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Anyone else like Channellocks?

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Jim C.

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A few weeks ago I posted in a thread concerning "binge" tool buying. During the last couple months, I've been on a Channellock kick that I think has subsided for the moment. For years, prior to my recent "BHB" (Blue Handled Binge), I owned only two Channellock tools, the #442 (far left) and the #415 (second from left). Then, this past Spring, I actually needed the #911 cable cutters (third from right) and bought them. For some reason, shortly after that, I went on a small BHB and added the #422 (third from left), the #410 (fourth from left), the #369 (fourth from right), the #357 (second from right) and the #337 (far right). I'm still feeling compelled to buy a pair of needle nose pliers too.

I'm not sure why I bought all of these..... I certainly did not need any of them beyond buying the #911. The last five tools were purely impulse, binge, purchases!!! It's definitely a sickness. Anyway, I've included a photo for you Channellock fans, that clearly proves my recent insanity!!

Jim C.
 
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arizonaadam

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I love channellock. Way better imo than cman pliers. Nice thing is they're not too expensive to enjoy the occassional bhb. Still made in the USA, too. They look nice all lined up. If you don't already have needle nose you should get some. Probably the second most useful plier.
 
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gatewaysysop

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Agreed. Channel locks are an awesome value and I love the original blue grips. As for the needle nose, I second the other posters, you should get them. I love mine, best pair I own. :bowdown:
 
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Jim C.

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arizonaadam said:
I love channellock. Way better imo than cman pliers. Nice thing is they're not too expensive to enjoy the occassional bhb. Still made in the USA, too. They look nice all lined up. If you don't already have needle nose you should get some. Probably the second most useful plier.
Click to expand...

I see a pair of "blue handled" needle nose pliers in my very near future.

Jim C.
 
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TozziWelding

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Jul 14, 2011
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Marlborough, MA
William Payne said:
I new a mechanic/auto electrician once who had all snap-on yet he said to me don't buy snap-on pliers buy klein or channellock, when I buy pliers I will buy from those two brands so even though I don't have any yip I like channellock to.
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I agree I hate Snap-On pliers, I gave mine away.
 
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treasureseeker

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Michigan
I try to only buy chromed pliers and see lots and lots of rusted Channellock brand tools at estate sales.
 
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dwm

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Southeast Michigan
Yes, I like ChannelLock.

7585-591687437.jpg
 
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bronc3buster842001

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Somewhere in Missouri
Bought my first pair of channellocks at the flea market. gave like 2 bucks for em. Since then that is a all I buy. Got my linesman pliers from my buddys dad who owns a pawn shop.

EDIT. Does anyone know if channelocks have a warranty. Had small pair of tongue and groove pliers break on me.
 
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metalgodlb

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Jun 17, 2011
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recently i have been on a big knipex binge however up til about 22 all i used were channellock and never had many problems. gotta love their patriotism. i have been eyeballing some of the red and blue comfort grip looking ones and i dont think i can fight the urge much longer.... anyone have any of their screwdrivers? i have the itty bitty 2 in 1 but i dont think that counts lol... also i can vouch for the people that praise their adjustable wrenches... In my four year long pipe fitting career i used those exclusively. seems like they can go without a drop of oil and still be smooth as silk and no rusting.
 
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Altec

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Bustawrench said:
They are a good tool, but knipex and Klein do some things better.

Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Knipex, sure. But dollars, to donuts I'd take the channellocks. Well, I'll take both...

I'll keep my opinions of Klein to myself. Haha.

TozziWelding said:
I agree I hate Snap-On pliers, I gave mine away.
Click to expand...

I use Snap-on needle nose, and side cutters with great effect. I think it is a value issue, really.
 
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BrokewrenchLS1

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treasureseeker said:
I try to only buy chromed pliers and see lots and lots of rusted Channellock brand tools at estate sales.
Click to expand...

Mine are ugly and have been beaten to hell and back, but they all still work great. I don't need shiny tools, I need reliable ones...and Channellock fits that nicely.
 
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earlthegoat2

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SE GA
They discolor if you use them all the time and they rust if you do not use them much.

I really like the SO large needlenose pliers and their flush cutting electronics cutters.
 
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Bodyshop

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Jun 24, 2011
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NE, FL.
I have a birthday coming up, so i told my wife that i wanted a Home Depot gift card.
They have the best selection of channelock pliers and that is what i am going to spend the whole card on.:bounce:
I'll post my haul at a later date.
 
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CamarosRus

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Renton, WA (Seattle)
Use Fluid Film rust inhibiting aeresol spray on ALL your tools and uncoated metals.

Contact me if your Seattle metro area as I am a stocking dealer.
 
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Trucky

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treasureseeker said:
What is the current coating on Channellocks. It looks like a paint?
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http://www.channellock.com/content.aspx?page=experience3

2nd from last step. I know it's about the handles, but it also says something about a coating. I think it's some sort of like electrically applied coating. I've had my 442s for 5+ years, never cleaned them once. They did rust slighty around the jaw ara, but the coating is still there on the rest and working fine.

In all honesty, the rust they develop over a long time does nothing to the function, what so ever. I don't care one bit. All my precision/machinist tools get a very light coating of oil, but that's it. Everything else is dry. So far I have the 12 inch v-jaws and flat jaws T&Gs [442/440], long nose pliers, diags (6 in), slip-joints, nippers, and maybe a few more. Fencing pliers are next up, then linemans pliers. Probably the high-leverage ones.
 
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Jim C.

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treasureseeker said:
What is the current coating on Channellocks. It looks like a paint?
Click to expand...

I've had my #442 for about 12 years and use it mostly on my in ground sprinkler system. It gets wet, it gets some dirt on it and it gets used. When I'm done using it, it gets completely cleaned and dried, and a little oil. When I'm not using it, it's hanging on a hook in my shop. No rust at all.

Jim C.
 
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usdemt

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South Dakota
That was my thread on binge buying tools, and like you I binged on Channellocks about 4 months ago, haha.
 
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cdseven95

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I use the crimpers all day everyday.. The first month or so when that coating is still on them it starts to clog up the joint... PB Blaster and opening and closing them for a couple minutes does the trick ... They don't rust on me. But they discolor... I am mobile for work so my all my tools besides battery's stay in my trunk so I get rust on some tools... Never the Channellocks.
 
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saturdaymechanic

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Jan 17, 2011
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Maryland, DC area
My father gave me my first pair when I moved in our first house. Haven't looked back since. They are tough, affordable and get the job done.

I have a few other plier brands (CMan, Knipex etc) but I reach for the CL 99% of the time. I have a pretty full set, so all my plier needs are represented. Also, another vote for the long nose pliers.

As for rust, a wipe down after a plumbing job should do the trick. Mine are still in good shape, the handles are tracked with grease and scars but that's just character.
 
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