Channellock 758 (flush cutting pliers) defect?

[JradM]

I noticed the cutting edge on my 758's has started chipping and I speculated that perhaps the discoloration on that part of the plier might indicate a defect in the heat treatment process. Any comments?



These are relatively new - like less than 6 months. Only used for plastic cable ties (mostly) and copper stranded wire (occasionally).

I'm not hating on Channellock though - I have a large collection and they've been great overall. I think this pair has something funky going on though. See the rainbow discoloration presumably from the heat treatment?



The other side doesn't look like that at all (the "anvil" in Channellock's knife and anvil cutter design). Just an even black color (bluing?).



Here's the back side showing where the metal chipped away.



And a picture of the alignment.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Looks like a defect to me. I would contact their customer service, since this should be covered under warranty. It's important to let companies know if their products have defects. A good company like Channellock will want to fix a QC issue rather than lose customers.

 

[JradM]

Looks like a defect to me. I would contact their customer service, since this should be covered under warranty. It's important to let companies know if their products have defects. A good company like Channellock will want to fix a QC issue rather than lose customers.

Oh I did. I emailed first and was told to call (pet peeve: why have an email option if the customer just needs to call anyway?). So then I called and left a message. Channellock called me back the next day and I spoke to a pleasant woman who explained that chipping would be covered under warranty and I could send them back to have Channellock look them over and approve the warranty claim.

Two problems of course:

1. That's an expensive option. I'm in Canada, it's not going to be cheap to mail them internationally.
2. The rep explained that Channellock doesn't have those in stock at the moment and has temporarily stopped production to catch up on production of some other plier models. She suggested I wait until near the end of the first quarter of 2022 to send them in.

That's not great, but Channellock doesn't owe me anything.

I'm seriously contemplating attempting to sharpen them. I realize that's a chore on side-cutters - but at least these open up to 90 degrees so I ought to be able to get a stone in there.

 

[PFSard]

- Just out of curiosity, what's the cost to deal with this? Did Channellock Customer Service say that you had to pay the postage?
- If you attempt sharpening, does that void the warranty?
- Items like these : I have duplicates of the styles. Not necessarily the same brands.

 

[JradM]

- Just out of curiosity, what's the cost to deal with this? Did Channellock Customer Service say that you had to pay the postage?
- If you attempt sharpening, does that void the warranty?
- Items like these : I have duplicates of the styles. Not necessarily the same brands.

I didn't wrap them up, weigh and measure to get a postage quote, but I'm guessing it would be $20-30 to send them across the border based on my past experience. I suppose I could estimate the dimensions to confirm - but I'm pretty sure it's just not worth it. I bet I can find these on sale at some point for a bit over $30.

Yes I have to pay. Direct from the warranty page, the instructions are "please return the tool postage paid for inspection to..." (emphasis added) and I was told to mail them myself.

Sharpening will void the warranty (that's also on Channellock's website) - but I'm not sure I care if I'm not going to return anyway. I'm definitely leaning that direction. I have a Worksharp (i.e. mini belt sander thing) that I think would work great. If not, I have stones too.

I am worried that the problem with re-occur once sharpened - or I might grind past the hardened edge. Sharpening won't fix the hardening defect if that's what's going on.

I've got a few side-cutters, but these are my only flush cutters. I wanted them mostly for cable ties because I hate the sharp edges that can be left behind. I might just grab a second pair - if it happens twice at least I can send two back in one package.

 

[scooby074]

Deffinitely looks like the heat treat was messed up. I wouldnt try to sharpen them, youll mess with the geometry and it will likely turn into a PITA to get them to close up again.

Does Canadian Tire have them? You could do the old switcharoo.

 

[JradM]

Deffinitely looks like the heat treat was messed up. I wouldnt try to sharpen them, youll mess with the geometry and it will likely turn into a PITA to get them to close up again.

Does Canadian Tire have them? You could do the old switcharoo.

Ha! Not a bad idea. Channellock said their retailers are authorized to warranty them - but they don't make them do it and many won't.

Unfortunately, I'm not seeing many around me. I checked online earlier at my local store and it was showing ONE left in stock at a clearance price of only $16!!! I got excited and placed an order... only to have it cancelled a couple hours later (no doubt because it's phantom stock). No stock in any of the stores near me either.

Anyone know something similar they can recommend? I see Knipex has a pair specifically for plastic - but it's like $55. Normally that would have me raving about why I like Channellock so much!

 

[scooby074]

Ha! Not a bad idea. Channellock said their retailers are authorized to warranty them - but they don't make them do it and many won't.

Unfortunately, I'm not seeing many around me. I checked online earlier at my local store and it was showing ONE left in stock at a clearance price of only $16!!! I got excited and placed an order... only to have it cancelled a couple hours later (no doubt because it's phantom stock). No stock in any of the stores near me either.

Anyone know something similar they can recommend? I see Knipex has a pair specifically for plastic - but it's like $55. Normally that would have me raving about why I like Channellock so much!

Knipex makes a damn good plier. I dont have their flush cutters but I got several other pliers from them and they are top notch. Im assuming youre talking about the Knipex 72 01 180 or the 160?

Cutting hard metals with flush cutters will likely mess up any plier IMHO. I think it comes down to the grind of the flush cut edge. I think theyre ground to a finer point than one used for steel.

 

[M6erfan]

Oh I did. I emailed first and was told to call (pet peeve: why have an email option if the customer just needs to call anyway?).

Sorry this happened to you, it *****. For the cost of returning, and not being able to to find them locally it seems you're in a tough spot.

Side note: I hear ya on the email/call thing. The best is when internet goes out and you call the provider and the telebot encourages you to use their website for "frequently asked questions" to resolve the problem. Really? I'm calling BECAUSE I HAVE NO INTERNET you idiots.

 

[metaldad]

I've got a few side-cutters, but these are my only flush cutters. I wanted them mostly for cable ties because I hate the sharp edges that can be left behind. I might just grab a second pair - if it happens twice at least I can send two back in one package.

simple tip........... take a pair of linesmens. twist the excess end of a zip tie near the catch thingy. it will break off relatively smooth and even. no sharpies. i do this daily

 

[JradM]

Im assuming youre talking about the Knipex 72 01 180 or the 160?

Yep, those are the ones. Not sure if that's what I want though. I like the Channellock shape better and it says they're OK to use with copper (my experience notwithstanding). Those Knipex say plastic only.

 

[scooby074]

Yep, those are the ones. Not sure if that's what I want though. I like the Channellock shape better and it says they're OK to use with copper (my experience notwithstanding). Those Knipex say plastic only.

Actually Knipex says Plastic and soft metal. Im assuming soft copper wire would be OK. Your mileage may vary, but I dont know anyone who has been disatisfied with Knipex pliers.

Diagonal Cutters for plastics

Mit plangeschliffenen Schneidflächen, Zum flächenbündigen Trennen von gespritzten Kunststoffteilen und Angussresten, Schneidet weiche Werkstoffe wie Blei glatt ab,...

www.knipex.com

• Cutting face flush
• For nearly flush cutting of moulded plastic components from sprues
• Cuts soft materials such as lead in a flush cut
• With opening spring
• Vanadium electric steel; forged, oil-hardened

 

[infinite97]

I have the knipex 72 01 140 flush cutters for cable ties. I do not use them for anything else, wiring, nothing. They were $29 shipped on Amazon, but of course I’m in America, so it’ll be different for you.