After noticing that all my pliers, side cutters, needle nose and what not are junk. I decided I want to buy some new ones. I really dont want to dish out the money for snap on and others, so I was looking at craftsmen, but didnt like anything they had. Well I happend to be looking at Northern Tool and found this plier set: http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200343050_200343050

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these tools, the quality and durability. I dont earn a living with my tools, so top notch is not needed, but I dont want a piles of junk. Would these be worth while, or should a save my pennies for some channellock pliers or higher grade. Any info appreciated. Thanks in advance

I'm pretty sure all their stuff is made in china. They look just like the pittsburg professional at HF.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94380

Thorsen hasn't been made in the USA since the late 60s or early 70s (I think). I would pass and get craftsman or the equivalent.

they are pliers how much damage do you honestly see yourself doing to them???????????

I nearly broke my neck when one of their shitty breaker bars snapped on me... while I was standing on the fender and intake of my M725, taking out the head bolts on the Ford 460 in it....... head over heels to a hard, hard hit to the face and shoulder....

That was sufficiently close that I will never use their tools when it counts, ever again.

they are pliers how much damage do you honestly see yourself doing to them???????????

Not really concerned about damage, but some of the new cheap pliers you get have loose slip joints in the pliers, side cutters that dont cut after a while, or any deflection when under load like you get with cheap pliers. All of the above is what I am trying to avoid

Sounds like I should pass on these, but if any one else can shed any more light it would be appreciated. Thanks

I think if I was to redo my plier collection, I would replace most with Irwin brand (the makers of Vice Grips brand)

I have a decent set I got at the local ACE hardware, and they carry a lifetime warranty and havent let me down yet...

Not really concerned about damage, but some of the new cheap pliers you get have loose slip joints in the pliers, side cutters that dont cut after a while, or any deflection when under load like you get with cheap pliers. All of the above is what I am trying to avoid

Sounds like I should pass on these, but if any one else can shed any more light it would be appreciated. Thanks

Yes you should pass. Channellock makes all sorts of pliers (in PA) and they are pretty cost-effective. I have yet to wear a set of Channellock pliers out.

I have some Thorsen wrenches and I have been very impressed with their quality. Things might have changed though, these might be pretty old.

I have a full set of Thorsen sockets and 2 ratchets. They are at least 15 yrs old, could easily be much older. They have been used w/ impact guns, cheater bars, hammering out u-joints on the trail, and etc. I haven't broken any yet.
My 0.02

the kobalt pliers from lowes look decent compared to the rest. I know they have a five piece set for ~15 bux. Lifetime warranty too. They felt quality to me.

I would save your money and get something that is good quality. Good quality tools may cost more upfront but you should not need to replace them and you have less chance of damaging stuff with them. In the long run it will be a wash or save you money.


Hands down the best pliers I have ever owned.
http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=16&no_cache=1&L=1

I have a few really old thorsen wrenches and pliers. They're pretty dogone good. I say give them a try. Hopefully the quality hasn't gone down.

Yes you should pass. Channellock makes all sorts of pliers (in PA) and they are pretty cost-effective. I have yet to wear a set of Channellock pliers out.

x2, great stuff. Have a 20 year old set of dikes that are going strong.

Our local farm store had the adjustable slip pliers and dikes on sale for almost half price this week so I got some more :D

Andy