Pliers Set - Wiha or Channellock

[Craigy]

Looking to pickup a good set.

Channellock:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M08Q84/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or

Wiha:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BG64XK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Any opinions? Experience with the industrial soft grips?

 

[Craigy]

For what it's worth, I already have a couple original Channellock tongue and groove (and they're swell), but that eliminates two of the items in the Channellock set. Also I don't particularly need another screwdriver 6 in 1 or otherwise.

Probably just answered this for myself.

 

[reyna14]

I have that same Wiha set and I gotta say, best I've ever used by far. I never realized how nice a good set of wire strippers was and everything is jsut buttery smooth. Highly recommended.

 

[Craigy]

Thanks! I was hoping to find someone who'd used them.

 

[lbgradwell]

Probably just answered this for myself.

Probably, but if COO is important to you, you should check where those Wihas are made; their lower-end line is made in Vietnam...

 

[willhollin]

Wiha are made in Vietnam if that matters to you.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Channellock. Haven't been too impressed with Wiha pliers - they seem to chip a lot easier than any other brand I own.

 

[Brownsfan]

If you could find a different set of Channellock I would recommend them. I have Channellock and Snap On in my box and the Cnanellock is every bit as good. If it is only a choice between the 2 I say Wiha because it is a more complete PLIER set.

 

[metaldad]

The code blue is a nice set of handles.
And if another multi tip bothers you, you can send it this way.

 

[bart1]

Here's another Willi Hann set:

http://wihatools.com/special_05.htm

 

[dandan111]

(wiha). I don't even know how to say it for sure,Get the channellock.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Channellock!

 

[concealer404]

Here's another Willi Hann set:

http://wihatools.com/special_05.htm

Oh my that looks nice.

 

[cgv69]

Me personally, neither.

Not that I have a problem with either brand. Just the opposite I own tools from both brands that I am very happy with but I have 2 issues with the kits shown.

A. I generally don't like kits. They usually do save you money as opposed to buying each tool individually but they often contain tools I don't want or have a use for. Getting a "deal" on something I don't need or want isn't really a deal IMO.

B. I know it's the latest trend but I don't care for these big thick grips a lot of companies are making now. I prefer a standard rubberized grip like what comes on ChannelLocks standard line of tools. On the other hand, If you have really big hands you may prefer those larger grips.

I prefer to buy my pliers individually as needed and my favorite brands right now are ChannelLock and Knipex

 

[chris6278]

Channellocks but if u gota few extra bucks go with knipex. They're expensive but the best out there

 

[bobbar]

Channellocks. I tried the viet wiha and sold them. If u dont mind the orginal blue grips. Harry epstein has some nos at good prices. Piece the set together urself then purchase a canvas bag if you need it

 

[geologist]

I prefer the Channellocks myself - fiercely made in Meadville, Pennsylvania. I wasn't impressed by Vietnamese made Wiha.

 

[Monte]

Knipex or NWS

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

never had the wiah but i like the old plain blue handle channellocks. lost a couple pair between a couple moves as a young lad and i need to replace them still

 

[jzt]

Another vote for Knipex.
Buy used, ebay, classifieds here, or sales @ Sears to save money.

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

swiss wiha if you can find them, german knipex/nws/felo

 

[archirelic]

If you do choose to go with the Wiha pliers set you linked to, make sure you shop around b/c there are several vendors that offer it for 99 bucks. That'll save you quite a bit of change compared to your link.

And I also second the notion that you would probably be better off piecing together a set of pliers rather than buying an already-made set. You'll truly get to customize with the pliers you need and want without all the incendiary fluff. Besides that, you can then shop around for your own tool roll or carrying apparatus.

 

[Craigy]

I am aware of the vietnam issue with wihas. . . but I love the wiha stuff that I have and am willing to take the risk.

I may just add to the channellock collection a la carte, as the set doesn't really help me out all that much. One good thing though is I hear that the new code blue stuff is now 100% USA, whereas the grips used to be chinese. I prefer the look of the old grips, but the new ones are definitely more comfortable.

The Knipex and NWS stuff seems a little lavish. . . but worth looking into.

Thanks again guys for your enthusiastic input

 

[Craigy]

If you do choose to go with the Wiha pliers set you linked to, make sure you shop around b/c there are several vendors that offer it for 99 bucks. That'll save you quite a bit of change compared to your link.

Thanks!

 

[shoturtle]

Wiha are made in Vietnam if that matters to you.

Some are some are not, but the vietnam wiha are made at a wiha own factory with german management overseeing QC.

The VDE and EDS stuff are made in the EU and Swiss.

 

[shoturtle]

Looking to pickup a good set.

Channellock:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M08Q84/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or

Wiha:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BG64XK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Any opinions? Experience with the industrial soft grips?

Having both channel lock and wiha, the wiha design is better for precision work. My channel lock are used for brute stuff.

Also the vietnam wiha are actually pretty nice quality and have a much nicer finish then the channel lock, and will now rust as quickly.

 

[kippieland]

Channellocks!

 

[JayL]

Knipex .... a set with customized selection according to your needs.

 

[volunteers]

Wiha have some good products, but pliers are not impressive at all.

 

[Notwerk]

I'm voting Channellock. Love every pair of Channellock pliers I own.

Personally, I'd start with this set and add as needed. But if you prefer the Code Blue grips, by all means.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Channellock gets bagged on a lot for "rusting", but the Klein, Ideal, and Proto pliers I have all get the same "rust" - which is really just surface patina. It's cosmetic only, and doesn't bother me one bit.

 

[DMAR]

For pliers, I'd go with Channellock, they make a very good, and durable tool. I'm sure the Wiha's are also good, but why make the decision difficult, Channellock makes great pliers at a fair price, with the added bonus of keeping some USA workers employed. To me, this is a no-brainer.

Now, if the particular set does not match your needs, then that's another story. As others have mentioned, just source out the individual pieces that you may need...

I think if you are going to go European (or Vietnamese, as the case may be...), go with Knipex, they are very well made, and durable. Of course you pay more, and I don't think you get much of an advantage compared to Channellock tools. I personally think people get too wrapped around the axle on these decisions, go with the quality tool that has a decent price. Also, the code blue handles are nice, but not necessary. I think you can get a better value with the regular grips. YMMV.

 

[HandyManny]

Channellock all the way. Knipex are excellent too but not as easily found.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I like channel lock for the money.

 

[Craigy]

Channellock gets bagged on a lot for "rusting", but the Klein, Ideal, and Proto pliers I have all get the same "rust" - which is really just surface patina. It's cosmetic only, and doesn't bother me one bit.

In the pool business channellocks would rust through if they weren't taken care of. But then again everything rusted in the pool business.