I've used these plenty of times, but hadn't thought to put them on my list.
But I should have.
So go over to Mason Dixon Tactical and read J. C. Dodge's clear and simple write-up.
I'm also a fan of his carrier choice.
Whatizit?
You'll have to go there and find out for yourself.
Soon's I saw the photo, the words "Oh yeah" followed by "Duh!" came into my head. I have a nodding acquaintance with fencing pliers.
ReplyDeleteAs ever, those whose ideas are so obviously good are vital resources; even more than their tool suggestions. You, Aesop; and J.C. Dodge are preeminent representatives of such.
Boat Guy
Those look like they are a low budget chinesium model.
ReplyDeleteGet Channelock's or crescent's version.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=channellock+85&ref=nb_sb_noss_1
I had a pair of chinesium long reach needle nose snap in my hands the second time I used them. I was squeezing a scotchlock while working on my car radio. at 1/3 power - PING! handle busted, hand bruised.
I have no idea what model is pictured, but I always advise buying quality American-made (German, Swiss, and Swedish tend to outstanding as well) hand tools, for whatever purpose.
ReplyDeleteBuy once, cry once.
I believe that case is the US Military XM3 Bipod Case Canvas Pouch, and yes, still available on-line and other locations. We carry our fence pliers on a snap link with lanyard on a 'H' harness when running the fence, but the pouch appears to be more secure in the long run. Thanking Mr. Dodge for the tip. And you sir for linking to the original article.
ReplyDeleteThey are versatile indeed. Brings back memories of my youth when I tuned up many a mile of wire livestock fence on our ranch. Don't own a pair now, must rectify that. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteDitto on the Channellock Fence Pliers. Use them all the time around my place and they are great quality. Fencing chores never end; you are either putting it up, taking it down, or fixing it. Great idea on the bipod case; that never even crossed my mind. Thanks guys.
ReplyDeleteUsed to have multiples of Crescent brand, on the ATV, on the tractor, etc. Used a lot in the spring tuning up elk-downed regulation fences. Lived for 20 years in open range country. A regulation 4-strand fence almost as tight as a fiddle string is nothing more than a suggestion to either domestic or wild ruminants.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of sets of those... :-)
ReplyDeleteBTDT. One of the first late winter/early spring tasks on the grandparents' farm once you got old enough was "walking fence" with fence pliers, a "short spool" of barbed wire, a pocket-full of staples, baby food jar of white paint and a tightly rolled rag. Loose wire was re-stapled, broken wire was replaced with a "wrap and splice-in," and rotted posts were marked with the paint for replacement with the tractor by dabbing the end of the rolled rag into the paint and using it as a blunt brush. Still have that set of fence pliers and the muscle aches to go with them.
ReplyDeleteAnother handy small tool is a firefighter's first responder tool. Cuts cable, pries things open, has a slot for turning gas and water meters off. Tip: Buy F2F from fire equipment suppliers, not online. Chinesium fakes predominate online.
These are Amazon direct from Channellock:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.amazon.com/Channellock-87-8-88-Inch-Compact-Rescue/dp/B0057UMN3A/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=firemans+tool&qid=1570199031&sr=8-2
https://www.amazon.com/Channellock-88-6-in-1-Rescue-Tool/dp/B001680YRY/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=firemans+tool&qid=1570199138&sr=8-4
No chinesium going on there.
My personal trauma kit (2which goes to 1st Aid Coverages) has a pair of those and a commercial Water Key.
ReplyDeleteMy weapons of Mass destruction kit goes as well, Bosun's key (24" bolt cutters), 18" Blue Bar, FatMax hammer/stud grabber, vice grips and 36" Tee Top Crowbar. And yeah canvass or leather gloves.
Yes they're Paramedic Tools. Along with a 24 inch chunk of spring with a "V" notch at one corner for cutting body panels for extrication.
Hey, small-town Vollie squad. we did EVERYTHING and sometimes from our own cars.
Anyone who erects chain link fences uses these pliers.
ReplyDeleteI've used them for years, and carried them in the car. A good pair, and a framing or roofing hatchet is a good combo for close defense and don't get you looked at too weirdly by cops.
ReplyDeleteGreat for cutting nails to use as rivets. And cutting rivets down for, well, riveting.
Good used versions can be found at most flea markets for under $5.
Had a "Prepper trainer" (yeah, that's what he called himself) start an argument with me when I said you should have a pair of fence pliers in your kit. He swore that a cordless Dremel tool was the thing to have, so you could cut the locks on gates.
ReplyDeleteSo, pointing out the obvious - what do you do when the battery dies and you can't charge it? Went right over his head. I said, "It's the friggin' Apocalypse. It's a locked gate. You cut the fence NEXT to the gate and go around it!"
His "Prepper" store is no longer in business.