We’ve been told that Channellock is relaunching their Code Blue line of pliers, and that the handle grips have been redesigned and are now being manufactured in the USA. Channellock pliers and cutters are already made in the USA, as are their iconic blue dipped handle coatings. The Code Blue grips, however, were previously sourced from overseas.
The new grips are said to offer a more secure hold, as well as greater durability and comfort. Manufacturing of the new grip design will be handled by a partner company, Evolution Molding Solutions, that is also located in Meadville, PA.
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In addition to reshoring Code Blue grip manufacturing, Channellock reportedly plans to significantly expand the Code Blue line in 2013.
Obviously there are economic considerations behind something like this. Channellock reps describe how it will enhance the quality control process, allow for more control over quality and order fulfillment, and reduce production and shipping times. Beyond that, there’s definitely added marketing power now that the Code Blue pliers line is now 100% USA-made.
To be honest, I wasn’t aware that the Code Blue pliers weren’t 100% USA-made. I know the screwdrivers and nutdrivers were made overseas, but didn’t know all Code Blue handle grips were imported as well. It’s good to hear that Channellock is making an effort to continue their USA-made tradition. Plus, we’re happy to hear that the grip designs have been improved.
Randon
Well Channelock, you certainly have re-gained my respect. I heard mention that all Channelock products were going to be shipped overseas. Nice work, wouldn’t mind having one of those code blue pliers though.
Jerry
Channellock, I was needing a pair of water-pump pliers, and I thank you for making the decision of which ones to buy much easier. I have a couple other pairs of your US made tools, all top notch (your fencing pliers are the best I have ever used, and I used many, as I do a LOT of work with barbed wire fencing).
Thank you for a quality product, made in the USA.
Joe
Channelock, through out the years, you have always been a great company. Let’s be honest here, when you started selling your products at Wallmart and outsourcing a very small portion of your products, I thought this might become Craftsman 2.0.
I am very glad that isn’t the case. There is already much more than a handful of companies that once made USA products, but now either outsource some, completely or just flat out disappeared.
I only have and likely used Channellock brand tongue and grove pliers, so it’s nice to know in the near future that won’t have to change.
Bob M.
I own 7 pair of Channellock pliers “1” because they`re a great product and “2” they`re made in the good old USA. I wont buy foreign made tools. Hats off to you for bringing a product back to America .
mnoswad1
I hope that “significantly expand” actually means copy Knipex. That stuff is a pleasure to use. Knipex knows how to do rubber overmolded grips…..not overly bulky, slim and easy to handle. The US/ChinaCom brands usually over do the grips…..thinking bigger is better.
Electricguy
I agree. While I would love to support Channellock tools more, knipex alligators and cobras are superior in comparison. However I will always go for Channellocks 460 and 480 “big azz” pliers when it comes to large conduit.
Anthony V
this is great news…..now if they would just make the nut drivers and screwdrivers in the u.s i would actually buy them………..i wouldnt even look twice at any of the code blue stuff,but now i may actually buy a pair of these
David
I agree. I own some of their old USA screwdrivers and nutdrivers and they are nice. I wouldn’t even consider buying any of those items from them now as it has gone to Asia. They still remain my main pliers’ source.
Lyle
I agree with Anthony, if only they make their nut drivers and screwdrivers 100% in the USA, I wouldn’t even think twice about buying them. As they are now, I wouldn’t even want them as a gift as they aren’t made in USA, but actually elsewhere.
Wouldn’t also mind seeing that bottle opener they have branded made in USA as well. I look forward to this new actually worthwhile Code Blue, especially now that they are 100% made in USA.
Harold
Manufacturer’s will happily advertise that a particular product is “Made in the USA” (and they should be proud of this), but when it comes to something that is outsourced overseas in part or in whole, they do their best to use the smallest fine print that they can find.
I bet that a lot of companies get away with this–building a reputation of being All-American, only to squeeze in a few items here and there made elsewhere (at higher profit!) and ride on the perception that all of their products are manufactured 100% stateside.
It appears, at least, that Channellock is trying to reverse that trend on a part of their catalog. Hopefully they are rewarded and have an incentive to do the same to the rest of their line.
E. Baker
Go Channellock!
james sanders
I have used knipex and a whole host of others and I still prefer Channellock. Knipex may be nice but they just don’t have the quality or durability that Channellock has plain and simple. Channellock Rules!!! Made in USA is all I buy.
David
Here, here! I’m so glad to hear that their are so many others out there like me when it comes to this. No matter how far I have to go out of my way to get USA hand tools, I do it. I’ll pay the money, I’ll wait extra time for it to come if I have to order it, but my money will not be spent on Chinese tools.
David
I love Channellock pliers and own over three dozen of them. Here’s looking forward to the day they finally bring production of their nutdrivers, screwdrivers and wrenches home. I wish they would bring back their snips line, too.