So much for SO precision pliers - there is a difference.

[FerrariPower]

Re: So much for new SO precision pliers

The spring broke on my beloved SO E703BCG precision needle nose pliers. I called SO to try and order a spring but the pliers were discontinued along with the replacement spring. They graciously offered to send me a new replacement set of pliers. (P92055A)

These things are garbage. The jaw tips don't meet squarely and one half has so little meat at the tip the least amount of pressure will likely bend it. The serration grooves are way too deep IMHO. That will further weaken that thin jaw.

**** happen, but these shouldn't have even made it out the door. Who is this Spanish OEM for SO?

I'll toss them in the junk drawer and see if Mcmaster has a spring for my old E703's.

The bottom two images are from a quality Swanstrom set of pliers.

I think you're nuts. I just picked up the PLP300 set today locally, and these are some of the best small electronic needle nose I've ever seen. Snap-on rates these to 42-46HRC. They're precise, exact, line up perfectly.

As with other items made by Snap-on/Bahco they're terrific.

Should re-think your entire post.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Re: So much for new SO precision pliers

I think you're nuts. I just picked up the PLP300 set today locally, and these are some of the best small electronic needle nose I've ever seen. Snap-on rates these to 42-46HRC. They're precise, exact, line up perfectly.

As with other items made by Snap-on/Bahco they're terrific.

Should re-think your entire post.

What? You can clearly see in the pictures that they arent

 

[eyeball]

Single axle? That depends. If it's something you put together using your HF FCAW welder bed frames and rebar, then definitely Pittsburgh FTW.

For that kind of weight, I would go with an extra measure of security and step it up to ICON.

 

[Armatron]

For whatever it's worth, I picked up a set of these P92055A brand new from snapon.com. They are bad. Not quite as bad as the OP, but have a shocking amount of offset/overhang at the tips. I would guess 25-30%. And mine are miscut, not as bad as OPs, but one tip is 25% thicker than the other side.

I emailed snap-on and they are sending a replacement, but this problem isn't limited to warranty items. And it's still an issue in 2023.

 

[Davefr]

For whatever it's worth, I picked up a set of these P92055A brand new from snapon.com. They are bad. Not quite as bad as the OP, but have a shocking amount of offset/overhang at the tips. I would guess 25-30%. And mine are miscut, not as bad as OPs, but one tip is 25% thicker than the other side.

I emailed snap-on and they are sending a replacement, but this problem isn't limited to warranty items. And it's still an issue in 2023.

Interesting update. Four years later and negligible improvement. I thought SO would have required a quality improvement plan from Bahco. Save a search for SO E703BCG on Ebay. They show up occassionally.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Check out the following brands instead:

Tronex
Erem
Swanstrom
Engineer
NWS
Gedore
Wiha
Xcelite (not as good as they used to be, seek used)
Tsunoda
Igan
Merry
Xuron
Hakko
Top
Knipex (long needle nose pliers are not that great)

 

[Armatron]

Interesting update. Four years later and negligible improvement. I thought SO would have required a quality improvement plan from Bahco. Save a search for SO E703BCG on Ebay. They show up occassionally.

I will say that the teeth are much better formed on mine. They are flat, they don't have the sharp points. Much more appropriate for the light/delicate work these are intended for.

 

[Hytekrednek]

I got some Swanstroms after I got the snap-ons because the snapons were poorly made and waY OVERPRICED for poor grinding and worse plier teeth. The swanstroms are similar in price but man are they awesome. Beautifully machined. Just awesome pliers, period. Plus swanstrom offers a pile of different variations and types of pliers. I was going to also try Tronex, but after seeing the Swanstroms, I dont see any reason to look further. Oh, Swanstroms are USA made awesomeness too! Snapon should be ashamed of their new precision pliers. Their older version was great.

 

[CS454]

Interesting update. Four years later and negligible improvement. I thought SO would have required a quality improvement plan from Bahco. Save a search for SO E703BCG on Ebay. They show up occassionally.

Who do you think determines Bahco's operations budget? SO's fault.

 

[MarcSeattle]

Embarrassing, likely made at 4:30 pm, the night before a 3 day weekend.

That robot was making plans for happy hour and got distracted by thoughts of a vodka-PTFE-Tunsten Disulfide cocktail.