MAC tools vs Pittsburgh (Harbor freight) - diagonal cutters

[jerseykat1]

I'm just going to leave this picture here which is a click able link. grab some popcorn and enjoy the show.. Lol

 

[[memphis]]

It's not a secret that Mac has rebranded under titan tools etc.
But to say they are the exact same is a bit foolish without proof. Why not buy a set of Mac cutters and destroy both. Pay for tests to compare the type and grade of materials and then post it on your website for traffic.

Also who is the say Mac didn't copy Pittsburg and improve the product? You said it yourself the head is different so they are not "identical".

I'm far from a Mac nut ******* and don't own a single tool from them but you basically posted click bait

 

[WhiffySpark]

They don't even look the same

 

[gdocktor3]

I was told by a Mac rep they get their pliers and cutters from www.goalmactools.com

 

[AA/FC]

They both look and feel the same because they are. They are both Chinese ****.

One is a copy of the other..... or more likely they are both copies of another brand. Both cutters are (most likely) made in China..... a country who has perfected an entire industry of copying quality products from the US and other countries. It's no suprise that HF is selling Chinese ****, but it's a real shame that a top American tool truck brand has settled for such low quality, and still happily puts their name on it.

 

[helterskelter]

If anyone actually wants to know I'd be happy to test the alloy of each tool steel and the hardness. It wouldn't require destroying of the tools. You pay shipping both ways. If they're same alloy and same hardness they're likely same quality.

 

[dogdog]

LOL ok.....OP...
Now you are asking for more hater..

But 100% agree with what [memphis] mentions, probably some metallurgical differences other than looks. Like skimping a few steps on post heat treatments (if that is the term)

If what gdocktor3 mention is true. then both are Made in China. But I wouldn't say both are **** just base on COO.... It's just an ignorant statement if you can't make an un-bias post about a tool....

 

[97nismo]

HF looks better quality to me...

 

[jrockford]

Perhaps a similar design, but not the same manufacturer.

Think of the AK-47.

 

[AA/FC]

Perhaps a similar design, but not the same manufacturer.

I agree. The HF and MAC cutters were made in different Chinese factories...... Chinese factories.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Personally I wouldn't bother with either. There are tons of good pliers out there. There are tons of good Mac tools as well, but last I checked, their pliers weren't one of them.

 

[fritzgorbach]

I own these Mac pliers, I have never see the harbor freight version shown in the pictures, but they definitely do not look to be the same pliers. That said, harbor freight has a long history of copying others designs, with mixed quality results.
That being said, the Mac pliers, which I recieved as part of a special deal with a bunch of long pliers, are less than impressive for their intended purpose of cutting wire. The jaws are ground to a relatively wide angle, maybe 90 degrees or so, and tend to crush rather than cut. They are, however, handy for tasks I'd like to spare.my good dykes from, like pulling nails and staples, or cotter pins. When I need to cut wire, it's snap on or Klein all the time.

 

[zendriver]

I have a pair of the awesome shorter HF "pro" dia-cuts.

They don't sing and dance, but they cut everything I have put between the jaws, so far, without distorting, the cutting edges.

Not sure what else I should expect them to do. I supposed it would be better if they said "USA" on them, but fortunately, I have learned to deal with reality, a long time ago.

 

[jacked_72]

Completely different. The Mac logo is in the middle and the Pittsburgh logo is on top and kind of wraps around the pivot pin.

Actually, I have the HF version and like them fine, but the first pair broke at the tip and the second pair doesn't quite align right at the tip. I hope the MAC is a better quality tool.

 

[nbpt100]

Just to add to Jacked 72's comments.

OK they look similar at first glance but you can tell just from one picture view shown there are some dimensional differences. The Mac has a greater angle on the jaws and it appears it can open further from the pivot point gap.

The raised section on the Mac looks wider giving it greater stiffness.

Again, I can tell this just from one picture view. What else would you easily see if you had them in your hands?

So if the OP likes his Pittsburgh tool, fine. It is probably $30 less than the Mac. Good luck with it.
But let's be clear, this is not even close to a 1/2 arsed analysis.

Take up the offer on the Alloy and Hardness testing if you are really interested in offering the public some value as you imply from your Youtube page.

Otherwise, I agree with Memphis, this is just click bait. Any rule against that here?

 

[Infinia]

You mean to tell us HF sells what the Chinese do best .... copies of others stuff.
dang learn sompin' new everyday.
as they say 'caveat emptor "

 

[Macca]

Totally different tool just looking at the picture, its not even a comparison.

The MAC is same as the PROTO, the proto is USA made, not chinese

 

[Macca]

Personally I wouldn't bother with either. There are tons of good pliers out there. There are tons of good Mac tools as well, but last I checked, their pliers weren't one of them.

MAC are mostly rebranded Knipex pliers, and are one if the best pliers to buy

 

[AA/FC]

Totally different tool just looking at the picture, its not even a comparison.

The MAC is same as the PROTO, the proto is USA made, not chinese

The MAC cutters posted in this thread ARE NOT made in the USA. They are IN FACT made overseas.

MAC are mostly rebranded Knipex pliers, and are one if the best pliers to buy

You contradict yourself from one post to the next. How can MAC pliers be made in the USA (as you claim) then in the very next post you claim most MAC pliers are re-branded Knipex.... which are ALL made in Germany. WTF???

And just to show you..... I own the exact pair of cutters that are posted in this thread. I personally bought them on the MAC truck myself when they were brand new. They came with a set of pliers that include a carrying bag. These MAC sets are IN FACT made overseas. It's possible that MAC also has another line of USA pliers made in their Texas plant but those are not included in the promotional deals that come with the carrying bag.

These pictures were taken by me, just minutes ago. (not random internet pics)

I also own the Pittsburgh HF cutter posted in this thread but it happens to be missing at the moment. lol

 

[BFBOB]

this is just click bait. Any rule against that here?

Perish the thought!!

 

[kctyphoon]

The sunex cutters look the same too. Most of the long reach diagonals I've seen all look the same.

 

[Macca]

The MAC cutters posted in this thread ARE NOT made in the USA. They are IN FACT made overseas.



You contradict yourself from one post to the next. How can MAC pliers be made in the USA (as you claim) then in the very next post you claim most MAC pliers are re-branded Knipex.... which are ALL made in Germany. WTF???

And just to show you..... I own the exact pair of cutters that are posted in this thread. I personally bought them on the MAC truck myself when they were brand new. They came with a set of pliers that include a carrying bag. These MAC sets are IN FACT made overseas. It's possible that MAC also has another line of USA pliers made in their Texas plant but those are not included in the promotional deals that come with the carrying bag.

The first quote was towards the picture at the start of page. They are the same cutters i own which are exactly the same as PROTO. The proto are US made cutters.
Where does it say the MAC pliers are chinese?? Just because they look similar to the HF?


These are now the OLD Stock MAC tools, the LATEST pliers i have seen on the tool truck are rebranded Knipex GERMANY OR USA made MAC (stamped USA)

Not contradicting, it is OLD VS NEW stock

 

[oldtools]

Once the logo wear out, no one will know the difference.

 

[MrGiggles]

Is this the HF cutter in question?

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/pliers/11-inch-long-reach-diagonal-cutter-37837.html

So, they're pretty good? I'm need of a couple pairs.

 

[AA/FC]

Where does it say the MAC pliers are chinese?? Just because they look similar to the HF?

The MAC does NOT say USA either.....

Just because the MAC pliers don't say China on them doesn't mean they are made in the USA. For example, I have a BRAND NEW set of Irwin Vise Grips sitting next to me while I type this and NOWHERE does it say China on them. But guess what? They're made in China!

There was an old thread on this site years ago discussing the MAC tools pliers sets that come with those black carrying bags. The general consensus was that MAC promotional pliers sets were made in China. However, you could order MUCH higher quality, made in the USA, MAC pliers individually from a MAC dealer, or their website. The cheap, promotional pliers from China, with that ****** laser engraving look pretty poor when held next to an known USA plier. And last, but not least, my MAC dealer TOLD ME they were made in China.

Either way, I really don't care. Regardless where they are made, I thought the overall quality was VERY POOR. The finish grinding on all the pliers that came in my bag was SOOO bad that it looked like Ray Charles work for MAC. That was the last pliers purchase that I ever made with my MAC dealer. I have since bought SEVERAL pliers and cutters from my SO dealer and there is ABSOLUTELY no comparison in quality..... I am a pliers junkie! I have over 200 pairs of pliers and cutters, and still counting. I will never stop buying pliers! But I can guarantee there will never be another MAC added to my box. lol

In fact, the MAC pliers were SO BAD that I never even put them in my tool box. They are still in that black bag (previously pictured) and ride behind the back seat of my truck. lol



.

 

[Finky198]

I have that set made in China the Mac bag is nicer than the pliers their garbage. I've been Tempted to chuck them on multiple occasions. For me this was last nail in the coffin regarding Mac as a viable option in the tool market.

 

[nbpt100]

Perish the thought!!

So you can Pimp Any Website?

 

[nieuport17]

Has the op come back from his beer yet?
What exactly is he trying to say by posting his picture?

 

[d.mcfarland]

Clearly not the same.

 

[jerseykat1]

It's pretty clear that neither of those cutters are of great quality.. However my HF cutters do cut and they cut as I expect them to so I'm okay with that.

Yes this post was just to kick the beehive..I think the topic alone gave that away.

But it is useful in a sense that brand loyalty can often mislead you.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[shockwave]

Yeah same as my blue point cutters too

 

[M6erfan]

33 posts and my only reaction is "who gives a f*k". Wait, 34 posts now...

 

[Ram Hemi]

The MAC does NOT say USA either.....

Just because the MAC pliers don't say China on them doesn't mean they are made in the USA. For example, I have a BRAND NEW set of Irwin Vise Grips sitting next to me while I type this and NOWHERE does it say China on them. But guess what? They're made in China!

There was an old thread on this site years ago discussing the MAC tools pliers sets that come with those black carrying bags. The general consensus was that MAC promotional pliers sets were made in China. However, you could order MUCH higher quality, made in the USA, MAC pliers individually from a MAC dealer, or their website. The cheap, promotional pliers from China, with that ****** laser engraving look pretty poor when held next to an known USA plier. And last, but not least, my MAC dealer TOLD ME they were made in China.

Either way, I really don't care. Regardless where they are made, I thought the overall quality was VERY POOR. The finish grinding on all the pliers that came in my bag was SOOO bad that it looked like Ray Charles work for MAC. That was the last pliers purchase that I ever made with my MAC dealer. I have since bought SEVERAL pliers and cutters from my SO dealer and there is ABSOLUTELY no comparison in quality..... I am a pliers junkie! I have over 200 pairs of pliers and cutters, and still counting. I will never stop buying pliers! But I can guarantee there will never be another MAC added to my box. lol

In fact, the MAC pliers were SO BAD that I never even put them in my tool box. They are still in that black bag (previously pictured) and ride behind the back seat of my truck. lol



.

I have the same set, the exaggeration in your post is obvious, yes the etching instead of engraving ****, they all work pretty decently, there is much better out there and it is obvious that they are promotional type items, I still do use my kleins in many cases but they aren't "SO BAD" as you indicated multiple times. But I guess when you collect pliers for the sake of being able to say you have 200+ pairs you wouldn't want to have them embarrassing your collection to the rest of your co workers now would you.

 

[four.cycle]

The two examples shown in the OP's first post are clearly different: the arc just below the joint is different. You wouldn't be re-tooling a die on a drop forge to make a change that minor.

I wouldn't put money on it, but my best guess is that the "MAC" version is most likely made by this outfit:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-America...606713?hash=item1e9698abb9:g:PhwAAOSwj0NUiLnZ

They supply a number of different "tool makers", among them Armstrong and Proto. (confirmed/phone 12/16) They're more than a bit reticent about blabbermouthing about who they're selling what to, but it would come as no surprise if "MAC" was on their account list.

(Oddly, I am not finding that model on the manufacturer's website, so it's possible they were a special-order made for Mr. Bowers, like the hose-grip (ring-nose) pliers.)

 

[AA/FC]

I have the same set, the exaggeration in your post is obvious, yes the etching instead of engraving ****, they all work pretty decently, there is much better out there and it is obvious that they are promotional type items, I still do use my kleins in many cases but they aren't "SO BAD" as you indicated multiple times. But I guess when you collect pliers for the sake of being able to say you have 200+ pairs you wouldn't want to have them embarrassing your collection to the rest of your co workers now would you.

Lol....

You have no idea what you're talking about when it comes to me, or my pliers "collection". And no, there is no exaggeration in my post about the MAC set that I own. The quality really is that bad.... you must have received a "good" set.

 

[Super Mech]

I have that HF cutter for over ten years and it has held up to daily use in a commercial environment without a problem. It looks exactly like the Mac one that I had also(which disappeared a few years ago). The more present version of that cutter has a rougher, less refined finish than the one I have.

 

[camd64]

I just got my new replacement MAC P11LRDCA cutters delivered. I also happen to own the HF ones as well. The HF are OK but they are not ground parallel (you can see light through the cutter blades), I do really like them grips on them. Older MAC's look better but from what I remember my old ones were US made and I was told by MAC on the phone the new ones are made in Canada.

 

[M_George]

I prefer the Channel Lock brand. Made right here in Pennsylvania.

 

[jd_1138]

Those aren't the same tools. Lots of differences. I wonder if HF used the Mac ones as a template?

 

[Moose97]

Good night people! Why do we continue to do this?

If you want to purchase tools at HF, go for it!

If you want to buy nothing but Mac, Matco, Snap-on or any other, go for it!

Again, why do we care what tools somebody else chooses to purchase and use?