I've been thinking about buying some new pliers. I would like some feedback on preferences of the members.
Lets do this: group them by cheap, mid-priced, and "who cares, they're the best" pricing. I'll let you decide what the ranges are for each category. For some, cheap is anything under $100, for others expensive is anything over $50, so just have a go.
For me, I've been using a non-traditional pair for year, and they've served me well. I have used needle-nosed vice grips in the smaller size (I think they're 9 inches).
They are great for hook removal, the cutters work well on mono and will cut braid until they get worn. They hold up surprisingly well in salt water use, but I have always rinsed them with my tackle and left them out to dry. An occasional shot of your favorite anti-corrosion spray (not WD-40) goes a long way. $15, not counting the sheath.
A set of the BPS XPS pliers. Super light weight and sharp as sin
First reply! BPS XPS pliers are $29.99 on their website.
For me, any old set of heavy duty pliers w. wire cutters works for me. I clean it out and oil it after every trip, so it lasts alright.
Browning pliers are nice but kinda pricy for me
QuoteQuote from: Bunnlevel Sharker on October 22, 2013, 04:59:25 PM
Browning pliers are nice but kinda pricy for me
Yeah, its kinda hard for me to spend a lot of money for a set of pliers :-\. I'd be much happier putting that cash towards reels and rods, line, terminal tackle, bait, etcetera. Cheap pliers work well enough w. some care and oil.
An occasional shot of your favorite anti-corrosion spray (not WD-40) goes a long way.
Shucks, whats long w. WD-40 ???? Its what I use, and I've never had an issue. A guy I know even sprays it on his bait for "good luck" ::). I think thats going a bit too far.
I have two sets of the Rapalla pliers that come with a set of stats. The line cutter doesn't get dull and the tip will actually hold a split ring open. They are a little flexier than I'd like but they are long and thin.
Ron
Quote from: Bunnlevel Sharker on October 22, 2013, 02:05:02 PM
A set of the BPS XPS pliers. Super light weight and sharp as sin
Are the cutting blades replaceable?
cheap needle nose pliers http://www.harborfreight.com/8-inch-needle-nose-pliers-39635.html and side cutters http://www.harborfreight.com/7-inch-diagonal-cutter-40699.html from harbor freight.
Harbopr frieght long reach needle nose for those times when they swallow the damn thing. and regular cheap needle nose for everything else. a Set of Xuron split ring pliers are a god send when changing out hooks or split rings(Still made in America in Good Old Maine).
http://www.amazon.com/Xuron-496-Split-Ring-Plier/dp/B000BL6OZ8
Quote from: VW on November 13, 2013, 06:25:49 PM
Quote from: Bunnlevel Sharker on October 22, 2013, 02:05:02 PM
A set of the BPS XPS pliers. Super light weight and sharp as sin
Are the cutting blades replaceable?
Im pretty sure i will check my set tommorow
Good discussion. It's interesting how much the members focus on the value to be obtained from inexpensive tools. I am topped out with my budget for toys right now so I'm going to stick with my old standard: needle nose vice grips.
I'm in the same boat, I had a pair of the Rapala stainless pliers that came in a set with a filet knife, they lasted several years but I had to hit them with PB Blaster every so often to free them up. Now they're toast and I was thinking about getting some Harbor Freight pliers, but I just leave them in the rocket launcher at the stern and I'm concerned about them becoming a blob of rust..... As far as the quality of Harbor Freight handtools, the plating on the last Craftsman tool I bought is peeling off in big patches and it mostly just sits in my tool box at home, while the HF handtools that rattle around in my work truck tool box are holding up fine.....
These are the cats meow when it comes to Sharkin'
http://www.harborfreight.com/15-inch-long-reach-locking-pliers-97609.html
I haven't had to use the vise grips yet, but these are the longest needle nose I could find and they work pretty good. You just have to keep them lubed up. The finish can't stand up to the salt. They are invaluable with smaller sharpnoses and other toothy fish. You have to break out the dehooker to get circles out of a Bigger sharks jawbone.
http://www.harborfreight.com/16-inch-long-reach-pliers-set-38598.html
Quote from: floating doc on November 14, 2013, 03:49:37 AM
Good discussion. It's interesting how much the members focus on the value to be obtained from inexpensive tools. I am topped out with my budget for toys right now so I'm going to stick with my old standard: needle nose vice grips.
and my favorite spinning reel is a $19.95 daiwa sweepfire!
I used 8" needle nose pliers with cutter since I was a kid and they worked well. For the last season and a half I have been using these and like their lighter weight multi function much better than the needle nose. Best of all the price was right, free when I bought a reel. Their 7 1/2 " long and cover hook removal, split rings, line cutting, crimping, swedging and came with sheath and landyard.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img17/1769/8y8m.jpg)
EDIT: They retail for $40
These Donmar Checkpoints have been my go-to pliers for years and years now used them everywhere on everything.
(http://www.alltackle.com/donmarcordura.jpg)
Quote from: floating doc on November 14, 2013, 03:49:37 AM
I am topped out with my budget for toys right now so I'm going to stick with my old standard: needle nose vice grips.
Someone gave me a pair of those and I've been wondering......Thanks for the reminder.
I've used these for 20+ years. Standard electrician's side cutters. If braid needs to be cut I use the scissors from bass pro shops. These are serrated and cheap. They get the job done.
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y502/MITSERVCS/null_zps5241d882.jpg)
(http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y502/MITSERVCS/null_zpsc4a035e9.jpg)