Channellock: old vs. new

[Nutbuster]

Just to address the recent questions and comments. We do monitor several blog sites regarding hand tool usage. It is a great economical way to get honest feedback from the REAL tool users. We usually try not to get involved and steer the conversation one way or another. However, there was a real question so we decided to answer it…

Monte: Yes, your comment regarding our wrenches and screwdrivers is correct. Our adjustable wrenches are Spanish. Channellock, Inc. has never manufactured adjustable wrenches. In the past, we have had several US manufacturers produce them for us. They have either priced us out of the market or gone out of business. We spent many years searching the globe looking for what we feel are one of the best wrenches produced. It is a company much like Channellock, Inc… family owned and very dedicated to quality and productivity. Like wrenches, screwdrivers are not our core product and we have sourced them from many suppliers around the US. They usually get purchased by a competitor, go out of business, or have terrible service issues. Our current line is Chinese and performs much better than our previous lines. In the end, these products allow our over 400 employees to offer a wide range of quality tools and help purchase the machinery to manufacture CHANNELLOCK® Pliers here in Meadville, PA.

t-100: The forged marking of the “Made in USA” is the current design of the GL-6, GL-10, and GL-12. These changes occurred a little over a year ago and it takes time to filter through the distribution channels. We have not updated the image on the web page. We will soon.

dede2897234: We generally do not host tours for the public. There are several processes in our facility that we consider proprietary and confidential. We will check if we can and what would need to be done to host a tour. In the mean time, here is a link to a few videos showing the manufacture and benefits of our pliers...

http://www.channellock.com/videos.cfm

Thanks again for feedback!

 

[american lockpicker]

@nutbuster:

Will Channellock introduce also screwdrivers/nutdrivers and adjustable wrenches “Fiercely Made in Meadville, Pa.” soon ??

(wrenches + screwdrivers ?? Is there a plant in the city of "China"/USA or "Spain"/USA ?)

A good ad campaign for the screwdrivers/nutdrivers would be: "work hard sweat red" or "work hard in the sweatshop"

Good post Monte!

 

[superautobacs]

At least Channellock is honest and upfront about their COO for the screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches (Irega), and locking pliers (Grip-on); there are many that aren't. It's on the packaging and moulded/forged onto the tool itself. I can commend that; there's no hiding or deceiving of the public about where their Channellock tool was made.

 

[back2class]

The spanish Channellock adjustables are top shelf without a doubt. I think they do a pretty good job balancing quality USA made products with some high profit chinese junk to supplement their bottom line. Now I understand from being friends with a Stanley employee that often the chinese product is speced better quality than the American product it often replaces. But like most tool users, in the real world 99% of this stuff turns out to be junk. It's a race to the bottom and I think the ones who travel a different path will be here for the long run.

 

[Vinko]

And it's quite possible that they are not.

I knew a guy that worked - name not mentioned - and his job was to grind off "MADE IN CHINA" on tools and slap a "MADE IN U.S.A." sticker on it...

Why not mention it?

 

[glenmore]

My garage sale Channellock from the weekend.

 

[american lockpicker]

And it's quite possible that they are not.

I knew a guy that worked - name not mentioned - and his job was to grind off "MADE IN CHINA" on tools and slap a "MADE IN U.S.A." sticker on it...

Who ever runs that company needs reported to the Federal Trade Commission. (202) 326-2996

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/adv/bus03.shtm

 

[chevy302dz]

At least Channellock is honest and upfront about their COO for the screwdrivers, adjustable wrenches (Irega), and locking pliers (Grip-on); there are many that aren't. It's on the packaging and moulded/forged onto the tool itself. I can commend that; there's no hiding or deceiving of the public about where their Channellock tool was made.

This is all very true. I just wonder why Channellock (and maybe Nutbuster can answer this) dosen't source their screwdrivers from a quality or at least reputable source. I understand the concept of going outside for products that are not part of your core business and I also believe Channellock did this quite well when they went to Irega for the adj wrenches and Grip-on for the locking pliers.

 

[Elroy]

And it's quite possible that they are not.

I knew a guy that worked - name not mentioned - and his job was to grind off "MADE IN CHINA" on tools and slap a "MADE IN U.S.A." sticker on it...

Well he sure didn't do that to these:

As he would have to grind these nearly in half to remove the COO.

 

[Monte]

@Nutbuster:

why were the "Little Champ" pliers discontinued ??

 

[Nutbuster]

Say
Okay... I see there are a few more comments...

Monte, the Little Champs® were sourced in Germany. As the economy deteriorated, the US dollar vs. the Euro deteriorated and we could no longer manage to purchase the line and supply our customers reasonably. This is similar to what happened with our locking pliers and Grip-on.

Manic-Mechanic, I will assure you that NO ONE has the job here of grinding off the COO and replacing it with a USA sticker. That is not only illegal but unethical to do to a finished good. The FTC regulation was quoted... however if one sells products in the state of California and state "Made in the USA", the product must be 100% made in the USA. Channellock does not have two sets of packaging for California and the rest of the country...

Chevy302dz, Channellock has sourced screwdrivers from domestic manufactures. Honestly, our domestic suppliers were either purchased by our competitors, go out of business, or have poor shipment/fulfillment issues. The screwdrivers and nutdrivers we supply today are better than the drivers we have offered in the past.

 

[48548]

Say
Okay... I see there are a few more comments...

Monte, the Little Champs® were sourced in Germany. As the economy deteriorated, the US dollar vs. the Euro deteriorated and we could no longer manage to purchase the line and supply our customers reasonably. This is similar to what happened with our locking pliers and Grip-on.

Manic-Mechanic, I will assure you that NO ONE has the job here of grinding off the COO and replacing it with a USA sticker. That is not only illegal but unethical to do to a finished good. The FTC regulation was quoted... however if one sells products in the state of California and state "Made in the USA", the product must be 100% made in the USA. Channellock does not have two sets of packaging for California and the rest of the country...

Chevy302dz, Channellock has sourced screwdrivers from domestic manufactures. Honestly, our domestic suppliers were either purchased by our competitors, go out of business, or have poor shipment/fulfillment issues. The screwdrivers and nutdrivers we supply today are better than the drivers we have offered in the past.

I wanted to say thank you for taking the time to write and answer the questions, I for one will be looking to get more products from you guys because you are stand up and up front about everything. Thank you and have a great day.

 

[Teken]

Nutbuster,

I wanted to take a few moments also to let you know on this side of the pond (Canada) we too appreciate your core products being made and manufactured here in the U.S.A.!

I have been using your companies fine products for over 25 years and none of them have ever failed, and they are used and abused hard each day . . .

I would like to offer a few bits of insight about where your new tools in terms of looks are going.

1- The stamped, and also white lettering of the tool is much better than previous versions.

2 - The new oil covered dressings that the new tools come with, are even better against rust and corrosion.

3 - The new multi-packs offered now is fantastic! Would really like to see more of the random assortments included in the mutli-packs though.

4- In the unlikely even that I require warranty, I know I can always send in my tools directly to your company. But, please clarify that your partner channels are authorized to replace tools correct? Such as Home Depot, Lowes, Rona Revy.

Once again I thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts, and clear the air as to what is taking place within the company. It's safe to say we here at Garage Journal appreciate the straight talk, and feed-back!

 

[Crash913]

Found this in the GJ archives:

Channellock, Inc,
ATTN: Return Tools.
Route 102,
Meadville PA, 16335
All Channellock tools carry a life-time warranty on manufacture's
defects and defects in workmanship. We do not guarantee the tool if it
has been abused, altered or worn out from use.
If you have a tool that falls under our warranty policy, you have a few
options. You can either try stores like Lowes, Home Depot, Ace
Hardware, True Value, Do-It-Best stores and as long as they have the
same tool in stock, they should replace it for you. (I suggest you take
our 800-724-3018 number with you. Many times the individual associates
are not aware of the policy. Just ask them to give us a call). Another
option would be to send the tool back to us at the factory and we will
be glad to replace it from here. It can be sent to: Channellock, Inc,
Route 102, Meadville PA, 16335, ATTN: Return Tools.

 

[dieseldodge01]

I am glad to see at least one company that want to listen to the people who buy there products. My grandpa has many Channellocks that have served him well since the 60's, my dad has some dating to the 70's and mine are from the 90's. I like to say thank you to Nutbuster for coming here and answer questions. These are great tools and I hope you guys keep it up.

 

[jcfields]

1- The stamped, and also white lettering of the tool is much better than previous versions.

Seriously. It's ******* gorgeous. Keep that up.

 

[KenS]

Say
Okay... I see there are a few more comments...

Nutbuster,

It's so rare that a manufacturer personally responds to users I'm sure you'll be flooded with questions, so here's mine:

Is there anyway a Channellock user can get new plastic grips for tools where the blue plastic handle coating has worn/torn/ripped/melted off?

I love my Channellocks, but I have a few older ones I would sure like to have refitted with new grips.

I greatly regret the demise of the Little Champs. And I much preferred the old style simple plastic grip over the newer ergo style. The new style-- similar to the Craftsman line-- was tool bulky for tight places. I hope you can bring them back-- maybe opening a production line for them here.

My opinion and a buck may get you a cup of coffee, but beware the "consumer price-point" mentality that's sweeping the manufacturing world. There will always be commercial and savvy private consumers willing to pay for quality tools.

Channellock has a good name.

Don't cheapen it.

 

[Teken]

Found this in the GJ archives:

Channellock, Inc,
ATTN: Return Tools.
Route 102,
Meadville PA, 16335
All Channellock tools carry a life-time warranty on manufacture's
defects and defects in workmanship. We do not guarantee the tool if it
has been abused, altered or worn out from use.
If you have a tool that falls under our warranty policy, you have a few
options. You can either try stores like Lowes, Home Depot, Ace
Hardware, True Value, Do-It-Best stores and as long as they have the
same tool in stock, they should replace it for you. (I suggest you take
our 800-724-3018 number with you. Many times the individual associates
are not aware of the policy. Just ask them to give us a call). Another
option would be to send the tool back to us at the factory and we will
be glad to replace it from here. It can be sent to: Channellock, Inc,
Route 102, Meadville PA, 16335, ATTN: Return Tools.

Crash,

I had forgotten that thread! Thank you Sir!

 

[oak_park]

I love my USA made channellock pliers and I noticed the new packaging that has a much bigger picture of the American Flag in the background. Keep up the good work!

 

[ourkid2000]

Can't say enough good about my Channel-lock tools. They also go on sale at our local Canadian Tire for excellent prices on a regular basis.

When they're on sale, I'll always grab something. They're top notch.

 

[mjozefow]

I have these pliers, and they are not as heavy as the old ones. However, if you go to the pliers section of any hardware store you CAN find ones made in USA that are as heavy as ever.

 

[lbgradwell]

Nutbuster,

Is there anyway a Channellock user can get new plastic grips for tools where the blue plastic handle coating has worn/torn/ripped/melted off?

I can tell you that when I emailed Channellock a few years back asking the same question, I was told (by Mr. DeArment personally) that it was not possible...

Of course, you can use Plasti Dip®...

 

[Teken]

I am about to use this Plati Dip to repair some of the Channellock tools I received. Wish me luck, I really hope the color is close and the rubber is as sturdy.

 

[Monte]

@Nutbuster:
thanks for the answer !
ps: Who was the source of the german pliers ?? Schmitz ??

 

[Crash913]

As VP of sales and marketing for Channellock, Inc., I wanted to jump into the laser vs. forged “Made in the USA” discussion about our GL-10 Griplock® pliers in an attempt to set the record straight. The polished laser etched pad is an older version and the forged “Made in the USA” is the newer version. We take our "Made in the USA" designation very seriously, as is evident in our current “Fiercely Made in Meadville, Pa.” marketing campaign, and we will continue to proudly manufacture tools here.

Thought I would chime in that I just picked up the GL12 and GL10 set from Home Depot and all of the laser etched sets that WERE there have been replaced with forged so this seems to be accurate. Next on my list is either the V-jaw or the Nutbuster

 

[Teken]

Pictures my good man, pictures!

 

[Crash913]

Pictures my good man, pictures!

My bad I will load them when I get off work . After looking at the first pictures in the thread again, I am 99% sure mine only say "USA" and not "Made in USA". They do have the white lettering on the handle though...

 

[Displaced Hokie]

I also appreciate the honest answers from Nutbuster. I will definately be purchasing ChannelLock in the future!

Working for a large mfg myself, I understand there are some really tough choices that have to be made in terms of sourcing of parts. There is a TON of price pressure that comes down from the mass merchants, who sell a majority of the product. I commend CL for working hard to stay USA made where they can.

 

[Crash913]

As promised...

And yes, I am holding a flashlight while taking a picture because my phone doesn't have flash

 

[Teken]

How much for that set and where did you purchase it?

 

[Crash913]

How much for that set and where did you purchase it?

$19.98 at Home Depot

 

[Teken]

I'm shocked, HD is rarely the cheapest on tools . . . Was this during their 20% off sale etc?

 

[Crash913]

Nope that is the regular price. I have had my eye on them for a while.

Post 100 woo hoo!!!

 

[thetreshon]

I bought my mechanic father the 2 pack set of these, he had never seen these type (3 years ago), so I looked into what they were.

Didn't have a chance to look thru all replies, but I've heard/read somewhere that the pliers in the OP's pictures are 'Euro' style or European tongue and groove pliers.

 

[dankicksass]

Nutbuster, I want to thank you for addressing the community directly and for doing what you can to keep things in Meadville, but whom can I talk to about your Chinese ratchet/socket sets? I've tried to get my concerns addressed via email, the contact-us form on channellock.com and via twitter, no responses anywhere.

I'm shocked, HD is rarely the cheapest on tools . . . Was this during their 20% off sale etc?

Home Depot is has some decent pricepoints, their prices are rock bottom on Channellock, often lower than the cost to independent family-owned businesses from a major east coast co-op distributor. The numbers shocked me when I saw them.

 

[HandyManny]

And it's quite possible that they are not.

I knew a guy that worked - name not mentioned - and his job was to grind off "MADE IN CHINA" on tools and slap a "MADE IN U.S.A." sticker on it...

Not at Channellock. They still make the vast majority of their tool line (at least pliers) in Pennsylvania.

Every time I hear something that reaks of becomming urban legend I alway have to ask that they back up their claim. It's too easy to use the excuse that they don't want to mension anyones name. Come on!! Let's put some fact to this stuff and quit just repeating the often unreliable stuff we read online or hear by word of mouth from someone who claims to be in the know.

 

[HandyManny]

I bought a set of channellocks at christmas time, and compaired to my grandpa's and dad's they fell cheap, they dont slide very well and they dont have that "solid" feel to them.

Haven't noticed any difference when comparing all mine that span from ones I bough 40 years, 30 years ago, 20 years ago, 10 years ago, to with a couple pliers purchased new this year. But that's just my observation. Perhaps the ease of sliding has to do with them getting used and worn-in some. What I have noted about some Channellock pliers (namely their # 420, 430, and 440) are some minor variations in machining and jaw thickness. There was a time when those jaws were specially milled narrower and had an obvious milled area to show it. Also the markings have changed and the newer pliers have a clear coat varnish applied over the plain steel, which I think is totally unnessesary, but that's just me.

 

[HandyManny]

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.

All of the GL line is like that, they are cruder in finish compared to the regular Channellock line. Why I don't. They always have been too. Don't know why. So I'm not sure hwy I keep hearing a lot of poster responding that these look different than the old ones. Only thing I see different on the GL line is that they now have a depressed lable impressed into it as opposed to the raised panel they used to have. What I do know for sure is that the GripLocks are great and tough pliers that literally can replace a pipewrench of equal size for many uses. The GL-12 tends to be heavier, sturdier, and beefyer with less wiggle than the #440 pliers.

 

[HandyManny]

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

Matter of opinion. Having owned and used many and various Channellocks over the years I will say that I completely disagree with your comment, but again that's my opinion and experience. It's also my opinion that Channellock is a company that most other tool companies should strive to be, that is to say - providing a high quality durable tool at at fair and reasonable price point and making them readily available to anyone DIY or Pro..

 

[HandyManny]

thats what i was thinking too, all my channellocks are smooth machined.
even the large pair of matco's are all machined, no rough casting at all.

maybe it's a good thing i dont have to buy tools anymore

Channellock plier are drop forged, these may get mistaken for being cast because of the leathery or rough surface they tend to have. Like I said before the GL line tends to be more crude in appearance and finish than the rest of the Channellock line. Don't know why. I agree that Channellock should clean that up a bit.