Snap ring pliers

[mikebaker1129]

I have never used the Lang snap ring pliers, but judging on the Amazon reviews at least a few think they are cheap import junk. I doubt Snap On is rebranding these same units... I ran into something similar today. Snap On sells Vacula (Made in Sweden) blow guns & accessories for something like $33-62.50. You can buy what LOOKS the same from Mac/Matco for $30-40. At least the Matco ones are made by PTP in Taiwan. But they LOOK identical. As far as I know the PTP stuff is decent for the money, but if those Lang's are Chinese who knows what you're going to get when the inspector leaves & they turn the dial from normal to fast on the production line...

I have a set of the Langs and I was not impressed. Mine are made in the USA,but seem cheaply made. I just picked up a set of Craftsman's made by Stride in the USA at a pawn for $60 and they are more stout than the Langs.

 

[paulsomlo]

I saw these in another thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5153797&postcount=106
When I checked the price, they were a bit expensive, but I think they might fulfill both requirements of being sturdy and reaching down into a bore. If someone could find a decent price on these, I think they would be a winner. And there's an extra tip set that has different sizes.

 

[four.cycle]

"I have never used the Lang snap ring pliers, but judging on the Amazon reviews at least a few think they are cheap import junk. I doubt Snap On is rebranding these same units... "

To clarify:
The Kastar/Lang/A&E one-piece snap-ring pliers like those contained in the sets (3495, 3497), as well as the "convertible" snap-ring pliers (1421, 1434, 1435), all of which are re-branded for a number of other tool "manufacturers" are all made in Racine, Wisconsin, USA.

A simple visual comparison will usually confirm who the OE manufacturer is on those higher-priced re-branded versions.

http://www.langtools.com/snap-ring-pliers/?sort=featured&page=1

^ Their 1-800 number is right at the top of that page there. Ask for "customer service".

 

[md21722]

If that's the case, that's good news, so someone could get these for $70 instead of $365 from Snap On. While the design is the same, the steel in the Snap On versions is not black like in these Langs. Perhaps that's purely cosmetic, or there is a different grade of steel or treatment in the Snap On ones.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

If that's the case, that's good news, so someone could get these for $70 instead of $365 from Snap On. While the design is the same, the steel in the Snap On versions is not black like in these Langs. Perhaps that's purely cosmetic, or there is a different grade of steel or treatment in the Snap On ones.

I wouldn't consider it realistic to expect the best snap ring pliers for an average cost of around $6 each with delivery.. I have a bunch of SnapOn snap ring pliers that will be duplicated by the 12 piece Lang set I ordered. My SnapOn snap ring pliers are made of steel that is "black". I most likely will be comparing the two brands by sight, and with a file test and a basic load test. Well, in addition to normal use; where time will tell.. I have heavier duty snap ring and retaining ring pliers for specific or more demanding needs..

The Lang set may not be the do all set for everyone. But, for the price, it covers a bunch of general applications for a very low cost..

I will also be looking at Knipex for any future job specific upgrades.