Channellock 369 9.5-Inch Lineman's Pliers | Xtreme Leverage Technology (XLT) Requires Less Force to Cut than Other High-Leverage Models | Forged from High Carbon Steel | Made in the USA, Blue Handle

I own or owned, in differing sizes, Stanley, Craftsman, Knipex, Gedore, Klein-Tools, IRWIN, Vampliers, and ENGINEER pliers all fairly similar to these. These pliers made Channellock the all around go to all American hand tools for me, unless I’m specifically needing something specific (as in the ENGINEER products). Wow they surprised me. On almost every project I end up going for these - they are tight in construction, just the right rivet joint friction, strong as an ox, and comfortable handles. I’m a recent convert, as well as to length in linesman pliers. These are a handy length, but my next pair will be 10-12 inches for the extra leverage.I had always had a 1:1 association of Channellock:adjustable pliers, which were solid for the first 35 years I had a pair. I never hear much about the brand, which is sad, because these people have kept great quality alive here in America even today. Make yourself happy, and buy Channellock, and keep this all American tool company viable!

The larger handles allow for the cutting of larger gauge wire with ease, among other things. Crimpers are a plus. Cutting edge has remained sharp so far, I have not cut steel (screws, etc.) with them yet but plenty of copper wire.Edit: I still am using these, love the high leverage and crimpers. I have found that the steel does not hold up to cutting steel however, cutting screws left chips in the blade and reaming EMT tubing left gashes in the hexagonal opening. However, for their lesser price I did not fully expect them to hold up as well as Kleins but in my opinion they still outperform a standard pair of Klein pliers thanks to the extra length and crimpers. Well designed, you can cut large copper wire, you can still use them as a hammer! Just don't cut steel.Rating remains 5 stars

I looked at a bunch of lineman pliers before choosing these. I'm not a lineman so I'm going to use them for everything but that. I've had other ones that did not hold up so it came down to these or Klein brand . I chose these because I've seen them get abused and still work great. Being made in U.S.A. helped. Klein tools are great too. It's just that I've always known I can rely on Channel lock to get the job done. ;)

Lineman’s pliers for a lifetime; and made in the USA.

linesman pliers are important tools for twisting and working with wires. they also work as hammers and wrenches and even a prybar on occasions so they get a lot of abuse. These are very good so far. I have not shorted out any wires so I don't have an opinion about the insulation. they are as comfortable as other pairs I own or have owned. So far, no sign of rust.as far as leverage goes, I tested against another pair from a more expensive company and could not feel any difference so I don't know that these can support the increased leverage claim. Most good linesman pliers claim to be high leverage (although the one from crescent actually has a double pivot which does make a difference) but the key is that they will cut everything within reason. I have seen more that one electrician test a pair by cutting a penny in half and that seems to be the proper test. These do fine and are as quick and easy going through a penny or a washer as any I have tried but I note that the cutting edge is not as precise as others I have tried so 4 stars instead of 5. They pivot smoothly and take less effort than an older pair but remember that tools get used and dirt and grime in the pivot are the key to smooth cuts. I noticed that these leave a serrated edge on a penny or a washer which makes me wonder why. When cutting finer wires, they need to have a precise edge. The same is probably not true for using them as a nutdriver. the gap on the pliers edge when closed is about 1/32 inch but they appear to be perfectly flat and parallel which is more important. visually, it does not look a pretty as a perfectly-mated edge.These are well-made and should work very well but, if you are looking for the best made and most precise, you might have to spend a bit more.For most everyday use, these are fine and they are a bit cheaper than the famous brand versions. They appear to be well-made out of good steel so I anticipate they will last until they walk off (which does happen from time to time).

Worked just as they should

Quality pliers. Smooth operation. Fits hands well. Some folks might prefer a more substantial head (like classic lineman pliers)to use as a hammer on occasion. If this is not important to you, then these pliers are fine for general electrical and electronic work.

I can am a huge can of the Channellock products. They have come to my rescue in more ways then one. I was the tour of Channellock's manufacturing on the Pennsylvania Cable Network. They are made here in the U.S.A., in Pennsylvania by Americans who know high quality craftsmanship. BEWARE: of foreign look-alikes; they are pathetic. I use these for electrical work and have other Channellocks I use for plumbing. I also have their wire cutters and they are a luxury I can not do without...but at a fair price. The feel is secure, the surface finishes are amazing to behold. Powerful and precise...you can not get better functionality anywhere. NOTICE: I do not work for the Channellock company or this vendor so my words are un-biased. You would be unwise to by any other product other than a Channellock.