Ring Pliers: Craftsman Pro = rebranded Channellock

[geologist]

After doing a bit of searching around for ring pliers, I discovered quite by accident that Craftsman Pro retaining ring pliers (large) are identical to Channellock 927 retaining ring pliers.

In my situation, the Channellock pliers were actually cheaper (Menards) vs the Craftsman Pro pair (Sears) by several dollars. However, your mileage may vary, especially since Sears currently has their rebranded version on sale.

It's worth nothing that the handles on the Craftsman Pro version are textured rather than dipped like the Channellock originals.

 

[camarotoolman]

The c-mans are easier to get warrented though.

 

[9GUY9]

their both junk. I had the cman pair. they developed so much play they became unusable. The switchable mechanism is the problem.

 

[purplezr2]

ya they **** on heavy snap rings and will break, I'm still looking for a good set

 

[greasemonkey44]

...i think ive seen them branded as lang and a few others too

 

[rocco]

i've got the large unit in channellock and the small version in the craftsman branded version, both have worked good for me, however i doubt they would take daily use too well.

 

[adamsredlines]

There's many brands who have that design/style, I picked up a set at Ace Hardware, I forget which "brand" but they are an identical mechanism.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Another thing I noticed on these, because I got a c-man set some time ago, is that the ends where you insert the bits, they are untreated and rust insanely fast. None of my other tools even had a hint of rust, but these babies looked like they'd been out in the rain or something, and they were all stored side by side. They cleaned up OK, but it hasn't helped my opinion of them. I use them when they'll work, but I have some others for tighter spots or more difficult applications where these don't quite make the grade.

 

[Boiler]

It sure appears to me that I can see several minor differences in the shape of the metal. Not saying either or both is worth anything or bad, just my observation. I've seen several brands that have this design though.

 

[pipsters]

A & E Tools makes them I think
http://www.aetools.com/products/hi-tech-tools/quick-switch-pliers-with-tip-kit-1.html

Even has the same Cman pro handle color

I agree about the rust they rust fairly quickly I keep mine in the box they came with with a block of camphor.

I have this set I bought off ebay, branded Craftsman pro, for around $60 NOS.

 

[JASTECH]

So what are the best in/out with a good switch? I havve a pair of C'man that are 15-20 yrs old. Was tired of 2 screwdriver version, but still do it, lol

 

[tjmonsen5]

They ****. I was trying to pull the snap ring out of my ratchet, and the jaws on this tool spread too much to pull the ring out!

I busted out my old fashioned craftsman kit, the kind that you need to pull the pliers apart and put back together to reverse them.. pulled the snap ring out no problem.
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00947383000P?keyword=retaining+ring&prdNo=5&blockNo=5&blockType=L5

 

[nicholasbailey1993]

I bought a pair of the c-man pliers and the very first time i used them i broke 2 sets of tips trying to get the snap ring out of a ratchet. Needless to say i took them and got my money back.

 

[trboxman]

I have the ones that AE sells direct and haven't had any problems with them working on internal or external snaps.

 

[amguttin]

i have the proto set form grainger and they are GREAT! not cheap thougn

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Latest set of craftys I bought are about 5 years old. Can't add up the number of snap rings on hubs I've used them on...no problems thus far with them nor the set I keep in my trail rig for trail repairs. No problems with those either