These Crescent Double-X pliers feature compound joints that allow you to reach into the tightest and narrowest of spaces. They’re not the first to come out with this design – you can pick up a pair of Gearwrench-branded Double X pliers (purchase via Amazon), and a set of SK compound pliers used to be available.
I picked up a pair of Gearwrench Double-X pliers a couple of years ago, and was not really satisfied with the quality of the jaws. The grooving on the pliers’ tips were incomplete and poorly done. Gearwrench said they recently changed factories and had exchanged the pliers for me, but the new replacements had poorly ground jaws that were lopsided and skewed. The pliers functioned properly, so I decided to live with them, but I wasn’t going to purchase any more styles at ~$25 a piece.
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Hopefully all the kinks were worked out of the quality control process in the 3 years since then. For $25-$30, I’ll likely give this 2-piece Crescent-labeled set a try. Since Apex and Danaher are now in bed with each other, I would assume that these will be identical to newer Gearwrench-branded models.
While unhappy at the finish of my Gearwrench Double-X pliers, I have to say, they have definitely come in handy over the years.
E_Baker
I appreciate the initial review on these. I believe I’ve seen them in Lowes and have always been curious about how they function. From what I’ve been able to ascertain, the finish quality looked pretty good and everything also seemed to align rather well. As far as longevity and durability, only time will tell. After you’ve had them for awhile, do a follow-up review and let us know how you like them, i.e.; ergonomics, etc.
Stuart
Actually, I went out and purchased a set yesterday from Sears with in-store pickup.
They are in fact identical to the Gearwrench Double-X, but with larger grips. The pliers’ jaws do have burs on one side, which I’ll have to remove with a file and a triangular file for the grooves if it really bugs me. I don’t understand why this happens, though. I have $6 Stanley pliers which have perfectly formed grooves. There’s no reason for Gearwrench or Crescent Pro Series pliers to have such flaws.
For the price I paid for the 2-piece set, I will mostly likely keep them.
fred
I recall that SK was also marketing these pliers.
Dan Richards
SK’s pliers have slightly altered geometry, which I feel makes them much better to use, but at 2-3 times the price of the new Crescent set. I have Gearwrench, Napa (same as GW) and SK compound long reach pliers. I like the SK best, but these new Crescents are a standout value.
Stuart
I really wish I had picked up one of the SK compound sets back when they were ~$35. But as you said, they are now considerably more expensive that the Crescent set. While not the best quality, the Crescent pliers are still quite handy and bargain priced.
rob
I was lucky and picked up the SK plier deal last year at Amazon. I haven’t used them many times but when I have needed them, I was glad to have them in my bag.
Bundys Garage
Here is a video review for the Crescent X2 Pliers. They seem of quality and are well build. They do not feel cheap like some tools you find at HF. I would recommend these to a friend, and anyone else who might use these on a daily basis.
Link to video (if it does not work please copy and paste link into address bar):
Erik
Craftsman will be releasing a set with their new “Trugrip” handles.
Stuart
Thanks!! I haven’t seen those yet, only their other new pliers that I don’t find at all appealing. Where did you see them?
Toolfreak
The “new” China-made Craftsman pliers look terrible. I noticed the long-reach double joint pliers, particularly since the tips of the jaws were so big and bulky. They may be stronger and flex less, but they won’t be very good for precision work or grabbing small parts.
For anyone who wants the Crescent set, they are on clearance at your local Sears. in-store clearance pricing is about 50% the online price. The handles have changed since this review and they are now red and dark gray with a slightly more ergonomic handle design. I like the older blue/light gray handles, but for around $15 they are decent for when you need them.