CHANNELLOCK – Founded in 1886 and Still Making US Made Pliers 126 Years Later

Occasionally I get the good fortune of experiencing something that makes me feel really great. Things like walking through an airport and thanking a member of the military, volunteering for a great cause, or reading about a successful start up company. Well this week I was fortunate enough to get that sense when I visited the headquarters of CHANNELLOCK.

So what’s the big deal? The big deal is that CHANNELLOCK is a 5th generation family run business that’s in it’s 126th year since 1886! When you consider the fact that we live in a world of increasing outsourcing and a vast majority of tools being built in places like China the CHANNELLOCK story is one that really impresses me.

US Made and Sourced Pliers

CHANNELLOCK sells several different kinds of tools but they are best known for their pliers. They literately sell dozens of types of pliers for everything from working on small delicate carburetors to huge pliers for electricians working on huge conduit. All of their pliers are made from 100% North American Steel and built here in the US. Over 400 proud Americans work for CHANNELLOCK pumping out thousands of pliers per day! If this story doesn’t make you proud I’m not sure what kind of story would.

Forged From Raw Steel

Each and every set of pliers that CHANNELLOCK makes starts out from a piece of round bar stock C1080 steel from Nucor and Eaton steel companies. The pieces of raw steel are placed into a die f0rge press and pounded into the shape of the tool. As you can see above the piece of steel comes out of the die so hot that it’s bright red. After each of the pieces if forged into the rough shape it is softened with height to allow easier machining.

Once the pieces leave the forging area workers machine channels, holes, slots and other features into the pliers. The work is done with a combination of old and new machining techniques.

As you can see above one of the pliers after forging and before machining. The piece below it has just finished having the channels machined.

Workers also grind, polish and check each piece for a precise fit. Some of the tedious grinding processes like the one shown above are now being done with robots.  Asked whether or not robots have replaced workers the management at CHANNELLOCK surprisingly told us they have not. Workers have been tasked to other jobs and in some cases robots have filled the shoes of workers that have retired.

Quality Makes The Difference

I was also very impressed with the investments that CHANNELLOCK has made to improve overall quality. The company has recently invested in laser hardening equipment that allows them to more precisely harden cutting edges and teeth on pliers.

If you look at the three sets of linesman pliers above you’ll see a “light” shiny area indicated by the arrow at each of the cutting areas. That area indicates the area on the pliers that has been heat treated to increase the strength and durability of the cutting edge. The areas were highlighted by sanding them and applying an acid which means the areas shown are the actual areas affected by heat strengthening.

If you look closely you’ll see the CHANNELLOCK plier has a very uniform, consistent area of heat strengthening. The other pliers are not nearly as accurate and one didn’t even have the cutting edge hardened. That’s because the CHANNELLOCK plier was hardened using a laser and the others were done using an older method that’s very hard to apply accurately.

After the pliers are finished they go through one last heat strengthening process. This helps reverse the earlier step that made the pliers easier to machine. The crate shown above is holding hundreds if not thousands of pliers that are coming out of the furnace. Each day they crank out thousands and thousands of pliers.

Grips and Shipping

Once all of the forging, machining, and hardening is complete each of the pliers is given a grip. Grips range from the classic plastic dip handle to the newer Code Blue plastic grips.

The handles are dipped into a liquid bath of PVC rubber so that each handle is evenly coated. The finished pliers are then sent down the factory line for shipping.

Final Thoughts

I was so impressed with everyone at CHANNELLOCK from the owners down to the employees. It’s such an incredible story that I feel it needs to be celebrated. I know they have some of the worlds best pliers, when you combine that with the fact that they are US made it’s a no brainer to keep your crews outfitted with the  best tools. If you want top quality pliers built here in the US then I highly recommend CHANNELLOCK pliers. You won’t regret the decision as they will likely last your lifetime and your kids as well.

CHANNELLOCK – American Made and Proud Of It is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Channellock CODE BLUE Plier Line Now Made In USA

Whether your a Professional contractor, serious DIYer or just a homeowner that demands top quality tools, you’ll want to take a close look at what Channellock is up to.

Recently Channellock announced that they are now making their entire CODE BLUE pliers line in their Meadville, PA plant.  The pliers were always made in Meadville but the grips were outsourced outside the states.

The new Channellock CODE BLUE Pliers318B and 430CB pliers line will have an entirely new American made grip which Channellock is hooping you will find more comfortable, greater durability and provide you with a better gripping surface.  These grips will be made  with a composite thermoplastic elastomer core and over mold on.

Some tool companies accommodate all levels of tool users from junk to quality but that is not the case with Channellock.  These pliers are top notch in quality, durability and performance.

While I’m personally happy about Channellock’s decision to make the grips in the US, I’m personally not a fan of the larger grip.  Time may tell and change that but I’m a creature of habit and really like the older grip.  I’m taking these tools to the job-site to use and try out and will report back to you if I change my mind.

The two newest pliers will be:

1.  Channellock 318B CODE BLUE long nose plier

2.  Channellock 430CB CODE BLUE tongue and groove plier

Note – the new handle coating is not recommended for dielectric properties

Channellock CODE BLUE Pliers318B and 430CB is a post from Tool Box Buzz

NEW Channellock Flush Cutter.

Channellock 7.5″ 758 Flush Cutter is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Channellock Code Blue Ratcheting Screwdriver Review

Channellock recently introduced two new Code Blue Ratcheting Screwdrivers including the 13 ‘N 1 ratcheting screwdriver and the 18 ‘N 1 ratcheting screwdriver. These new screwdrivers have been designed to offer convenience and torque to both professionals and DIYers.

I’m a huge fan of multi-tip screwdrivers especially for folks that use a tool belt all day. Having one screwdriver that can use different tips is a weight and space saver for anyone’s tool belt. Add on the ratcheting mechanism and these two new screwdrivers offer some serious competition to the rest of the field!

Channellock Code Blue 13 ‘N 1 Ratcheting Screwdriver

The new 13 ‘N 1 ratcheting screwdriver (shown on the bottom above) includes the following tips:

• #0, #1, #2 and #3 Phillips tips
• #4 and #6 slotted tips
• #10, #15, #20 and #25 Torx bits
• #1 and #2 square recessed bits
• and a 1/4″ hex shaft

The screwdriver features a dual composition comfort grip and a 28-tooth ratchet that delivers up to 225 inch-lbs of torque.

This model features a pull-out storage compartment inside the handle. As you can see in the adjacent photo all the tips easily snap into the storage compartment.

The ratcheting mechanism is very smooth and easy to adjust from tightening to loosening. Overall the quality is really good. If I wanted to complain (every so mildly) about one feature it would be the plastic clips that hold the bits. They don’t look very strong and it’s likely they will be the weak link for this tool.

Channellock Code Blue 18 ‘N 1 Ratcheting Screwdriver

The new 18 ‘N 1 Ratcheting Screwdriver offers even more flexibility with the following tips:

• #0, #1, #2 and #3 Phillips tips
• 1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″ and 5/16″ slotted tips
• 10, #15, #20 and #25 Torx bits
• 1/8″, 5/32″, 3/16″ and 7/32″ hex bits
• 1/4″ and 5/16″ nutdriver bits

It also features durable forged ratchet construction and a comfortable, high-torque grip. As you can see above the handle has six slots to hold all of the 1/4″ shaft bits (the 5/16″ shaft bit must be stored in the driver shaft).

I do have one slight complaint for this screwdriver. In the adjacent photo you can see that the storage handle has treads for a cap. The threads are made from plastic and likely to strip quite easily. I actually started to strip them already. So future versions of this screwdriver should have a more robust design for the threads.

Overall Impression

Overall I’m quite impressed with this new offering from Channellock. These screwdrivers are comfortable, versatile and most importantly they work very well. The ratcheting mechanisms are very smooth and easy to use. If you’re looking for a multi-bit screwdriver for your tool belt I’d give one of these a serious look.

Reasonably priced these screwdrivers are a good value. If you’d like to buy one please check out the following two links:

• Channellock 181CB 18 in 1 Multi Bit Ratcheting Driver
• Channellock 131CB 13 in 1 Multi Bit Ratcheting Driver

Channellock Code Blue Ratcheting Screwdrivers is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Shorter, Lighter Design Offers First Responders Pocket-Size Rescue Tool

The new Channellock #87 Rescue Tool fits a nitch that other tools in the industry don’t. This tool fits nicely in a firefighter’s turnout pocket and light enough not to hinder movement. In addition to the lighter, smaller design the following features including:

• The cutting tool makes short work of battery cables, which quite often are wrapped in mangled metal, making their smaller size a big advantage.
• The tapered wedge has many uses, forceable entry tool, for windows and doors.
• The tapered wedge can be used to prop doors open.
• The tool is a great spanner wrench and gas shut off wrench.
• I am sure firefighters will find many other functions for this tool.

Firefighters from the City of Fillmore, CA helped evaluate this tool. Below are some photos from on the job training with the new Channellock #87 Rescue Tool.

#87 Rescue Tool Cutting A Car Battery Cable

#87 Rescue Tool Shutting Off Natural Gas Valve

#87 Rescue Tool Attaching Fire Hose To Hydrant

#87 Rescue Tool Prying Car Door Open

The only thing that the firemen thought would also be helpful is a sharp point for breaking glass. Other than that the #87 Channellock Rescue Tool was great! If you’re a first responder, fireman or EMT this tool is extremely useful.

Special Thanks – A special thanks to the firemen of Fillmore, CA Fire Department for sharing their thoughts about this new tool.

Channellock #87 Rescue Tool Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Enter To Win a Channellock Tool Roll No. 3

To celebrate Father’s Day the folks at Channellock are sponsoring a really great giveaway. One of our lucky readers is going to win a Channellock Tool Roll No. 3. To help celebrate Channellock’s 125^th year in business, the pliers in the winner’s tool roll with be engraved with “1886-2011 — 125 Years Strong.”

Product Information

From plumbing projects to auto repair, Tool Roll No. 3 includes five pliers to help homeowners accomplish a variety of home improvement projects. All of the pliers in this set are Fiercely Made in Meadville, Pa. The tool roll includes:

• 430 tongue and groove plier
• 420 tongue and groove plier
• 337 cutting plier
• 3017 long nose plier
• 526 slip joint plier

How To Win

Would you like a chance to win  the Channellock Tool Roll No. 3? There are FIVE different ways to enter this contest and you may enter each option once per household.

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY!

In order to be eligible for this giveaway you must do the following:

1. Fill out entry form here:
2. Facebook – Visit our Facebook Fan Page and LIKE us. Leave a comment on the wall telling us what you think of the Channellock Tool Roll No. 3.
3. Facebook – Visit Channellock’s Facebook Fan Page and LIKE us. Leave a comment on the wall telling us what you think of the Channellock Tool Roll No. 3.
4. Twitter – Follow Channellock on Twitter here:
   

Fine Print

Entries must be received by 11:59 PM EST on June 5, 2011. The winner will be announced on June 6, 2011.

Only residents of the U.S. are eligible.  Spam entries will not be counted. Spam entries are determined at the sole discretion of Front Steps Media.

Channellock Father’s Day Giveaway is a post from Tool Box Buzz

New Channellock® 8″ 368 High-Leverage Linemen’s Plier

Channellock® has been releasing some great tools this year and the new Channellock® 8″ 368 High-Leverage Linemen’s Plier is another example. Last Fall I also reviewed their new 9.5″ Linemen’s Plier which is a slightly larger version of this one. The big improvement with both of these new pliers is the redesigned pivot point which creates much greater force with less effort.

I find myself using this type of plier around the house for all sorts of tasks. I also find this smaller 8″ size to be great for those smaller tasks like making up receptacle boxes, bending metal parts and lots of small repairs.

“The new 368 is the second release from our high-leverage linemen’s pliers line that we will continue to expand throughout the year,” said Ryan DeArment, vice president of sales and marketing at Channellock Inc. “We’ve been working closely with electrical professionals and do-it-yourselfers to provide them with significantly enhanced linemen’s pliers that clearly provide more force and require less effort to use. So far, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

For me the there are two issues that make these great pliers. First of all they are made here in the USA which isn’t something we see much of anymore. Secondly, and most important is the quality. These pliers are built to last and they work like a finely tuned clock.

It’s really easy to judge the quality. All you have to do is run down to your local hardware store and pick up a pair of Channellock pliers and compare them to a pair made overseas, it won’t be long before you notice the difference. The cutting surfaces on the 368’s are perfectly aligned, the pivot joint is tight and there is no slop at all in the action. Most of the cheaper brands are full of slop and poorly aligned cutting surfaces.

If you need a new pair of Linemen’s pliers than I highly recommend you check out a set of Channellock Pliers. You won’t be disappointed.

Channellock® 8″ 368 High-Leverage Linemen’s Plier Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz

Channellock 4-in-1 Ratcheting Wrench Set (841S)

Channellock recently introduced their new 4 ‘N 1 Wrench Set (Model 841S). The 4-in-1 Ratcheting Wrench Set does the work of 8 wrenches or socket. The folks at Channellock sent us this set to test and report out thoughts to all of you.

Features

• SAE
• Includes ratchet sizes: 5/16″ x 3/8″, 7/16″ x 1/2″, 9/16″ x 5/8″, 11/16″ x 3/4″
• 12 point socket
• Heat-treated for greater durability on the job
• Electronic coating for ultimate rust prevention
• 4 sizes in each wrench saves time, money and space
• Hollow sockets excel over deep socket designs

Our Thoughts

The 4-in-1 Ratcheting Wrench Set from Channellock makes a really great wrench set when storage space is a premium. For me that means these wrenches are great for my tool box in the truck or with a crews mobile tool boxes. Considering that this set of two wrenches can do the work of 8 combination wrenches or sockets there is a great possibility to save room in your tool box.

Right out of the package I was quite impressed with the feel and quality of these wrenches. The wrenches have very smooth edges with a nice painted finish. Each wrench is riveted together in 4 places to keep things nice and tight.

You can switch directions on the ratchet with your finger while holding the wrench in just one hand. The ratchet works effortlessly and makes quick work of tightening nuts and bolts. Because of the open design these wrenches can easily work in deep positions where sockets are limited. The 12 point sockets quickly engage the nut or bolt head.

Overall these are a great set of ratcheting wrenches. The quality is very good and they work effortlessly. Priced at $35 we think it’s a good value when you consider how much a good set of traditional wrenches or sockets cost.

Channellock 4-in-1 Ratcheting Wrench Set (841S) Review is a post from Tool Box Buzz