Best quality pliers?

[2chipped]

Who made you the pliers police?? maybe some of think the USA Channellocks are better. I could beat a set of knipex Cobras to peices with the same size channellocks and still have a good useable set of channellocks

I was not saying that channelocks were not the best quality .
Several posters were using the best for the price as basis for their post.
The op asked for the best quality.

It's a new year in which I don't want to be the poop in the soup.
I was trying to get the q answered that was asked.

 

[pep]

Who made you the pliers police?? maybe some of think the USA Channellocks are better. I could beat a set of knipex Cobras to peices with the same size channellocks and still have a good useable set of channellocks

Knipex are 131.5% better than Channellocks according to Consumer Reports.

- The Pliers Police

 

[littletoes]

I'd LOVE to try the NWS pliers....any of 'em, but I think my little Woman would hurt me bad, and yes I'm scared!

BUT!!! There isn't a man standing that will make fun of me OR my tools at work, or anywhere, especially if they do the job dang-me good, and LAST.

Of course, I won't buy any of the Snap-ON "pink" tools, and keep 'em! hahaha! Wouldn't mind having a few for the Wife, so she'll leave mine alone!

 

[zer0cell]

I like the fine adjustment on the knipex cobras and they are definitely good quality and have excellent teeth. However, I agree that the channellocks seem more rugged. Another advantage is that channellocks are easier to keep clean. If you are working in a sandy/dirty environment like in a crawl-space, in a coastal area or at a really nasty construction site I can see the cobras getting jammed up with all that **** getting stuck in the adjustment mechanism. Sure you can clean it but I'd suspect it would take at least 15 minutes to take it apart and hose it off while scrubbing it up with a wire brush.

That 'fine' adjustment which is an asset, in my opinion, in a more sterile environment is less beneficial in a more harsh setting. For some people it may not be an issue but I can definitely envision a scenario where a pair of Channellocks would be better. Their 'channels' if you will, are easier to clean and harder to get all jammed up as well when you're getting down and dirty. I'm not bashing the cobras though, I really like them but I'm not quite sure you can clearly label them as superior in every way as some like to do. My answer as to which is better is simply - "it depends".

The durability of channellock, knipex and klein when it comes to electician type tools like diagonal cutters and linemans is good overall (but...). Some may not like how 'tight' the joints on most kleins are - personally, I don't mind and actually like how tight they feel (like breaking in some new shoes). Channellocks have a bit more of a free moving joint, whereas knipex pliers literally fall open. It's a matter of preference I guess. Like I stated in another thread however, the joints on many knipex diagonal cutters and linemans are just too sloppy for my preference (misaligned jaws and oil literally oozing out) Oh, and for those who read that previous thread, I've recently been finding way more like that. I was told this was normal by Knipex but I remain skeptical.

I admit I am pretty new to knipex and have not used them that much yet. However... when it comes to pliers I've always used kleins and channellocks without issue and even my older ones have perfect alignment. So I guess I'm a little unsure of how I feel about knipex at the moment. Yeah they have some great tools but I'm a little concerned about the quality of some models. Oh well, enough of that...

 

[airdale]

Oh, you mean like crawling through the mud in the crawlspace under the house to fix the leaking pipe? Fun stuff. Yeah, I agree, "it depends". The Channellock water pump pliers mechanism will mash through the mud and still work. That's why they are still going strong in spite of newer designs that are easier to adjust.

Like many here, I have different brands I like for different uses. Klein angled cutters, my "old" Knipex Alligators. Hell, I even used Sears Robogrip pliers putting up field fence. That is until they fell apart. Gave up on those when the warranty replacement pair also fell apart before finishing the fence. It sure was nice having one hand adjustability though. I get more satisfaction out of using old quality tools anyways.

 

[mrholeshot]

Knipex are 131.5% better than Channellocks according to Consumer Reports.

- The Pliers Police

The reason the numbers are inflated is while all the people reporting on knipex pliers were sitting at home stroking their Cobra guys with Channellocks are out using theirs. I like Knipex but if If I had to put my faith in one pair of pliers I'd have a set of Channellock 420s

 

[mtkst19]

am i the only one who dislikes tools that uses bulky handles like the nws ones shown on page one? the handles remind me of something you would see in a 5 yr olds play set. I dont care who makes them either. to me that handle design is not practical.

im a fan of channel locks. i own some knipex too. yet often times ill go to the channel locks 1st.

 

[jay50]

am i the only one who dislikes tools that uses bulky handles like the nws ones shown on page one? the handles remind me of something you would see in a 5 yr olds play set. I dont care who makes them either. to me that handle design is not practical.

im a fan of channel locks. i own some knipex too. yet often times ill go to the channel locks 1st.

+1, those NWS handles look...:supergay:

 

[american lockpicker]

+1, those NWS handles look...:supergay:

I'm not sure what your smoking but they look fine to me.

 

[Monte]

http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/000655.php

http://hubpages.com/hub/Are-Knipex-Cobra-pliers-Really-the-Best-Pliers

http://www.4x4blog.com/new-hand-shop-tools/

 

[bart1]

Those who dislike the NWS handles: Do you like the CL Code Blue?

If you a using in mud, the Knipex Alligator is a better comparo than the Cobra.

I own both brands and like both. Delends on how you define quality, but I think the Knipex are probably made to tighter tolerances. CL is more like a Jeep, with Knipex more like a Mercedes sedan. If you need something for off road, Mercedes does make the Unimog, though.

 

[Monte]

CL is more like a Jeep, with Knipex more like a Mercedes sedan. If you need something for off road, Mercedes does make the Unimog, though.

Good comparison (ps: they also make the G-Class )

The Unimog from Knipex:

 

[zer0cell]

Oh, you mean like crawling through the mud in the crawlspace under the house to fix the leaking pipe? Fun stuff. Yeah, I agree, "it depends". The Channellock water pump pliers mechanism will mash through the mud and still work. That's why they are still going strong in spite of newer designs that are easier to adjust.

Ah so you know what I'm talking about... its especially fun when you are sinking into the mud while on your hands and knees because of poor water drainage around the foundation. The examples I was giving about getting your pliers really dirty was not just a fantasy... I have real world experience with this. My channellocks have not stopped working, even in the nastiest of settings.


Oh yeah, and nice looking pipe wrench Monte. I've never tried that Swedish style before.

 

[pep]

am i the only one who dislikes tools that uses bulky handles like the nws ones shown on page one? the handles remind me of something you would see in a 5 yr olds play set. I dont care who makes them either. to me that handle design is not practical.
.

If you have little pink girl hands like me, it avoids bruising.

As it turns out, the biggest expense on bulky handles is buying the distilled water and biodegradable organic soap to clean them.

 

[ironfist]

In terms of pure value Channellock rules. Not fancy, not expensive just very solid, available and affordable.

+1 i've been using channellock pliers for least 5 years , and they've been good to me . I also have a set of klein's I use at home . Canadian Tire has wicked sales on Channellock pliers every once in while. To me klein and channellock are both good , both made in usa . It's all personal reference i guess .

 

[airdale]

The Unimog from Knipex:

Now that's funny, I don't care who you are!

 

[littletoes]

To be honest guys, everyone has been slamming the "top end" pliers manufactures, the problem I have, the "Feel".

Some of the channellock products seem a bit "Blocky", not very refined. I don't own any of the European products, and I use some form of pliers every day, in the mud and the muck. As said somewhere else, I'm a licensed plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter. A Proud, card carrying member of the UA.

We are PROVIDED our tools, so we don't always get what we want, but our shop carries in stock, brand new Channellock's still in the package, and I always opt for the Rigid brand of slip-joint pump pliers. Some of the other guys use the channellock ones, but if you ask any of them, I'll bet they will admit they are not the Craftsman that I am. Nor are they the Tool Connoisseur that I am.

When working at home, although I own several brands of pliers, I almost ALWAYS grab my Snap-On stuff.

It plain works, is thought out well, and has a superb finish.

When I pick up a tool, that is what I want.....FEEL.

Channellock's feel like a cinder block.

 

[doug.j]

am i the only one who dislikes tools that uses bulky handles like the nws ones shown on page one? the handles remind me of something you would see in a 5 yr olds play set. I dont care who makes them either. to me that handle design is not practical.

im a fan of channel locks. i own some knipex too. yet often times ill go to the channel locks 1st.

I find the big grip pliers make it more difficult to grab small parts and feel what's going on at the gripping end. It is sort of like using gloves.

 

[zer0cell]

To be honest guys, everyone has been slamming the "top end" pliers manufactures, the problem I have, the "Feel".

Some of the channellock products seem a bit "Blocky", not very refined. I don't own any of the European products, and I use some form of pliers every day, in the mud and the muck. As said somewhere else, I'm a licensed plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter. A Proud, card carrying member of the UA.

We are PROVIDED our tools, so we don't always get what we want, but our shop carries in stock, brand new Channellock's still in the package, and I always opt for the Rigid brand of slip-joint pump pliers. Some of the other guys use the channellock ones, but if you ask any of them, I'll bet they will admit they are not the Craftsman that I am. Nor are they the Tool Connoisseur that I am.

When working at home, although I own several brands of pliers, I almost ALWAYS grab my Snap-On stuff.

It plain works, is thought out well, and has a superb finish.

When I pick up a tool, that is what I want.....FEEL.

Channellock's feel like a cinder block.

I do agree that the 'feel' is important and while I don't agree with your comparison of channellocks to a cinder block, it makes sense that a lot of the choice comes down to personal preference in regards to how the tool operates and how it feels in your hand. It's just another factor next to durability, COO, asthetics, features etc.

Honestly, to some people holding their tool is... (to be continued in the first line of this video)

-

 

[jay50]

I do agree that the 'feel' is important and while I don't agree with your comparison of channellocks to a cinder block, it makes sense that a lot of the choice comes down to personal preference in regards to how the tool operates and how it feels in your hand. It's just another factor next to durability, COO, asthetics, features etc.

Honestly, to some people holding their tool is... (to be continued in the first line of this video)

-

You need to be careful about the words you choose....

 

[littletoes]

Each tool has its place.

I think we can all agree on that one!

 

[MadMark]

From the Are Knipex the Best Pliers article linked above:
"The cobra style that Knipex makes has a small spring loaded button on the side for .... changing the jaw opening.
......even though the button was lost after only a few weeks of usage."

I think that says it all. I like both companies, but the Channelocks have no button to loose, you can just throw them in your tool bag and forget them.
For tradesmen who carry their tools from job to job and have to use whatever they have on hand, this could be an issue. I have found that any extraneous parts can get lost.

My only problem with Channellocks is that they rust easily. but that may be true of any tool used in plumbing. My heavy duty Channellock linesman pliers cut through anything. I think they are as strong as a lot of mini bolt cutters.

 

[Monte]

in case you loose that button you have the warranty Or get the Alligators

these look like they´re used more than a few weeks and the buttton is still there...

 

[american lockpicker]

Those tools look terrible. Are they from your neighbor's Assistent?

 

[Monte]

Those tools look terrible. Are they from your neighbor's Assistent?

lol no from the other neighbor , he stuffs everything in a drawer cabinet. But tools are for working and earning money not for polishing

 

[american lockpicker]

lol no from the other neighbor , he stuffs everything in a drawer cabinet. But tools are for working and earning money not for polishing

I use mine but I manage to keep them looking new.

 

[plinker]

My Dad has Snap-on badged Knipex Cobras (?, 9.5" push button type). I dont really care for them, they feel tiny compared to my 10" Channellocks and the adjustment is too fine for my likeing. Just my preference.

Most of my pliers are Channellock & Klien with S-O needle nose and S-K (Facom) mini's. I have some Gearwrench, Napa & Diamond specialty pliers that dont get used as often, but serve thier purpouse well.

The Unimog from Knipex:

I guess beauty really is in the eye of the beholder

 

[littletoes]

I'm left handed.......the button ***** for me.

 

[MrMark]

I'm left handed.......the button ***** for me.

Same here, but I have learned to use them right handed. Kind of like using a worm saw, you have to switch to the right hand. When you are left handed you have to learn to use the other hand with tools as you know, I am sure.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Knipex are no better than channellock. ChannellOchs are made here in Pennsylvania too. Those NWS pliers do look nice.

I have to disagree, in my opinion. I replaced all my channellocks with knipex, and would never go back.

The reason the numbers are inflated is while all the people reporting on knipex pliers were sitting at home stroking their Cobra guys with Channellocks are out using theirs. I like Knipex but if If I had to put my faith in one pair of pliers I'd have a set of Channellock 420s

Funny, I use mine all the time. Dad had issues with Channellocks wearing out all the time on the farm. Once I got him a Knipex pair, it quit happening. The teeth on the Knipex will outlast the channellocks 10-1.

From the Are Knipex the Best Pliers article linked above:
"The cobra style that Knipex makes has a small spring loaded button on the side for .... changing the jaw opening.
......even though the button was lost after only a few weeks of usage."

I think that says it all. I like both companies, but the Channelocks have no button to loose, you can just throw them in your tool bag and forget them.
For tradesmen who carry their tools from job to job and have to use whatever they have on hand, this could be an issue. I have found that any extraneous parts can get lost.

My only problem with Channellocks is that they rust easily. but that may be true of any tool used in plumbing. My heavy duty Channellock linesman pliers cut through anything. I think they are as strong as a lot of mini bolt cutters.

Do you even know what they're referring to? The article is written poorly, really. The button is not missing, there's a round cap that goes on top of it. It just has a peg that goes into a hole in the button. A dab of glue, or just tapping the peg a little flatter with a hammer, then tapping it back in the button works just fine. Out of 14 knipex pliers with that button, ONE of them has had it come out, and it beats around in a toolbag all the time.

Of course, I may be a bit biased:

 

[mikebramel]

I bought a couple things of Knipex the needle nose and the adjustables. The adjustables are great. Love them. The mechanism is great. The needle nose are junk. They bend wayy too much. The craftsman pro are much better.

Havent had a problem with any channellock items.

I am looking into some long reach needle nose. I was going for the Snap on but it will be just too much. Will be buying the proto. $35 ea compared to $55

 

[Thedroid]

Snap ons grips are my favorite as are there needle nose. I don't care to much for the power edge dikes. They don't cut fine strands very well. Knipex makes my favorite dikes. The plier wrench is a daily carry item and works very well. I don't think channellocks have any advantage over cobras. If your in the mud you only need to adjust the cobras once and thyre good to go. I work around crushed rock all day everyday and don't have any troubles.

I dig those swedish pattern pipe wrenches. My buddy has one and they work really well.

 

[cundifc]

Can anyone get me a link of this impressive plier collection?

 

[Hammer1963]

I have Snap-on, Knipex and Channel lock and I purchased them on the basis of need, performance and comfort. Snap-on Talon grip needle nose are incredible for grip if your looking for needle nose, Knipex Cobras are great for adjustability and my Channel Locks seem to be the best for all out brute strength. They all provide quality offerings in the pliers description, so you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

Never used NWS or Knipex, used Kleins but for me it's Channel Locks all day.

My 420 and my main 440 have been with me for years and on almost every job.

My new favorite pair of 8" needle nose pliers, diagonal cutters and my heavy duty lineman's pliers are strong and suited for heavy work.

Plus...they are USA.

 

[spv]

I own a few different brands, Knipex, Bahco, Stahlwille, Sidchrome, Gedore. I would have to say that my Stahlwille are by far the best. They have a great feel, handles are grippy but still rigid, they do not slip when I grab or hold things. I really cannot fault them at all. I have even left them out in the rain and they did not rust at all. Second would be a split between my Bahcos and my Knipex.

 

[leod]

i got the lowe's deals for knipex cobra's and comparing them to CL, i'll go with knipex for quality and CL for value although the grips (on knipex) are harder to clean.

this board is starting to sound like a small boys fighting over their toys

 

[unclemoak]

They stock NWS pliers:




NWS catalogs: http://www.nws-tools.de/German/katalog/download.html

BTW: The handle design will be discontinued and replaced with Knipex style handles. So if you want the extra cushion handles hurry up !

Looks like I'm going to have to pick up a couple sets then.


Any idea why they are discontinuing those handles?

 

[Monte]

@SPV
nice stahlwille pliers !!

Looks like I'm going to have to pick up a couple sets then.

Any idea why they are discontinuing those handles?

i don´t know, maybe they thought its time for something new , fresh ?

Here a video about the new handles:

<iframe title="YouTube video player" class="youtube-player" type="text/html" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DD1EAh5Hfdc" frameborder="0" allowFullScreen></iframe>

 

[speed bump]

It all comes down to preference and what you are going to use them for. Buy some Klien, SO, Channellock, Knipex, or whatever else floats your boat and see how you like them.