How important is a box joint on mini pliers?

[rodsnratfinks]

I've been looking for quality mini pliers for electronics use. My criteria are:
- smooth face jaw
- spring
- box joint (maybe)
- simple grips would be nice (as opposed to fancy cushion grips)

The problem is, I have found that Pro America meets my quality and functional criteria (according to reviews), but it appears they are lap jointed. My go to is Knipex, but their electronics pliers are unreasonably expensive. I'd prefer not to pay more than $25-30 a pair.

So, what are the real world implications here? Is a box joint really that important?

 

[GirchyGirchy]

The Japanese ones which Lee Valley sells are nice. I can find the brand on them at home.

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=73556&cat=1,51220,51222,32192

 

[rodsnratfinks]

But what about box versus lap joints?

Also, how does Xcelite compare to Pro America?

 

[ryan20021982]

Can't seem to find anywhere in the USA that has them but Klein makes some

https://sylmasta.com/acatalog/Klein-Box-Joint-Pliers---Flat-1110.html

Found these too, never heard of the brand though, made in Germany also

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FavoriteUSA...hash=item1e66ddccbc:m:mKh5fSPBVo-ZX5Tqm3C3aOA

 

[outdoorspace]

Box joints can keep jaws aligned over the life of the pliers but add a bit of bulk and aren't ideal in precision work. All of the more expensive, familiar makers (Knipex, Erem/Xcelite, Tronex, Xuron) tend to use (bearing ring) lap joints with bolted assembly. Schmitz and Lindström are the only ones that come to mind that offer box joints.

I'm just waiting for the new Channellocks, personally.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Anyone have experience with both Xcelite and Pro America? Which did you like better?

 

[mickeyone]

Xcelite was always the choice of engineering staff.

 

[gte718p]

Xcelite is the standard for electronics as far as I'm concerned. I have at least a half dozen different models on the work bench. They have never failed to satisfy. The cutters are consumable though. Eventually the jaw breaks or the edges become so scored they just don't cut anymore. However, this may be from abuse

 

[Citation]

I've been happy with Xcelites as well.

 

[exmaxima1]

I've been looking for quality mini pliers for electronics use. My criteria are:
- smooth face jaw
- spring
- box joint (maybe)
- simple grips would be nice (as opposed to fancy cushion grips)

The problem is, I have found that Pro America meets my quality and functional criteria (according to reviews), but it appears they are lap jointed. My go to is Knipex, but their electronics pliers are unreasonably expensive. I'd prefer not to pay more than $25-30 a pair.

So, what are the real world implications here? Is a box joint really that important?

I have a bunch of Lindstrom pliers and cutters, and they are all lap joint---never an issue. My Erem are also lap joint and they lasted many years as well. Box joint not a requirement.

 

[rodsnratfinks]

At this point, I'm leaning toward Xcelite, but I thought I read that quality had dropped to unacceptable levels, which is why I was originally leaning toward the Pro America pliers. Can anyone confirm the quality of Xcelite's current offerings?

 

[kblee27]

For me, I only have experience with Xcelite, esp micro cutters, good stuff.