Channel Lock Disappointment

[Kilgore Trout]

Got a set of Channellock's (410s, 420s, and 426s) for Christmas and I have to admit I am a little disappointed. They don't seem to slide into the channels very easily, as I quickly learned after my clothes washer broke the day after I received the Channellocks and I had to put them into service. It feels like the finish is grinding off when I first slide them into the channel.

I have a pair of Taiwian-made Milwaukees that are much smoother.

So the question is, did I get a bum set of Channellocks's (they all have the same issue) or do they just need to "wear in" I am afraid that the finish will have to grind off before they operate smoothly.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I remember mine being a little tight in the channels when I first bought them, but they quickly wore in and are plenty smooth now.

 

[Sterff]

All of mine were tight like that when new. Put some 3n1 oil on them and that should help.

 

[Blazin8556]

i don't recall ever noticing this problem with mine.

 

[Farmall450]

That's the original finish, that'll wear right off, and they'll work good.

 

[themiller]

Just got a 460 for Christmas. They needed some loving. After about 10 minutes of "using" them they are now much smoother. No worries - they'll be fine!

 

[jakemac]

Dunno
All mine were pre-abused before I got my hands on them. The only pair of Channellocks that I've ever purchased new were a pair of 911 cable cutters and a pair of snap ring pliers. I never had a problem with them, but slip lock pliers are a different animal.

 

[gmwelder86]

Break em in. Will run great after a little use

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Guess I'll break them in then. Just seemed odd that a high quality brand like channel lock would need breaking in when my Milwaukee's have always run smooth like butter.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Guess I'll break them in then. Just seemed odd that a high quality brand like channel lock would need breaking in when my Milwaukee's have always run smooth like butter.

Just blame it on overly tight tolerances.

 

[Hootbro]

Guess I'll break them in then. Just seemed odd that a high quality brand like channel lock would need breaking in when my Milwaukee's have always run smooth like butter.

Other than the dipped handles, Channellocks do not have a "finish". What they do have is a protective clear coating over the exposed metal to inhibit rust formation while sitting in storage or on the shelf rack prior to initial sale.

The first time a new Channellock is put into use, that clear coating will rub and flake away as it is used and worn in. As already mention, just continue to use them normally and they will loosen and smooth out.

 

[Mickey O]

Well that does it, I'm tossing out all my Channellocks and switching to Asian imports.

 

[GTO]

Well that does it, I'm tossing out all my Channellocks and switching to Asian imports.

Send them all to me

 

[nicksnothereman]

Got a set of Channellock's (410s, 420s, and 426s) for Christmas and I have to admit I am a little disappointed. They don't seem to slide into the channels very easily, as I quickly learned after my clothes washer broke the day after I received the Channellocks and I had to put them into service. It feels like the finish is grinding off when I first slide them into the channel.

I have a pair of Taiwian-made Milwaukees that are much smoother.

So the question is, did I get a bum set of Channellocks's (they all have the same issue) or do they just need to "wear in" I am afraid that the finish will have to grind off before they operate smoothly.

That's because all taiwanese tools are awesome. Shhhh...it's a secret.

Hahahaha. Okay more like 90% of taiwanese tools are awesome.

 

[TheGrooveking]

They'll get smoother, I've had the same thing happen and they break in as to say.

TheGrooveking