Channel-Lock pliers are outdated thanks to Grip-Lock: Lean-n-Mean 2 W/O
Written: Dec 19 '03 (Updated Dec 19 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Sturdy and long-lasting design, comfortable to use, available in many sizes.
Cons: Jaw design is outdated and inferior to the Grip-Lock design.
The Bottom Line: Channel-Lock's tongue-and-groove pliers have been outdated thanks to the improved design of the Channel-Lock Grip-Lock. Find a pair at a hardware near you and see the difference.
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| openroad's Full Review: Channelock 12 in. Pliers, Tongue and Groove 440 |
----- Introduction -----
I must politely disagree with most reviewers on this product and post a dissenting review of the Channel-Lock Tongue and Groove model line. These models have been class leaders in the adjustable pliers arena for well over 40 years, but a new innovation at Channel-Lock caused their signature model to become obsolete.
----- History of Channel-Lock -----
If you know anything about tools, you’ve probably heard the name Channel-Lock before. As a company, they have been manufacturing tools for almost 70 years, and building a reputation for quality tools. Channel-Lock’s product line includes many different types of tools (over 100 items), but their signature product is adjustable pliers. These pliers are available in several different lengths and configurations to suit various needs. The most common model is the 12” standard Channel-Lock. All models include the same quality Channel-Lock design, with full length 90-degree teeth on upper and lower jaws, blue comfort grips, and slip-free opening adjustments for an effective operating range of 1/2” to 2 1/4”. For many people the standard Channel-Locks get the job done just fine, but I’ve found that another type of pliers gives me all the advantages of Channel-Lock design, with even better gripping performance.
----- Sorry, I Changed the Channel (Lock) -----
About 5 years ago, the company I work for started buying Grip-Lock pliers. This model is also made and sold under the Channel-Lock brand and has the same easily adjustable design and blue comfort grips as the standard Channel-Lock. The difference is apparent in the jaw design, which incorporates a 90-degree notch in both upper and lower jaws. The notches have slightly larger, more aggressive, and sharper teeth than standard Channel-Lock models. As described in my Grip-Lock review, this innovative design puts increasing amounts of force to the jaws when you apply more force to the handles. This allows you to apply more energy to loosening or tightening instead of squeezing the handles to maintain grip. What this means in real-world situations is you can work faster and with less hand fatigue, while two-wrench operations such as gas or steel pipe work can be done by one man. With the original Channel-Lock models I had to apply so much handle pressure on hard surfaces to keep the wrench from slipping that I didn’t have much force left to do the actual job. The original design is still a good set of pliers, but there is a better design now that updates and improves upon the old models. There isn’t any job I can think of that Channel-Locks can do better than Grip-Lock. If you need a flat jaw instead of notched for a large pipe union or bolt, a crescent wrench works better than a standard Channel-Lock. One small area where the standard model beats the Grip-Lock is damaged caused by teeth. Grip-Locks have such large and sharp teeth they tend to leave a noticeable mark on softer metals. Channel-Locks on the other hand don’t bite as hard, and therefore don’t leave as many impressions behind. This is a mixed blessing, since the marks left by the Grip-Locks are a byproduct of the harder bite and resulting lack of slippage. The right tool for me is always either a Grip-Lock, a 15” crescent wrench, or a combination of the two.
If you already have a pair of Channel-Locks in your tool chest, use them until they wear out and go purchase a pair of Grip-Locks to replace them. If you’re looking for a new tool to add to your home, garage, or business, I can’t recommend the Channel-Lock 12”. Do yourself a favor and get the better choice, Grip-Lock.
Follow this link to the tongue & groove pliers:
http://www.channellock.com/group2.cfm?group=3
Copy and paste this link for the Grip-Lock product line:
http://www.channellock.com/group2.cfm?group=7
Openroad
This review has been a part of the (Lean-n-Mean 2 Write-Off.)
Thank you all for participating!
Recommended:
No
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