Channellock #350S

[JayL]

Why is this pair of pliers called the Ironworkers Plier.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_h...s&field-keywords=Channellock+#350S+&x=18&y=15

Looks to me like a linesman plier with just a bent handle and an additional spring. Does it have any other particular or special use.

tks

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

Maybe has the bent handle at the end and spring loaded to make it easier to use with welding gloves on? Most pliers **** to use with them on...this would keep it in your hand and open automatically.

 

[Stuey]

From HomeDepot's description of Klein "iron worker" pliers:

The Ironworker's Pliers are designed to aid in the twisting of holding wire around rebar as well as to cut hardened wire, screws, and nails. The heavy-duty set of knurled jaws holds tight to wire allowing the user to easily twist and turn. The closer fulcrum of the pliers easily handles the material eliminating the strain of the user and the added handle hook bend allows for a better grip as well as another wire twisting option.

Channellock's website mentions:

Cuts ACSR, screws, nails and most hardened wire.

Sooo there you have it! Regular linesman pliers are designed for soft wire and cable, these are designed for harder metals.

 

[MyChannellockTools]

The additional "Dog Leg" handle is to help from slippage out of the hands of ironworkers and better leverage when twisting the wire. It also comes in a 9.5" size. 351S

 

[v8garage]

Those pliers are made for twisting the tie wire to hold rebar. The common name in the construction industry for the craftsmen that do this work is "rodbuster". A better name for the pliers would be "rodbuster pliers". Rodbusters sometimes work out of the same union hall as ironworkers but they are different trades. An ironworker is someone who hangs and connects structural steel.

 

[JayL]

Why do they call these Linesman pliers too? Was it designed to be used for electrical work too?

Thanks for your replies. I'm figuring out if it would still be useful for me since I already have a Knipex 8" Linesman.

 

[Merkava_4]

Rodbusters sometimes work out of the same union hall as ironworkers but they are different trades.

And they have the hardest job on the face of the Earth. I have a great deal of respect for those guys.

 

[krusty the clown]

Why do they call these Linesman pliers too? Was it designed to be used for electrical work too?

Thanks for your replies. I'm figuring out if it would still be useful for me since I already have a Knipex 8" Linesman.

yes they are for electricians. i have 2 or three pair of klein linesmans from my father. he was an electrician, i never heard him say hand me the pliers........it was always hand me the klein's or the farm-alls ( channelllocks).

 

[JayL]

I just ordered these pliers. So far I have had only good experience with Channellock products and their prices are good.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=AIUBT5HP6PMAF&v=glance

and

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=AIUBT5HP6PMAF&v=glance

Many thanks for your feedbacks.

 

[Merkava_4]

Ironworker pliers have a slightly smaller head than the lineman pliers; that makes them a little more agile. I've got a pair of the 350S and they're excellent. I tie a rubber band around the handles while I'm storing them to save space.

 

[JayL]

This CL pliers is a real joy to use. I would have gladly paid more for it.

 

[HandyManny]

Lineman's pliers are more for twisting and cutting copper and aluminum wire, or any wire that is not hardened. Iron workers pliers are for steel and iron.

I wish more tool companies were like Channellock. They are likely the very last American made tool company who is still manufacturing extreamly high quality pliers that sell at a very reasonable price. Unlike many professional tool makers, Channellock has no barrier to buy. You can walk into any local hardware store or home center and find them. Lots of professionals use them daily. Look at any professional pumbers tongue & groove pliers, and 9 out of 10 times they will be Channellocks.

 

[Mike83]

Tie wire is annealed. It is quite soft and easy to bend.

From American Wire Tie:
"AWT Rebar Tie Wire is made from the softest annealed wire available to assure you that it will consistently form the perfect tie every time. From a saddle tie, to the wrap and saddle, to the figure eight, the pliability of AWT's tie wire makes every tie a snap."

Given that rodbusters use their pliers for hammering, prying nails, etc, the tool needs to be pretty tough.