stainless steel pliers

[gj67stang]

I am requesting the assistance of the Garage Journal in finding a pair of stainless steel water-pump/groove-joint pliers.

Currently I use a Channellock 460 (16" long x 4"+ jaw capacity) in my work on swimming pool and hot tub plumbing. As expected, the exposure to water has caused them to rust.

My searching for an appropriate replacement has only led me to the Aven 10365 which, unfortunately, only open to 1.2" - not nearly big enough for my needs.

Does anyone know of a larger-capacity (3" or more), corrosion resistant, adjustable plier?

 

[scubadoober]

Would the knipex 87 05 300 have enough capacity? https://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=art_detail&isMobile=&parentID=1368&groupID=1501&artID=3144

 

[rlitman]

The Knipex are plated, but the Channellock are not, so while the Knipex will be far less likely to corrode than the Channellock, they're still not stainless.

There's always the non-ferrous options:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/AMPCO-P-31...Inch-used-in-very-good-condition/264484765779

 

[Rabid Badger]

I think chromed is the best you can hope for. If you do find a pair of corrosion resistant pliers in the size you're looking for they're going to be extremely expensive and wear out much faster than regular steel.

My advice is to give your rusty pliers a once-over with a wire wheel and rub them down with some oil after you use them in a wet environment.

 

[kjbenner]

Have you looked at aluminum bronze or beryllium copper pliers? They're used for non-sparking applications but should have very good corrosion resistance as well. Might be easier to find than stainless but probably not real affordable.

 

[jptbay]

http://www.steritool.com/12-300mm-stainless-steel-7-position.aspx

 

[gj67stang]

Guess I should have mentioned in my original post that I need at least a 3" jaw capacity.

I was not aware of the chromed Knipex, so those may be an option. Nor had I thought of the non-sparking type, although cost is going to be prohibitive there.

 

[ItsNemo]

Just hit your channellock's with a shot of WD40 or something at the end of each day...

 

[davethorik]

I've worked with a few pool guys, none ever have nice shiny tools...lol. they all have a large pair of channellocks or the t&g pliers from HF.

 

[4xdog]

How about have your current pair powder coated, or even rattle can them yourself. Yes, a paint will get worn, but i'll be better than nothing. A plus is that with the right color nobody is likely to borrow them by mistake.

If the function of your pliers is being compromised by corrosion, it might be a good idea to keep an oily rag in your toolkit. A simple wipe now and then will keep them function (if not pretty) for years.

 

[scubadoober]

Those 300mm knipex go up to 2.75" OD pipe. The 400mm goes up to 3.5" OD pipe, but they don't make it in chrome.