Opinions on ChannelLock Brand

[FreshClassic]

So I just stopped at sears and took a gander. I spent about 20 miniutes examining the Channellocks i had been lusting after for the longest time. I picked up these two for $18.99 together!
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I was also going to grab the CL side cutters, but before i could, i was drawn to the new Knipex section, and proceeded to drool. Now I am torn, i cannot decide which i would rather have, channel lock or knipex. Anybody have experience using both brands? How do they compare? Also, how do these two brands stand up to Snap On? Thanks!

 

[shoturtle]

Channel are nice, but the knipex are better and more expensive, the cobra and alligators are excellent pliers. I have the wiha ones instead. And they apply greater holding force on a nut or bolt then the channel. I use the channel for more brutal work, and my wiha for more precision work.

 

[NastyNate]

I use the channel for more brutal work, and my wiha for more precision work.

Hits the nail on the head! I love channel lock and use them every day at work. I think I have about 15 different channel lock tools and they have stood the test of time. Best bang for the buck. Get some Knipex if you have extra money to throw around I'm sure you would love them.

 

[PeterT]

Channellocks have never let me down. From the large linemans pliers to the gas pliers, all made in Pennyslvania USA. If you have a Menards in your area they run specials on them every once in a while.

I can remember 40 years ago as a 6 year old, helping my dad with a number of tasks in the house and garage - he would always ask me to run to his tool box and get the blue handled pliers. I grew up and realized those were the Channellock gas pliers. He still has those pliers and uses them often.

 

[Roots]

Channellock is fiercely made in the USA and one of the best values amongst professional - industrial grade tools. Their tongue and groove pliers are some of the strongest ones on the market IMO as well.

That being said, I'm a fan of Knipex as well and their quick adjustable cobra/alligators are top notch in terms of grip and usability. However, I notice they flex a lot more than Channellocks when you're applying a lot of force.

Both Channellock and Knipex will serve you well in a professional environment, as will Snap-On. If money isn't an issue, I'd slightly lean towards Snap-On.

 

[magova1104]

Channellock is fiercely made in the USA and one of the best values amongst professional - industrial grade tools. Their tongue and groove pliers are some of the strongest ones on the market IMO as well.

That being said, I'm a fan of Knipex as well and their quick adjustable cobra/alligators are top notch in terms of grip and usability. However, I notice they flex a lot more than Channellocks when you're applying a lot of force.

Both Channellock and Knipex will serve you well in a professional environment, as will Snap-On. If money isn't an issue, I'd slightly lean towards Snap-On.

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[cgv69]

Channellock is fiercely made in the USA and one of the best values amongst professional - industrial grade tools. Their tongue and groove pliers are some of the strongest ones on the market IMO as well.

That being said, I'm a fan of Knipex as well and their quick adjustable cobra/alligators are top notch in terms of grip and usability. However, I notice they flex a lot more than Channellocks when you're applying a lot of force.

Both Channellock and Knipex will serve you well in a professional environment

I would agree with that and add, ChannelLocks are all the tool you will ever need at an incredible price for the quality but if you can afford and appreciate the improvements that Knipex brings to the table, you'll probably never regret spending the money on them.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

Love all my ChannelLock stuff. Good solid tools.

 

[bigbarf48]

Ive not been impressed with my channellock purchases. The adjustable that everyone seems to love was especially dissapointing. Sloppy jaws and seems to be of a soft metal cause its got more gouges than any of my other adjustables. The snap ring pliers i have are nice but the tips bent like paperclips. Maybe just inherent to interchangeable tip units

 

[metaldad]

I buy USA made.

 

[e30bradley]

Channel are nice, but the knipex are better and more expensive, the cobra and alligators are excellent pliers. I have the wiha ones instead. And they apply greater holding force on a nut or bolt then the channel. I use the channel for more brutal work, and my wiha for more precision work.

aren't the wiha pliers made in vietnam?

 

[Mustang1167]

I have the channellocks and they work great but i still look at knipex everytime i go to a sears. Get both and be twice as happy

 

[shoturtle]

aren't the wiha pliers made in vietnam?

Not the ones I have, they are made in Germany and Switzerland. Their basic line is made in Vietnam. Have not used them but heard they were good quality tools.

 

[synergy321]

Both Channellock and Knipex will serve you well in a professional environment, as will Snap-On. If money isn't an issue, I'd slightly lean towards Snap-On.

I've seen both Snap On and Matco have the knipex cobra pliers on their trucks, so take that as you may. I've been itching to get a pair myself.

 

[canuckian]

I'm no pro but IMHO, channel lock has to be the best bang for the buck out there for pliers. Sure there are better offerings out there and some people complain that they rust a bit but I've used channel locks for years with no real complaints.

 

[Jim C.]

I'm definitely a big fan!!

Jim C.

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

Channellock pliers are nice enough but not as "polished" as the German offerings. But what I think really separate Knipex from the rest is their constant pursuit for improvement. BTW, Swiss Wiha pliers have the nicest finish I found.

 

[CAOS]

Ive not been impressed with my channellock purchases. The adjustable that everyone seems to love was especially dissapointing. Sloppy jaws and seems to be of a soft metal cause its got more gouges than any of my other adjustables. The snap ring pliers i have are nice but the tips bent like paperclips. Maybe just inherent to interchangeable tip units

Farmer wrenches(adjustable wrenches) make a better hammer then a wrench for the most part.

 

[Brownsfan]

Their 909 crimper/cutter are my favorite. I have used just about all types of crimper/cutters from a lot of brands and the channels are my go to

 

[1967lemans]

I have a few sets and am happy with them. Nice to see some affordable, dependable US made tools! (lived in Meadville PA for awhile)

 

[woody 73]

Some time ago I picked up a set of code blue tools from channelock and let me tell you they are very nice tools. If you get the chance and you can see them in a store pick them up and try them out you will be very pleased.

 

[XaqNautilus]

I have one pair and love them. I know a bunch of Electricians who love them.

While the post above downplays the value of their adjustable wrench I know a few who love them and the play in them is less than others. Maybe he got a bad one. I want to get one for myself.

Their prices are really good for a good made in USA tool.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Their 909 crimper/cutter are my favorite. I have used just about all types of crimper/cutters from a lot of brands and the channels are my go to

I love me some Channellock brand, but this in particular. Bought them to do a project on my Bronco and wonder how the heck I ever lived without proper crimpers before. Got my father to snag a pair, he's never looked back either.

Good stuff.

 

[str8axle55]

I like them, use the big slip joint pliers daily at work. They are the only slip joints I use, or have needed to use. I think I have about 10-12 various new one`s that are like 10yrs old now.

 

[fivespdcat]

Channellocks are great! I have them for just about everything except adjustables, I do have one, but this where the extra cash on Knipex really shows. Buy a set of pliers wrenches and never look back!

 

[shampoop]

Channellocks are awesome. Cheap enough for the average joe to justify buying, yet plenty good enough for a professional to use. For plier types pros use very often, buying something expensive like knipex cobras with a button for quick easy adjustments is often justified.

 

[bigcaddy]

I would have to agree with anybody posting above attesting to the fact that Channel Locks are the best value for the buck. My old man had the keep the field employees fitted with basic tools to perform their duties and Channel Locks were the only brand of pliers he would buy.

I remember when i graduated HS and Dad bought me a Craftsman tool box combo but i had no tools to fill it with. We went into the tool room at the office and he gave me a Stanley torpedo level and chalk line, Stanley 25' steel tape and of course, a few pairs of Channel locks. I still have those pairs and use them often. They might actually be the most handy tool i have it that chest!

 

[JDS968]

I use the 460 every day, love it.

 

[wxm]

I am a big fan of ChannelLock. Had been using the import for years until I get hands on a pair of the "blue" pliers. What a difference!

 

[gsmornot]

Farmer wrenches(adjustable wrenches) make a better hammer then a wrench for the most part.

I was looking to see if anyone was going to mention this. I think I would rather use my Channelocks as a hammer then to use a set of Knipex. Nothing against them, just think I would feel kind of bad doing it. .....and don't tell me at least some of you haven't used your pliers as a hammer. Ha.

 

[House Sparrow]

My Channellock 440s were the first new pliers I ever bought. I still have them and use them. I buy mostly Snap-On, and have for the last ten years, but Channellock and Proto are the two non-SO brands I'll gladly buy.

My local hardware store stocks all kinds of Channellocks. It's walking distance from my shop, the owner is one of my best friends, plus my wife works there, so I buy everything I possibly can from there. I keep trying to get them to dump the imported Stanley wrenches/sockets and bring in Proto, too, but at least they have Channellock.

 

[shoturtle]

If you are considering a plier wrench, amazon has a great deal

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000SOSCFS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JDS968]

I was looking to see if anyone was going to mention this. I think I would rather use my Channelocks as a hammer then to use a set of Knipex. Nothing against them, just think I would feel kind of bad doing it. .....and don't tell me at least some of you haven't used your pliers as a hammer. Ha.

I have never used my pliers as a hammer. I have...hammers for that. That said, my Channellocks feel like, if I ever were to use them as a hammer, they would not mind in the slightest.

 

[shampoop]

Also needs to be known, I feel like wilde is just like a red handled version of channellock. Love everything I've bought from them too.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I grew up around Channellocks, my uncle was a plumber for 40 years. They are one of my preferred brands of pliers. Of course, I like the tongue and groove pliers, but their 909 crimper is also one of my favorites.

 

[W650Mike]

Farmer wrenches(adjustable wrenches) make a better hammer then a wrench for the most part.

An adjustable and a groove joint in the tractor tool box is all you ever need. Pull, twist, pry, pound, turn, tighten, loosen, hold with one pound on with the other. If you haven't beat on things with an adjustable wrench - you haven't lived on a farm.

 

[Tim Cowan]

I am solid on the Channellocks and they don't make junk. Futhermore, my wife's favorite color is Blue, so she ok's my tool purchases.....TIM

 

[toolmutt]

I've carried a pair of t&g in my bunker pants for 26 years. Wouldn't leave the house without them.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Mike, I never lived on a farm, and I've routinely beat on things with an adjustable wrench! I did theater lighting throughout school, and some bolts on the lighting instruments just did not want to come loose!
In the theater world, an adjustable wrench is called an electrician's hammer

 

[shoturtle]

Some time ago I picked up a set of code blue tools from channelock and let me tell you they are very nice tools. If you get the chance and you can see them in a store pick them up and try them out you will be very pleased.

the code blue pliers are nice, their chinese made screw drivers are okay, the tips are average.