12ptSocketsAreDumb
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Does anyone have any experience on which one is better? They're about the same price on Amazon and both seem solid. Mainly will be used for removing orings on dirt bikes and cars.
Channelock vs Ullman picks
- Thread starter 12ptSocketsAreDumb
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I have experience with many things Channellock - except for the picks - and Ullman picks. I'd go with Ullman if it were me (and I did), but I couldn't fault you for choosing Channellock either.
Ullman picks are nice and stiff. Nothing bugs me more with picks than when they bend the tips over. Mine have held up great.
My one gripe is that the Ullman handles are all pretty skinny. Sometimes its nice to have the thicker screwdriver-style handles. Channellock looks a little better in this regard. Generally the more heavy-duty my prying activities are, the thicker I like my grips.
Yet another brand to consider if you have the budget is Mayhew. Mayhew trumps all, but they are more expensive.
Edited to add: I didn't actually click your Ullman link before replying. Looks like the handles on that set are very similar to Channellock.
I do like the little bit of knurling on the Ullman shafts too.
Ullman picks are nice and stiff. Nothing bugs me more with picks than when they bend the tips over. Mine have held up great.
My one gripe is that the Ullman handles are all pretty skinny. Sometimes its nice to have the thicker screwdriver-style handles. Channellock looks a little better in this regard. Generally the more heavy-duty my prying activities are, the thicker I like my grips.
Yet another brand to consider if you have the budget is Mayhew. Mayhew trumps all, but they are more expensive.
Edited to add: I didn't actually click your Ullman link before replying. Looks like the handles on that set are very similar to Channellock.
I do like the little bit of knurling on the Ullman shafts too.
OP
12ptSocketsAreDumb
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Thanks for the input! Ullman actually makes a wider grip type too.
I saw that after - you must have been replying while I was editing my post. My Ullman picks are the aluminum handle variety. I didn't see those acetate ones when I was shopping. Mine are nice picks with skinny handles - those look like something I would prefer.
Make sure to keep them oiled or with fluid film on them. High carbon steel rusts easily.
OP
12ptSocketsAreDumb
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It does matter to me considering the price point. I do believe Ullman is incorrectly labeled as made in china though. Ive noticed Amazon is really bad about labeling COO incorrectly. Other websites still list them as made in USA.
rshadd
Well-known member
I have the Ullman 4-pc set with the smaller foam handles. I use the strait and 90° picks mostly and they have held up well.
Ullman is also made in the USA. Amazon is wrong.
seber
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Old screwdrivers seem to breed in my shop. I grind and bend picks as needed. A propane torch is adequate for heating to cherry red and a quench from that to cool and then straw color and quench give a really great heat treat for carbon steel after bending.
DSS
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I've had the Ullman set for a few years and they were indeed labelled made in USA when I bought them. They have been used a lot and I'm really happy with them. I've never even seen channellock picks that I can recall.
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d.mcfarland
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Get the longer and shorter ones. Pick the handle style you like, but the sizes and the tip style are the keys.
I have a few sets of the Ullman picks in various carts/go boxes around. I find their handles are too small. I’m not a big fan of SO’s instinct handles they are a pain to clean but the larger size means they’re my go to for picks.
Ullman - SO hard handle - SO instinct - Various screwdrivers for scale
Ullman - SO hard handle - SO instinct - Various screwdrivers for scale
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
I have all that are mentioned except Mayhew and would take snap on every time. Longer and thinner, and when you have to work them harder than you should to get a job done they either take it or the driver takes care of you. I've only had to switch out my 90° one a couple times. Every time was saving enough time to buy a new set.
Of the two brands the OP mentioned I'd take the channellock set. The handles are far superior. The Ullman ones are too thin and threaded, which can be annoying.
Of the two brands the OP mentioned I'd take the channellock set. The handles are far superior. The Ullman ones are too thin and threaded, which can be annoying.
four.cycle
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12pt - I own an older set of "Craftsman" picks with the soft black handles. The shafts come un-screwed from the handles, but that's not a big deal. They do what they're supposed to do.
Also have a set of "Wilde" branded Ullmans - skinny-*** aluminum handles - they work fine but my huge hands would prefer something with more handle:
Also have a set of "Wilde" branded Ullmans - skinny-*** aluminum handles - they work fine but my huge hands would prefer something with more handle:
Attachments
4xdog
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Maybe Ullman is the OEM for this Ace Hardware-branded set I inherited from my brother? Probably close to fifteen years old, I like 'em a lot.
Those Craftsman were likely made by Ullmans. They are the same as the Wilde just have grips on them.
four.cycle
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^ the shafts on the Craftsman units are considerably longer than those Wilde-branded Ullmans. I would not be at all surprised if Ullman was the OEM on those Craftsman picks - I've seen the same units with different brands on them.
BolognaBlake
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I thought I saw a thread somewhere that Ullman made those for Channellock?
mikebaker1129
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Nope, it was Pratt Read that makes the Channellock picks and screwdrivers.
They also made Masterforce before they went to an overseas mfr.