So what happened to Orbis

[Legion Prime]

I've bought Orbis pliers off amazon before and they had a huge selection. I go to buy another pair of circlip pliers and all I get searching for "orbis circlip" are a bunch that look identical to Orbis but say FACTOR and list Factor 75 as the manufacturer. Searching via google brings up Orbis pliers & such but all are unavailable. A search on amazon.de brings up an entire three items, two of which are 1 remaining in stock. I tried googling Orbis & Factor 75 to see if there had been a merger or rebranding but all I'm getting is a meal delivery service. What am I missing, did they go under, get bought out?

 

[tarbellb]

Good question.

I also got in on some crazy pricing a few years ago when they were available through Amazon.

Decent quality German stuff at very good prices (like <$10ea)

 

[Kscardsfan]

That’s a shame if they folded up, because they were solid pliers. I have a few different types of the pistol grip style ones that I really like.

 

[65k10]

Their website is still up with new products from 2020, plus they had a facebook post from back in February. I take that to mean they are still operational. I wish they were more available since I wouldn't mind handling their version of the plier wrench. I got in on some of the cheap amazon pliers and thought they were fine for the price. The geometry of the jaws on their combination pliers was something I thought was kind of neat as well.

https://www.orbiswill.de/?lang=en

 

[KnurledNut]

They are alive and well.
However, Orbis Will is no longer a mainstream brand for resale in the US.
It is used internally for special projects and private brand programs.

 

[Legion Prime]

They are alive and well.
However, Orbis Will is no longer a mainstream brand for resale in the US.
It is used internally for special projects and private brand programs.

That's good to hear but a damn shame as well. I only have a couple of things from them but they're all built like a tank, wish I had more. I found a pair of circlip pliers that should suit me from NWS. I've had my eye on NWS for a while, this will be my first purchase from them. I'm still kind of curious about the Factor 75's though, I almost bought a pair as they look identical. They say made in Germany and are cheaper than NWS, maybe they're one of those private brands they're making them for. I'll have to pick one up and report back.

 

[measuredtwice]

The prices kept sinking on Amazon for over a year. It was clear they were getting rid of the brand. I bought some stuff when the prices bottomed out but didn't end up keeping it. The stuff from their parent Knipex is better ime.

 

[mr.lemons]

I think Knipex mostly uses Orbis as an oem for other companies to rebrand. Website and catalogue looks to focus on selling pliers to be rebranded.

Are Hazet pliers made by Orbis?