As a retired pipe trades journeyman, I made my living with locking pliers for 30 years. I tried them all in that time, and I can tell you without hesitation, that Channellock brand straight jaw locking pliers are the best.
I've worked in industrial maintenance for 15 years. I used Channellocks for 7 or 8 years and then the company provided us with a pair of Knipex Cobras. I soon realized they gripped the stainless pipe we worked with so much better than Channellocks that I never looked back. Project Farm proved what I suspected.. Knipex had almost 3x as much gripping force as Channellocks. I absolutely HATE the pushbutton though so I bought the "Alligator" Knipex pliers and I love them. I used them as a brake on a garage door opener shaft for a 16' x 18' door while I closed the door with a pipe wrench. This simply would have not been possible with the Channellocks. I still have my Channellocks but I haven't used them even once since I bought Knipex. Channellocks are good tools for the average person. I kind of outgrew losing my tools so I don't mind paying 50% more for a super high quality tool.
I inherited a pair of 430s years ago, and the handles were already green back then. Surely one of my oldest tools, still work great. I also think the 10" and 12" are the perfect size for these tools. With other pliers like slipjoint and linesman i like 6" - 8".
Like you , I'm a Douglas fan too but I also have every damn one of those Channellock pliers and how can you NOT love em ... Please keep these vids coming , very entertaining ...
I have 3 of them I "borrowed" from my dad about 20 years ago. They were all Rusty. Cleaned them up with evaporust. Handles are back to that nice teal color again. 👍🏽👍🏽 Thx for the video
channel locks are called widow makers in Australia i have 3 pair i tried they jam knipex are the go they grip better i have been plumbig for 40 yrs I use foot prints
I think they will be around forever. They are still the standard. They keep their prices down enough to compete with the Chinese BS but still are good quality. Not as good as they used to be, but I appreciate them for what they are which is affordable made in the USA tools.
I have a plethora of those straight Jaw pliers and they work great and as far as the latest one you showed on this video with the adjusting button (speed grips as they are called) are awesome for what they are as well. I tried them out on hex fasteners and they hold their own (to me). I have the new v-jaw 12 in version I purchased on Amazon and they are great pliers they have this one (12 inch) and the (10 inch) version which I will soon get.
I also love the V jaws and the nut busters, but the standards are the most versatile. Somehow you've shown me a pair I didn't know existed, I've gone over their digital catalog multiple times and never noticed these. I will have to get a pair.
I keep an 8 in and a 12 in on my truck at all times. When I moved all my truck tools into a new road box, the 12 in almost didn't fit in the box. Tiny box problems. Lol Toolbox Tour of the road box coming next Weds!
The 10" & 12" are the only ones I own. Anything smaller is pointless to me. I've owned a lot of channel lock pliers in my 40 years and not once can I remember having an issue with pinching. I keep the straight and v jaws 10" in my tote for different uses. I mostly use the straight but the v does come in handy, occasionally. They rust but once you start using them, the rust just goes away.
I want the 8" also, can't find them at Lowes either . On sale at Lowes too . If tools aren't rusted, people aren't using them . If chrome isn't dirty, theh aren't using them . Love Channellock Die stamping beats laser etching
I do like channellocks. I will add the 428 to the collection. I ordered the Wilde 6 in 1 and I was surprised that the slotted were 3/16 and 5/16 (as opposed to 1/4) and I went WTF. Lol. I ordered the tekton 6 in 1 all slotted. Should arrive in a week. Going to try it as my old house screwdriver (currently using the southwire 12 in 1 because it has the 5/16, 1/4, and 3/16th slotted and there are a lot of 5/16 screws). What I really think would be ideal for me is a 6 in 1 with PH2, 3/16, 1/4, and 5/16. I rarely see PH1 and often PH2 fits in it, but I always need a 5/16th slotted.
Lol I never would have thought about the flat head sizes. I use them for a pry bar more often than not. If it takes outlet covers off and has a big flat head for contactor lugs and stuff like that then it covers all my flat head needs. You will enjoy the Tekton I’m sure. The handles on those are awesome.
Honestly as a maintenance tech i bought the channel lock set first but after trying a coworkers knipex i sold them. The knipex just grip stronger and the push button lock is my favorite feature.
@@realworldtoolreviews first it was WERA, then KNIPEX, now the snapon pliers are currently the hottest ticket but KOKEN ratchets and PB swiss tools seem to be gaining traction. I just prefer to actively avoid the trends.
@@TylerSnyder305 I like to zig when everyone is zagging as well lol. I love me some snap on pliers and pb Swiss though. I ain’t buying no koken though. If I spend that much on a ratchet, it’s gonna be snap on.
@@realworldtoolreviews Nope they're real deal Channellock-made. To my knowledge ALL pliers with the Channellock name are made by them right in Meadville, the one exception would be those convertible snap ring pliers made by Lang (still in USA). They share a lot of design similarity with the end nippers and oil filter pliers of theirs too, preferring an unfinished look and forging USA right into it rather than going through the laser etch. I'm not sure that Stanley even has any US pliers production anymore except for some Proto. A spokesperson got on Garage Journal forums before and talked a bit about the GripLocks and why they are the way they are and whatnot, the primary concept was to be an economical offering (like regular Channy aren't? They're peanuts for what you get!) and the design choices they made to hit that price point. Which includes forging the grooves in and not going under the grinder for some polish etc.
I do have a pair of them. I don’t use them too often, but I do like them. You are the 3rd or 4th person to ask about those so I might have to do a WTF on them soon!
I don’t think Tekton has any that are exactly the same. They have some that are the same design, but not with the nickel finish that the Douglas has. The nickel finish is important to keep them from rusting as fast.
I do have a set of 10 inch smooth jaw ones. I hardly ever use them though. I forget I have them. I use an adjustable wrench on most flat sided stuff. I do like them better than the knipex pliers wrench though. Thanks Jeff!
I’ve got a pair. I use them every once in a while. I’ll do a different video on them some day. They are great too but I like adjustable wrench better for what I use them for most of the time.
I gotta say… I absolutely hate channellocks…I can show you comparisons of USA made vs made who knows where, same size and everything.. but they were my grandfathers tools… I’ve never been a fan of channel locks.. I think there is way better brands out there..but just the comparison of USA made, vs outsourcing…they are probably my least favorite channel locks.. for ergonomics, to quality… you said it your self… you went through 4 pairs… cost per tool.. not great
I'm back for part 3 .. Glad I took time to watch this one because I got a chance to see your finished antique pair with the gunmetal dipped handle. Looks like a special pair that you'll enjoy using if you live to be 90. Looks good. You gave me an idea for my can of plastic dip or can of Gorilla liquid rubber seal. Here's some trivia for you. I talked to the company and learned that the bolt and nut version was replaced with rivets over 40 years ago. So, that pair you held with the adjustment nut belonged to someone's Dad. It's also a special vintage quality tool. Two questions: I've got an old pair of those 426s that the bolt somehow broke. I was told to send them in and they'd send me a replacement. Talk about awesome American customer service! What makes you prefer the rivet version better than the bolt/ nut one? 2. I posted a link to a special 10+/- minute video that should be a blessing. Did you find time to watch it yet, or have any questions? Just let me know if you do. I'm here to help friend. ☕🙂👍🧰
Channellocks amazing tools, just the best, it's not in your head, it's just the best tool ever
thanks for vid
Yea I think they are just the best. They just get the job done and keep coming back for more. Thanks for watching!
I have two pairs of the knipex cobras and I think they're great, but for some reason I always gravitate towards the channellocks. I just...like them.
you cant beat a channel lock! I have the knipex but I just cant get into them? when I need to bite in i get a vise grip?
As a retired pipe trades journeyman, I made my living with locking pliers for 30 years. I tried them all in that time, and I can tell you without hesitation, that Channellock brand straight jaw locking pliers are the best.
man that channellock blue brings back so many different memories even though i still use em everyday. beautiful color and even better tools
I've worked in industrial maintenance for 15 years. I used Channellocks for 7 or 8 years and then the company provided us with a pair of Knipex Cobras. I soon realized they gripped the stainless pipe we worked with so much better than Channellocks that I never looked back. Project Farm proved what I suspected.. Knipex had almost 3x as much gripping force as Channellocks. I absolutely HATE the pushbutton though so I bought the "Alligator" Knipex pliers and I love them. I used them as a brake on a garage door opener shaft for a 16' x 18' door while I closed the door with a pipe wrench. This simply would have not been possible with the Channellocks. I still have my Channellocks but I haven't used them even once since I bought Knipex. Channellocks are good tools for the average person. I kind of outgrew losing my tools so I don't mind paying 50% more for a super high quality tool.
I inherited a pair of 430s years ago, and the handles were already green back then. Surely one of my oldest tools, still work great. I also think the 10" and 12" are the perfect size for these tools. With other pliers like slipjoint and linesman i like 6" - 8".
Yea I use the 430 the most. I do like the small ones too though and use them all the time.
Like you , I'm a Douglas fan too but I also have every damn one of those Channellock pliers and how can you NOT love em ... Please keep these vids coming , very entertaining ...
Will do buddy. I’m enjoying this format for a video.
I have 3 of them I "borrowed" from my dad about 20 years ago. They were all Rusty. Cleaned them up with evaporust. Handles are back to that nice teal color again. 👍🏽👍🏽 Thx for the video
Nice! They’ll last you forever. Thanks for watching!
channel locks are called widow makers in Australia i have 3 pair i tried they jam knipex are the go they grip better i have been plumbig for 40 yrs I use foot prints
Love my channellocks! American made affordable tools I really hope they stay around for a long time.
I think they will be around forever. They are still the standard. They keep their prices down enough to compete with the Chinese BS but still are good quality. Not as good as they used to be, but I appreciate them for what they are which is affordable made in the USA tools.
I like the griplock channellocks as well.
I have some. They come in handy at times, but I rarely use them. They just aren’t as good of quality as other tools from them in my opinion.
I have a plethora of those straight Jaw pliers and they work great and as far as the latest one you showed on this video with the adjusting button (speed grips as they are called) are awesome for what they are as well. I tried them out on hex fasteners and they hold their own (to me). I have the new v-jaw 12 in version I purchased on Amazon and they are great pliers they have this one (12 inch) and the (10 inch) version which I will soon get.
I have collected many of them and I keep them in their original packages so they won't get dirty.
That’s cool. They’ll be worth a fortune someday!
@@realworldtoolreviews I'm talking about knipex cobra , not that ones you have
@@maxfax319 I’ve got a couple cobra pairs too. The 5 inch and 7 1/4 inch ones. They are great tools. I just prefer the straight jaw channel locks.
I also love the V jaws and the nut busters, but the standards are the most versatile.
Somehow you've shown me a pair I didn't know existed, I've gone over their digital catalog multiple times and never noticed these.
I will have to get a pair.
They are still on sale on Amazon. Get you some!
@@realworldtoolreviews I don't shop there, but they're not expensive enough that paying full price will hurt me.
I keep an 8 in and a 12 in on my truck at all times. When I moved all my truck tools into a new road box, the 12 in almost didn't fit in the box. Tiny box problems. Lol
Toolbox Tour of the road box coming next Weds!
Nice! I need to do one of my truck box too.
The 10" & 12" are the only ones I own. Anything smaller is pointless to me. I've owned a lot of channel lock pliers in my 40 years and not once can I remember having an issue with pinching. I keep the straight and v jaws 10" in my tote for different uses. I mostly use the straight but the v does come in handy, occasionally. They rust but once you start using them, the rust just goes away.
Man you really ought to try throwing some little 6 inch ones in your tool bag. They come in handy.
I want the 8" also, can't find them at Lowes either . On sale at Lowes too .
If tools aren't rusted, people aren't using them . If chrome isn't dirty, theh aren't using them . Love Channellock
Die stamping beats laser etching
The 428 is still on sale for 15 bucks on Amazon. Get you some!
I do like channellocks. I will add the 428 to the collection. I ordered the Wilde 6 in 1 and I was surprised that the slotted were 3/16 and 5/16 (as opposed to 1/4) and I went WTF. Lol. I ordered the tekton 6 in 1 all slotted. Should arrive in a week. Going to try it as my old house screwdriver (currently using the southwire 12 in 1 because it has the 5/16, 1/4, and 3/16th slotted and there are a lot of 5/16 screws). What I really think would be ideal for me is a 6 in 1 with PH2, 3/16, 1/4, and 5/16. I rarely see PH1 and often PH2 fits in it, but I always need a 5/16th slotted.
Lol I never would have thought about the flat head sizes. I use them for a pry bar more often than not. If it takes outlet covers off and has a big flat head for contactor lugs and stuff like that then it covers all my flat head needs. You will enjoy the Tekton I’m sure. The handles on those are awesome.
My favorite pliers
Vice grip brand is the best.
Hope all is well. I imagine you're pretty busy, just wanted to let you know we're missing new content on your channel.
Honestly as a maintenance tech i bought the channel lock set first but after trying a coworkers knipex i sold them. The knipex just grip stronger and the push button lock is my favorite feature.
I find the knipex are beefy enough. They feel like they will break when using it as a hammer
Get a good pair of knipex and forget about that pain 😂
Lol I like Knipex, but Channel locks are way better!
I will die before I drink the Knipex koolaid.
@@TylerSnyder305 😂 I definitely think the hype for Knipex has gone overboard.
@@realworldtoolreviews first it was WERA, then KNIPEX, now the snapon pliers are currently the hottest ticket but KOKEN ratchets and PB swiss tools seem to be gaining traction.
I just prefer to actively avoid the trends.
@@TylerSnyder305 I like to zig when everyone is zagging as well lol. I love me some snap on pliers and pb Swiss though. I ain’t buying no koken though. If I spend that much on a ratchet, it’s gonna be snap on.
Technically their Griplocks also have the pinch thing. But they aren't straight jaw and are a more economy option and it shows in some places.
I have a set of those. I’m not a fan of them. Someone told me they are actually made by Stanley and rebranded from channellock.
@@realworldtoolreviews Nope they're real deal Channellock-made. To my knowledge ALL pliers with the Channellock name are made by them right in Meadville, the one exception would be those convertible snap ring pliers made by Lang (still in USA). They share a lot of design similarity with the end nippers and oil filter pliers of theirs too, preferring an unfinished look and forging USA right into it rather than going through the laser etch.
I'm not sure that Stanley even has any US pliers production anymore except for some Proto.
A spokesperson got on Garage Journal forums before and talked a bit about the GripLocks and why they are the way they are and whatnot, the primary concept was to be an economical offering (like regular Channy aren't? They're peanuts for what you get!) and the design choices they made to hit that price point. Which includes forging the grooves in and not going under the grinder for some polish etc.
Knipex destroies all other pliers!
Channel lock all day bro!
theyre all right.
Have you tried the 415 smooth jaw channel locks? Haven’t seen much about them on CZcams.
I do have a pair of them. I don’t use them too often, but I do like them. You are the 3rd or 4th person to ask about those so I might have to do a WTF on them soon!
Get Knipex you will never go back
A little off topic but are the Tekton pliers the same as the Douglas, seeing they were/ are both made by Wilde?
I don’t think Tekton has any that are exactly the same. They have some that are the same design, but not with the nickel finish that the Douglas has. The nickel finish is important to keep them from rusting as fast.
I am with you on the v jaw , dont like them as much. Do you have a pair of the smooth jaw ? Nice set , nice video
I do have a set of 10 inch smooth jaw ones. I hardly ever use them though. I forget I have them. I use an adjustable wrench on most flat sided stuff. I do like them better than the knipex pliers wrench though. Thanks Jeff!
No love for the 410 nut buster?
I have a set. They are awesome. That will be a future WTF. I have a ton of channellock brand pliers.
what about the 415's (smooth jaw 10") ?
I’ve got a pair. I use them every once in a while. I’ll do a different video on them some day. They are great too but I like adjustable wrench better for what I use them for most of the time.
It's Pronounced [Kuh - Nip - X] I'm all about the USA but you can not beat a pair of cobra's or pliers wrench. All application's
sorry but knipex are just so much better!
I gotta say… I absolutely hate channellocks…I can show you comparisons of USA made vs made who knows where, same size and everything.. but they were my grandfathers tools… I’ve never been a fan of channel locks.. I think there is way better brands out there..but just the comparison of USA made, vs outsourcing…they are probably my least favorite channel locks.. for ergonomics, to quality… you said it your self… you went through 4 pairs… cost per tool.. not great
Oh, the big hate 😂😂😂
I'm back for part 3 .. Glad I took time to watch this one because I got a chance to see your finished antique pair with the gunmetal dipped handle. Looks like a special pair that you'll enjoy using if you live to be 90. Looks good. You gave me an idea for my can of plastic dip or can of Gorilla liquid rubber seal.
Here's some trivia for you. I talked to the company and learned that the bolt and nut version was replaced with rivets over 40 years ago. So, that pair you held with the adjustment nut belonged to someone's Dad. It's also a special vintage quality tool.
Two questions:
I've got an old pair of those 426s that the bolt somehow broke. I was told to send them in and they'd send me a replacement. Talk about awesome American customer service!
What makes you prefer the rivet version better than the bolt/ nut one?
2. I posted a link to a special 10+/- minute video that should be a blessing. Did you find time to watch it yet, or have any questions?
Just let me know if you do. I'm here to help friend.
☕🙂👍🧰