Anyone else like Channellocks?

[Jim C.]

Not very long ago, Channellock was still printing a catalog. They may still be printing one currently, but I haven't seen one in a while. I really haven't looked too hard either. Maybe their customer service department still sends them out. I don't know. Anyway, I picked this one up at a tool store several years back. There was a stack of them at the register and I took one. They were free. It's dated 2007, has 56 pages and has every Channellock tool being made at the time depicted, measured, and described. It's a nice catalog. More and more tool catalogs seem to be online now. It's probably more cost effective than printing them, mailing them, etc. The internet is a great resource, but I still like to hold a real paper catalog in my hands and thumb through it. So, here's a few pictures of a real paper catalog. Unfortunately, it could become a thing of the past..... Something from the "good old days."

Jim C.

A little while back, I wrote this ^^^^^^. Well, shortly after I wrote it, I sent an email to Channellock asking for a catalog. I got this in the mail today. It's a little smaller (6" x 7.75") than the catalog from 2007 (8.5" x 11"), but I answered my own question..... Channellock is still printing a paper catalog. (Sorry for the bad pictures.)

Jim C.

 

[1/2 Cup]

Love them, I have been a fan of them for years, I use them every day as a sparky and would not use any thing else. Channellock recently had a promo pack in which you received a complimentary bottle opener ......Gold!!


View attachment 273911

 

[jeffmoss26]

Interestingly enough, they do not sell the insulated pliers here in the US.

 

[archirelic]

I'll try to throw up some pictures of my Channellock assortment this weekend. I'm saddened that they haven't sourced their screwdriver production to some manufacturer here in America. I absolutely love the design & feel of their screwdrivers, but do dislike the fact that they're made in china...even though I haven't had an issue with mine yet.

 

[Outlawmws]

OK I FINALLY got pics, (and a minute to post, although I thought I did so like 5 days ago... )


407 (Battery Pliers? only two arcs)
3 sets of 426's and 7 sets of 420's from pretty old to semi recent.

Top to bottom:
Left, 440, 442, 422, 415,
Right, 386, 910 Vise grips, (first in the Thread? ) Nut Busters (These have the double arcs, on both sides of the center pivot.) and 430's

346 and 348 (6 and 8" Electricians) and 308 heavy wire cutters
437 dykes (X3), and 497 bent dykes,

 

[Jim C.]

Thanks for the pictures Outlaw. A very nice collection indeed. The "vise grip" style is a pair that I've never seen before. I'm pretty sure they are the first and only pair depicted in the thread. Do you know their approximate age?

Jim C.

 

[Outlawmws]

IIR I bought those new right around 1975 at a race track auction. They are by far my favorite vise grip for that jaw style. I wish they had kept making them. You can one hand set them once you get used to them and understand how the tensioner works.

BTW the stuff that looks like tape is actually fine 30 gauge steel wire wound and tied off to help strengthen the grip cap which broke when it was dropped once. I super glued the popped out piece, and then wound the wire, and then coated it well with nail polish to keep the wire in place. The first wrap worked for like 25 years, as couple of years ago I redid the nail polish after readjusting the wire back in place, as the old nail polish finally gave up the ghost.

That cap is IMHO the only real weakness in these grips.

 

[cole_CT]

Those vise grips are very interesting. Definitely a first for me. Thanks for posting your collection Outlaw!

 

[cole_CT]

A little while back, I wrote this ^^^^^^. Well, shortly after I wrote it, I sent an email to Channellock asking for a catalog. I got this in the mail today. It's a little smaller (6" x 7.75") than the catalog from 2007 (8.5" x 11"), but I answered my own question..... Channellock is still printing a paper catalog. (Sorry for the bad pictures.)

Jim C.

And to Jim, I am about to email Channellock right now for their catalog. From the pictures you took, I can tell it would be informative especially with all those charts and what-not.

 

[Hootbro]

I'll try to throw up some pictures of my Channellock assortment this weekend. I'm saddened that they haven't sourced their screwdriver production to some manufacturer here in America. I absolutely love the design & feel of their screwdrivers, but do dislike the fact that they're made in china...even though I haven't had an issue with mine yet.

I read something back on this issue. The problem Channellock has now with getting a USA supplier is that the two main screwdriver makers, Pratt-Read and Western Forge are now owned by Ideal. Western Forge makes pliers that are in direct competition with Channellock and any contract to make screwdrivers for them would just be rewarding a competitor.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Channellock also makes some pliers for Ideal.

 

[Zeroek]

I have to make a decision on what set of Pliers I'm getting for work to replace the Harbor Freight ones and Channel Lock has been on my mind for a while now. I almost had my mind made up on a Matco set I used to have but I literally kept seeing the channel locks everywhere and thinking on building the set for way cheaper. Seeing this thread pretty much shows they are good for professional daily work so it looks like these are gonna be it. And finally take my HF ones home.

 

[ganymede]

Here's a 1967 ad. As you can see none have the coated grips though they were available by that time. This tells me that the ad photographer used old models for the photo shoot and no one cared or that the transition was gradual and took a long time with both types being available .

 

[ganymede]

Here's another from the same year. All have coated grips .

 

[metaldad]

I read something back on this issue. The problem Channellock has now with getting a USA supplier is that the two main screwdriver makers, Pratt-Read and Western Forge are now owned by Ideal. Western Forge makes pliers that are in direct competition with Channellock and any contract to make screwdrivers for them would just be rewarding a competitor.

Interesting. And makes sense. The old blue handle USA Channey drivers, is identical to the handles on my Vacos, which, methinks, are preKlien.

 

[Hootbro]

Interesting. And makes sense. The old blue handle USA Channey drivers, is identical to the handles on my Vacos, which, methinks, are preKlien.

Here is a older quote by Ryan DeArment (Nutbuster) from Channellock on their screwdrivers:

..........Channellock has sourced screwdrivers from domestic manufactures. Honestly, our domestic suppliers were either purchased by our competitors, go out of business, or have poor shipment/fulfillment issues. The screwdrivers and nutdrivers we supply today are better than the drivers we have offered in the past.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=869301#post869301

 

[devoncoolman]

Great tools. Especially for the money. Mine have been around a long time.

 

[BJ42LX]

Krispy Kreme uses Channellocks in the doughnut making process...

 

[BuckHenry]

Krispy Kreme uses Channellocks in the doughnut making process...

That settles it then. Channellock makes the greatest pliers in the world!

I love their products too.

 

[wrenchMONKEY_]

Ignore the red German stuff...

The whole collection of red and blue -

At home with some other friends:

 

[ADSR]

Ignore the red German stuff...

The whole collection of red and blue -

At home with some other friends:

damn nice! love the red stuff too!

 

[wrenchMONKEY_]

damn nice! love the red stuff too!

Me too, that's the problem. lol. Lowes only carries to much Knipex here and I have multiples of everything they own.... might have to start ordering online soon.

 

[cole_CT]

Krispy Kreme uses Channellocks in the doughnut making process...

LOL good to see.

 

[Jim C.]

Ignore the red German stuff...

The whole collection of red and blue -

At home with some other friends:

Hey wrenchMONKEY, that's a great set of Channellocks.....and a nice bonus seeing the "German stuff" too. I'm a Channellock fan, but having recently purchased a few Knipex pliers, I'm certainly not opposed to picking those up too if the price is right and the need exists............ Okay, I'm not fooling anyone here. I'd buy Knipex too just because, and the "price" and "need" wouldn't factor into the decision as much as I'd like to think they would.

Jim C. (Who's good at rationalizing his tool purchases)

 

[Jim C.]

That settles it then. Channellock makes the greatest pliers in the world!

I love their products too.

Hey BuckHenry, Great collection!!! Thanks for the pictures.

Jim C.

 

[Jim C.]

ganymede, thanks for posting the old Channellock ads. Do you know what magazine/publication they came from?

Jim C.

 

[ganymede]

ganymede, thanks for posting the old Channellock ads. Do you know what magazine/publication they came from?

Jim C.

Anytime.
I think they are from Popular Science, or Popular Mechanics . When I get back later I'll check .

Edit: yes they are from Popular Mechanics.

 

[wrenchMONKEY_]

Hey wrenchMONKEY, that's a great set of Channellocks.....and a nice bonus seeing the "German stuff" too. I'm a Channellock fan, but having recently purchased a few Knipex pliers, I'm certainly not opposed to picking those up too if the price is right and the need exists............ Okay, I'm not fooling anyone here. I'd buy Knipex too just because, and the "price" and "need" wouldn't factor into the decision as much as I'd like to think they would.

Jim C. (Who's good at rationalizing his tool purchases)

I'd love many more Knipex, but I just cant get them locally and I like to feel before I buy. Just picked up 74 08 200 - 8" 1000V Diagonal Cutters and 09 08 240 - 1000V 9 1/4 Insulated Linesmans today. I am going to be wiring up a powder coating booth and oven in my garage in the next few weeks with 240V, so I figured why not

My channel locks are usually my go to pliers unless its something electrical, will be doing a lot of usage (more comfy grips on some Knipex) or I just feel like being fancy.

 

[Jim C.]

I'd love many more Knipex, but I just cant get them locally and I like to feel before I buy. Just picked up 74 08 200 - 8" 1000V Diagonal Cutters and 09 08 240 - 1000V 9 1/4 Insulated Linesmans today. I am going to be wiring up a powder coating booth and oven in my garage in the next few weeks with 240V, so I figured why not

My channel locks are usually my go to pliers unless its something electrical, will be doing a lot of usage (more comfy grips on some Knipex) or I just feel like being fancy.

I hear ya. Knipex makes a great product with so many different choices and options. The Knipex 2013 full line catalog is literally 192 pages long! After Lowes dumped them, the only place that still sells them locally is Sears, and the selection is very limited. There's also a tool store near me that carries a good selection of Knipex and a complete selection of Channellock, but this place charges a premium for having them in stock. There are no deals to be had. Still, like you said, I want to hold them before I buy them. Knipex are expensive, but generally worth the price I think. I'm still a die hard Channellock fan, but when I need a real speciality pair of pliers/cutters, I would not hesitate to look at a Knipex tool.

Jim C.

 

[archirelic]

I read something back on this issue. The problem Channellock has now with getting a USA supplier is that the two main screwdriver makers, Pratt-Read and Western Forge are now owned by Ideal. Western Forge makes pliers that are in direct competition with Channellock and any contract to make screwdrivers for them would just be rewarding a competitor.

Just seeing this response now. Thanks for that info, I didn't know about that.

 

[jakemac]

This forum is bad for my wallet.

Before joining this forum only 3 months ago, I only owned 1 pair of Channellocks. A pair of 911 Cable Cutters. After reading this thread, I bumped into a pair of 420's in a bargain bin at an indoor flea market and the nightmare began. Now I own 18 pieces (including the tip kit for the ring pliers). All bought used (mostly rust encrusted) except one pair of locknut pliers that I got on clearance at Lowes. All the slip-locks are pre Perma-Lock, except 1 pair of 426's, the GL-20's, and a pair of 548 pliers. I think I need .

That's it .................... for now ...

 

[USA Tool Supply]

Glad you are using the Channellocks. Great pliers and USA made.
My favorite is the little # 424 pocket sized 4.5 overall length. A pair in every truck on the farm.

 

[Jim C.]

This forum is bad for my wallet.

Before joining this forum only 3 months ago, I only owned 1 pair of Channellocks. A pair of 911 Cable Cutters. After reading this thread, I bumped into a pair of 420's in a bargain bin at an indoor flea market and the nightmare began. Now I own 18 pieces (including the tip kit for the ring pliers). All bought used (mostly rust encrusted) except one pair of locknut pliers that I got on clearance at Lowes. All the slip-locks are pre Perma-Lock, except 1 pair of 426's, the GL-20's, and a pair of 548 pliers. I think I need .

That's it .................... for now ...

Hey jakemac, nice collection. You really don't need help, you just need another pair of Channellocks! You're doing fine.

Jim C.

 

[zkling]

2 semi recent additions (317 & 14818). Both bought used, < $1 total for the pair.
I must say they are nice pliers. I couldn't justify paying new for them, but used, I am keeping my eye out for those blue handled rascals.

Total to date channellock --> 4 and counting.

 

[Jim C.]

2 semi recent additions (317 & 14818). Both bought used, < $1 total for the pair.
I must say they are nice pliers. I couldn't justify paying new for them, but used, I am keeping my eye out for those blue handled rascals.

Total to date channellock --> 4 and counting.

Well done, and at a "you ****" price to boot!

Jim C.

 

[nine4gmc]

This forum is bad for my wallet.

Before joining this forum only 3 months ago, I only owned 1 pair of Channellocks. A pair of 911 Cable Cutters. After reading this thread, I bumped into a pair of 420's in a bargain bin at an indoor flea market and the nightmare began. Now I own 18 pieces (including the tip kit for the ring pliers). All bought used (mostly rust encrusted) except one pair of locknut pliers that I got on clearance at Lowes. All the slip-locks are pre Perma-Lock, except 1 pair of 426's, the GL-20's, and a pair of 548 pliers. I think I need .

That's it .................... for now ...

Same here, I swapped off several pairs of misc types before finally stashing some back for me. This is most of them, I have 2-3 more pair in the junkyard jump out bag. All from garage sales, flea markets and pawn shops, most I paid was $5 and that was for the pair of 460s. I pass by them if they are asking more than $1-2, they are too common for me to pay more for(and/or I'm too tight)

 

[mudflap]

I have always wanted a pair of Channellock fence pliers.....I have absolutely no use for them.......... I should just buy them , and throw em in the toolbox so i can quit thinking about it, get over it, and move on.........lol

 

[kiatech]

Not really

 

[Jim C.]

I have always wanted a pair of Channellock fence pliers.....I have absolutely no use for them.......... I should just buy them , and throw em in the toolbox so i can quit thinking about it, get over it, and move on.........lol

Welcome to the thread. You've come to the right place! Just go buy them and get it over with. You're just fighting the inevitable. That's kind of how this thread got started......

Jim C.

 

[mudflap]

Welcome to the thread. You've come to the right place! Just go buy them and get it over with. You're just fighting the inevitable. That's kind of how this thread got started......

Jim C.

....................