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Anyone else like Channellocks?

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upgrading

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Dennis Leigh Henry

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Dennis Leigh Henry said:
I was at a hardware store yesterday and happened upon several NOS (shelf-worn and filthy/dusty) Channel lock ratchet with adjustable sockets. I searched this thread and saw the adjustable nut driver but not that one. This particular hardware store was a treasure trove so my mind was in overdrive and I sped right past them (didn't pick one up to bring home). I didn't search the balance of GJ on this subject since I feel this thread is the epitome of Channel Lock info..

Did I fall into a honey pot of CL ratchets w/ adjustable sockets or is this something that has been documented well here / elsewhere?

Thanks...
Click to expand...

I went back to this hardware store and took some pictures...

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Outlawmws

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I picked up these pseudo CL's yesterday: Stamped brand is Blue Point. The smaller 440's (yes same No. system, different suffix...) match exactly to my CL's other than the grip color.

Can anyone verify CL supplies BP?

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cesski

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Guess I'm sticking with Knipex for cutting pliers then. Thanks!

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T45

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That video is sort of comparing apples to oranges.

Of Course Knipex is a better plier, but its both more expensive and more specialized. The Channelock is an all-purpose / general tool for the workbox. Its cheaper and gets the job done and is widely available/replaceble.

The made in the USA vs the design finesse of the EU...would go the other way if you throw in the snap-on needle-nose...but again, the SO is more specific in design intent .... and most don't feel the knipex 26 is better than the so talon grip....but again this is all apples and oranges and ultimately has not much to do with channelock other than showing such comparison's when taken out of context can be problematic or mis-leading...more specific and more expensive designs do tend to peform better in the specific applications for which they were designed/purchased (obviously).

The issue of getting the job done vs getting the job done with more finesse, or having a more durable and longer lifespan is ultimately a judgement call and price/budget comes into play for sure. Not so much when buying 1 plier but when buying say 20 pieces to kit out a whole box or shop.
 
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Jim C.

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T45 said:
That video is sort of comparing apples to oranges.

Of Course Knipex is a better plier, but its both more expensive and more specialized. The Channelock is an all-purpose / general tool for the workbox. Its cheaper and gets the job done and is widely available/replaceble.

The made in the USA vs the design finesse of the EU...would go the other way if you throw in the snap-on needle-nose...but again, the SO is more specific in design intent .... and most don't feel the knipex 26 is better than the so talon grip....but again this is all apples and oranges and ultimately has not much to do with channelock other than showing such comparison's when taken out of context can be problematic or mis-leading...more specific and more expensive designs do tend to peform better in the specific applications for which they were designed/purchased (obviously).

The issue of getting the job done vs getting the job done with more finesse, or having a more durable and longer lifespan is ultimately a judgement call and price/budget comes into play for sure. Not so much when buying 1 plier but when buying say 20 pieces to kit out a whole box or shop.
Click to expand...

Exactly. For some applications Knipex is the absolute right tool (mini bolt cutters for example) and for other applications, Knipex is overkill. I'm a Knipex fan for sure, but I also have a drawer full of Channellocks that I reach for more often than not. They're priced right, relatively durable, and reliable. In their price point, I think they're as good as anything else out there, and maybe better in some instances. Also, being made in the USA doesn't hurt either. I'm always gonna try to support an American manufacturer who continues to produce tools in America.

Jim C.
 
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Crazyjake8493

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I still like Channellock, but all of my most used pliers are now Knipex or NWS, and Klein needlenose. I do love my Channellock end cutter/nipper, use that one everyday.
 
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fm2176

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Down South
Outlawmws said:
I picked up these pseudo CL's yesterday: Stamped brand is Blue Point. The smaller 440's (yes same No. system, different suffix...) match exactly to my CL's other than the grip color.

Can anyone verify CL supplies BP?

attachment.php
Click to expand...

I didn't see where this was answered, but yes, the Blue Point slip joints were made by Channellock. I've got the 440s which I probably paid 2x more for than blue handled ones cost. Gotta love being a naïve mechanic with a Snap-On truck stopping by weekly. :)

I just picked up some older Channellocks: 410, 346, 337, and 438. Paid $13 for them at the flea market. Yesterday I found a pair of locking pliers--my first Channellock versions. Last week I grabbed a 148-10 and 442 for $5. For the prices I figure that they'll come in handy as spares/loaners or in grab and go bags. One of these days I'll post updated photos. I've probably got about 60 various Channellock tools now.
 
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anndel

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I have a bunch and they work fine for me. Have a bunch of Knipex Wrench Pliers, Cobras and Raptors. Looking to buy more CL since they are so versatile.
 
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four.cycle

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kctyphoon said:
What I would love to know, is since ChannelLock IS a plier company above all things - then why are there so many different types they don't even bother making????
Click to expand...

^ You could ask the same question about Wilde - how come neither makes those ring-nose pliers or the long (extended handle) needle-nose pliers?

Good question.
 
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LesserSon

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I bought the impostor at a flea market. Then the real mcoy at a thrift shop. I honest can't remember which was less.
 

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Jim C.

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Wow Mdad,

That's one heck of a driver collection!!!! It's easy to appreciate a nice collection when they're all out on display. I'm impressed.

Jim C.
 
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metaldad

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Jim C. said:
Wow Mdad,

That's one heck of a driver collection!!!! It's easy to appreciate a nice collection when they're all out on display. I'm impressed.

Jim C.
Click to expand...

danke.
only slotted and phillips are out. the racks dont accept nutdrivers (the larger ones)
 
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metaldad

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nw indiana
jeremy v said:
It is true you can never have enough screwdrivers. That being said, I think he has enough screwdrivers.:lol_hitti
Click to expand...

no i dont. :lol_hitti
that's only the tip of the iceberg :willy_nil
the channey, diamond, and roscoe are not to be used. most of the multi bits are unused.
i really only use the wera torx drivers, and on another wall are daily user klein, masterforce, cman, and others.
 
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