"pliers"

[Vortaku]

I know that NWS and Knipex seem to get alot of love around here, I was wondering what YOUR favorite is and why?

I am looking into getting some "pliers" soon. I am not sure what I will even need to start with. But like everything else, I have no problem paying for quality. I can order anywhere online.

I would LOVE for the brand thast i decide to go with have an entire lineup, so i can jsut say "i need new needlenose, let me go to the nws catalog and search for this part number"

COO really isnt super important to me, quality trumps COO imo.

Thanks guys,
Vor

 

[organ]

All told I think Channellock is top dog. They offer a great product... maybe not the best or fanciest... at a great price. I own Knipex and NWS pliers as well. They're also great pliers... but very expensive.

 

[evanbaker08]

Knipex, Channellock, NWS, or truck brands of course

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Channellock has pretty much set the standard for USA made pliers (and is "rebadged" by some of the truck brands). I also have some Klien for electrical work, and a mix of Knipex and Engineer for newer specialty stuff. As well as a good amount of older USA Proto, Williams, Craftsman, etc.

 

[PoorOwner]

The "must get" from knipex are wrench pliers, Cobras and mini bolt cutters.

I have no issue using Irwin's knock off of the Cobras though. A fraction of the price make it easy to get the various sizes. In fact the Irwin seems even easier to adjust.

 

[Carves]

My favourites are my old Sidchrome, Brit, and, Japanese, pliers and cutters.

Plastic or plain metal handles ... easy clean, easy maintenance.


I also really like the NWS I have ... comfortable to use, cut and grip well ... but I wouldnt have bought 'em except that an aussie bigbox store, is selling a limited selection of the fancy handle models, for about half price.

... I only use them where they wont get too dirty or knocked about ..

 

[Askme42]

Another channellock vote.

 

[Tenex]

The "must get" from knipex are wrench pliers, Cobras and mini bolt cutters.

AMEN! I prefer Channellock for almost everything else, but Knipex is where it's at.

 

[Finky198]

The "must get" from knipex are wrench pliers, Cobras and mini bolt .

I would agree with this ^^^ I also like there diagonal cutters and after getting use to the alligator pliers I now believe they are far superior to the channel lock brand. By exceeding grip force, using tighter tolerances, and higher quality fit and finish they are worth the extra price

I Also use snap on, klein, craftsman, channel lock

 

[rodsnratfinks]

I like Klein, Knipex, Ideal, Channellock, and Snap On in no particular order. Different brands are better at different things. However, I am slowly moving away from Channellock and Klein. I think in the next little while I will be focusing on Knipex with the occasional Ideal or Klein. For work as an electrician, and for precision stuff, I find myself wanting more precision and better fit and finish. Klein's linemen pliers are still my preference, for needlenose and cutters I like Knipex or Snap On, strippers and manual crimpers, I like Ideal, water pump pliers, Knipex or Channellock is fine. If I didn't do a lot of electrical/electronics work, I would be fine with Channellock.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[rick carpenter]

I think you can go with Channellock or Klein or Knipex and not make a bad choice. But for a mixed selection like mine, I like Crescent's and CL's tongue & groove v-jaws better than Knipex's push-button Cobras and "half moon" Alligators. The adjustment is simpler and I think stronger. Most will say that Klein linesmen are the best. I didn't want to pay that much so I have CL linesmen that I'm not afraid to use as a 'persuader' too if needed. My 10" Knipex pliers wrenches are great, I want some maybe 7" too. I've never bought new vise grips, all my old Petersens just won't quit on me.

Most everyone starts with ~10" pliers of any kind, but don't forget to buy some smaller pairs too, they're often really handy.

 

[anndel]

Channellock, Snap On, some 1980's Craftsman and 1980's Petersen Vise Grip.

 

[Road_runner]

I have a mixture of Draper, Knipex, Tekton and Facom.

Probably Facom are my favourite.

 

[RRmech]

Diamond and Utica

 

[Dave455]

Being a Brit, a lot of mine are Elliott Lucas, and the quality is unbeatable! Sadly though, they are mostly older tools, and neither the quality, or the range, is so good now!

Knipex justifiably gets a lot of respect, and the range is huge. They're a safe bet! A lot of the newer NWS models seem to have quite a crude finish to me so I'd probably pass! I do like VBW though. Their range is huge and quality top end! (They made pliers for Stahlwille for years, and I think are now owned by them!) don't know what their distribution is like in the U.S.

if you like American pattern tools (they are different) then Channellock has to be a safe choice. Huge range and top quality! Alternatively, Snap On offers some good rugged tools, though like Elliott Lucas, neither the range or the quality is quite what it was!

Personally, I think it's hard to meet all your needs from one manufacturer! I love, for example, my Maun 'parallel action' pliers, and use them extensively. Though I have cutters to match (also superb tools) there's no point trying to get a pair of combination pliers from Maun 'cos they don't make them - you have to 'mix and match'!

COO should be important to you, because if you know little else about a tool, it's the best indicator of quality there is!

 

[ganymede]

Wilde.
Snap On.
Klein.
Craftsman .

 

[Kensgarage]

I can only choose one ? Channellock.

 

[Davefr]

You need to be specific on the type of plier. Ideally you'll have a mix of brands depending on the style.

For example Knipex Cobras are wonderful but their needlenose are garbage.

SO/Klein needle nose are great.

Now if you want precision pliers there's Tronex, Swanstrom, Lindstrom.

If you want overall good value then Channelock sets are nice.

 

[Jim C.]

I like Channellocks for the most part....USA made, price, etc. I also have a few pairs of Knipex that were certainly worth the investment. I started with some Craftsman pliers from the early to mid 1980s which were probably manufactured by Western Forge. They've been absolutely fine too. If I were just starting out, trying to pick up a few pairs of pliers/cutters, etc., I'd probably go with Channellocks.

Jim C.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Talon grip needle nose are the best pliers Snap-On makes. They blow Channellock and NWS out of the water.

 

[SantaAna12]

You need to be specific on the type of plier. Ideally you'll have a mix of brands depending on the style.

For example Knipex Cobras are wonderful but their needlenose are garbage.

SO/Klein needle nose are great.

Now if you want precision pliers there's Tronex, Swanstrom, Lindstrom.
If you want overall good value then Channelock sets are nice.

+1.

Yellow handle 5" Klein needlenose would be my value choice.

 

[Vortaku]

You need to be specific on the type of plier. Ideally you'll have a mix of brands depending on the style.

For example Knipex Cobras are wonderful but their needlenose are garbage.

SO/Klein needle nose are great.

Now if you want precision pliers there's Tronex, Swanstrom, Lindstrom.

If you want overall good value then Channelock sets are nice.

Well I suppose a better question is where should i start? I currently have 0 pliers of any kind

 

[stearn786]

Nobody seems to make locking pliers that are worth a **** anymore. NOS Petersons are about the only option anymore. I keep wearing the teeth off everything else.

My Taiwan made Milwaukee locking pliers are the only import I've used that worked, and that's probably due to me cranking them down so tight with the handle loop that they can't slip.

All the other pliers I have are either Channellock or US Craftman.

Has anybody tried a German made pair of locking pliers (NWS, Knipex, etc.)?

 

[Bierisch]

I would agree with this ^^^ I also like there diagonal cutters and after getting use to the alligator pliers I now believe they are far superior to the channel lock brand. By exceeding grip force, using tighter tolerances, and higher quality fit and finish they are worth the extra percentage

Can you tell me the difference between the Alligator and Cobras? I looked at pictures but they all look the same to me!

 

[zkling]

I have mixed feelings on channellock. Yes they are common and fair priced for USA made tools, but the warranty leaves lots to be desired IMHO.

I'm not to impressed with their cutters, crimper, needle nose or "nut buster" series. Pains me to say it but I've been turning to the tool truck brands for new, non clearance plier purchases. The up front cost is more, but they are backed by a warranty beyond defect.

 

[martin666]

I own pliers from the big 3 truck brands, Knipex, almost all the recognized top tier USA manufacturers, and if i had to choose just one brand to use it would be Channellock, dollar to dollar value and their vast selection I dont think they can be beat

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Depends on the style. Channellocks for water pump pliers, knipex for Linesman's, Klein or knipex for needle nose are what I keep in my pouch.

 

[Tellingthem]

Can you tell me the difference between the Alligator and Cobras? I looked at pictures but they all look the same to me!

Cobra has a push button adjustment mechanism with more available positions. The Alligator is more traditional adjustment design with less positions.

 

[methomas70]

Well I suppose a better question is where should i start? I currently have 0 pliers of any kind

A great place to start is garage sales.
You're in Texas, so it's not cold yet and sales are still happening.

I have over a dozen Channellocks that I've bought for anywhere from 50 cents to $5.00 for unused big ones. None were junk, rusty, or used up. I've also gotten Klein, Mac, Utica, Craftsman, Snap-On, and Crescent at those prices too.

 

[zkling]

Well I suppose a better question is where should i start? I currently have 0 pliers of any kind

What's your budget? Dave has a good list of 5 or so top pliers that will cover ~95% of pliers uses. You can try the garage sale route, but it will take lots of time, patience and or luck. Most of the pliers I've ran across used are sloppy, smooth and just plain worn out. Slip joints, channellock T&G and diagonal cutters you pretty much trip over at sales.

 

[methomas70]

What's your budget? Dave has a good list of 5 or so top pliers that will cover ~95% of pliers uses. You can try the garage sale route, but it will take lots of time, patience and or luck. Most of the pliers I've ran across used are sloppy, smooth and just plain worn out. Slip joints, channellock T&G and diagonal cutters you pretty much trip over at sales.

Garage sales are tough, I agree. They're not everyone's cup of tea.
There's a lot of crappy garage gales that you'll have to put some time/effort into to get to the good stuff.
(I'm re-posting this from last year):

Some examples of crappy garage sales-

1) me: "your Craigslist ad stated you have tools for sale"
Idiot: "um yeah, I shouldn't have said tools, there aren't any, hey, need some baby clothes or a toaster?"

2) me: "your Craigslist ad stated you have tools for sale"
Different garage sale idiot: "yup, they're right there", points to a shoebox full of used doorknobs and RCA patch cords.

3) drive 6 miles to garage sale, ad says "tons of hand tools"
No garage sale, nothing in driveway, no one home.

4) me: "how much for the effed-up, bent, rusty, worn-out, seized, pitted, hammered-on, detent-ball-missing Snap-on ratchet that has brown water coming out of it when you turn it upside down because it has spent more time outside than the statue of liberty?"
Cranky old man: "well my son checked eBay and those go for over $100, so I'll say $75 firm"

Bottom line: You gotta kiss a lot of frogs to get the good stuff.

 

[bcradio]

I agree, I hate wasting all that time going to garage sales around here for mostly junk.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

Most of my stuff is Channellock with some Snap-On mixed in, vise-grip locking pliers and some vintage Cee-Tee and Kruater and a bunch of other worn out **** mixed in as well. Don't have a reason why only because its what I have so I use it.

 

[zcbauer89]

I really like Channelock and Klein. Those are probably my favorites. I don't have any Knipex though.

 

[Vortaku]

What's your budget? Dave has a good list of 5 or so top pliers that will cover ~95% of pliers uses. You can try the garage sale route, but it will take lots of time, patience and or luck. Most of the pliers I've ran across used are sloppy, smooth and just plain worn out. Slip joints, channellock T&G and diagonal cutters you pretty much trip over at sales.

Where can I locate these suggestions?

 

[four.cycle]

okay so... anybody willing to provide any feedback on Wilde?

 

[KineticDissent]

Well I suppose a better question is where should i start? I currently have 0 pliers of any kind

What kind of work will you find yourself doing the most of? The guy building a hot rod will have different wants/needs than the guy fixing up his house. Those needs can make a big impact on the brand he will like.

 

[KraftwerkMk1Jetta]

Knipex
Channellock
Snap On

I think Knipex pliers have a better finish then Snap On pliers, and Channellocks are the best bang for the buck.

 

[Vortaku]

What kind of work will you find yourself doing the most of? The guy building a hot rod will have different wants/needs than the guy fixing up his house. Those needs can make a big impact on the brand he will like.

amusingly I would love to restore a old 40s or 50s truck.
However I will also be needing things for around the house!

If i had to pick one direction right now it would be automotive and restoration

 

[Finky198]

Can you tell me the difference between the Alligator and Cobras? I looked at pictures but they all look the same to me!

The cobras are push button adjust vs the alligators are a slip joint design