Kastar Hand Tools retaining ring pliers...how are they?

[Sanny81]

I've been looking for a good set of retaining ring pliers and came across this set:

http://www.tooltopia.com/kastar-hand-tools-3495.aspx

12 piece, Made in USA set for $66 plus shipping but I'm not familiar with this brand. Anyone have experience with these?

 

[lbgradwell]

Kastar (now re-named Lang) has been around for over 80 years. Lang or Imperial supply everybody with those types of tools...

 

[d.mcfarland]

Very well regarded around here.

 

[SMKS]

I have a couple branded Craftsman and Crescent. They've been working fine for me, but I'm just a DIY'er.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have that exact set, and they are supurb. You'll always have the right size/angle you need, and they're cheap as hell. Nice tight ends, although I will admit a few of the adjustment screws were quite tight from the package. A quick twist with pliers released them, and they've been fine ever since. Maybe I just have weak fingers?


Matco/mac wants like $20 a pair.

 

[crf_kdx]

I also have that exact set - nothing negative to share. They work as they should!

 

[Askme42]

I have that exact set also. Love them.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I've been looking for a good set of retaining ring pliers and came across this set:


12 piece, Made in USA set for $66 plus shipping but I'm not familiar with this brand. Anyone have experience with these?

Probably very similar to the kd ones which work great. If that set is less I'd probably go with kd. Have no real need for a set of these personally but you might. Or you could just buy one offs when you need them for 10 bucks a pop (or a changeable tip pair). It's really depends on what you do and how much you're willing to spend on (probable) idle tools.

I say that because if you really use rr pliers all the time you wouldn't have asked this question you'd already own what you need. When you need them you need them but it's not real often for me.

 

[1982fxr]

bought that exact set for ocassional use, love 'em

 

[Sanny81]

Sounds like I'll eventually pick up this set but nicksnothereman had a good point. This isn't something I NEED right now and I can stick to my Craftsman pliers for now.

 

[Cope]

Sounds like I'll eventually pick up this set but nicksnothereman had a good point. This isn't something I NEED right now and I can stick to my Craftsman pliers for now.

You will Need them on a Saturday evening when none are available.

 

[1982fxr]

yuppers

 

[winlinmac]

How's the quality of the tips and how do they compare to Knipex's tips (which happen to be made out of piano wire)? Thinking about upgrading from Channellock to this...

 

[winlinmac]

I read on another thread that this newer model contained the newer snap ring pliers with the piano wire inserts. But only contains straight (external and internal), no 90-degree or 45-degrees included (I want the bent ones for automotive tasks and basic ratchet maintenance), better control.

http://chadstoolbox.com/00-19-57-knipex-4-pc-precision-retaining-ring-pliers-set/

Else, probably just go with the Kaster

Only the all gray forged Knipex snap ring pliers with the chrome torx hinge bolt are made with piano wire inserts. The models with a normal hinge rivet and a brushed steel rectangular looking surface around the hinge area have regular tips ground directly out of the pliers themselves.

 

[winlinmac]

I don't understand the critical reviews on Amazon, were those buyers just writing negative reviews because they own Knipex?

 

[winlinmac]

I just a received my Lang Snap Ring Pliers Set, and noticed the tips are slightly bent / angled on each of them, that is that intentional, right?

I don't think it has to do with being newer vs older. The piano wire tipped pliers are a more recent addition to their tool line, but I'm pretty sure now and in the future Knipex will continue producing both versions, so anyone that's interested in buying some will have to keep an eye on the part numbers to make sure they are getting the type they want.

 

[gdocktor3]

In regards to the original Kastar/Lang set in question, which rebrand sells them the cheapest? Craftsman, channel lock, etc

 

[LB-1911]

I just a received my Lang Snap Ring Pliers Set, and noticed the tips are slightly bent / angled on each of them, that is that intentional, right?

The set referenced below correct?

I've been looking for a good set of retaining ring pliers and came across this set:

http://www.tooltopia.com/kastar-hand-tools-3495.aspx

12 piece, Made in USA set for $66 plus shipping but I'm not familiar with this brand. Anyone have experience with these?

From the link -

Includes 12 fixed tips with sizes: .038, 0.047, .070, .090 in 0°, 45° and 90° angles

 

[winlinmac]

Not referring to the angle tips, some of the straight tips have a "slight" angle to them facing inward, is it set that way intentionally for better handling over the clip?

The set referenced below correct?



From the link -

Includes 12 fixed tips with sizes: .038, 0.047, .070, .090 in 0°, 45° and 90° angles

 

[winlinmac]

Thanks Jeremy, makes absolute sense, I was very particular over the straight tips, some added leverage there.

Yes it is intentional. When removing internal rings the tips should angle towards each other. The angle helps hold the retaining ring on the tips so they are less likely to fly off. When you unscrew the Lang plier hinge joint and move the hinge screw to the other hole (for removing external rings) the tips will angle away from each other instead. This is also what you want.

 

[winlinmac]

Craftsman has their own set as well, I believe Lang / Kaster Rebrand,
Had to shell out $60 for a new set from Lang Tools

I think the best price will be determined more by what coupons or discounts you can find and/or combine. For instance, I bought my 12pc Lang set from Sears when it was on sale and I also used a coupon and got Sears points back as well. I ended up only paying about $35 delivered after everything was factored in. That was a year or two ago though and I think they have since raised the price.

 

[scooternut]

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-J360B-Convertible-Retaining-12-Piece/dp/B0002FUG02

Not from PROTO! 239.97!! Picked up this set at craigslist prices and still probably paid more than the other options. Maybe their case is better

 

[gdocktor3]

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-J360B-Convertible-Retaining-12-Piece/dp/B0002FUG02

Not from PROTO! 239.97!! Picked up this set at craigslist prices and still probably paid more than the other options. Maybe their case is better

Yikes! I wonder how Lang feels when they see these companies inflating their prices like this.

 

[48548]

I paid about 70 from amazon for the lang. I think they are nice set and go with the toptul and Klein that I had before.

 

[PureLeaf]

I paid about 65-66 dollars from ToolTopia for my Lang set. Seem to do the job well!