Anyone else like Channellocks?

[Mridolfo]

I got these #337 in the mail the other day.

<a href="http://s1256.photobucket.com/user/mridolfo2/media/Tools/2374E2C5-67A5-4E21-A8DF-76EE64E11113_zpsahhf2nxe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii495/mridolfo2/Tools/2374E2C5-67A5-4E21-A8DF-76EE64E11113_zpsahhf2nxe.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2374E2C5-67A5-4E21-A8DF-76EE64E11113_zpsahhf2nxe.jpg"/></a>

 

[Jim C.]

I got these #337 in the mail the other day.

<a href="http://s1256.photobucket.com/user/mridolfo2/media/Tools/2374E2C5-67A5-4E21-A8DF-76EE64E11113_zpsahhf2nxe.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii495/mridolfo2/Tools/2374E2C5-67A5-4E21-A8DF-76EE64E11113_zpsahhf2nxe.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2374E2C5-67A5-4E21-A8DF-76EE64E11113_zpsahhf2nxe.jpg"/></a>

Nice get!! The #337 is one of my favorite diagonal cutters.

 

[Jim C.]

I haven't posted in here in a while but I still like me some Blue. Thought this was a nice $5 flea market find. NOS smooth jaws.

That's a great NOS #415. The #415 was the first pair of Channellocks I ever bought.

 

[Jim C.]

You wil probably have to go for that one from my estate. I bought it new and that was even before SWMBO...

Outlaw,

I didn't figure that one was for sale.....but you never know if you don't ask. It's not a Craftsman tool that I've seen very often. Like I said, there was one on Ebay about a year ago, but I was outbid. I haven't seen one since. Prior to that, I didn't know Craftsman even offered it at one time. I've been keeping an eye out for one. Do you remember approximately when you bought it? Do you still use it? Do you want to write me into your will?

Jim C.

 

[navyeoseabee]

I got this in the mail today, NOS #435!!

What is that tool box behind those new pliers! -must see more pictures!

 

[navyeoseabee]

I grew up about 20 miles from Meadville, PA ... growing up i never knew anyone else made pliers ..all dad, uncles, and grandpa had was channellocks.

 

[302]

Nice get!! The #337 is one of my favorite diagonal cutters.

I use mine every day!

 

[Outlawmws]

Outlaw,

I didn't figure that one was for sale.....but you never know if you don't ask. It's not a Craftsman tool that I've seen very often. Like I said, there was one on Ebay about a year ago, but I was outbid. I haven't seen one since. Prior to that, I didn't know Craftsman even offered it at one time. I've been keeping an eye out for one. Do you remember approximately when you bought it? Do you still use it? Do you want to write me into your will?

Jim C.

I got that in the Mid 70's or so. I looked, but could not find it in the '73 catalog... Yep, I still use it. fairly often too...


You assume you will outlive me?

 

[shanny19]

What is that tool box behind those new pliers! -must see more pictures!

A lot of "Do-It-Best" hardware stores are stocking them.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Next time I'm in new Rural King by me, I'll take a picture of their CL selection.. not as impressive nor organized as this, but certainly close....

Thanks for sharing Bobcat..

Here is a quick comparison in Greenwood, IN:

First pict is the new Rural King on US31S. Second is the Meijer store on IN SR 135 on the west side..

Rural King has a pretty good selection here...

 

[Jeremy77]

Here is a quick comparison in Greenwood, IN:

First pict is the new Rural King on US31S. Second is the Meijer store on IN SR 135 on the west side..

Rural King has a pretty good selection here...

Not familiar with Rural King, assume it's akin to a Tractor Supply Co. though. Nice CL collection for sure (unlike TSC, which doesnt carry the brand). Those PVC/oil filter pliers on the bottom right are awesome. One of those tools that you dont ever realize that you needed until after you bought them.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Not familiar with Rural King, assume it's akin to a Tractor Supply Co. though. Nice CL collection for sure (unlike TSC, which doesnt carry the brand). Those PVC/oil filter pliers on the bottom right are awesome. One of those tools that you dont ever realize that you needed until after you bought them.

Yes.. similar to TSC.. Think of the difference between CVS/Walgreens and Target/Walmart. Rural King have much more in almost every regard..

 

[Jeremy77]

Maybe RK will eventually make the move south. We only got TSC here in south Alabama a few years ago. I was really excited when they came but do wish they had a bigger hand tool and power tool/equipment offering. Only real selection in hand tools is their Chinese made house brand and some foreign COO Crescent stuff. The advertise GearWrench but all I've ever seen are a couple of larger size wrench sets in stock. I thought everywhere carried CL. Even Wal-Mart is has them so I'm somewhat surprised that TSC doesn't seeing as how it's probably one of the best known names in tools.

 

[MagnumForce]

Rural Kings are much larger than TSC. Every one I know of is in an old Wal Mart that was replaced by a Super Center.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Rural Kings are much larger than TSC. Every one I know of is in an old Wal Mart that was replaced by a Super Center.

Yeah.. right on. The one in Greenwood is in a recently closed K-Mart (I recognize the store manager in RK as the former K Mart manager). The RK in Columbus, IN is in an old Target store that was vacated with the Target Supercenter opened. The others I've been to are in the older "shopping centers" ala 1960-1970s pre "mall".

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Maybe RK will eventually make the move south. We only got TSC here in south Alabama a few years ago. I was really excited when they came but do wish they had a bigger hand tool and power tool/equipment offering. Only real selection in hand tools is their Chinese made house brand and some foreign COO Crescent stuff. The advertise GearWrench but all I've ever seen are a couple of larger size wrench sets in stock. I thought everywhere carried CL. Even Wal-Mart is has them so I'm somewhat surprised that TSC doesn't seeing as how it's probably one of the best known names in tools.

Looks like mostly upper / middle mid west.. but there are a bastion of them in FL! It'll only be a short time before they're in the pan handle and then on to AL and GA.... maybe..

 

[Travisnd]

Got this in the mail today....NOS #906 Nutdriver with adjustable socket....going on the peg board......more to come.....

 

[Jim C.]

Way cool Travis!!! I didn't even know Channellock made something like that. How does it work?

Jim C.

 

[Travisnd]

It's basically just a nut driver with a adjustable socket. If you turn the driver handle and hold the socket, the socket expands and closes to adjust to any nut/bolt.

 

[Askme42]

Not familiar with Rural King, assume it's akin to a Tractor Supply Co. though. Nice CL collection for sure (unlike TSC, which doesnt carry the brand). Those PVC/oil filter pliers on the bottom right are awesome. One of those tools that you dont ever realize that you needed until after you bought them.

I use the **** out of my filter pliers. Got them at rural king. Lol

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Way cool Travis!!! I didn't even know Channellock made something like that. How does it work?

Jim C.

Ditto to that ^^.. Where in the heck did you dig that up, and in the package no less.....

 

[Jim C.]

It's basically just a nut driver with a adjustable socket. If you turn the driver handle and hold the socket, the socket expands and closes to adjust to any nut/bolt.

Okay, I think I get it. Thanks. That might be the most unique NOS Channellock tool you've collected so far.

Jim C.

 

[Youngguns]

Does anyone have experience with the XLT line of tools? Channellock mentions that they have a smaller rivet, placed closer to the jaws/cutting edge to increase leverage for ease of use. Is there any down side to this? Is a smaller rivet noticeably weaker/does is have a shorter life span? Is the XLT line just a gimmick? I'm currently looking into buying a few pairs of pliers, and would just like to know the better way to go: classic or XLT?

 

[kctyphoon]

Does anyone have experience with the XLT line of tools? Channellock mentions that they have a smaller rivet, placed closer to the jaws/cutting edge to increase leverage for ease of use. Is there any down side to this? Is a smaller rivet noticeably weaker/does is have a shorter life span? Is the XLT line just a gimmick? I'm currently looking into buying a few pairs of pliers, and would just like to know the better way to go: classic or XLT?

i have the 8" 338, and the XLT E338.. honestly i think the regular 338 would be a better choice if you were just to buy one.. the handles are a different style, the jaws dont open as wide, and the throat (i think thats what you call the width between the bottom of the jaws at the fully open position) is much smaller. all in trade for slightly more leverage on the newer model.

i have the XLT lineman pliers as well, but not the regular 369's to comapre them with - that being said, i think the throat would be larger in the older set as too, but dont know if that would have any real effect on them since its a different tool.

on another note - im impressed with the channellock cutters though.. both pair..

 

[Kmaysob]

I've probably got 10 or more pairs of channel lock slip joint pliers, two pairs of their crimpers, and at least 5 pairs of side cutters. They make good tools.

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

I easily applied 103 ftlbs of torque on a 5/8 11 machine bolt with my GL12's. Didn't have the clearance to get a hex bit on it so the gl was called to action. Once semi-tight I opened the mold which then gave me clearance to get my hex bit socket and torque wrench on it.

 

[Travisnd]

I got this in the mail today. Been trying for 2 months to get this. It's in rough shape, much rougher than the other tool board I have, but this one is twice as wide as the one I have.

This one will be getting a full restore, just not sure if I'll go blue, white, or red as I have pics of Channellock tool boards of all 3 colors. Either way I'm stoked!



It will go great with this one!!

 

[ryanm]

dont know the model number, but found two of the 10" channellock pliers USA made at a garage sale for $4 each. have always used the knipex cobras, but the channellocks now have a place right beside them

 

[Travisnd]

I received these last night...NOS #537....

 

[Jim C.]

^^^^^ Great addition Travis!!

 

[HairMetal]

Channellock has nice customer service, they sent me a catalog and some stickers all the way to Finland so i'll be buying some of they're pliers.

 

[fm2176]

Found a Do-It-Best in Savannah; picked up the 100' reel tape and bent nose pliers. Didn't see a COO on the tape measure but I expect it is Chinese...the smaller 100' tape is. They didn't have a wide selection. I plan to head to Baxley again in a couple of weeks and will take some pics. That store has by far the biggest selection I've seen.

My Channellock binge has settled down a little, though I still want the small Nutbusters, another 460, and two 480s. However, I've hooked a friend on them now. He bought the GS-3S a couple of weeks ago and just got some 430s. I'll keep indoctrinating him.

 

[Jim C.]

.......My Channellock binge has settled down a little, though I still want the small Nutbusters, another 460, and two 480s. However, I've hooked a friend on them now. He bought the GS-3S a couple of weeks ago and just got some 430s. I'll keep indoctrinating him.

Good work fm!! Keep passing the word about USA made Channellocks.

Jim C.

 

[fm2176]

Good work fm!! Keep passing the word about USA made Channellocks.

Jim C.

Definitely, he picked up the 350S yesterday and is thinking of the 460 now. As a Soldier, I just wish they were sold at the Exchange. Imagine having a military exchange system that promotes quality made in the US products instead of imported garbage. Some of our mechanics would doubtlessly benefit, as many supplement their issued tools with personally purchased ones. A little over ten years ago, the Exchange started selling Craftsman tools...they still do but since the COO changed it's a sad state of affairs. You can buy Chinese Craftsman, Chinese Stanley, or Chinese Alltrade at the PX, usually spending more than you would off post.

Anyway, maybe it's a good thing that more varieties of Channellock aren't widely available. I'd be perpetually broke.

 

[Jim C.]

Hey man, thanks for your service!!! Seriously, many THANKS!!!

Jim C.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Definitely, he picked up the 350S yesterday and is thinking of the 460 now. As a Soldier, I just wish they were sold at the Exchange. Imagine having a military exchange system that promotes quality made in the US products instead of imported garbage. Some of our mechanics would doubtlessly benefit, as many supplement their issued tools with personally purchased ones. A little over ten years ago, the Exchange started selling Craftsman tools...they still do but since the COO changed it's a sad state of affairs. You can buy Chinese Craftsman, Chinese Stanley, or Chinese Alltrade at the PX, usually spending more than you would off post.

Anyway, maybe it's a good thing that more varieties of Channellock aren't widely available. I'd be perpetually broke.

Ditto to that ^^.. wish we'd use our heads sometimes and make 'made in the USA 'a value and starting at the PX makes sense.. But the almighty dollar "and just get the job done" gets in the way of that sometimes.

 

[casestudies]

My dad bought me Channellock water-pump pliers when I was a kid. I've used them ever since and have had no complaints--they're fantastic. He always said they made a great product, and he wouldn't buy anything else. Their diagonal cutting pliers are great too; when closed, no light can be seen through the cutting edges, indicating precision machining.

In addition to quality, they're available at a very reasonable price, generally pretty easy to come by in stores, and are Made in the USA! In fact, I went to college in the town where they're made. I'm proud to support the area's local economy, and I know I'm buying a quality tool that won't break when I need it to work, and that it'll last my lifetime. I hate wasting money on junk that eventually collects in landfills, and prefer to buy tools that will last for future generations. "Buy it once, use it for a lifetime" has been my motto whenever possible.

I've accumulated about ten pairs of Channellock pliers thus far, and when needs arise in the future, they'll be at the top of my list.

 

[Jim C.]

My dad bought me Channellock water-pump pliers when I was a kid. I've used them ever since and have had no complaints--they're fantastic. He always said they made a great product, and he wouldn't buy anything else. Their diagonal cutting pliers are great too; when closed, no light can be seen through the cutting edges, indicating precision machining.

In addition to quality, they're available at a very reasonable price, generally pretty easy to come by in stores, and are Made in the USA! In fact, I went to college in the town where they're made. I'm proud to support the area's local economy, and I know I'm buying a quality tool that won't break when I need it to work, and that it'll last my lifetime. I hate wasting money on junk that eventually collects in landfills, and prefer to buy tools that will last for future generations. "Buy it once, use it for a lifetime" has been my motto whenever possible.

I've accumulated about ten pairs of Channellock pliers thus far, and when needs arise in the future, they'll be at the top of my list.

Great first post on the GJ....welcome aboard and welcome to the Channellock thread.

 

[magicrat]

I think everything they make is good to great and all made in Penn. USA as good. PLiers are pretty equal to klein. The teeth on there groove pliers are awsome but the Knipex design with all the different notches to spread the jaws in more convienient..Maybe they will steal it like Irwin did....That being said i have abused and left my channelocks out in the rain for months....Sprayed with breakfree overnight and back to new!!

 

[mowersplus84]

I love channellocks i think for the quality and price and made in America factor they are hard to beat . right now eastwood has a 9pc set for $135.88

www.eastwood.com/channellock-9-piece-pliers-set.html