Reach-45-Degree-Bent-Nose-Pliers/

 

[Skin]

IMHO that gap is unacceptable if you ever plan to do any precision work.

The tips should be the first to make contact.

(ex: like this SO plier that can pick up a human hair)

You'd be surprised at how many times you'll need needle nose pliers to pick up or securely hold a very small object.

Big difference between small objects and "hairs". I'd also argue that if you want to pluck your eyebrows with the pliers you shouldn't of purchased models with aggressive teeth formed into it. Precision pliers are always nearly flat.

 

[oldldh]

I ordered the five piece "set", on the last day of the sale...

Santa bought a lot of Tekton stuff earlier in the sale period...

And decided to finish off with a bunch of pliers, and the 18" 3/8", and the 24" 1/2" drive ratchets...for $ 37.35 delivered...

The 11" 30 Degree Cutters appear to be the same ones sold by MAC, for over $ 35.00...And the Slip Joint are made in the USA...

So far, I'm very pleased with the Tekton Quality versus Price balancing act...

Professional Grade they're not, but they'll do for the rest of us, I believe...and their warranty and customer service are first class...

I'll post my impression of the 5 pc Long Reach Set, when I get my hands on them...Thanks for your posting, I was curious...

 

[Davefr]

Big difference between small objects and "hairs". I'd also argue that if you want to pluck your eyebrows with the pliers you shouldn't of purchased models with aggressive teeth formed into it. Precision pliers are always nearly flat.

The image is simply an illustration of how precise some quality pliers are manufactured. Some wires are about the thickness of a strand of hair.

Precision pliers come in all shapes, sizes. jaw patterns and angles:

(ex: http://www.swanstromtools.com)