Craftsman hose clamp pliers fail

[malibu101]

I'm doing a job and finally got tired of dealing with spring type hose clamps with "regular" pliers.
I really liked the Astro 9409A. But I need them now- http://www.astrotools.com/index.php/hose-clamp-pliers.html
Since I need them now I went to a local Sears tonight and got Craftsman 49803- http://www.sears.com/craftsman-cabl...pliers/p-00949803000P?redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

2 heater hose clamps done like a dream. On the 3rd, one of the teeth of the tool snapped right off.

Obviously I am going back tomorrow to return them.
BUT my question is- Was this a fluke or are they that bad?
Anybody else have this pliers and used it without breaking?
Any other ones worth considering?

I'm sure hope when I go back they would give me my money back as I only had it 24 hours and it's perfectly clean.
But if I take another pair I'm afraid I'd be married to them.
I'm thinking getting my money back, struggle through 1 more job, and get something else.
Hopefully better.

 

[99LeCouch]

I have those. The bent metal tabs on the end snapped off. It still worked, though. Teeth look to be fine. Probably just a fluke.

 

[paulsomlo]

I have them, haven't had any problems. The ones I bought were made in France, the current crop I believe, is made in Taiwan.

 

[Buckgnarly]

France made ones here that have served me very well.

 

[malibu101]

I have those. The bent metal tabs on the end snapped off. It still worked, though. Teeth look to be fine. Probably just a fluke.

Yes. It was the bent metal tab on the the grabber end. One of the tabs that grabs each ear of the clamp.

I have them, haven't had any problems. The ones I bought were made in France, the current crop I believe, is made in Taiwan.

The one I got is made in Taiwan and has red handles unlike the Sears link that shows black handles.

 

[unslow1]

The Advance Auto here was stocking one. I think it was from Lisle but I don't know if it's any better quality.

 

[Agentwho]

I've had the French made Craftsman's for years too and they have served me well. It is sad seeing their quality go down the tube.

Back on topic check out the Lisle hose clamp vices. They take longer to use but can get into some really odd spots.
http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=268&division=1&category=22
http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=269&division=1&category=22

 

[Hagatronics]

Knipex make a dedicated slip jaw plier for this. Works a charm.

http://www.knipex.com/en/products/neuheiten/spring-hose-clamp-pliers/

 

[malibu101]

Went back to Sears tonight. Told the clerk I bought it 24 hours ago, it broke on the 3rd use, that I had no confidence in this tool so I didn't want a replacement, I would like my money back to buy another brand.
No problem, money refunded and I walked out.
I ordered the Astro 9409A on Amazon a few minutes ago.

I fully understand there can be quality control issues with any company and I am not bashing Craftsman as a whole over this one thing.
After reading all the negativity about what the Craftsman line has become over the last years, this is one step closer for me becoming a believer.

 

[bcradio]

I have the made in France version and they have worked perfectly for me.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Went back to Sears tonight. Told the clerk I bought it 24 hours ago, it broke on the 3rd use, that I had no confidence in this tool so I didn't want a replacement, I would like my money back to buy another brand.
No problem, money refunded and I walked out.
I ordered the Astro 9409A on Amazon a few minutes ago.

I fully understand there can be quality control issues with any company and I am not bashing Craftsman as a whole over this one thing.
After reading all the negativity about what the Craftsman line has become over the last years, this is one step closer for me becoming a believer.

I'd be interested to hear your review after you get the astro, I have a knock off brand like the astro and it works good on smaller clamps but the larger upper and lower radiator clamps require a lot of force to open and my pliers simply does not cut it, hope yours does, keep us updated please. I have been looking into Mayhew and Gearwrench versions too.