I bought some Channel Lock brand channel lock pliers. Respected brand and made in USA. Paid a pretty penny for them over other brand name (but imported?) alternatives.

Generally seem heavy duty and well built. However, some of the edges seem pretty sharp - easy to see them cut me someday. I'm probably going to take some sandpaper or file to the edges to smooth them down.

Is this expected? The norm? Or perhaps do I have counterfeit units?

I’ve used them for decades. They’re always like that when new. Just hit the sharp edges with a file and you’re good. I’ve still got a pair that’s almost 30 years old and is used almost everyday.

What sharp edges? The handles of every ChannelLock plier I've ever used are plastic coated.

^^^Above the handles.

But you aren't handling the pliers by that part. So what difference does it make?

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
But you aren't handling the pliers by that part. So what difference does it make?

Sure I am. When I take them out of my pocket and/or tool bag and put them back in, several times a day.

Thanks - okay expected edges. Just wanted to make sure I didn't get counterfeits.

I can smooth the edges no problem.

I assume this is a "tongue-and-groove" plier, sometimes called a water pump plier, Channellock's most famous product, and in fact a genericized trademark for the type. You'll appreciate the extra cost of the Channellock when it doesn't bend out of shape, slip off the object and/or pinch the heel of your hand, as cheap ones are wont to do.

A clean even bevel, maybe a melt treatment, and you'll be in stylin' !! I've bought and used CLs since 1990 and never noticed rough machining except on the groove locks occasionally.



https://americantoolbox.com/20...ck-pliers-model-430/

Normal.
Knock off the edge and apply a spray shellac if you are worried about rust.

Some people come up with the weirdest stuff to worry about. I have a couple of sets of new channel lock water pump pliers and used them a few times so far and haven't even noticed any sharp edges, if there even are any...…

Just looked, the edges aren't rounded/melted or anything, they're 90 degree edges.....but not sharp enough where they'd even consider cutting someone or causing discomfort pulling them out of the tool bag.

They really aren't that much more than imported pliers. Looking at Home Depot, I noticed the Milwaukee and Dewalts were both made in Taiwan, and were within $1 of the price of the Channelocks.

Those sweet Knipex from Germany, OTH...

nice surefire!

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Some people come up with the weirdest stuff to worry about. I have a couple of sets of new channel lock water pump pliers and used them a few times so far and haven't even noticed any sharp edges, if there even are any...…

Just looked, the edges aren't rounded/melted or anything, they're 90 degree edges.....but not sharp enough where they'd even consider cutting someone or causing discomfort pulling them out of the tool bag.

Sorry to break it to you Jimmy, but some of us use tools every day for a living, not periodically. Me and many, many other people I’ve worked with in the trades have smoothed out lots and lots of new and used tools with either a file or bench grinder, etc. Do all channel locks come from the factory with sharp edges? No. But some do. Have I had a pair cut me? No, but I’ve had a new pair come close to doing that. It’s a minor correction.

And again, I wanted to know if this is normal or if I got counterfeit. I've never had any tools that have the edges that these channel locks do.

I don't think they would cut me but I've already got a couple of nice scratches from the edges. No big deal as long as it's typical. I just don't want PRC counterfeits.

^^^^ I’m sure they’re genuine, but post a picture if you can.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:

quote:

Originally posted by jimmy123x:
Some people come up with the weirdest stuff to worry about. I have a couple of sets of new channel lock water pump pliers and used them a few times so far and haven't even noticed any sharp edges, if there even are any...…

Just looked, the edges aren't rounded/melted or anything, they're 90 degree edges.....but not sharp enough where they'd even consider cutting someone or causing discomfort pulling them out of the tool bag.

Sorry to break it to you Jimmy, but some of us use tools every day for a living, not periodically. Me and many, many other people I’ve worked with in the trades have smoothed out lots and lots of new and used tools with either a file or bench grinder, etc. Do all channel locks come from the factory with sharp edges? No. But some do. Have I had a pair cut me? No, but I’ve had a new pair come close to doing that. It’s a minor correction.

The edges are normal, the 2 pairs I bought this year are the same.


I use my tools for a living everyday as well. But how many people use water pump pliers everyday that do work with tools everyday. They're not as widely used as say a screwdriver. Let me say it in a non polite way. Unless you're a millennial that has never picked up a tool in your life, and actually work with your hands, the edges are a non-issue on the Channel Lock water pump pliers and I'm not quite sure why anyone would be holding the pliers in that area to begin with as they have very long plastic handles. If they bother you just melt them down a little with a Dremel and polishing wheel, a stone on a vice, or a 4" grinder.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
But you aren't handling the pliers by that part. So what difference does it make?

Sure I am. When I take them out of my pocket and/or tool bag and put them back in, several times a day.

Need to grow some manskin.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
But you aren't handling the pliers by that part. So what difference does it make?

Sure I am. When I take them out of my pocket and/or tool bag and put them back in, several times a day.

Need to grow some manskin.

Most job sites nowadays are “100% gloves“, meaning you have to wear cut protection gloves 100% of the time while working. Unfortunately, the calluses on my hands that I had for decades are pretty much gone.

Have a pair but didn’t notice anything. I usually keep them handles up. My Knipex sees more action though.