MTECH Slinky Loaded Pliers. Anyone seen this????

Accujohn · **on:** November 20, 2011, 06:18:39 AM

I usually don't buy this stuff but I just had to see if this was even a usable tool. Looked good in the case of the As Seen On TV type outlet store. The "spring loaded" pliers literally have a slinky like spring visible outside the pivot which is new to me. If this is common, excuse my ignorance. You can hear the spring making a "boingy-like" sound every time it moves. I know this brand is out there, but they are pretty clever about using USA in their name then putting "Designed in the USA, Handcrafted in China". I'm tempted to play around with it a bit as it seems to be a workable tool. Any thoughts?

Accujohn · **Reply #1 on:** November 20, 2011, 06:19:58 AM

3 more pix

jekostas · **Reply #2 on:** November 20, 2011, 06:51:46 AM

Made by Ganzo. Don't expect miracles but it should be fairly solid.

dks · **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2011, 12:29:02 PM

These type of spring loaded pliers systems are quite common in cheaper, usually Chinese made, spring loaded multitools.
I have them in Ganzo branded, Bahco branded etc multiools.

They work ok, but you allways run the risk of the, exposed, spring popping out if it gets caught somewhere, since the spring just sits in the groove without being anchored or otherwise secured to the pliers.

Threeme2189 · **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2011, 02:15:37 PM

ummmm.. Why does it have serrated plier handles?
Those look like they would hurt a bit.

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2011, 03:24:50 PM

I have seen that before, mostly on cheaper tools like the Sheffield series.

Bear Cutlery has also done this with their shears:

Personally I don't care for an exposed spring (or sprung pliers to begin with) but this seems like an effective way of producing sprung pliers affordably. It also has the benefit of being easily removable if you don't like it, or easily replaceable if it breaks. The down side is that since it's exposed, it's more likely to get broken.

Def

Accujohn · **Reply #6 on:** November 20, 2011, 08:07:11 PM

Quote from: Threeme2189 on November 20, 2011, 02:15:37 PM

ummmm.. Why does it have serrated plier handles?
Those look like they would hurt a bit.

I forgot to mention that:) i have no idea! Maybe grip, but Im sure they didnt try it out because those grooves dig into the hand. Most unpleasant grip ive ever experienced

Mercury · **Reply #7 on:** November 22, 2011, 08:14:42 AM

Quote from: Accujohn on November 20, 2011, 08:07:11 PM

Quote from: Threeme2189 on November 20, 2011, 02:15:37 PM
ummmm.. Why does it have serrated plier handles?
Those look like they would hurt a bit.

I forgot to mention that:) i have no idea! Maybe grip, but Im sure they didnt try it out because those grooves dig into the hand. Most unpleasant grip ive ever experienced

Seems like a giant fail to me. Unless the inner tools are rock solid, I'd never use it.

Accujohn · **Reply #8 on:** November 22, 2011, 08:17:52 AM

Pretty much... I kinda thought I'd pass it along to someone but i want to keep the friends i have

Mercury · **Reply #9 on:** November 23, 2011, 03:01:01 AM

Quote from: Accujohn on November 22, 2011, 08:17:52 AM

Pretty much... I kinda thought I'd pass it along to someone but i want to keep the friends i have

Yea, it'd be bad if a Multitool nut was giving those out as gifts! Your credibility as a MT connoisseur would be in the drink! I like to give Micra's and Blasts. Since the arrival of the Wingman, I may start with those as well.

dks · **Reply #10 on:** November 23, 2011, 10:43:43 AM

Buck uses a similar system too, so it can not be that bad.

Accujohn · **Reply #11 on:** November 24, 2011, 12:58:17 AM

Only have the experience of this one, which is bad imho. Good tools shouldnt make a twangy spring noise when used.

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