The other day there was a thread over at the Garage Journal polling members about whether they preferred quantity or quality when it comes to tools. As much as I prefer to use better quality tools, there are times when quantity and selection are a higher priority.
A few minutes ago I used two pairs or Proto precision pliers. I don’t remember the exact cost, but they were in the range of $22-$28 each. Xuron is my go-to brand for precision pliers and shears, but I will occasionally use Proto and others brands for tougher work.
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With this in mind – the cost of the tools I was using, and the thread on GJ about quantity vs quality, I thought about a cheap mini pliers set that I have seen on Amazon a few times.
If a colleague asked about precision pliers, I would recommend a selection of jaw styles that would cover their intended use. But what if they didn’t know exactly what they needed and didn’t want to spend more than $15? In that case, I would recommend a small set of generically branded tools.
Cheap generic-branded pliers are not going to offer the best quality. They’re not going to offer the best performance. But, cheap low-quality pliers are often better than having no pliers at all.
This set by Neiko definitely has its place. Not in my toolbox (at least not anytime soon), but that’s because I use precision pliers often enough to know what styles I need, and because I’ve damaged cheap pliers and had delicate work damaged by them before.
Neiko 4-Piece Spring-Action Mini Plier Set via Amazon
Dan
Those look identical to Craftsman’s Professional mini-pliers, which usually go for $10/ea in blister pack or $30 for the 5pc set, usually on sale though. I’ve got two full sets, had them for years and you can get the set for $10-15 if you look at the right time. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00945671000P?prdNo=14&blockNo=14&blockType=
I don’t use them every day, far from it. But the grips are comfortable, the jaws are adequate and true, and they’re Craftsman so if things ever go south they’ll take care of it. The case is slim, zippered and is fitted foam inside. Most of my hand tools and tool storage is Craftsman, with Snap-On, Irwin, Kobalt, Stanley, Husky and GearWrench sprinkled here and there. That makes it sound like I’m not too picky, I guess, but there’s a method to all forms of madness.
Love your site, I’m a mechanic by trade and any new tool tends to grab my eye. I’m a skeptic on things like the hammer-ratchet you featured a few weeks ago which is on Sears’ latest tool catalog cover, but I’ve never been much for multi-purpose stuff.
george
i might get a set if i was doing light work and didn’t need to stress the tools. otherwise i’ll stick with the good stuff so i don’t have to think about it.
JeffD
I’ve had a “cheapie” set to start with then replaced them with Craftsman when they broke. Some tools get little use in my shop, for those instances I think it’s fine to start with cheap import tools then upgrade as necessary.
Mike
We should send you some Lindstrom Precision Tools so you have a baseline for “expensive” pliers. Then you have something to compare the cheap ones to. Xuron are very good for what they do, but drop me a note if you want to try ours. Thanks for listing us on your Twitterfeed too. That’s nice. We followed you back.
Stuart
@Dan, they do look like Craftsman’s Pro mini pliers, which are also made in China. I have a full set of them laying around, but I actually don’t like them at all.
Regarding your selection of hand tools, it’s great to sample different brands. I will occasionally purchase a duplicate tool size or style, just to get a feel for a new brand’s fit, feel, and quality.
The initial appeal of the Wera Koloss hammer-ratchet comes from its “whoa, that’s a ratchet with a hammer” effect, but its real-world value actually goes well beyond that.
@George & JeffD, that’s usually my sentiment as well, but I try not to. “Testing the waters” with a cheaper tool with the intent to upgrade can sometimes be wasteful. Most recently I did this with an 8″ Kobalt bolt cutter and a 24″ Husky bolt cutter. After their initial intended uses, I don’t anticipate needing to use them anytime in the near future.
@Mike, that sounds great, we’ll definitely be in touch.
Donald
Most Neiko tools are just a different brand on exactly the same tools that Harbor Freight sells. Check out their selection on Amazon, and compare it to the H-F web site.
Stuart
Donald, you’re absolutely right. Craftsman’s mini pliers look nearly identical as well, I wouldn’t be too surprised if they all came out of the same factory.
Donald
I’ve got a set of both the H-F version (#94931, 6 piece instead of 4) and the Craftsman Professional version from about a decade ago.
The are definitely not the same tool. Both are from China, and have the same approximate shape. But the Craftsman is more symmetrical (although not perfect) and has a brighter, harder metal that is less corrosion prone.
Dan Richards
I bent the end nipper in my Craftsman Pro set into a pretzel this weekend. Oops.
Stuart
Wow, I can’t visualize what a pretzeled end nipper must look like. Good thing they’re covered under Craftsman’s satisfaction guaranteed policy!