There are very few people on UA-cam doing unsponsored tool reviews like this. It would be lost revenue in many content producers' minds, I'm sure. But this kind of review, borne of years of experience with the tool, has way more value, and you have earned 10x the credibility of your UA-cam peers. I greatly appreciate your sincerity and expertise.
Came for the review of a cool looking tool and left with the amazing tip of wiring my ladder to the roof for a touch of added stability. Such a great teacher, thank you.
Playing with my dad’s tools was how I learned to use them. He taught me a lot about all kinds of handyman stuff. I, unfortunately, left a few tools out in the weather. He never ever fussed at me for it. I sure miss him.
I have those pliers in my wildland fire jacket pocket. They work pretty great for taking down barbed wire fences without having to actually cut the wire. The "hook" on the end of the handle gives you really good purchase when you're yanking on t-post clips. I live in an area that the ranchers really appreciate us not just cutting the fences that are in our way.
You may want to consider a pair of fencing pliers, they're about the same size/weight, but are a bit more specalized (will also pull staples, as well as cut much heavier wire. You can cut #9 wire easily with those, whereas these will struggle to cut it.) The hammer function is useless, but speaking as someone who's fenced for multiple summers, that is the fastest way to take down an old fence, although I find they aren't as handy as lineman's pliers for construction.
I used to carry fencing pliers but found them too bulky. The hook for pulling staples kept jabbing me in the side and these pliers cut no. 9 wire no problem. Thank you for the suggestion though.
Damn that’s pretty friggin considerate man. Your already saving their properties but taking care Of the fences also? Real American hero right there. Stay safe out there my friend
My great grandfather was a career carpenter, my grandfather took over, and started his own basement forming business from what he learned from his dad. Then my father followed in his foot steps, and helped run the family business. 58 years later, and my family still owns one of the best concrete companies in Utah. Every man I have ever seen do concrete with us has had a pair of Kleins or channellocks. They are a big reason for my family being successful for so long. Thank you for this video, It reminds me of working with my dad and my grandpa, and yes, I got told how important that spring was MANY times.
I don't know if you'll ever read this but the single best thing I ever found out was to get one of the metal springs from a clothespin and glue it in so that it opens the pliers automatically. That saves a ton of strain on the fingers when using it frequently and eliminates this weird finger motion to unfold it again. Very convenient and takes just five minutes of work per pliers. I use it on all of mine now.
Amen on letting the kids play with pliers. My little ones walk around through bushes/garden/yard with channellock pliers, they call them "tigers" that eat weeds.
I love this kind of video explaining all of the subtle features of a well-honed tool like this. A lot of them I could have guessed, and some more I could have figured out with some practice, but there's no substitute for hard-fought experience -- and a great, practical explanation.
I used a pair of these in the work tool box when I did grounds work for a decade. Never knew what they were, but they were old and they were the sh*t when it came to fence work! I am gonna go out and buy myself a pair for Christmas. These pliers rock!
In my opinion, you are 100% on the mark, with praise for these pliers. That 'hook' at the end of the handle, saves them from slipping out of your hand's grip too, great idea. You're correct, I know because I too own a pair.
great philosophy for parenting in general. I see so many parents yelling at their kids with fury whilst supposedly showing them something fun like how to ride a bike. Frustrates me to no end.
I can honestly saw I have never enjoyed or wanted to even watch a video about pliers, but this was very interesting. Once more I am reminded why I am so glad I found your channel. Thanks man, and keep em comin!! Cheers!
Sir, I been looking tools videos all my life. You learn watching videos. I'm a General Contractor and I'm pretty sure you love your job. The passion for the tools is pure! Builders like you and me, appreciate the good quality and functional tools that makes our days better, easier and secure. I been looking for some iron pliers for general purpose, attracted to the Klein tools. Channel lock is an amazing brand too. My respect 👍🏻
I love my Channelllocks. I just purchased a starter set of them for my son's first toolbox. Made in USA, they have never failed me in over 20 years of home ownership. I only wish they made socket sets!
fprintf hi here, they do make socket sets, open end wrenches and many other tools. My local lumber yard is a do it best and they carry many of the Channelllock products. Great quality made tools that I use every day and will always have in my toolbox.
I had no idea! And they aren't too terribly expensive either. I may just have to make a nice metric set the next birthday present for my son. If their socket drivers and sockets are as high quality as their pliers then it should be a no-brainer purchase!
I yelled at my kids for leaving my tools out in the rain. My dad yelled at me for leaving a gorgeous handsaw out in the rain. I'm sure we both regret it. Kids are much more precious than your tools, I don't care what you paid.
No, give them a zing in the ear first and then when they ask you why you did that you can bark at them to find the spring. Only joking, I’ve never lifted my hand to my children. Only in self defence! Regards.
Although I tried to teach them otherwise, my sons somehow managed to ruin, damage and lose more of my tools than I want to think about. (And why did they always do this with the good stuff rather than the cheap junk?) However, as they are now fully grown, competent men who have inherited my father's tools and know how to use them, and who don't shy from tackling basic construction and repair, I wouldn't have it any other way. Losing a tool here and there is a small price to pay for having your boys thank you later for teaching them what you could, and bringing them up right. And, truth be told, I wrecked or lost more than one of my dad's tools as a boy as well.
I really like these tool reviews, you are trying to help others do their work better and faster with reliable tools. Growing up my dad never got on to us for losing or breaking a tool, now I'm not afraid to use tools and I take care of our tools because I know how much they cost. Thank you for your videos.
I’m a small trucking owner operator. Along with that comes repairing my equipment myself, not that I can’t afford to pay to have it done, I just want it done right. Channel-lock brand pliers (all varieties) are the ONLY brand that I have found that does the job time and time again. They remind me of timex, they just don’t quit.... my 3 boys put em through more punishment than I do...lol... but they’re learning how to handle a tool.
My father and grandfather were both Rodbusters and true Journeymen craftsmen - therefore, I cherish their tools as heirlooms: tie pliers, wire spools, even spud wrenches for red-iron work >> hardhat heaven! [You can even add in, Texas Steer boots and Mule leather gloves.]
I swear, chicken soup for the soul and all that mess comes nowhere close to the peace and relaxation achieved watching any of your videos. Ahh, naptime.
www.channellock.com/madeinusa.aspx I believe all of their pliers are made in the USA... could be wrong. I have two adjustable wrenches that are Channellock branded but made in Spain.
What a well spoken and honest review,very well spoken sir, if this guy was my foreman I'd never be scared to ask him anything,cuz he'd explain it to me once and if get it right away
I've had a pair since 1980. They're great. The finger hook on the handle is equally as much for not allowing the pliers to slip out of your hand when you're bent over tying, as is often the case, and your hands or gloves are slippery with sweat or oil.
I am a trim Carpenter and I always carry a roll of wire and a chopping axe in my truck, I have a pair of the channelocks, but I like my Klein's better.
I carry it because my grandfather told me never be without it, I have used it monthly, cut off limbs in the way at a job site, cut roots when ditching, cut banding from a bunk, i don't use it to trim houses, but framers used to chop off ceiling joists when they protruded above the rafters when handsaws were the norm, just a handy tool for a working man to carry on the truck, I have a similar truck as EC, also tie wire is extremely useful for a number of tasks
Carried that same make/model for 35+ years in the right bunker pant pocket of my fire gear. Easy to grab and use with a gloved hand when ceilings come down and you're entangled by electrical wiring and /or the wire embedded in HVAC Felix ducting.
Pull the spring out and push open with your pointer finger, Chanel locks are good for small jobs, but when you have to tie rebar everyday Kleins are the only pliers for the job!
@@anthcain08 you can, it comes down to preference, I’ve used the spinner, pliers, hell even a rebar tying gun, nothing beats a good Rodbuster with a good set of Klein’s.
Channel lock tools we're originated in my "back yard" Meadville, pa 10minutes up the road. It's is amazing how good their products are but I also find it amazing how many things they make that you can't find right here where the head quarters are.
I do sheet metal .... since day one i have carried my grandfather's antique crescent linesman's pliers. Very similar design, but lacks the spring, the jaws close fully (better for sheet metal) and it doesn't have the hook. I like the hook - put them on my blacksmith tongs. My pliers are probably 70 years old and have a long way to go before they will be retired. Perfect patina, perfect fit and finish, perfect performance. I consider them as essential as a hammer.
I had a pair of those and one handle got broken off about half way down (I dont recal how) so I slide the broken handle down into a peice of thick walled pipe and it was one of the best tools I ever had, i could put so much leverage on it.
I started my career in construction by tying rebar on a bridge as an apprentice. So I bought a set of the blue channel lock pliers and a reel very similar to the one you have. Used them for years. Later in life I somehow lost the pliers and no other type could have filled the empty pocket in my pail. A year or two later, I found them! Right where I had left them while helping a friend with a few things. I was so excited over such a stupid little thing but I had also felt incomplete without. Just recently I found that DeWalt has replicated this same style of plier so I bought a set just to compare.
I'm a lineman 1971 is when I bought my first set of 9 inch lines and I've only had three pairs through my whole career. Now they're sitting in my workbench and my tool bag awesome But I do have to confess one pair of 9 inch I burned up in the secondary
Three is not bad. I was an Inside Wireman. The oldest pair I have is from the early 90's made by Ideal back when they were still in the U.S. Put Klein replacement grips on them. Still cut. I had a pair of orange grip Kleins I loaned to an apprentice and he lost them.
Hahahahahahahaha!! Love that egg bit! As a marine vessel electrician, I always have tools in the car. Once, I did some simple night camping out of my car to watch the northern lights and had a fire going with a wire mesh and some hotdogs... but no kebab sticks or utensils. Out came the adjustable pliers, sterilized by fire, and had a great night out.
These reminds me of one of favorite tools. My grandfather was an electrician for a time. We inherited his Klein Lineman's pliers that he bought maybe in the 1930s. Those poor things have been poorly mistreated over the years (sadly, mostly by my young hands at the time). We both now own newer combination pliers. But I think to this day, it's still one of my dad's prized possessions. I'm sure he still uses it for electrical work or even when working with steel wire. And I hope to inherit it as well one day. OK, I know this isn't about Linesman's pliers and I'm not trying to start a flame war about the different brands. Only to say, a good tool is a good tool... even after a foolish grandson's repeated bunglings with it.
As a pipe fitter I've worn out a lot of back pockets carrying a set of channel lock pliers. Left back pocket holds a torpedo level and an inside read lufkin 6 ft. wood rule, right pocket channel locks and 8 inch crescent wrench. Front pocket a good, sharp jack knife for peeling an apple or orange at lunch time.
Got a pair of those Channel Lock wire pliers years ago, and always loved the feel. I did lose the spring on a job once and had a heck of a scavenger hunt to find a replacement. Klein makes a lot of great products as well, but I think they are more oriented to Electrical work instead of steel and concrete purposes.
Funny I was just in my small tool room here in Italy making something small and my 10 yo actually wanted to be down there with me. I let her have free range of my tools to have a good time as long as it was safe and the torque wrenches were out of the way. I resisted letting her do this for too long but it was such a pleasure allowing her to be creative. Letting the young ones use and maybe have a chance to break some tools really is a great thing. She didn’t break anything but she will. I just hope she learns something.
They look very similar to electrician linemans pliers which are also called bullnose or something along those lines. Once you have a pair, you realize all the great uses and gotta love it.
45 years ago I was a First Year Apprentice Electrician. I bought a pair of Channellock Side Cutters (not the iron worker variation but similar features) and I loved them. It's a great design. Don't remember what happened to them, probably got stolen.
We use those exact pliers for hanging lightweight signs in the convention business. Run the baling wire from any steel truss, hang your sign, twist tight and clip it.
Great review. It's not often that craftsmen take the time, or have the ability, to explain the reason for and utility of the various design features of a very useful tool. For those who have a need to extract stripped screws or rounded off nuts or bolts, take a look at the various Vamplier pliers (available through Amazon), but if you have large hands, pay attention to the size you need. Those pliers, made by the Engineer company in Japan, were originally designed for asian workers with smaller hands than those of the typical American. The Engineer tools are virtually identical to the Vamplier, but with green handles instead of red, and you're not paying for the Vamplier advertising budget. If you're tired of stripping the heads on Phillips head screws, get screwdrivers or hex bits for crosshead screws made to JIS specs (Japan Industrial Standards), and you won't strip those screws any more. Also available from Amazon and other tool sellers. Thanks again for an excellent video.
I have a pair my father in law gave me about 40 years ago. Used them many many times just like you discribed. Mine has extra cutting places on the side for extra heavy wire like the wire around the bundles of rebar. You know what you are talking about.
I have these same pliers. They last forever your only gonna need a new 1 when u lose it. These mofos can even cut framing nails. One of the handiest tools you will ever have. Does a hell of lot more then tying wire if you carry it in your pouch. I cut a live wire on a water heater one time and it blew a hole out the top of the pliers. Didn't damage the cutters at all it was amazing. I've had several pairs the first one I got was part of my original tools when my dad made me spend half my earnings on tools. Always buy channelock tools if u have the option. You will never be disappointed.
My youngest (4) likes to play with the tape measure. He’s work hardened and ruined at least a couple. But I’ll take that if it keeps him interested. Gotta let the kids play.
In italy carpenters use horizontal wire cutters, you can cut, twist, pull and hold wire; there are no extra gripping areas and springs but it works nice, the handles are long so you can use more force and two hands
Great video! Its ok if a rod busters kid takes that spring out we don’t need that silly spring when tying steel. That’s actually the first thing I do before I use my “Klein’s” is remove that spring! Besides that fun fact you made a very informative video as always and I enjoy watching the others you have put out as well. Thank you
I'm an ironworker in northern NY. I use Klein pliers and a pair of knipex nippers. number 9 klein because they are tough as nails and the knipex I get way more leverage when "heeling" my double wire tie and saves my hands from carpal tunnel
Most Ironworkers mod and change their pliers. Bend the bent side all the way back to be able to bend decking, add a cow milker to the grip, take out the spring. also, Klein makes a great pair also
The way you were pulling the stakes together with the wire and handle, when done with a loop of rope and a stick it's called a Spanish windlass. The stick is left in and braced against something to keep the loop from loosening. Last time I used one was as a clamp when re-glueing the rungs between the legs of a stool.
I've tied a lot of rebar. My kleins back in the day never had a spring and were just effective. I've seen some lightning fast Mexicans tie some rebar! We would heat up the end with a torch and put the bend on the end on a new set on the job site because the ones we bought didn't come that way.
37South Vintage Restorations Mexicans can tie fast but there pretty much a one trick pony. Of course if you can tie fast you can always work and get paid well
37South Vintage Restorations mexican rodbusters are hacks!! slop job dumb asses that know two ties. a snap and a figure eight and they BOTH SUCK!! fast and SHITTY only flys on tying a bridge deck bruh. Im a real Rodbuster from Boise Idaho. currently with Local 86 Seattle!
I've used these exactly for cutting and tying wire. Can you someday make a video to show how you organize your tools both in the shop and in your truck and toolbox? That's something I always have to constantly reorganize.
I kinda wanna get those because I work in a theatre and we are always having to use bailing wire to close lighting instruments, tie rigging shackles closed, and mouse together turn buckles for safety. Very insightful review.
There are very few people on UA-cam doing unsponsored tool reviews like this. It would be lost revenue in many content producers' minds, I'm sure. But this kind of review, borne of years of experience with the tool, has way more value, and you have earned 10x the credibility of your UA-cam peers. I greatly appreciate your sincerity and expertise.
Came for the review of a cool looking tool and left with the amazing tip of wiring my ladder to the roof for a touch of added stability. Such a great teacher, thank you.
Playing with my dad’s tools was how I learned to use them. He taught me a lot about all kinds of handyman stuff. I, unfortunately, left a few tools out in the weather. He never ever fussed at me for it. I sure miss him.
I have those pliers in my wildland fire jacket pocket. They work pretty great for taking down barbed wire fences without having to actually cut the wire. The "hook" on the end of the handle gives you really good purchase when you're yanking on t-post clips. I live in an area that the ranchers really appreciate us not just cutting the fences that are in our way.
You may want to consider a pair of fencing pliers, they're about the same size/weight, but are a bit more specalized (will also pull staples, as well as cut much heavier wire. You can cut #9 wire easily with those, whereas these will struggle to cut it.) The hammer function is useless, but speaking as someone who's fenced for multiple summers, that is the fastest way to take down an old fence, although I find they aren't as handy as lineman's pliers for construction.
I used to carry fencing pliers but found them too bulky. The hook for pulling staples kept jabbing me in the side and these pliers cut no. 9 wire no problem. Thank you for the suggestion though.
Damn that’s pretty friggin considerate man. Your already saving their properties but taking care Of the fences also? Real American hero right there. Stay safe out there my friend
My great grandfather was a career carpenter, my grandfather took over, and started his own basement forming business from what he learned from his dad. Then my father followed in his foot steps, and helped run the family business. 58 years later, and my family still owns one of the best concrete companies in Utah. Every man I have ever seen do concrete with us has had a pair of Kleins or channellocks. They are a big reason for my family being successful for so long. Thank you for this video, It reminds me of working with my dad and my grandpa, and yes, I got told how important that spring was MANY times.
I love guys who take their craft seriously. And you, my friend, are very serious about your tools.
I don't know if you'll ever read this but the single best thing I ever found out was to get one of the metal springs from a clothespin and glue it in so that it opens the pliers automatically. That saves a ton of strain on the fingers when using it frequently and eliminates this weird finger motion to unfold it again. Very convenient and takes just five minutes of work per pliers. I use it on all of mine now.
Amen on letting the kids play with pliers. My little ones walk around through bushes/garden/yard with channellock pliers, they call them "tigers" that eat weeds.
The sincere inclination to family values in this vid is really amazing! God Bless The USA!
I love this kind of video explaining all of the subtle features of a well-honed tool like this. A lot of them I could have guessed, and some more I could have figured out with some practice, but there's no substitute for hard-fought experience -- and a great, practical explanation.
I still have mine from rod busting mostly # 11 & 18 rebar on South Texas Nuc job in late 70's. Great tool!
Wire tying pliers.. I've gotta say it, they are hands down my favorite tool to use in the kitchen.
"I don't always use pliers to flip my fried EGGS, but when I do.......
I prefer CHANNELLOCK"
Stay thirsty, my friends!!
dying laughing over this bit
I don't Flip Eggs with my Pliers...But I did Stay at a HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS LAST NIGHT...
You earned that Thum Up
I used a pair of these in the work tool box when I did grounds work for a decade.
Never knew what they were, but they were old and they were the sh*t when it came to fence work! I am gonna go out and buy myself a pair for Christmas. These pliers rock!
In my opinion, you are 100% on the mark, with praise for these pliers. That 'hook' at the end of the handle, saves them from slipping out of your hand's grip too, great idea.
You're correct, I know because I too own a pair.
I agree wholeheartedly with letting your kids learn the tool, but don't chide them when they make a basic mistake! Great sentiment.
great philosophy for parenting in general. I see so many parents yelling at their kids with fury whilst supposedly showing them something fun like how to ride a bike. Frustrates me to no end.
Teaching kids to use an appreciate tools is an important part of parenting and grandparenting
I can honestly saw I have never enjoyed or wanted to even watch a video about pliers, but this was very interesting. Once more I am reminded why I am so glad I found your channel. Thanks man, and keep em comin!! Cheers!
I love it. Let your kids play with your tools. Have them develop that familiarity with tools and work. I always like your sermons.
Never seen pliers like those ones been around the construction industry for 20 years, learn something new every day.
Sir,
I been looking tools videos all my life. You learn watching videos. I'm a General Contractor and I'm pretty sure you love your job. The passion for the tools is pure! Builders like you and me, appreciate the good quality and functional tools that makes our days better, easier and secure. I been looking for some iron pliers for general purpose, attracted to the Klein tools. Channel lock is an amazing brand too.
My respect 👍🏻
I love my Channelllocks. I just purchased a starter set of them for my son's first toolbox. Made in USA, they have never failed me in over 20 years of home ownership. I only wish they made socket sets!
fprintf hi here, they do make socket sets, open end wrenches and many other tools. My local lumber yard is a do it best and they carry many of the Channelllock products. Great quality made tools that I use every day and will always have in my toolbox.
I had no idea! And they aren't too terribly expensive either. I may just have to make a nice metric set the next birthday present for my son. If their socket drivers and sockets are as high quality as their pliers then it should be a no-brainer purchase!
channel locks are only for jerkoffs. if you are serious about your work, you will have knipex.
Been a tradie here a while - still got my first pair of Channel lock long nose / Klein diagonals and side cutting pliers - great American forged steel
Good man. Don't bark at the kids.
use a burke bar instead
I yelled at my kids for leaving my tools out in the rain. My dad yelled at me for leaving a gorgeous handsaw out in the rain. I'm sure we both regret it. Kids are much more precious than your tools, I don't care what you paid.
No, give them a zing in the ear first and then when they ask you why you did that you can bark at them to find the spring. Only joking, I’ve never lifted my hand to my children. Only in self defence! Regards.
Although I tried to teach them otherwise, my sons somehow managed to ruin, damage and lose more of my tools than I want to think about. (And why did they always do this with the good stuff rather than the cheap junk?)
However, as they are now fully grown, competent men who have inherited my father's tools and know how to use them, and who don't shy from tackling basic construction and repair, I wouldn't have it any other way. Losing a tool here and there is a small price to pay for having your boys thank you later for teaching them what you could, and bringing them up right. And, truth be told, I wrecked or lost more than one of my dad's tools as a boy as well.
My grandpa barked at me for leaving out tools and miss using tools . It made me appreciate my tools more by making me do it without it
I really like these tool reviews, you are trying to help others do their work better and faster with reliable tools. Growing up my dad never got on to us for losing or breaking a tool, now I'm not afraid to use tools and I take care of our tools because I know how much they cost. Thank you for your videos.
"Let your kids play with this. But, don't bark at them when they wreck the spring." Bravo - totally agree with your cost-benefit analysis! : )
I was a bridge carpenter, and those pliers were my favorite for tie wire.
I’m a small trucking owner operator. Along with that comes repairing my equipment myself, not that I can’t afford to pay to have it done, I just want it done right. Channel-lock brand pliers (all varieties) are the ONLY brand that I have found that does the job time and time again. They remind me of timex, they just don’t quit.... my 3 boys put em through more punishment than I do...lol... but they’re learning how to handle a tool.
I always preferred Klein. Cut #9 wire, welding rods, 16p double head sand of course tie wire. Pull nails , pound nails just about anything you need
Always tring to help other thank you
My father and grandfather were both Rodbusters and true Journeymen craftsmen - therefore, I cherish their tools as heirlooms: tie pliers, wire spools, even spud wrenches for red-iron work >> hardhat heaven!
[You can even add in, Texas Steer boots and Mule leather gloves.]
I swear, chicken soup for the soul and all that mess comes nowhere close to the peace and relaxation achieved watching any of your videos. Ahh, naptime.
Well said, couldnt agree more.
^ What he said. I dont do building work ... but IF I ever do ... I will have hundreds of hours of Essential Craftsman tips under my belt!
Nothing beats a good set of Channellocks. Ever.
Been in concrete for 20yrs and I love my channellock pliers made in the good ole 🇺🇸
correction... Channellocks are FIERCELY MADE IN MEADVILLE, PA haha I always love how they add 'Fiercely' gets me fired up!
whitechevtruck i see plenty of channellock tools that are chinese crap at homedepot
been by the channel lock plant many a time, definetly quality made tools
20 minutes from my home town!!!
Zac Crow I’m from sharpsville pa. Where you from man?
www.channellock.com/madeinusa.aspx I believe all of their pliers are made in the USA... could be wrong. I have two adjustable wrenches that are Channellock branded but made in Spain.
I'm a sheet metal mechanic and I use these all the time. Definitely one of my all time favorite tools
What a well spoken and honest review,very well spoken sir, if this guy was my foreman I'd never be scared to ask him anything,cuz he'd explain it to me once and if get it right away
Another success, and another man sold on those pliers. Thank you!
I've had a pair since 1980. They're great. The finger hook on the handle is equally as much for not allowing the pliers to slip out of your hand when you're bent over tying, as is often the case, and your hands or gloves are slippery with sweat or oil.
I am a trim Carpenter and I always carry a roll of wire and a chopping axe in my truck, I have a pair of the channelocks, but I like my Klein's better.
JohnnyBDyer just out of curiosity, what do you use the wire and axe for when doing trim work?
I carry it because my grandfather told me never be without it, I have used it monthly, cut off limbs in the way at a job site, cut roots when ditching, cut banding from a bunk, i don't use it to trim houses, but framers used to chop off ceiling joists when they protruded above the rafters when handsaws were the norm, just a handy tool for a working man to carry on the truck, I have a similar truck as EC, also tie wire is extremely useful for a number of tasks
Carried that same make/model for 35+ years in the right bunker pant pocket of my fire gear. Easy to grab and use with a gloved hand when ceilings come down and you're entangled by electrical wiring and /or the wire embedded in HVAC Felix ducting.
As I've had pliers, cutters, and screwdrivers wear out, disappear, or break I've replaced them with a ChannelLock or a USA -made Klein.
Im a young guy I've had the irwin and kliens and channel. Locks and CL are worth it for 20 bucks can't go wrong with that.
You are a very good teacher.
Pull the spring out and push open with your pointer finger, Chanel locks are good for small jobs, but when you have to tie rebar everyday Kleins are the only pliers for the job!
THEBEASTHbt09 yep
@RODSLINGRRR You sound like an ironworker. ;)
Don’t kill me in the comments, but why wouldn’t you use a wooden spinny handle to tie rebar?
Agreed. Kleins and get rid of that spring
@@anthcain08 you can, it comes down to preference, I’ve used the spinner, pliers, hell even a rebar tying gun, nothing beats a good Rodbuster with a good set of Klein’s.
Channel lock tools we're originated in my "back yard" Meadville, pa 10minutes up the road. It's is amazing how good their products are but I also find it amazing how many things they make that you can't find right here where the head quarters are.
this old bloke is a bloody legend !
I do sheet metal .... since day one i have carried my grandfather's antique crescent linesman's pliers. Very similar design, but lacks the spring, the jaws close fully (better for sheet metal) and it doesn't have the hook. I like the hook - put them on my blacksmith tongs.
My pliers are probably 70 years old and have a long way to go before they will be retired. Perfect patina, perfect fit and finish, perfect performance. I consider them as essential as a hammer.
I had a pair of those and one handle got broken off about half way down (I dont recal how) so I slide the broken handle down into a peice of thick walled pipe and it was one of the best tools I ever had, i could put so much leverage on it.
This is the best channel on UA-cam
I started my career in construction by tying rebar on a bridge as an apprentice. So I bought a set of the blue channel lock pliers and a reel very similar to the one you have. Used them for years. Later in life I somehow lost the pliers and no other type could have filled the empty pocket in my pail. A year or two later, I found them! Right where I had left them while helping a friend with a few things. I was so excited over such a stupid little thing but I had also felt incomplete without. Just recently I found that DeWalt has replicated this same style of plier so I bought a set just to compare.
Flipping fried eggs gives me enough justification to go out and buy a pair of wire tying pliers.
The egg scene was great.
I about died
buy 2. One for each hand.
I have a set of these made by Proto. My favorite pliers as I used it when working in a steel yard and tied off bundles of steel. Amazing tool !!
It seems you are a life long learner and teacher a great Family man and a great boss.
9 years ago I took the rubber off the straight handle... his name is Bryson
MixtapeX
That dear sir is some funny shite!
ROTFL !! XD
CLASSIC!!! This brightened my day for sure👍👍
I just picked up a pair of these last week for electrical work. I just knew they had another purpose. Lol..!
That's for the upload..!!!
I'm a lineman 1971 is when I bought my first set of 9 inch lines and I've only had three pairs through my whole career. Now they're sitting in my workbench and my tool bag awesome
But I do have to confess one pair of 9 inch I burned up in the secondary
Keith Lamport. close call.
Three is not bad. I was an Inside Wireman. The oldest pair I have is from the early 90's made by Ideal back when they were still in the U.S. Put Klein replacement grips on them. Still cut. I had a pair of orange grip Kleins I loaned to an apprentice and he lost them.
Used them often when I used to do industrial scaffolding. We would secure the scaffolding with wire wherever and whenever possible.
Great personality and very well done video. A great role model to follow.
Nice. I like the egg addition. Thank you for the lesson.
Great review. Well spoken, clear, concise. Thanks.
Hahahahahahahaha!! Love that egg bit!
As a marine vessel electrician, I always have tools in the car. Once, I did some simple night camping out of my car to watch the northern lights and had a fire going with a wire mesh and some hotdogs... but no kebab sticks or utensils.
Out came the adjustable pliers, sterilized by fire, and had a great night out.
These reminds me of one of favorite tools. My grandfather was an electrician for a time. We inherited his Klein Lineman's pliers that he bought maybe in the 1930s. Those poor things have been poorly mistreated over the years (sadly, mostly by my young hands at the time). We both now own newer combination pliers. But I think to this day, it's still one of my dad's prized possessions. I'm sure he still uses it for electrical work or even when working with steel wire. And I hope to inherit it as well one day.
OK, I know this isn't about Linesman's pliers and I'm not trying to start a flame war about the different brands. Only to say, a good tool is a good tool... even after a foolish grandson's repeated bunglings with it.
As a pipe fitter I've worn out a lot of back pockets carrying a set of channel lock pliers. Left back pocket holds a torpedo level and an inside read lufkin 6 ft. wood rule, right pocket channel locks and 8 inch crescent wrench. Front pocket a good, sharp jack knife for peeling an apple or orange at lunch time.
Channellock, Meadville, PA. - good choice, I don't work there, but they make great tools.
Got a pair of those Channel Lock wire pliers years ago, and always loved the feel. I did lose the spring on a job once and had a heck of a scavenger hunt to find a replacement. Klein makes a lot of great products as well, but I think they are more oriented to Electrical work instead of steel and concrete purposes.
I have a pair of Cresent pliers,..have had the same pair for over 30 yrs now,..best hammer I have found,..
Great set of pliers. The spring comment is funny because my 6 year old takes everything apart to get the spring out.
Great video and well presented. Good speaker - had a Mike Rowe feel to it. Thank you!!
Channellock, Pennsylvania proud
I've been using Kleins forever but I gotta say. I loooove the channel lock stuff lately..
Funny I was just in my small tool room here in Italy making something small and my 10 yo actually wanted to be down there with me. I let her have free range of my tools to have a good time as long as it was safe and the torque wrenches were out of the way. I resisted letting her do this for too long but it was such a pleasure allowing her to be creative. Letting the young ones use and maybe have a chance to break some tools really is a great thing. She didn’t break anything but she will. I just hope she learns something.
They look very similar to electrician linemans pliers which are also called bullnose or something along those lines. Once you have a pair, you realize all the great uses and gotta love it.
45 years ago I was a First Year Apprentice Electrician. I bought a pair of Channellock Side Cutters (not the iron worker variation but similar features) and I loved them. It's a great design. Don't remember what happened to them, probably got stolen.
I just figured out why I like your videos so much, you're like the This Old House but west coast.
We use those exact pliers for hanging lightweight signs in the convention business. Run the baling wire from any steel truss, hang your sign, twist tight and clip it.
Never tied rebar in my life, but prefer these Channel Locks to Kleins for electrical. Just fit my hand better. And, oh, the spring.... :)
Great review. It's not often that craftsmen take the time, or have the ability, to explain the reason for and utility of the various design features of a very useful tool. For those who have a need to extract stripped screws or rounded off nuts or bolts, take a look at the various Vamplier pliers (available through Amazon), but if you have large hands, pay attention to the size you need. Those pliers, made by the Engineer company in Japan, were originally designed for asian workers with smaller hands than those of the typical American. The Engineer tools are virtually identical to the Vamplier, but with green handles instead of red, and you're not paying for the Vamplier advertising budget. If you're tired of stripping the heads on Phillips head screws, get screwdrivers or hex bits for crosshead screws made to JIS specs (Japan Industrial Standards), and you won't strip those screws any more. Also available from Amazon and other tool sellers.
Thanks again for an excellent video.
I have a pair my father in law gave me about 40 years ago. Used them many many times just like you discribed. Mine has extra cutting places on the side for extra heavy wire like the wire around the bundles of rebar. You know what you are talking about.
I have these same pliers. They last forever your only gonna need a new 1 when u lose it. These mofos can even cut framing nails. One of the handiest tools you will ever have. Does a hell of lot more then tying wire if you carry it in your pouch. I cut a live wire on a water heater one time and it blew a hole out the top of the pliers. Didn't damage the cutters at all it was amazing. I've had several pairs the first one I got was part of my original tools when my dad made me spend half my earnings on tools. Always buy channelock tools if u have the option. You will never be disappointed.
My youngest (4) likes to play with the tape measure. He’s work hardened and ruined at least a couple. But I’ll take that if it keeps him interested.
Gotta let the kids play.
Jeff Smick thats child abuse
Great tool, thanks for sharing, just ordering one!! THANKS!!!
In italy carpenters use horizontal wire cutters, you can cut, twist, pull and hold wire; there are no extra gripping areas and springs but it works nice, the handles are long so you can use more force and two hands
Good review. As I watch your videos I keep learning something..
A little JB Weld on the spring ends will hold it in. I did that on another type of wire cutter.
Thanks for showing more 'made in America' tools!
Great video! Its ok if a rod busters kid takes that spring out we don’t need that silly spring when tying steel. That’s actually the first thing I do before I use my “Klein’s” is remove that spring! Besides that fun fact you made a very informative video as always and I enjoy watching the others you have put out as well. Thank you
I'm an ironworker in northern NY. I use Klein pliers and a pair of knipex nippers. number 9 klein because they are tough as nails and the knipex I get way more leverage when "heeling" my double wire tie and saves my hands from carpal tunnel
Most Ironworkers mod and change their pliers. Bend the bent side all the way back to be able to bend decking, add a cow milker to the grip, take out the spring. also, Klein makes a great pair also
Great Video ! I love tie wire pliers also ! incidentally the cutter blade part of the pliers is called the Jaws . ☺
I have a pair of those as well as Klein lineman pliers. Both have the spring and are awesome.
The way you were pulling the stakes together with the wire and handle, when done with a loop of rope and a stick it's called a Spanish windlass. The stick is left in and braced against something to keep the loop from loosening. Last time I used one was as a clamp when re-glueing the rungs between the legs of a stool.
I've tied a lot of rebar. My kleins back in the day never had a spring and were just effective. I've seen some lightning fast Mexicans tie some rebar! We would heat up the end with a torch and put the bend on the end on a new set on the job site because the ones we bought didn't come that way.
37South Vintage Restorations
Mexicans can tie fast but there pretty much a one trick pony. Of course if you can tie fast you can always work and get paid well
37South Vintage Restorations mexican rodbusters are hacks!! slop job dumb asses that know two ties. a snap and a figure eight and they BOTH SUCK!! fast and SHITTY only flys on tying a bridge deck bruh. Im a real Rodbuster from Boise Idaho. currently with Local 86 Seattle!
Get outta here with your racist bullshit.
@@tdb4297 I like how you generalize a whole race, I guess what they say about Idaho is true, see how that works.
Great video. Informative and fun! Loved the pliers taking the egg out of the pan!😂
I've used these exactly for cutting and tying wire. Can you someday make a video to show how you organize your tools both in the shop and in your truck and toolbox? That's something I always have to constantly reorganize.
I have a pair just like them. That hook on the handle is also good for tying #9 wire.
Wisdom is priceless
I kinda wanna get those because I work in a theatre and we are always having to use bailing wire to close lighting instruments, tie rigging shackles closed, and mouse together turn buckles for safety. Very insightful review.
Where i live we usally use knipex plyers, you dont have to change the grip, and you dont have to let go of the wire until its cut. goes really fast!
This would be a great tool to pull small finish nails of staples out of boards. Thanks for the videos!
They'd work but I go for the Vise-Grips for finish nails. Lock 'em on and stick the prybay under.