Channellock: old vs. new

[HandyManny]

Nutbuster,

first, thanks for your input and that's just made my day a little better knowing your company is sticking to "made in U.S.A.".

my question is, which one is the earlier version on the GL-12, the laser engraved or stamped? because when I was at the store(Wholesale Tool), there's no stamped GL-10, and there was only 1 stamped GL-12 which I bought out my me.

also, on your website, every picture is showing Laser engraved.

I think the change was made within the last year or two. But there are still plenty of pliers in distribution centers and retail stock rooms that are at least a couple to three years old I'm sure.

 

[dankicksass]

ChanneLLock has become another American company riding on its reputation. Knipex are so much better.

I grab the Channellocks in my box a lot more often than I do the Craftsman-branded Knipex Cobras. I don't feel the Cobra is a better made or more effective tool than the Channellock it goes up against. If anything, the Cobra has more handle flex but it is slimmer than a Channellock so it might fit a bit better in certain situations, though I haven't seen that come up.

 

[HandyManny]

I grab the Channellocks in my box a lot more often than I do the Craftsman-branded Knipex Cobras. I don't feel the Cobra is a better made or more effective tool than the Channellock it goes up against. If anything, the Cobra has more handle flex but it is slimmer than a Channellock so it might fit a bit better in certain situations, though I haven't seen that come up.

I agree. I reach for my Channellock all the time too. Of course, every different tool brand will have it's hits and misses. I use Channellocks a lot, but I also own a couple Knipex (Dykes and Cobras) . I can say that Cobras jaws will slip into narrow areas, but don't use that feature often. Can't say anything bad about Knipex though. I just prefere Channellock for most pliers.

 

[blue dog]

I have owned a few channellock products in my day, i have never had a single piece fail on me and the price point for the quality as well as being a U.S made product That is readily available will have me continue to purchase there products.
Good for you NUTBUSTER for addressing a public forum full of toolcrazed people that do not hold back there thoughts.
As MONTE stated, i would love to see channellock produce some quality U.S made screwdrivers, nut drivers and adjustable wrenches, if you did, they would purchased by me as soon as they were available.

 

[HandyManny]

I have owned a few channellock products in my day, i have never had a single piece fail on me and the price point for the quality as well as being a U.S made product That is readily available will have me continue to purchase there products.
Good for you NUTBUSTER for addressing a public forum full of toolcrazed people that do not hold back there thoughts.
As MONTE stated, i would love to see channellock produce some quality U.S made screwdrivers, nut drivers and adjustable wrenches, if you did, they would purchased by me as soon as they were available.

You're as bad as I am. You almost own as many as I do.

 

[blue dog]

You're as bad as I am. You almost own as many as I do.

I actually have some more pieces in the work truck and construction job box, was just to lazy to go dig them out as it is raining here right now.

 

[Teken]

I have owned a few channellock products in my day, i have never had a single piece fail on me and the price point for the quality as well as being a U.S made product That is readily available will have me continue to purchase there products.
Good for you NUTBUSTER for addressing a public forum full of toolcrazed people that do not hold back there thoughts.
As MONTE stated, i would love to see channellock produce some quality U.S made screwdrivers, nut drivers and adjustable wrenches, if you did, they would purchased by me as soon as they were available.

Nice set of CL's . . . But, you will need to add in another 25 to catch up to me!

 

[blue dog]

Nice set of CL's . . . But, you will need to add in another 25 to catch up to me!

For Now ,i am working on catching up to your armstrong collection,

 

[HandyManny]

One thing I keep hearing is that some older Channellocks seem to have been made heavier or hefty compared to the current production leaving people with the impression that older is better or heavier means stronger or some such. Personally I don't really notice any difference, but the reason others might could be due to the change in carbon steel grades or the type used in the past compared to now. Metallurgy has come a long way these days and their are grades of tool steel available today that are very strong, tough, and durable yet lighter in weight and can be thinner for equal charecteristics than the older steels. Just think of the old Diamond Calk wrenches. Some were made with Carbon Tool Steel and priced less, yet the higher priced wrenches were made with Diamolloy and alloy carbon steel that was lighter and just as strong. Some people also have the impression that thinner means weaker, not so. Many newer steels today can be lighter and thinner because they are stronger than some of the older steel used and provide the same strength, hardness, and toughness while using less material. Just my thoughts. I have no idea what grade or type of tool steel Channellock used to use 30, 40, or 50 years ago, but they do specify what they are using today on their website and packaging. Seems like a very durable steel today.

 

[Teken]

For Now ,i am working on catching up to your armstrong collection,

I dunno . . . Two 58" dual chests, 34 drawers full of Armstrong tools might take awhile to acquire and build up there my friend!

 

[ourkid2000]

Hey Bluedog, those flat long nose pliers right next to your wire strippers and snap ring pliers.....could you show me a few more pics of those? They look like Snap On's duckbill pliers that I love so much.

I'm wondering how Channellock's compare.

 

[Steve_P]

I have some 30+ yr old Channellock #430 T&G pliers and also a set of needlenose pliers; less the laser etch vs stamped name they're identical to the ones I bought last wk- they are not cheaper built, more flimsy, thinner, whatever.

Channellock advertises they use a high carbon steel, nothing exotic.

I also have a 25 yr old pair of Knipex adjustable jaw pliers (like the T&G channellock) and they're lighter construction as said when compared to the Channellock 430. Nothing wrong with them but they are certainly not a heavier or better build.

And again, cheers to Channellock for great USA made pliers at a nice price

 

[blue dog]

Hey Bluedog, those flat long nose pliers right next to your wire strippers and snap ring pliers.....could you show me a few more pics of those? They look like Snap On's duckbill pliers that I love so much.

I'm wondering how Channellock's compare.

I will dig them out and take some shots after work on thursday for you.
here they are on the channellock website.
http://www.channellock.com/718-Long-Nose-Plier.aspx
I have not used them yet as they are new to me this past week.

 

[blue dog]

I dunno . . . Two 58" dual chests, 34 drawers full of Armstrong tools might take awhile to acquire and build up there my friend!

Yeah , i guess that is not going to happen is it. I started with ratchets in all sizes and moving into wrenches. I am very happy with what i have so far. But for now i will go cry in the corner.

 

[GearJammer]

Absolutely love my CL's. Gotta be one of the best buys in USA made tools. Problem with buying them is there is always another version to buy just when you think you're done. When you have one complete drawer for nothing but CL's you know something is going right. Although it would be nice to see CL test the waters in the lock plier market since so many of us refuse to purchase Irwin/Vice Grips since they left Nebraska. The adjustable wrench line is pretty impressive for its price and quality, and Made in Spain is alot easier to take than made in ROC.

 

[hardatit]

Like my Daddy said, "nothings as good as is use to be". Bet my kids will say the same thing.
Then again, guess I am not as good as I use to be. Just glad my Channellock keep working as hard as I do.

 

[Bolster]

Those look like **** compaired to older channellocks. Look how rough ALL of the casting is! My older channellocks are all nice smoothe flat surfaces. This looks like some rough casting with no finish work.

I joke with my wife, that many of my tools are for the purpose of fixing and modifying junk so that it's useable. One day I shall own a surface grinder. And when I do, I will surface grind all my hand tools to perfection.

 

[HandyManny]

I joke with my wife, that many of my tools are for the purpose of fixing and modifying junk so that it's useable. One day I shall own a surface grinder. And when I do, I will surface grind all my hand tools to perfection.

Tools are supposed to be the things used to keep everything else looking nice and running well. Not sure why people get so particular about their tools being pristine, pretty, shinny, and perfect all the time. Tools are made to be used and used well. Just the way I was raised, then again guys had a whole different mentallity back then. Guys today are just raised differently.

 

[ace028]

Took my old channellocks to home depot to warrenty them, nothing really wrong except the jaw teeth were worn away so they don't really grip like they should, they were like uhhhh I don't know, then a few min later, got these bad boys, sorry don't have a old pic to compare to, but these are pretty much the same, one of the old ones had a bolt/nut instead of a pin like these do, both old ones had lazer etched branding, or engraved branding, but I'm pretty happy they warranted them, left right after in case they tried to change their mind.

One is a 420, the other is a 430, they look the same in the pic lol.

 

[Autoguy]

I own several and really great pliers. But, why american are no longer competitive or at least protect their industrial bases from **** chineese

 

[Treeman]

Took my old channellocks to home depot to warrenty them, nothing really wrong except the jaw teeth were worn away so they don't really grip like they should, they were like uhhhh I don't know, then a few min later, got these bad boys, sorry don't have a old pic to compare to, but these are pretty much the same, one of the old ones had a bolt/nut instead of a pin like these do, both old ones had lazer etched branding, or engraved branding, but I'm pretty happy they warranted them, left right after in case they tried to change their mind.[

If I were you, I don't think I would brag here about how you deceived some inept Home Depot employees.

I'm surprised no one else stepped up to the plate to ridicule you for pulling a fast one on Home Depot, who will probably have to "eat the costs" on your return, since Channellock doesn't warranty tools for wear.

Here we are praising Channellock for their honesty and integrity and you slip in and share how you took advantage of their good will (in this case, probably Home Depot's good will).

This is the kind of stuff many people do, not realizing it is part of the demise of our U.S. industry. If we expect integrity from the tool makers, we should return it back.

 

[Chris_R/T]

While we're talking about Channellock stuff, anyone know of a retail outlet that sells their oil filter/PVC pliers? Lowe's and Sears both don't have them in their stores or online and I'd really like to buy a set since I don't have any oil filter pliers currently.

 

[ace028]

Wasn't trying to pull a "fast one" ( they weren't sure if they could warranty tools, the lady actually called their manager and got approval) and what is the point of a lifetime warranty then? I guess somethings I should just keep to myself. I don't think that you can judge my integrity from me returning some tools with teeth that were gone from a tool that should be lifetime warranty? If I offended you, sorry. I thought that was the good ol USA that you get worn out tools, they replace them no questions asked, isn't that the reason we buy high quality tools from these good manufactures?

 

[ace028]

While we're talking about Channellock stuff, anyone know of a retail outlet that sells their oil filter/PVC pliers? Lowe's and Sears both don't have them in their stores or online and I'd really like to buy a set since I don't have any oil filter pliers currently.

I think I saw a set at Northern Tools, if you have one in your area.

 

[HandyManny]

While we're talking about Channellock stuff, anyone know of a retail outlet that sells their oil filter/PVC pliers? Lowe's and Sears both don't have them in their stores or online and I'd really like to buy a set since I don't have any oil filter pliers currently.

Home Depot has begun selling the smallest one. I had to get my #212 from Amazon. Can't seem to find them locally. They're great for removing oil filters off of trucks and SUVs when the space is available.

 

[Monte]

While we're talking about Channellock stuff, anyone know of a retail outlet that sells their oil filter/PVC pliers? Lowe's and Sears both don't have them in their stores or online and I'd really like to buy a set since I don't have any oil filter pliers currently.

maybe Lowe or Sears can special order one for you ? Should theoretically be possible (??)

 

[Mike Hipp]

A friend of mine at one time worked for Channellock. He said that all of their plier type tools are made in the US. But I agree that do not look as good as the older ones.

 

[thetreshon]

While we're talking about Channellock stuff, anyone know of a retail outlet that sells their oil filter/PVC pliers? Lowe's and Sears both don't have them in their stores or online and I'd really like to buy a set since I don't have any oil filter pliers currently.

I've seen them at Meijer recenlty.

 

[HandyManny]

Wasn't trying to pull a "fast one" ( they weren't sure if they could warranty tools, the lady actually called their manager and got approval) and what is the point of a lifetime warranty then? I guess somethings I should just keep to myself. I don't think that you can judge my integrity from me returning some tools with teeth that were gone from a tool that should be lifetime warranty? If I offended you, sorry. I thought that was the good ol USA that you get worn out tools, they replace them no questions asked, isn't that the reason we buy high quality tools from these good manufactures?

Wear is not covered under warranty. The warranties are pretty specific.

 

[HandyManny]

A friend of mine at one time worked for Channellock. He said that all of their plier type tools are made in the US. But I agree that do not look as good as the older ones.

Yeah there are some edges that could be burnished more or better on the newer tools. Stuff like that gets left over from the forging process and Channellock could do a better job of smoothing those cross sections better. Have noticed that the older tools were better about smoothing this stuff.

 

[dankicksass]

Giving Ace hell over his HD warranty, really? Home Depot will warranty nearly anything, and Channellock's warranty/defect retailer handling policy is "field destroy" so they'll never see the tool. A guy in the back of HD probably picked that tool out of the bin and re-warrantied it, if there's a guy back there who likes tools. There was a time when HD would spraypaint the tool red but that's long gone.

 

[Steve_P]

Giving Ace hell over his HD warranty, really? Home Depot will warranty nearly anything, and Channellock's warranty/defect retailer handling policy is "field destroy" so they'll never see the tool. A guy in the back of HD probably picked that tool out of the bin and re-warrantied it, if there's a guy back there who likes tools. There was a time when HD would spraypaint the tool red but that's long gone.

I have said this earlier but I see NO difference in quality in today's vs 20+ yrs ago channellock stuff. i can post pics to prove what I bought in the last yr is identical in visual quality to my vintage stuff but don't see a reason. If you don't like it there's always HF or Knipex; Channellock fits nicely in the middle .