• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Storage Shed
  • Portable Generator Shed
  • Backyard Batting Cage
  • Backyard Swing Set
cropped-allthumbsdiy-header-v78-fl.jpg

AllThumbsDIY.com

home improvement projects for do-it-youselfers

Header Advertisement HappyOodles.com
  • Appliances
    • Dishwashers
    • Dryers
    • Refrigerators
    • Washers
  • Building
  • Elect
  • HVAC
  • Outdoor
    • Backyard Batting Cage
    • Backyard Ice Rink
    • Backyard Swing Set
    • Bicycles
    • Geo Dome Play Climber
    • Landscaping
  • Plumbing
  • Power Equip
    • DIY Gaskets
    • Leaf Blowers
    • Generators
    • Snowblowers
  • Tools

Must-Have-Tool for your DIY Toolbox – Adjustable Pliers

March 7 by kevin Leave a Comment

allthumbsdiy-reviews-tools-adjustable-pliers-header-fl

QUICK SUMMARY

It’s my opinion that all DIYers should own at least a pair of high quality adjustable plier. It is an indispensable tool where you need a lot of gripping power for torque or leverage that you simply cannot get from a regular pair of joint pliers.

I own a set from ChannelLock as well as a set from Irwin. I briefly considered purchasing Knipex tools (German made) but did not because they were just too expensive.

Both ChannelLock and Irwin pliers provide same function, so it’s a matter of personal preference.

CHANNEL LOCK

allthumbsdiy-reviews-adjustable-channel-lock-2-flTongue and Groove or Channel Lock pliers are synonymous with ChannelLock, the original manufacturer of tongue and groove pliers.

While back, I purchased a similar set like this Channellock GS-3S 4-Piece Tongue and Groove Plier Gift Set (without the screwdriver) and have been very happy with it.

This particular set provides three pliers (6.5”, 9.5” and 12” tongue and groove pliers) which is an awesome value, as well as a screwdriver.

I also own a pair from Sears Craftsman but ever since Sears refused to provide me with a new pair (teeth were worn down), I haven’t used it since.

The rubber grips on ChannelLock pliers are soft but thick which takes the sting out of your hands when tightly gripped. Although it feels lighter than Irwin pliers that I also use, its jaw teeth are still in very good shape after years of use.

According to the manufacturer, this ChannelLock set is Made-in-USA and provides Lifetime Warranty against all defects.

BUTTON LOCK

allthumbsdiy-reviews-adjustable-pliers-craftsman-irwin-flI purchased Irwin Industrial Tools 2078709 GrooveLock Clamshell Pliers 2-piece Set (comes with 8″ and 10″ sizes) to supplement my ChannelLock pliers and after using it for some time, I am a very satisfied customer.

I personally prefer Irwin for projects involving large bolts because:

  • Irwin uses a button lock mechanism to lock the setting in place
  • Irwin has shaped jaws that can be very effective at gripping large bolts with minimal effort

The only potential drawback I can see is that Irwin is a heavier tool so I depend on ChannelLock pliers when working with small-ish bolts.

Like the ChannelLock tools, Irwin’s teeth are still in excellent shape and the grips, though not as soft as that of ChannelLock grips, are 100% intact after many abuses.

According to the manufacturer, this Irwin tool is Made-in-USA and provides Lifetime Warranty against all defects.

CONCLUSION

So if I have a limited fund, and I could own only one set, which one would I choose?

Though Irwin is heavier and comes with one less pair of pliers, I would lean towards Irwin because I believe it can be used in many more DIY project settings. I have successfully used Irwin tools when I built my backyard deck, sheds, etc. involving many large hex bolts.

Now, I am NOT knocking ChannelLock since I own and use tools from them as well (and Channel Lock may be a better solution if you don’t see working on a large DIY project and you would prefer a lighter tool).

But whatever you decide, please avoid purchasing pliers from $5 bargain bins. Your knuckles will thank you.

 

PS. If you found this article to be useful, why not sign up for my newsletter? Just look for a signup form on the upper right hand side of your screen. Thanks!

Filed Under: Adjustable Pliers Tagged With: adjustable pliers, button lock pliers, channel lock pliers, channelLock, Channellock GS-3S Review, Irwin, Irwin 2078709 reviews, Irwin Industrial Tools 2078709 GrooveLock Clamshell Pliers, knipex

Affiliate Programs Keeps AllThumbsDIY Free

AllThumbsDIY.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Additionally, AllThumbsDIY.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

*Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

E-mail Newsletter

Outdoor Power Equipment

Adjusting Zama C1M-K77 Carburetor on Echo PB-413H Backpack Leaf Blower

allthumbsdiy-generac-wheelhouse-5550-engine-tune-up-featured-fl

Engine Tuneup for Generac Wheelhouse 5500 / 5550 Portable Generator

john-deere-1330-se-how-it-work-featured-fl

John Deere 1330SE Dual Stage Snow Thrower – How Does It Work

allthumbsdiy-snow-thrower-john-deere-1330se-engine-b-fl

Briggs and Stratton Engines – Operator and Parts Manuals

allthumbsdiy-snow-thrower-john-deere-1330se-wiring-harness-layout-featured-image-2-fl

John Deere 1330se Snowblower – Wiring Harness for the Auger Group

Popular

allthumbsdiy-swing-set-parts-updated-for-ebook-featured-fl

Swing Set Parts – updated for ebook

Backyard Batting Cage Delayed by a Snow Storm in November

Building a Backyard Batting Cage

allthumbsdiy-bike-rack-calculate-seat-post-diameter-header-fl

How to Calculate the Diameter of a Bike Seat Post

allthumbsdiy-bike-rack-rear-featured-fl

LOPEZ Alloy Rear Bike Rack Pannier Review

Footer

Recent

  • Crazy Housing Market Bubble – What NOT to do
  • How To Fix Brake Problems on Schwinn Ascension Mountain Bikes
  • How to Troubleshoot and Replace the Main Control Board #WR55X10956 in GE Refrigerator
  • How To Test and Replace Thermistor Temperature Sensors
  • How to Know If Your Refrigerator Door Seal is Good or Bad

Categories

Search

Copyright © 2022 · Magazine Pro On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in