and dont forget theyre at home depot just a mile down the road. other stuff like knipex is on a month back order right now
What is so special about ChannelLock?
- Thread starter qqzj
- Start date
and dont forget theyre at home depot just a mile down the road. other stuff like knipex is on a month back order right now
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
They are great pliers. Well built, USA made and affordable. I have the actual water pump pliers as a main set everyone I know calls them Channellocks as I do as well. Every other plier I have Snap-on as a main set then something else as back up. The water pump style pliers I decided to go with Channellock for because I don’t use them a whole lot actually and because I wanted some blue pliers lol. Plus you need the true genuine Channellock ones to get those stubborn Kia oil drain plug gaskets off with after you break all your picks trying to get it off. LOL. I have a smaller set that is pretty old I got at the pawn shop but they work great I’ll be taking them to work when I get the top and side boxes for it as then I will have a big pliers drawer. 
As you can see they stand out pretty well out of all my pliers. Since the picture was taken I’ve added the pistol grip Snap-on which has now taken the place of people drawing there attention too first cause they look odd lol. Used to be they would draw attention to the blue always. I have the cutters at home I got on close out at Walmart when they stopped carrying the brand there for $7.
As you can see they stand out pretty well out of all my pliers. Since the picture was taken I’ve added the pistol grip Snap-on which has now taken the place of people drawing there attention too first cause they look odd lol. Used to be they would draw attention to the blue always. I have the cutters at home I got on close out at Walmart when they stopped carrying the brand there for $7.
Terry D
Well-known member
I'm a electrician, I have always carried 2 pairs of the 420's and a pair of 426 in my bag, Also have a pair of 460 on the truck for larger stuff. Never have let me down. I am impressed where a lot of tool manufactures have went overseas, and they have remained in the USA. I have used the Craftsman, Crescent and Klein brands. Klein are decent, don't know if they are just rebranded or not. But I will stick with the blue.
andersen24
Well-known member
Funny you mention this. I was in HF the other day and saw their "Bremen" pliers and was going - hmmmmmmm - copy Channel Lock much?
Doylee4693
Well-known member
Wilde over channellock
Meursault74
Well-known member
Looks like this has been discussed here before. Not surprised.
www.garagejournal.com
for me I like the handles(feel and color), value and USA made.
I have Channellock and Irwin personally. They both work for me.
I've used some Knipex, they work too.
Recently my traditional tongue and groove pliers purchases have been CL. I wouldn't say the Knipex I have used are better for how I would use them. They seem to cost more. I'm DIY not professional tool user. I won't likely wear out my tools. Being in the middle is a good choice for me.
What makes Channel Lock Pliers so great?
Earlier this year I purchased a Channel Lock HD-1 pliers set. I found the edge of the pliers to be real sharp, so sharp in fact that I cut my finger on the edge of the needle nose. As mentioned in other threads here they lived up to the reputation of rusting quickly. I ended up switching...
www.garagejournal.com
for me I like the handles(feel and color), value and USA made.
I have Channellock and Irwin personally. They both work for me.
I've used some Knipex, they work too.
Recently my traditional tongue and groove pliers purchases have been CL. I wouldn't say the Knipex I have used are better for how I would use them. They seem to cost more. I'm DIY not professional tool user. I won't likely wear out my tools. Being in the middle is a good choice for me.
When I was still working at a factory when you would call a maintenance man he would show up with a couple of screwdrivers, a big crescent wrench, and a great big pair of Channel Locks. If that wouldn't fix the problem he would have to go back to the shop to get more tools.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
I have loved and used them since I was a kid!
Aaron_W
Well-known member
I'm curious how you think they need to change? They mostly sell simple hand tools that pretty much met their most efficient form about 50 years ago.
MarvinBerry
Well-known member
I think you answered your own question... they survive & thrive based on availability.
Where I am in north NJ more then a handful of local hardware & lumbar yards carry Channelock... plus depot lowes & until a year or 3 ago even walmart.
SK? I have one local dealer. And I dunno what or how much they stock because it's all behind the counter. It's easier to buy drugs then SK.
CL is like finding a McDonald's... there's almost always one kinda nearby.
Their four guiding principles have not changed in 119 years:
1. good management is never far from the factory floor
2. people are more important than machines
3. bigger doesn't always mean better
4. dedication to excellence is the surest way to surmount adversity and to prosper.
1. good management is never far from the factory floor
2. people are more important than machines
3. bigger doesn't always mean better
4. dedication to excellence is the surest way to surmount adversity and to prosper.
I am a construction electrician. I carry two 420 and two 440 in my work hand box.
For a while, I used Knipex Cobras instead. After hearing of a few incidents of theft, I took them home. Our contract has a set dollar amount of our tools are stolen.
I preferred the Cobras, but they live at home now.
I have a few other CL pliers, but I don’t use them. I have a pair of 4” end nippers, 8” end cutter, and 4”end cutters. Actually I think I used one of the pairs of end cutters to put keys onto a key ring. They work great for that.
I consider CL to be good tools at a good price that are easy to find. Nothing amazing...
For a while, I used Knipex Cobras instead. After hearing of a few incidents of theft, I took them home. Our contract has a set dollar amount of our tools are stolen.
I preferred the Cobras, but they live at home now.
I have a few other CL pliers, but I don’t use them. I have a pair of 4” end nippers, 8” end cutter, and 4”end cutters. Actually I think I used one of the pairs of end cutters to put keys onto a key ring. They work great for that.
I consider CL to be good tools at a good price that are easy to find. Nothing amazing...
nadogail
Well-known member
In 1954 or '55 when I bought my first professional tools my employer, a WW2 Fighter Pilot, told me there is no substitute for Genuine Channel locks, Vise Grip pliers, or Crescent Wrenches. Everything else can be substituted for.
At that time, good quality imported tools were not available in Anchorage, Alaska.
At that time, good quality imported tools were not available in Anchorage, Alaska.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Well said.
Well, guys, I think the question why CL can survive and prosper is very well answered. The other part of the question is why other tool makers cannot use CL's strategy has not received similar amount of attention. Any inputs?
PS, now that I think about it, some hammer makers are kinda like CL. Estwing, Vaughan etc. Any similarities?
PS, now that I think about it, some hammer makers are kinda like CL. Estwing, Vaughan etc. Any similarities?
Ton ton
Well-known member
As far as overall marketing strategy I can't speak with authority. But good quality framing hammers can be a bit tricky to find. If you go on the used market, claw hammers can be half worn out. So I try to buy new if possible. Just my 2 cents.
Stanley Back and Decker- like them or not there are everywhere and their prices go from low to the higher range. You can find the Stanley brand in lots of different stores. Or they have a higher range selling with names like Facom, Britool , Craftsman and other well known names.
In my opinion, Channellock's channellocks are their worst pliers. 
Don't get me wrong - I'm a Channellock fan. I also think the groove-lock pliers are pretty good, just not as good as the rest of the lineup. I still have at least 9 of them. It's just easier to use Knipex Cobras quick-adjust button. I also think the head shape is better and the teeth a little grippier. However, you're not going to find a 3-pack of Cobras with a bonus multi-bit screwdriver for $29.
What they are, in essence, is the most affordable pro-level plier brand. All the pliers are good performers, but often lack features or the premium materials you can get by spending quite a lot more.
There are some Channellock pliers I think compete favorably with the premium players, but at a fraction of the cost. The E326CB combo needlenose pliers, for example, are awesome. Those Code Blue grips on these pliers are fantastic! I love working with these.
On the other hand, these 424's, while neat, aren't half as good as the baby cobras.
When complaining about Channellock's water pump pliers though, don't forget they DID redesign them somewhat recently. They still sell both versions, but if a button is your thing - fear not.
I don't actually like these much. The grips just don't work for me. I think that's a personal preference thing though. I think the important thing is that if you're comparing the traditional Channellock water pump pliers to the 3x more expensive Knipex Cobras - there's also this option which is a more modern competitor.
Let's not forget about the adjustable wrenches either! They're great! Easily the best until you start spending twice as much - and at that point they just have competitors.
To critique Channellock, I think you can point out:
Those complaints though - that's when comparing Channellock to more expensive options. There really isn't much at the same price-point that gives Channellock a serious challenge. That's what makes Channellock special in my opinion. I know some people care most about the "made in usa" aspect, but for me it's just that Channellock offers pro-level performance for very reasonably prices.
Don't get me wrong - I'm a Channellock fan. I also think the groove-lock pliers are pretty good, just not as good as the rest of the lineup. I still have at least 9 of them. It's just easier to use Knipex Cobras quick-adjust button. I also think the head shape is better and the teeth a little grippier. However, you're not going to find a 3-pack of Cobras with a bonus multi-bit screwdriver for $29.
What they are, in essence, is the most affordable pro-level plier brand. All the pliers are good performers, but often lack features or the premium materials you can get by spending quite a lot more.
There are some Channellock pliers I think compete favorably with the premium players, but at a fraction of the cost. The E326CB combo needlenose pliers, for example, are awesome. Those Code Blue grips on these pliers are fantastic! I love working with these.
On the other hand, these 424's, while neat, aren't half as good as the baby cobras.
When complaining about Channellock's water pump pliers though, don't forget they DID redesign them somewhat recently. They still sell both versions, but if a button is your thing - fear not.
I don't actually like these much. The grips just don't work for me. I think that's a personal preference thing though. I think the important thing is that if you're comparing the traditional Channellock water pump pliers to the 3x more expensive Knipex Cobras - there's also this option which is a more modern competitor.
Let's not forget about the adjustable wrenches either! They're great! Easily the best until you start spending twice as much - and at that point they just have competitors.
To critique Channellock, I think you can point out:
- the finishing isn't always perfect - you might see minor defects in the grinds or sharp edges,
- the teeth are strong - but stronger teeth exist,
- sometimes Channellock's pliers are a little on the heavy side,
- they don't have the best rust protection (they seem to be clear-coated now, but that's not the same as chrome or teflon from Knipex or NWS),
- more expensive brands have more exotic multi-material comfort grips (I quite like Channellock’s “Code Blue” comfort grips, but they’re not available for every plier and their not the fanciest on the market),
Those complaints though - that's when comparing Channellock to more expensive options. There really isn't much at the same price-point that gives Channellock a serious challenge. That's what makes Channellock special in my opinion. I know some people care most about the "made in usa" aspect, but for me it's just that Channellock offers pro-level performance for very reasonably prices.
Aaron_W
Well-known member
Channel Lock is still a family owned company, sitting in the mid tier price / quality wise with name recognition.
Many of the other makers of a brand name recognized tool are already part of a huge multi-national company Milwaukee (Sawzall) is part of TTI, Crescent (adjustable wrench) is part of Apex (as is HK Porter and Wiss which did not have a tool named for them, but were well regarded for bolt cutters and sheet metal cutters respectively).
There may be other independents but if they are in the upper tier of price / quality that will put them out of reach of the masses. Wright Tool comes to mind. USA made, known to be good quality, but not easily purchased and significantly more expensive. My closest Wright dealer is 100 miles away, the full line of Channel Lock is available on the shelf at one of my local hardware stores. As has been repeatedly mentioned Channel Lock has a good reputation, good distribution and a nice price point.
Your examples of Vaugn and Estwing are probably good examples of others in a similar market position. Neither has a "Kleenex" product but they are known for their primary tool (hammers and hammer like products).
Craftsman is probably the closest comparison (great name recognition, although not tied to any particular tool) although the Sears thing and decline in quality since the early 2000s has given them a black mark. Time will tell if they can recover their prior positive public opinion.
Stanley, Black & Decker was already mentioned, but like Craftsman they have had an up and down public image between affordable quality and just cheap.
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bas157
Well-known member
The adjustable wrenches, at least some of them, are Irega. Made in Spain and are super nice!
redwrench60
Well-known member
Channellocks shine in the right conditions. I like my Knipex Cobras for plumbing and conduit work but for down and dirty work on old equipment with generations of grease and oil Channellocks work better. The Cobras fine toothed push button mechanism gets all gaumed up with ****.
rustbucket5
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2015
- Messages
- 252
there are much better products on the market. a business must always adapt and change, it may not take a company down right away but not evolving will eventually take a company down. it is not 50 years ago.
Until we are yelling about alluvial dampers and hydrospanners I think a good set of channellocks will be doing the intended job for quite sometime.
qqzj said:
Well, guys, I think the question why CL can survive and prosper is very well answered. The other part of the question is why other tool makers cannot use CL's strategy has not received similar amount of attention. Any inputs?
There are also videos that make the place look pretty old fashioned, and word of mouth says: (1) they pay dirt; and (2) quality isn't what it was. The question that raises is whether they are holding on with cost cutting failure to invest [and **** wages]. That can go on for a long time, but it is a dead end path as so many US manufacturers have proven.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
If you've ever been to Meadville, PA is sort of a **** city. I'd be surprised if they didn't pay ****. It's sort of a one post office type of place along Interstate 79 that you might stop at on your way to Erie from Pittsburgh. Not exactly South Beach in Miami if you get my drift.