Really Good Channel Locks (they aren't channel locks)

eh4

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Oct 18, 2011
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these things are really great.

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1368&groupID=1501

I
don't really do multi tools, I carry a few tools that really do it for me, a good pair of channel locks has always been part of that system, these are so great.

part of the funtion of adjustable pliers is that they tend to destroy whatever hex nut or fitting you are trying (hell, successfully, this time!) to loosen or tighten, but these things do a very good job of appoximating a hex nut for a range of sizes...
when new they will almost work as tweezers.
just excellent all around tools, I think I paid about 35$ for the smaller size, about 8", wide spread middle finger to thumb for me, they fit nice in the pocket and they stay at the setting you put them at until you reset them.

Not affiliated with Anyone, I just like good, light tools.
 
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NonSenCe

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they really are good. versatile and grippy tool. and they actually do have ability to be used on more delicate precicion tasks too. the teeth are machined well and tolerances are tight. and the ergonomics of the handles work well even on the delicate tasks not just prying stuff open or holdin it down with force.

im used to having them knipex cobra pliers since.. well.. as long as i remember. so i keep forgetting that everyone else in the world do not know them. :)
 

DUQ

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Jun 22, 2005
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Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

And that's where the similarity ends. Similar design but a world apart when it comes to quality. The Irwin ones work very well but not for the professional. The Knipex ones are very very good. They are very good for pipe fitting up to the point of not needing a pipe wrench.

A lot of HVAC guys use them for ruffing in gas piping for furnaces/boilers.
 

KC2IXE

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Apr 21, 2001
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My father was a HVAC guy, and he used Knippex pliers, but NOT for pipe. He'd shudder anytime he say anyone using a pair of "channel-lock" pliers on pipe "That's what pipe wrenches are for". I kept a good assortment of his wrenches when we sold his stuff, but I drew the line at the 36 and 48 inch pipe wrenches. Sold those, as I figured I'd hire in someone if I ever have to do steam/pipe fitting that big
 

DrVette

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Jun 23, 2011
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I "was" gonna suggest Knipex when I saw the forum topic, but you are already in "the-know"

Klien Tools made a similar unit some 20 years ago, now Knipex has the market.

Note the Knipex will NOT mash your fingers if you slip off the item, like regular "Channel Lock" or Craftsman "Slip-Joint" Pliers will.

After the final finger mashing from my Craftsmen, I threw them into the woods across the road.
Some "kind" person placed them on my steps leading to my house!

NOW, they reside in my barn, PERMANENTLY SCREWED TO THE WALL so no one else will have the disheartening experience of attempting to work with them.
 

Megatrowned

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Jun 11, 2012
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Wisconsin
Just have to add my two cents. As a electrician, I use my hand tools a lot, and I use them hard. I often refer to my linesmans as a "electricians hammer" (great for tight spaces). So when I say I've had a pair of the Knipex Alligators for about 12 years, it says something about it. I recently got the Cobra version, and it has become my new favorite. Name anything a 'Channellock' does or should do, and these do it ten times better.
 
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