"Free" Irwin T&G pliers

[chipper]

Display clearly states "drop your tongue and groove pliers." Guess it depends on how close store monitors. First store I went to couldn't care less what type of pliers they were. Second store wanted to inspect to ensure they were t&g before I dropped them in.

Pretty much my story first store i learned the process with the cashier but the 2nd store i i came in and asked how it worked (like i didn't already know)and she asked me what i had to trade in it was t&g only but she did let me trade in 2 at one time

 

[sledmods]

i just brought an old channel lock and old pliers and he wouldn't take the pliers

 

[zkling]

Quite honestly I knida have the two following thoughts of the average lowes employee, based on my experience over the many years I have shopped there.

1.) Not many care about tools in the first place, yea you may luck into the occasional older guy that is into tools, but most there could care less. So to them throwing away a box of pliers is just part of the job.

2.) If you took a poll nation wide of lowes employees. Me thinks less than 1/2 would be able to pick out the difference between a pair of slip joint and a pair of tongue and groove pliers.

I believe the instructions say for them to 'destroy' the pliers that were turned in. If so, I imagine they'll end up in their dumpster at the end of the promo.

Hum.. and the promo ends when?

Does anyone know if other stores that carry Irwin products are doing this? Or is it a lowes only type thing?

 

[tadwolfe]

I ask the tool guy at my local Lowes why they were the only ones doing the trade in, but he could not give me an answer. I tried at Menards and they would not trade .Home Depot has a BOGO going on with Irwin pliers and caulk line.

 

[Talisheek]

I visited my local Lowes today. They had no idea about this offer

 

[jankdc]

I visited my local Lowes today. They had no idea about this offer

At my Lowes the first people I talked to didn't have a clue. Then someone asked the tool guy and he showed me where they were doing it. There was only one tool in the trade box, until I threw in a t&g that I got at a dollar store 10 years ago and have hated since. They had trouble ringing me out, but the checkout woman said that she was going to take advantage of it.

Thank you all for letting me know about this deal.

 

[jeffmoss26]

No trade box at my local Lowe's today.

 

[woodrail]

All the Lorain County stores have the boxes. One has the top taped shut to prevent customers from dropping in pliers. They want to see you do it.

I believe the instructions tape to the register said "any slip-joint plier" is acceptable.

One lowes has the item number plugged in wrong on the system. They are having problems offering the deal.

 

[mtnwkr]

Bremerton, Wa store has the deal up finally. Dropped in a pair of slip joints this morning and got my free pair. Asked the lady if there was any kind of limit, she said no, just not to bring in ten pairs at once.
Came back this evening with 3 mixed pairs of china garbage pliers I scrounged throughout the day. New lady at the register, told her I wanted to exchange 3 pairs, dropped them in and took the three Irwins up to the counter. She tried to ring it up but it was coming up one per transaction. Instead of doing three transactions, I said "not to worry, I'll just go fish mine back out of the box" and grabbed two good looking pair of Channellocks.
Got me another pair of 420's and my first pair of 430's. Slight rust that cleaned right up and jaws look good!

 

[atfulldraw]

I'd say you came out better than if she had let you get three new Irwins....

 

[jankdc]

No trade box at my local Lowe's today.

The Willoughby one has them.

 

[zer0cell]

Nice trick with the channellocks - you saved some good pliers from the dump.

 

[upgrading]

The Quincy Mass Lowes has this by their Pro checkout.
They just let me drop in a junk pair, take the new pliers and leave.

 

[pettybird]

No trade box at my local Lowe's today.

Where is 'local' to you? Miles rd, Brooklyn, strongsville and rocky river all had their boxes out as of last Sunday.

 

[McFarmer]

Am I the only one who thinks some lines have been crossed ? I have been told I have an overdeveloped sense of fair play, so maybe I am.

Carry on.

 

[zer0cell]

Rubbermaid (Irwin) and fair play should not be used in the same sentence

 

[The Ratchet Man]

Just swapped out the Robogrips. This was the first pair of actual pliers in the box. The 3 other items in the box were universal cutter/stripper and 2 pairs of mini diagonal cutters. Apparently my store is pretty lax on the instructions on the box.

I think I will try to trade in a screwdriver next...


...just kidding.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Am I the only one who thinks some lines have been crossed ? I have been told I have an overdeveloped sense of fair play, so maybe I am.

Carry on.

No, you are not the only one....but all too often on here it's all about how much you can grab and to hell with anyone else.

 

[reptilezs]

got mine today. way better than what i traded in. a little wait at the register but no big deal

 

[zkling]

Am I the only one who thinks some lines have been crossed ?

Would you mind elaborating on this?

Here is my kinda feeling on it.... I see it as a way for Irwin to get their product out there and advertise. Them asking to trade in your old pliers does two things...

1.) Prevents people from freeloading a bunch of pliers and just wasting product

2.) For the average person that only has a few pliers (AKA not GJ members ) It makes them use the Irwins, since they had to get rid of their old pliers. Again getting the product out there and actually being used. Hoping that they would recommend the pliers to someone else. "Hey I traded in my old pliers and these are so much better.... you should get a pair" well then there is another sale.

I noticed at HD they have a BOGO on these, suggesting that you give one to a friend. Just a different method of getting the product out there. All about advertising and drumming up sales. Cause in the end, what does Irwin really care about? Sales.

No, you are not the only one....but all too often on here it's all about how much you can grab and to hell with anyone else.

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you on that one; well at least mostly. Yea of course there are those members (small % in my personal experience) that make it pretty evident they are only out for themselves and will screw the other guy just to gain XXYY. Then the other (vast majority) that are on the lookout for their fellow GJ member. People have picked up things that I was looking for and sent to me at no profit to them. Likewise I have picked up a few things that members were looking for and sent to them at no profit to myself. I think you will find this is more of the norm than the exception around here. Heck look at this sub forum. It is all about helping your fellow GJ member save $. YMMV

Sadly I think that statement would apply to most people in society. Not wanting to start a long ethical debate. In the end you have to remember that this forum is made up of everyday people from society. All different ages, backgrounds, religions, races, experiences, education, and of course different ethics. Do alot of members have most of those in common? Yea, but you do have to remember that people are people. Some be nice, some be a$$holes.

 

[atfulldraw]

Traded in a crappy set for these new, marginally crappy ones today at Lowe's.

The clerk's eyes crossed, then rolled, then he called a manager in for an over-ride.

Done.

 

[tweedlestan]

Would you mind elaborating on this?

Here is my kinda feeling on it.... I see it as a way for Irwin to get their product out there and advertise. Them asking to trade in your old pliers does two things...

1.) Prevents people from freeloading a bunch of pliers and just wasting product

2.) For the average person that only has a few pliers (AKA not GJ members ) It makes them use the Irwins, since they had to get rid of their old pliers. Again getting the product out there and actually being used. Hoping that they would recommend the pliers to someone else. "Hey I traded in my old pliers and these are so much better.... you should get a pair" well then there is another sale.

I noticed at HD they have a BOGO on these, suggesting that you give one to a friend. Just a different method of getting the product out there. All about advertising and drumming up sales. Cause in the end, what does Irwin really care about? Sales.




I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you on that one; well at least mostly. Yea of course there are those members (small % in my personal experience) that make it pretty evident they are only out for themselves and will screw the other guy just to gain XXYY. Then the other (vast majority) that are on the lookout for their fellow GJ member. People have picked up things that I was looking for and sent to me at no profit to them. Likewise I have picked up a few things that members were looking for and sent to them at no profit to myself. I think you will find this is more of the norm than the exception around here. Heck look at this sub forum. It is all about helping your fellow GJ member save $. YMMV

Sadly I think that statement would apply to most people in society. Not wanting to start a long ethical debate. In the end you have to remember that this forum is made up of everyday people from society. All different ages, backgrounds, religions, races, experiences, education, and of course different ethics. Do alot of members have most of those in common? Yea, but you do have to remember that people are people. Some be nice, some be a$$holes.

Well said.

I have about six pair of those Irwin pliers that I don't know what to do with. I've already given two additional pair to family, and I'm keeping two for myself. The rest will be given to whoever needs them.

I don't feel greedy in the least.

 

[zkling]

Well said.

Just spittin' what I think man.

SIX Dang, what all did you trade in? Better not be channellock or knipex stuff.

I peered into the box when I was at lowes this past week. Mix of slip joint, T&G, even a few needle nose. I saw one pair of proto's that were really f'ed up, bent handles and all. The best laugh was there was 2 or 3 "Pittsburg" (HF) new, still with their tags on them. Well at least it is china for china.

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-groove-joint-pliers-69379.html

 

[tweedlestan]

Just spittin' what I think man.

SIX Dang, what all did you trade in? Better not be channellock or knipex stuff.

I peered into the box when I was at lowes this past week. Mix of slip joint, T&G, even a few needle nose. I saw one pair of proto's that were really f'ed up, bent handles and all. The best laugh was there was 2 or 3 "Pittsburg" (HF) new, still with their tags on them. Well at least it is china for china.

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-groove-joint-pliers-69379.html

Don't worry, the very best were some "new" Chinese T&Gs from Home Depot. They're also taking slip joint, so I had a few cheap ones that I bought MANY years ago before I knew better.

I have seen decent looking Channellocks in the box though.

And some Robo-Grips. I may trade in my own pair of those.

Anything good like Channellock, Proto, and even Craftsman is staying at home safe and sound.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Let me clarify what I meant.....I saw the display recently, thought about buying a crappy pair at TSC to trade in, then realized I really do not need the Irwins. Perhaps there is some 12yr old kid who could really use a good pair to replace the crappy ones he has to work on his bike, or some starting out tradesman/mechanic, etc.
There are plenty of people on here that just grab all they can, then talk about not knowing what to do with them(I AM NOT REFERRING TO ANYONE IN PARTICULAR HERE!). Why not let the next guy who may actually need them or be down on his luck have them?

I have had great experiences selling, buying, and trading on here, but it seems to be more and more like the hoarders of SD on here. I guess I feel like I only take what I need and leave the rest for others....Just my observations, not trying to change anyone or anything....

 

[McFarmer]

Would you mind elaborating on this?

Nothing serious, I have no idea of what is really done by folks. I guess I can't see myself going very far out of my way to get a free pair of pliers I didn't want in the first place. To each their own.

IMHO buying a cheap pair of pliers and trading them for these gives two companies I would chose not to deal with encouragement, for what little that means.

And I too would be tempted to dive in and rescue a couple Channelocks, but as Jerry would say: "Was it above the rim ?" If a person asked and was told to, then no problem. If not, well in my mind it wasn't my property, no matter if a good tool was rescued. Like I said, I may have an overly developed sense of fair play.

I'm glad everyone isn't like me, 'cause then everything I like to do would be too expensive.

 

[zer0cell]

Let me clarify what I meant.....I saw the display recently, thought about buying a crappy pair at TSC to trade in, then realized I really do not need the Irwins. Perhaps there is some 12yr old kid who could really use a good pair to replace the crappy ones he has to work on his bike, or some starting out tradesman/mechanic, etc.
There are plenty of people on here that just grab all they can, then talk about not knowing what to do with them(I AM NOT REFERRING TO ANYONE IN PARTICULAR HERE!). Why not let the next guy who may actually need them or be down on his luck have them?

I have had great experiences selling, buying, and trading on here, but it seems to be more and more like the hoarders of SD on here. I guess I feel like I only take what I need and leave the rest for others....Just my observations, not trying to change anyone or anything....

That makes sense. I don't have a problem with trading in a few that you got from the pawn shop for an irwin or two, I mean the idea of the promotion is to put the tool into peoples hands who use tools to get them 'hooked' on the brand much like a drug dealer does. Then again, trading in 10x crappy pliers for 10 irwins would mean that yes, quite a few other people wont get to try them out, since there is not an unlimited supply. No need to be a horder

 

[Dubbydoo]

went there today and traded out two junk pairs they had almost all of them still there and of course they didnt know what to do pro desk told me to go to customer service and CS told me to go to pro desk haha

 

[pettybird]

Out of the five I traded in I gave away three... I have a deeper supply of 'expendables' than most of my friends and family.

 

[diggerrick]

Traded in an old pair for them today. They seem ok, but I'm not sure yet if I upgraded.

 

[alpinewhite]

I just found this thread. I will trade in my small Kobalt ones for this. I don't expect to trade in as many as the Kobalt flex-head ratchet sets I got. OTOH, maybe my relatives would all get Kobalt flex-head ratchets sets and a pair of Irwin T&G pliers for the holidays.

 

[NUTTSGT]

The display at Lowe's in Mansfield/Ontario, Ohio is gone.

 

[nev]

how do people rate these pliers? im a uk hvac guy and can get a pair for 15 pounds

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I throw my cheap china pliers in a scrap bin. I dont want to encourage a lousy company like Irwin into thinking they make a better product than any other tool company. Those new pliers belong in the box too.

 

[jankdc]

how do people rate these pliers? im a uk hvac guy and can get a pair for 15 pounds

The design is a Knipex Cobra ripoff. They are made in China. They are a definite upgrade from cheap T&G pliers. If you like the push button design, check out the Knipex, they should only be a little bit more.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Traded in an old pair of Stanley Japanese pliers for the Irwins yesterday.

 

[lotsoftools]

how do people rate these pliers? im a uk hvac guy and can get a pair for 15 pounds

I don't know the current exchange rate but I wouldn't pay more than $9.95 for them.

 

[tweedlestan]

I throw my cheap china pliers in a scrap bin. I dont want to encourage a lousy company like Irwin into thinking they make a better product than any other tool company. Those new pliers belong in the box too.

I'm sure you have plenty of experience with these Irwin pliers to back up your statement.

 

[alpinewhite]

I went to my local Lowes. Gone. Went to another one. They had the display. I had 3 Kobalt tools with me (arc joint, needle nose, regular pliers). I asked if I could exchange all 3. Answer was 'yes'. In the process, I saw two Channellocks and Vise-Grips in the "old" bin. I asked if I could exchange mine for those. Answer was "yes".

I returned a few hours later with two more pairs of tools (crappy Sears pliers and another Kobalt arc-joint).

Here's a picture of today's score. Total cost: 5 pairs of tools I didn't want.

 

[zkling]

Stopped by Lowes on the way home this evening just to browse, looking for Knipex sales. The display was still up but no new Irwin to trade for. I asked the lady at the pro desk about the old pliers. What they were to do with them, would they consider selling them. She walked to get the manager. In the meantime I dug through the overfilled box of mostly blue channellock pliers. In just a few minutes I pulled out 10+ channellock, SK, protos, craftsman, a brand new pair of Knipex and finally 2 pairs of snap on T&G red handle pliers. It alomst brought a tear to my eye.

After speaking with the manager I was told that the pliers are to be returned to Irwin and will be counted in a 1:1 fashion. He thought I was crazy for wanting the old ones, but finally said no as they had to be returned.

IRWIN, if you see this, what are you going to do with these old pliers that get turned in? Please find a way to reuse them, so much waste in our society, we don't need anymore. Donate, sell them cheap, IDK, but please don't just trash them.

A very depressing visit to Lowes. That plus no clearance knipex to be found.