Review on 🔧 US-Made CHANNELLOCK 430X 10-inch SPEEDGRIP Tongue & Groove Pliers: Straight Jaw, Forged with High Carbon Steel by Josel Lambert

This review compares these pliers primarily to a pair of similar sized Knipex Cobras that I used prior to purchase. I have been using these pliers for several weeks for various purposes as a commercial electrician and to be clear this review is for the updated model with the gray metal knob. Compared to Knipex, these pliers are VERY large. Both have a 2" claw, but when folded the Knipex handles stay closed, making it easier to pocket, while the Channellock handles are as wide as possible when fully closed, making them difficult to carry and manipulate. Barely use them openly for small things like walnut; Although the jaws are also significantly wider and wobble less compared to the Knipex, working with thin objects such as nuts is much easier. The knurled jaws work very well compared to Knipex teeth and bite incredibly hard on the point. Destruction of softer materials such as small fittings and PVC pipes. This can be a disadvantage but generally I don't worry too much about it if it gives me a better grip on an item which definitely makes these pliers strong on par with Knipex if not better. The size of the pliers also gives it a very sturdy look; The Knipex steel is a bit springier than what uses Channellock, which holds up very well, but you can feel it give a little when you're actually scrolling a bit, which isn't very comfortable. They feel rock solid, and the thick grooves they dip into shouldn't have the durability issues that older models had. The locking mechanism, the main feature of these pliers, is very smooth and easy to use. The Knipex requires a bit of wiggling to engage with the teeth being used, but the channel's shallower grooves snap easily when you shift something, making it easier to adjust. Overall, both Knipex and Channellock are great, Knipex is a bit more portable and easier to use, while Channellock is unlikely to ever break.