Channellock screwdrivers, like them?

[Sage55]

I know the group here seems to be very big on Wera and Wiha screwdrivers, but would like to know if anyone has a set of Channellock screwdrivers?

I've been looking to purchase a good set of screwdrivers and have thought heavily about getting Wera until I just came across the Channellock screwdriver set - being made in the USA is a HUGE plus for me and being less then $25 seems like a killer deal.

Thoughts? Anyone have a set?

 

[chevy302dz]

Drivers are made in China, I can't speak to the quality personally but there was a Channellock rep on here a while back that swore they were the best Channellock ever had produced.

 

[Luke G]

"Screwdrivers made to A.N.S.I. standards in China."

Carefull with Channellock stuff other than pliers, most of it is made outside of the US, however, Channellock seems like a standup company and would provide a good product regardless of where it's made.

 

[wellpoison]

on electricianstalk some one posted a thread about trying to "beat" the beater. apparently a channellock rep gave him one to test. looks like it held up pretty nice.

http://http://www.electriciantalk.com/f14/beat-beater-28658/

 

[wellpoison]

http://www.electriciantalk.com/f14/beat-beater-28658/

my bad.. use this link

 

[Sage55]

"Screwdrivers made to A.N.S.I. standards in China."

Carefull with Channellock stuff other than pliers, most of it is made outside of the US, however, Channellock seems like a standup company and would provide a good product regardless of where it's made.

That's really unfortunate, I totally missed that in the description. I thought all Channellock stuff was made in the US.

Seems harder and harder to find anything USA made.

 

[85camaro]

Channellock is ok. It's too bad that 175 pc. Snap on set fizzled

 

[SMKS]

As others have mentioned, those screwdrivers are imported.

Channellock has some other imported tools that are very nice - the Spanish adjustable wrenches, for example- but I'd avoid the screwdrivers. There are just too many good USA, German and Japanese choices in screwdrivers.

Spend a few minutes in this thread an you'll find lots of choices, many of them more affordable than you might initially assume.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128406

 

[Sage55]

Stephen9666,

Thanks for the link - that has helped a bit show off some other USA made screwdrivers. I think I'll probably pick up a set of Williams 8-piece. Less than $50 and IS USA made.

I did like the looks of the channellocks though, oh well.

 

[ishiboo]

As others have mentioned, those screwdrivers are imported.

Channellock has some other imported tools that are very nice - the Spanish adjustable wrenches, for example- but I'd avoid the screwdrivers. There are just too many good USA, German and Japanese choices in screwdrivers.

Spend a few minutes in this thread an you'll find lots of choices, many of them more affordable than you might initially assume.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128406

+1.

The ChannelLock's are a cheap Chinese import, just like the Allen screwdrivers.

Better to spend less money and end up with the Kobalt or Husky traditional screwdrivers that are made in the USA, or as stephen said the many high-end choices for a little bit more.

 

[Notwerk]

Husky screwdrivers are pretty cheap and made in the USA by Western Forge. The Husky Pros with the rubberized handles are the same as SK (Ideal)'s current screwdrivers and the same as Craftsman Pro. A set usually comes in a zippered case or such for around $20. Not the best drivers, but very good for the money, USA-made and available at any Home Depot.

I love Channellock pliers, but if I have to pick between CL-China and Husky USA screwdrivers, I'll gladly take those Huskies.

That being said, those Williams hard-handles look excellent. Can't go wrong with those. Not sure how the shipping charges will shake out, but ToolsDelivered has them a few dollars cheaper. I've dealt with them before and was satisfied with the service: http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-100P-8MD-Hand-Tools-Screwdrivers-Driver-Sets

 

[allinon72]

I almost bought a set just for the bottle opener, then I smacked myself and walked away.

 

[HandyManny]

The USA made pliers that Channellock makes are excellent, the best of the domestic made pliers! Their imported Spanish made (Irega) adjustable wrenches are currently among the best in the world! I have no experience with their Chinese made screwdrivers. Personally I think the screwdriver market is already flooded as it is, no need to drag a good companies name through the mud by offering Chinese screwdrivers. They may very well be excellent, but I personally don't know. I think Channellock could do better than Chinese.

 

[Notwerk]

The USA made pliers that Channellock makes are excellent, the best of the domestic made pliers!

I love Channellock (just bought a 927 last night), but I hear Wilde also makes pretty nice USA pliers. Maybe I'll try a set on of these days...

 

[HandyManny]

I love Channellock (just bought a 927 last night), but I hear Wilde also makes pretty nice USA pliers. Maybe I'll try a set on of these days...

Not to get off topic bit I own a few various Wilde pliers. Mainly those made by Wilde for other brands (SK, Superior, Blackhawk, etc). Most of them are pretty good, but I was pretty dissappointed in two very recent made Wilde pliers for the Blackhawk brand I bought recently. The jaws are terribly misaligned and just don't line up right, as if the steel was warped or they were assembled wrong or something. They are solid tools though. When it comes to pliers I'd stay with Channellock above all else these days. Not sure how much longer Wilde can even hang on.

 

[Sage55]

I was at Home Depot over the weekend and noticed some of the Channellock tools had stamped on them "CHINA". It just seems to be getting harder and harder to find good American made stuff... not just tools.

 

[Notwerk]

Their pliers are USA made, but other tools are sourced from around the world. This has been the case for some time now. Unless you saw Chinese-made pliers, it's not really cause for concern.

 

[jvitez]

I have a set of Williams black hard handles and they're excellent.

How about this, USA made, for $10? http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Sdsets/81013.html

I also made up a set of Wilde screwdrivers to keep in a hand box. USA made and very good for the price.

http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/PhillipsSD/P442.html

Yeah, lots of choice if you want cheap Chinese screwdrivers, so no reason to buy Channellock branded ones IMO.