Broken US CM Needle Nose...what to do?

[HanShotFirst]

Hey all,

My son has a pair of US Craftsman needle nose pliers with about 1/8" broken off the tip. There is no Sears in my town.

Should I even bother trying to send it in for my Chinese replacement?

The other thing I was thinking about was just re-profiling them to the "new length" and then just pick up a comparable pair of Channellock. But I'm wondering if the heat treating/tempering is bad on this pair and that's why they broke.

What are your thoughts?

 

[finn]

Try ACE hardware.

 

[HanShotFirst]

No ACE either

 

[PelicanPines]

I would redo the end as you describe ... and buying new. Any effort you spend beyond that is a waste of time... time is money.

You won't get a similar quality replacement under warranty.

Or

Build a clear epoxy paperweight with the broken parts. Fun project.

 

[todd_fuller]

Buy some Knipex pliers?

 

[visionguru]

Hey all,

My son has a pair of US Craftsman needle nose pliers with about 1/8" broken off the tip. There is no Sears in my town.

Should I even bother trying to send it in for my Chinese replacement?

The other thing I was thinking about was just re-profiling them to the "new length" and then just pick up a comparable pair of Channellock. But I'm wondering if the heat treating/tempering is bad on this pair and that's why they broke.

What are your thoughts?

Was it due to material defects or workmanship? Read the warranty fine prints. I'd buy another one instead of abusing warranty service.

 

[larry_g]

Just reprofile them and they'll be the perfect tool for a job some day. I would not even consider warranty. I have no problem modifying tools to fit the job at hand. I've got a few old pliers that are now snap ring tools.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Billythekid1]

I agree reprofile it

 

[anndel]

Reprofile them and buy a new pair of Knipex or Snap On.

 

[Gogo300]

Or you hold on to them and see what Stanley / Black + Decker offer when they start production of craftsman tools.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

The time and money spent on packaging material and postage, and quality of the replacement may ( or may definitely not ) make it worth Your while..
Myself; If that pliers was a Craftsman upper class tool; I would roll the dice, and either send it in or re-profile it into a more durable shape, If it was not that great of a tool in the first place,, Happy Grinding.

 

[ocloc24]

Needle Nose is the only plier I'd say not to get knipex.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

OofDa.. those pliers belong in a fishing tackle box, just the way they are. He will be the only kid on the block with a pair like it, so they will be easy to reclaim when loaned out during fishing mini-expeditions at the local pond. Consider them re-purposed to a better use.

 

[rick carpenter]

If you grind the tips down, be sure to keep dunking them in water to keep them cool. If you want an on-the-shelf full length USA pair, go with Channellock or Kleins from HD.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Re-Profile it is... Kinda how I was leaning anyhow, but just seeing if someone here had some super-clever idea that I hadn't thought about. And while BDT/NWMN came up with something...I don't fish. I can drink beer and tell lies, but I don't fish!!

 

[kjbenner]

I've got a few old pliers that are now snap ring tools.

I have a pair of needle nose pliers that got ground into snap-ring pliers when I needed some in a pinch and didn't own any. Once I owned actual snap-ring pliers, it got reground into a weird stubby needle nose. Every once in a while, it's the perfect size and shape for an odd job.

 

[notlob]

Was it due to material defects or workmanship? Read the warranty fine prints. I'd buy another one instead of abusing warranty service.

There are no warranty "fine prints" of any significance on the vast majority of Craftsman hand tools.

From Craftsman web site:

Craftsman (or Craftsman Industrial) Hand Tool Full Warranty

If this Craftsman (or Craftsman Industrial) hand tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge. This warranty does not cover expendable parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period.

(Emphasis added)

 

[bcradio]

Needle Nose is the only plier I'd say not to get knipex.

Agree! I am not impressed with the Knipex needle nose pliers.

 

[davethorik]

Reprofile them and buy a new pair of Knipex or Snap On.

I have no Snap-on or Knipex needle nose, however heard not so good things on here about Knipex needle nose...and I'm sure the Snap-on are good, but they are in the $40-60 range.

My recommendations are the Klein D203-7 or D203-8, $23 and $28 respectively, and should be on the shelf at just about every Home Depot, both models USA made. The 7" are very slim and good for reaching into tight spaces. The 8" are more robust.
I would rate them as stronger, and better gripping than Channellock needle nose. And the price difference isn't much.

 

[raiderhillbilly]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-Prof...529127?hash=item2cccbd7427:g:ZbMAAOSwT6pV6dKd

 

[PugetDude]

Needle Nose is the only plier I'd say not to get knipex.

+1

 

[M_George]

Might not want to here this, but the HF Doyle needle nose aren't half bad.

 

[sberry]

You should spend 10$ getting a 5$ plier for free.

 

[KnurledNut]

I love my Knipex. They excel at what they were designed for. They have the ability to grab in spots that my others wont.
When i need to go full gorilla on a pair of needlenose, i grab my Kleins.
But the Knipex definitely have a place. The best tool for the job depends on the job.
An M1 Abrams tank is a lot stronger than a pickup truck. But sometimes all you NEED is a pickup truck.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Might not want to here this, but the HF Doyle needle nose aren't half bad.

I'm betting you're right. I bought a set of adjustable pliers for my portable tool box, and I have to say, they are well made, and steel quality appears to be very good.

 

[bwringer]

Might not want to here this, but the HF Doyle needle nose aren't half bad.

Yep. Made in Taiwan, and they're pretty dang nice for the money.

 

[dumper]

found a slightly used CM made in USA needle nose at a local thrift shop for 50 cents the other day.

 

[Wamsutta]

The best needle nose pliers in the world are the MAC P92S.
Yes I know that's a bold statement but they are extremely nice.

 

[mbshop]

Reprofile. I had a pair that someone modified. I just ground them down to use. Used them for years till someone liked them better than me. As to knipex, I have a pair I used professionally and still use with no issues. What is wrong with them ?

 

[Moparman390]

Just hold on to them until SBD has Craftsman tools up and running. You could end up with a new USA pair, could even be later this year.

 

[Dingleburry]

They will now be duckbill pliers.

 

[Tallpilot]

Buy some Knipex pliers?

That's the best advice although needle nose from Knipex are not their best offering. USA Craftsman tools are basically orphans. If you have them use them until they break then scrap them. If you have a particular love for a piece for some reason put it in your display case as a museum piece.

If you are broke grab some Channelock needle nose. If you want a really nice pair try Snap On.

 

[Tallpilot]

Just hold on to them until SBD has Craftsman tools up and running. You could end up with a new USA pair, could even be later this year.

I could be wrong but I am going to take the under on this.

 

[JackVegas]

Surprised nobody suggested the new Doyle pliers at harbor freight.

 

[davethorik]

Surprised nobody suggested the new Doyle pliers at harbor freight.

Post #22...lol