Today I learned something about Channellocks handles.

[dwasifar]

I recently wrote to Channellock with this question:

Here is a curiosity question. Genuine Channellock groove-joint plier handles have a little inward curve at the ends. Some competitors also have this handle shape (Craftsman, Crescent, Harbor Freight, Irwin), and some do not (Milwaukee, Kobalt, Husky, Stanley FatMax).

What's the reason for that curve? Is it to bring the ends of the handles closer together so that more force can be applied without an uncomfortably wide grip? Or is there some other function to that shape?

Just curious. Since you guys invented this design, I figured you'd be the ones to ask.

Today they replied:

Thank you for your message and question.

This curve was originally added to the handle for pipe reaming purposes. Our first models did not have the grips applied to them. Many plumbers remove the grips today from the ends of the pliers so the steel is exposed for this purpose. Depending on the user, the curve could add additional comfort but the original intent was for the reaming application.

I hope this helps!

Thank you for your support!

Channellock

So now I know. I imagine anyone here who's a plumber already knew this, but not being a plumber, I didn't. I'm trying to picture how that curved end gets used as a reamer; I imagine you set the pliers wide, so that the handles are close together, and insert both ends into the pipe together. Right?

Obviously those pliers that have big beefy handle grips like Irwin cannot be used this way:

Looks like Milwaukee has their own idea about this; their pliers have exposed pointy ends which might be intended as reamers:

 

[vjquan]

Since you didn't post a pic of the Channellocks, you made me go out to the garage for a look. Interesting, thanks for sharing.

 

[Ohmthis]

I’m an electrician and we would purposely trim the end of the handles to look like the Milwaukee. When cutting conduit, we would then slide the handle ends into the pipe and ream the burr off. I ended up getting and using a reaming tool that went on the shaft of a screwdriver.

 

[Ton ton]

Interesting info.

 

[dwasifar]

I’m an electrician and we would purposely trim the end of the handles to look like the Milwaukee. When cutting conduit, we would then slide the handle ends into the pipe and ream the burr off. I ended up getting and using a reaming tool that went on the shaft of a screwdriver.

Can you share a link to that reamer? I'm not an electrician, but I live in an area where conduit is required for residential applications, so I sometimes have to cut and bend conduit. The little flip-out reamers on the conduit cutters don't really do a very good job.

 

[rlitman]

Hope this image straight from Milwaukee helps:

I could swear I've seen pliers like that with the ends having a more angular profile to ream more aggressively.

edit: Maybe it's just the outside of linesman pliers jaws I'm thinking of...

 

[RTM]

Yup, been doing it for years with my non-plastic handled craftsman. Forget if I learned it from an electrician or pipe fitter, but suspect someone in the trades at my first job, oh those many years ago.

 

[JRC3]

Nah, the ends are curved so they properly pinch your fingers when the tool slips off while being used for a task it wasn't really meant for.

Don't even act like you've never done it. LOL

 

[Ilikeike]

Can you share a link to that reamer? I'm not an electrician, but I live in an area where conduit is required for residential applications, so I sometimes have to cut and bend conduit. The little flip-out reamers on the conduit cutters don't really do a very good job.

I got this one a couple of decades ago, it slides on the a set screw lock on this old Vanadin driver. I googled a bit and can't find this type a reamer anymore, just the dedicated ones from Klein or Wiha

 

[rlitman]

I
got this one a couple of decades ago, it slides on the a set screw lock on this old Vanadin driver. I googled a bit and can't find this type a reamer anymore, just the dedicated ones from Klein or Wiha

Here you go:

Klein Tools Conduit Reamer 19352 - The Home Depot

Klein Tools - Conduit Reamer - This conduit reamer locks into screwdrivers. It reams and smooths thin-wall conduits. The two set-screws fit round or square shank screwdrivers. You can find it at The Home

www.homedepot.com

 

[Kscardsfan]

I was fond of these for reaming and installing conduit

Conduit Locknut and Reaming Pliers

The Conduit Locknut and Reaming Pliers tighten up to 3/4-inch EMT and 1/2-inch rigid locknuts. The special jaw is designed for locknuts, conduit and caps.Serrated jaws deburr the outside while the nose reams and smooths the inside of conduit up to 3/4-inch EMT. The long-nose design makes it...

www.kleintools.com

 

[captain14]

I have seen Steve Laviernere (plumber on YouTube) use his pliers as a quick reamer when doing install/replacement work.

 

[Ohmthis]

Here you go:

Klein Tools Conduit Reamer 19352 - The Home Depot

Klein Tools - Conduit Reamer - This conduit reamer locks into screwdrivers. It reams and smooths thin-wall conduits. The two set-screws fit round or square shank screwdrivers. You can find it at The Home

www.homedepot.com

Everyone beat me to it! Yes, that’s the one I have. It works very well too.