Channellock SpeedGrip Pliers: First impressions and comparisons. Hmm, few benefits, fewer problems.

amzn.to/3uIOO04 The Channellock Speedgrip Pliers are the USA-made Channellock tool company's entry into the button-adjustment tongue-and-groove plier space Here are my first impressions and comparisons with Knipex, Snap On, and Craftsman pliers. I see a few benefits, and even fewer problems.
On Amazon:
8" & 10" set: amzn.to/3uIOO04
8" pliers: amzn.to/3o6jQeg
10" pliers: amzn.to/3o0rZB7
12" pliers: amzn.to/3o25mfG

[@mikenormandy9250]

Good choice NOT getting the 12" - I got them...THEY ARE HUGE but the jaw only opens as wide as the regular 8" CL. and I wanted to add, the jaw length are just so short, they remind me of the old school craftsmen (with the steel handle w/o grip) And the journeyman series Klein (with the yellow and black beefy grip). I have a pair of Crescent and Knipex in 12" and I would reach for those before the speed grip. Someone in the comments under me said they reached out to CL to have them combine the speedgrip and groovelock to make a good competitor for the Cobras. I always try and give CL my business but end up back at Knipex (cobras and alligators). Esp when te smallest size Kinpex jaw is 1.5% that of the competitors NEXT size up! The only CL I will ever have or use are the original 420,430 and 440 bc there is always a use for a Straight Jaw grip....

[@mr.delacruz559]

The 12” open the same width as the 8”? I own all 3 and the 12” open much wider than the 8” & 10”.

[@mikenormandy9250]

@@mr.delacruz559 Not much more, Compared to even the 10" regular CL they have barely any jaw width. Compared to a Knipex or Crescent 12" pair I have, Which open to like 2 1/4" wide! Plus, the jaw length is just to short, They have their place (Have used them on big ass machine bolts) but, there is a reason the CL speedgrip is in my garage and the Knipex and Crescent are in my truck lol

[@mr.delacruz559]

@@mikenormandy9250 The 12" have almost a 1/2 " more than the 10" and 1" more than the 8" Speedgrips. That a big difference in jaw width. The jaw width of the 12' speed grips is just a hair under 2 1/2. I literally have them in front of me and I have a 12' Crescent & Knipex Cobra. Now compare this to the Knipex Cobras ,Crescent wrench and see what the difference is.You should be able to since you say you own both. The jaw length of the 12" Speedgrip is longer than a 12” Crescent & is no shorter than my cobras. This is why I use my CL Speedgrips daily at my job.

[@stew-03]

@@mr.delacruz559 how good does the 440x bite? Im thinkin of buying a pair soon

[@mr.delacruz559]

@@stew-03 the 12” 440X Speedgrip that I own has some serious bite. It’s pretty aggressive and I haven’t had them slip on me not one single time using them at work and or at home. I’m a true believer in them and the speed grip button action has smoothed out even more with use which is awesome!

[@1vw4me]

Damn glad to see they're made in the USA!

[@charlesmckinley29]

Glad to here they are still making them here. They are about an hour from me in Meadville, Pennsylvania.

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

I have all 3 of them they work great for what they are and they come in handy as well. I used them along with traditional channellocks and they have a good grip as well

[@foxwood67]

Big bulky thick. My Knipex have retired my channelock, craftsman,Klein, and Irwin T&G for the most part . My first pair of knipex was the 180 cobras. Fell in love with the ergonomics sharp teeth and thin head profile to access much more before. I have since purchased most of the additional sizes. I don’t consider Knipex to be super heavy duty they are a better finesse tool. They definitely are designed better and the teeth hardness makes for incredible grip with minimal effort I’ll pick up a pair of these just to check then out. They are reasonably priced

[@jaysongoff]

Another point that may have been overlooked is the Knipex-style design of the parallel grooves in these vs. tongue-groove designs. This is supposed to reduce the possibility of pinching your hands if/when the pliers slip. You may have mentioned that feature, but I can't recall hearing you say anything about it. Anyways, I enjoyed your otherwise concise review and always appreciate your expositories. Keep 'em coming.

[@John..18]

Knipex any day of the week for me,,, simply the best,,,, imho...

[@chiphill4856]

Hard to beat cobras for gripping just about anything. If you need parallel jaws, the pliers wrench is far more advanced than these channel locks.

[@milwaukee_69]

They are nice but to pricey like snap-on to me but Klein and channellocks all day every day (IMHO) made in USA all the way.

[@cognetic]

LOL. I am still laughing after you said, "I don't know if I will need it". 0:33 (with a plethora of pliers and tools on the bench). 😜

[@chiphill4856]

The aesthetics are a little much. Form follows function, as they say, and I have never liked un-necessary racing strips or flames, etc. These pliers have been stylized w quite a bit of extra visual features, which I consider to be noise. I would not purchase these mainly because the jaws don't get perfectly parallel in most cases. The only cool feature may be the width of the jaws. I've got a great pair of Knipex cobras that I use everyday for a variety of gripping. For parallel jaws, I would go for the Knipex pliers wrench, even at the higher cost.

[@milwaukee_69]

The first 3 pairs are good and very handy to have and the new v-notched version is very handy as well

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again Doc Thank you for another Great Video. 👍 I was wondering if you had looked at the Hart tool line, they have a pliers wrench that at first thought it was Knipex pliers. All I saw that day was package. What a shame, that's the one thing I really like about Sears. They always had a demonstrator available. You could handle it and see if it would work for you. Of course it was always a Craftsman tool being demonstrated. Again thank you

[@ozyrob1]

Good review Doc.

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

I have all 3 and they work great.

[@cadfitter8701]

All those wrenches look awfully shiny! Do you ever use them? Or just hang them on the peg board?

[@pierrejabbour9098]

You always review side tools while reviewing tools😂 I still enjoy your reviews

[@tyronephipps7759]

The old channellock had the best handle grips when it comes to not sliding off down the road, all the other kind of grips I’ve had end up spinning around or sliding off, the old craftsman hand the drip style grips too

[@anthonygm85]

I just ordered a 10 and 12 inch pairs, I can't wait see if there gonna be worth it, I going straight to knipex pliers wrench and cobras as compensation, and the old 440s

[@greapsoho]

I like them quite a bit for the price. A lot of times you can find channellock stuff at harbor fright prices, but the money goes to pennsylvania. Admittedly that's always at least part of the reason I like them so much. A great company with good products that last a lifetime for a cheap price.

[@boosted2.4_sky]

Those Bahco you have to the side are awesome... I had mine out yesterday nice wide-opening and thin jaws excellent bite they're great 8:40.. you're looking at this like they only do one job which is grab Nuts and Bolts... on the contrary... I like to use the flat jawed pliers for plate specifically hot plate and trapezoidal jaw design pliers for nuts and bolts Right tool for the job...🔧 Those Channellock pliers are really nice.. an excellent upgrade to their line

[@mikenormandy9250]

I was thinking the same. I use Knipex cobras mainly for work (grabbing connectors, couplings, pipe, nuts, bolts) and will use the straight jaw OG CL 430 or 440 for grabbing flat items (or anything that needs a straight jaw) right tool. right job.

[@dannyjared5730]

I am looking at trying a set. As an electrician I use my pliers for grabbing conduit and also for bolts etc. I have a set of cobras but I don't think they grab conduit as well as old style pliers. I like the higher adjustability of the pushbutton designs but the knipex button sticks out too far and gets caught on stuff.

[@Tim99GT]

Millwright here, the Knipex plier wrench is absolutely fantastic, and I use them on a lot of jobs. However, I feel more confident grabbing my Channel locks if I'm heading to an unknown job as a jack of all trades kinda tool. I really like the 440x, but haven't owned them long enough

[@VastCNC]

I prefer the smooth jaws and parallel action of the knipex pliers wrench, I like to get the best grip without compromising the plating or coating of the fastener wherever possible.

[@Thalao]

Hi This pliers is a little monster! He bites like a hungry shark. I tested it on an oxidized pipe and it had enough traction to loosen the connections without much difficulty.

[@pinkerbot]

I have to compliment you on your pronunciation of Knipex, but not so much on keeping things in frame! Otherwise, interresting comparison.

[@mathewtorres1352]

Started with channel lock tongue and groove then went to Irwin then knipex. Knipex are the best without a doubt but still wanna try these

[@milwaukee_69]

I have all 3 of them and just got the v-notched version that just came out and they fit and works great check them out.

[@brandonroberts6815]

@lastbesttool, doc do you have experience with the older craftsman robogrips? I'm not a professional just a diy guy. Idk I love these things easy then chanellocks.

[@greentjmtl]

Was quite interested in this to compliment my knipex and regular channellocks until I saw another video where guy showed the teeth engagement is not deep enough and will strip under high load

[@pzwolski]

First impressions and over 14 minutes of video content! 😁 OMG Doc, how long will be the final review? 🤔

[@lastbesttool]

A review would be pretty short. By that time I'd know what I'm talking about.

[@georgehanna3434]

I have them and find they really work well if you not concerned about the teeth damaging what your removing

[@MainelyEverything]

What camera do you use?

[@tomcardale5596]

This seems like a worse version of the Irwin Groovelock. The Irwins are much quicker and easier to use than the Knipex but the Knipex jaws are significantly better.

[@ericcampbell2360]

The knixpex is designed for high quality and performance, but I will buy these because their usa made

[@mrcoollu9662]

i own one its des its job realliy love it

[@ranger178]

I could have gone on a tour of Channellock plant in Meadville, PA. while my daughter was going to college there, but they wanted to go to stupid moldy old museums instead. these new pliers do have lots of leverage and sharp teeth to grab something like a pipe the size range of the opening is smaller than other pliers of same length though.

[@jacksmith2315]

I got all the irwin push button water pump pliers. They dont have the straight jaw like the channel locks, they're more like the cobra. Even my tongue and grove channel locks have the v jaws instead of the straight jaws. But ya im super happy with the irwin push button v jaws.

[@milwaukee_69]

Can you get the v-jaw version 10 and 12 inch and do a video on them and show us your thoughts on them

[@richadent968]

I have the 12: and 8" I think they are great. II can't compare them to the Knipex. I only have Channellock, Klein and Blue Point.

[@algaudreau2774]

I have many different brands of these pliers l find myself grabbing the Irwins because of the quick one hand slide up

[@jacksmith2315]

I have the irwin push button v jaws as well. I like to see a comparison to the knipex cobras. Ya knipex is the original and probably a bit better, but worth the price difference? But ya im super happy w my irwins. Id like a pair of the knipex pliers wrench though since all my pliers like that are the v jaws since i like them better than straight jaws. But i think how the pliers wrench has that articulation in the bottom jaw will make a big difference. Also it will be better for stuff that has a finish you dont want to mar/scratch up.

[@Mrbmxprorider]

In my experience the teeth on the Irwin’s don’t last near as long as Knipex. That being said I’d rather carry the Irwin’s and dremel new teeth once a year for pliers I paid $20 and have the one hand slide feature than use knipex. The Irwin’s also feel better in the hands and have nicer, albeit thicker grips

[@scotts4125]

Sorry to get into your pocket. I was one the viewers who recommended the Starrett. I am waiting for your review. I like my Knipex Cobras and and Pliers Wrench but to be honest I find them finicky to adjust. Anyone else or just me? It seems they only adjust in one spot to me at least.

[@AK-IT]

Interesting that Channelock went with the crossed hatch pattern on the jaw instead of the opposite angled teeth on the Knipex

[@firstmkb]

I assume the cross-hatch is for things like gripping a nut from above, if there is no room for the pliers in the same plane. It would be a similar use to the “screw removal” pliers in a recent video. I swear, I usually have the “odd case” use for pliers that standard ones.

[@AK-IT]

@@firstmkb I guess good sturdy teeth is more important dan the andle

[@luckymeziere3675]

Can you do a review of the matco locking flex head ratchets

[@randysmith9636]

Hey boss, I will toss in my two cents. I have over 40 years of professional wrenching under my belt. I love my Snap On ratchets but my go to is my Matco 3/8 locking flex head Ratchet. It feels great in the hand, excellent locking feature and is stout enough to work hard day in and out. I like the new Snap on lock design alot better than their old version, I did not care for it at all, But I still prefer the Matco locking design. In my opinion (which is worth exactly what you paid for it) the Matco locking flex head ratchet is one of the best on the market. Plus it is American made and for me personally that means alot. I have it in orange and green. Bought the green because the orange wasn't available at that time. Needless to say, I highly recommend it. Stay strong brothers.

[@mr.delacruz559]

I own all 3 sizes for about 5 months now and I have to say that these are my go to tongue & grove pliers now. I do prefer them over my Cobras.

[@MiguelRodriguez-xm4um]

Hi Doc I know you love needle nose pliers so I have a question. I am looking for a set of small needle nose 5-6 inch any recommendations? Seen a lot of your videos and just can’t decide what pair to buy .

[@lastbesttool]

For fine precision tips, go with Knipex. For small but heavy duty use, go with snap on. If you need them right this second go with Klein. If you want disappointment and will give them away after this task, get craftsman.

[@ranger178]

I tried out the same set of Channellock pliers and i thought they should have reversed the way the handles were shaped they made them thin in width and tall with the square corners makes it dig into your hand when applying a lot of force. the size range that it goes out to is much less than other sliding pliers my DeWalt push button slide covers a huge range, but jaws are smooth on DeWalt good for stuff you don't want to mar. these Channellocks have some mean biting teeth on them.

[@cashcow4383]

I own the Knipex , and the oder channel lock tonge and grove. My best and favorite plier is the ROBO Grip , not the knock off ones, but the actualy ROBO Grip pliers I love them.

[@eddieromero8805]

There nice all stick to the classic one

[@milwaukee_69]

I have all 3 of those pliers and they work great but as far as the knipex (IMHO) they are to pricey for me and I stick to made in USA (such as Klein and channellocks).I have some knipex and I am not mocking Knipex but Klein and channellocks all day every day for me.

[@cgtbrad]

Lenox makes a nice pair of pliers wrench. Cam mechanism like Knipex, great feeling molded handle, AND no button press necessary to move to a smaller size.

[@Doc1985]

You do a great job with these reviews! What is your background, education, etc.?

[@zacharywebb6486]

I think the guy used to be a ski technician

[@chiphill4856]

He seems to have a broad technical vocabulary with respect to tool design and ergonomics. Engineer?

[@holyghost5981]

All CL looks good but how bad do they rust because a rusted CL means it's losing me money because someone didn't take care of them.

[@workingmanpatriot8760]

Notice the "cross hatch" teeth. Better grip than anything else on that table! Been useing mine. a year now.

[@shumy-wi2nx]

you are also right about the handles of the pliers, but also about the shape of the teeth on the jaws. But do you know what that means? For the factory to change the molds with which they forge the pliers, this takes time, and it costs a lot to change or design a new mold. But if they did this at the request of the customers, in the future they would have much more sales, and the customers would be satisfied. Don't just complain here on youtube, it would be better to gather some of those who present reviews here and write directly to the factory, for the modification of a clamp. They will listen to your requests faster. It is not enough for only one customer to ask the factory for this, there must be more. Look, for example, Knipex listens to the complaints of customers, no matter what country they are from, then they will release a new, more efficient tool that meets the demand. I live in Germany and I like the design of European hand tools, especially the VDE one. I also like American tools, because they are durable and professional. I saw some reviews from you Americans, perfect, get together some of you who make videos here and write complaints to the respective tool factory. For example, Knipex has several models of pliers that it sells only on the American market, and if I want order to order the respective pliers, I have to order only from America, because only there I can find it, not Europe. Recently, Knipex introduced these pliers in Europe as well, because we want them too. So it is possible. On amazon america we buy them at double the price, logically, now I can buy them at their fair price, without VAT or the price of delivery and customs clearance.I hope you understood what I wanted to say. I wish you much success.

[@woodmasterguy]

Just bought a pair, I like them, pretty close to knipex quick adjust...

[@dormindont1]

Knipex 👍👍👍👍👍💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@uzo992]

Do you have Large ones?

[@lastbesttool]

Thanks for watching. I have the larger regular Channellocks but no other SpeedGrips any larger than the ones featured here.

[@TylerSnyder305]

I have always just stuck with my standard Channellock groove joint pliers. I have no concerns about the type of mechanism, but I cannot get behind the unnecessary futuristic aesthetic they went out of their way to incorporate. Nobody ever said " I demand my pliers to look different than pliers have always looked , traditional looking pliers have no problem selling and that futuristic aesthetic doesn't belong. Take those hash marks off the head, and put normal looking grips on them and I'll try a pair but not as they stand right now. If they can care enough to make 'em look this way I can care enough not to want them because of it.

[@landonmaurer2453]

then just get the knipex, you're just cheaping out by going channelocks anyways

[@TylerSnyder305]

@@landonmaurer2453 I love my Channellock pliers, and have never actually felt lacking with my groove joint pliers or the quality of the 25 or so pairs of their pliers and cutters I have I just figured I'd try a pair of the channellocks if they made them properly, I don't really have enough interest or need to buy Knipex.

[@landonmaurer2453]

@@TylerSnyder305 If you have enough interest to complain about a improved design then you ought to try the improved design on a model with what you wanted. Otherwise why bother saying anything at all even saying youd buy them if theyre were like this

[@TylerSnyder305]

@@landonmaurer2453 Because I'm moderately interested but can live without them, since I'm a Channellock guy I've decided I can pass until Channellock makes a pair I would buy. I heard they were coming out with these and thought cool I'll try them, then I saw the pictures and said nevermind. I'm not complaining about the " improved " design btw, just the fact that they went out of their way to make them look terrible.

[@zubirhusein]

Yeah only reason I can think of is for 'branding' but their blue stands out already, I see blue handled pliers I know it's channellocm

[@uzo992]

Hey I dip you dip we dip!

[@jthomas.]

Too chonky. I'll stick to the classic 420's. As someone who lives with a set of channel locks in my back pocket, size/shape makes a huge difference.

[@AMERICANPRIDE1100]

Knipex all the way this looks like a bulky imitation

[@erasamus1057]

aren't they all, save the plier wrench, technically water pump wrenches?

[@evictioncarpentry2628]

Function over fashion. Pretty sick of tool companies ruining something that works to make it look prettier and losing functionality.

[@Lenin893]

Knipex inarrivabili

[@avernvrey7422]

They're prone to breaking. Overall, not very good.

[@rwbishop]

Adjustment teeth shearing off? Thats what I heard...

[@randysmith9636]

Where are they failing at? I honestly hate to hear this. I love my blues and have never broken one. I have some that are over 40 years old and have never failed me. I was really hoping that these would be on par with the Kinpex.

[@avernvrey7422]

@@randysmith9636 as said above, the teeth. There are vids on youtube about the problem.

[@Bob-I-am]

You may be referring to an older version of these pliers. Channellock fixed the problems with the older ones and updgraded the construction. See this video for more details: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpS7fY2ggtKGrqs

[@jeffwolf8018]

This is likely the worst tools channel locks has ever made. And I've had a problem with everyone of their slip joint pliers getting stuck in positions that I don't want and it's about one or two positions away from where I want to be all the time always wants to get into that position rather than the position I wanted to go into. These things wilshere the teeth off of the adjustment in just a few uses. The teeth will also roundoff inside where it's supposed to be gripping nuts making it completely useless.

[@77loka]

naaaahhh.... knipex 4 ever, all the way

[@lastbesttool]

That seems to be the consensus.

[@77loka]

@@htr5372 There are thousands of brands out there, good in some products and less good in other. Knipex tools are very good, quality is top. If you know a plier same style as the knipex cobra but better, please tell me. No sarcasm, I am curious to discover new tools and good reliable brands.

[@77loka]

​@@htr5372 I am familiar of the Gedore/Hazet/NWS, as I currently live in Germany. In my opinion the quality of Knipex is better when you compare same tool form different brands. But Gedore/Hazet/NWS make much more tools than Knipex. (p.s. NWS is kinda gimmiky imo and not very good, have their crimpers, not impressed...)

[@jamesj7238]

standard 430 and be done with it.

[@brasshouse9822]

It looks fat, gaudy , and ugly. The 10 inch looks really cumbersome especially. To me it’s got all that size for nothing.

[@MercyOnMySoul]

Made in USA means: two 30 mins break + four 15 mins smoke break + two 15 mins stretch break + four 10 mins coffee break + two 15 mns restroom break = 3 hr 40 mns - the during work: check text message + voice mail + reply text message + look at the score = that’s quality work in USA.

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

With all respect I stick to made in the United States like klein, Ideal, Channellocks, (Snap-on and Mac, Stanley proto too pricey). I have and own all 3 of those 8-10-12 and they work great (for me). Everyone has their opinion on those pliers and may disagree with me but I unless they came from the factory damaged had no problem with Channellock pliers and even their screwdrivers. Knipex (pronounced like knife) are good to but are as pricey as those other guys mentioned but are as good a pliers to along with wiha.

[@danm2203]

i dont like these tbh, they rust like any other channel lock and theyre too big for my hands

[@latetodagame1892]

Those aren't fake Chinese pliers?

[@jaredappleseed7037]

Lemme save you frustration and pinched fingers, they're ass