ChannelLock Hand Tools

Channellock: Over 130 Years of American Craftsmanship

Few names in the tool world carry the weight of Channellock. The company was founded in 1886 when George B. DeArment, a blacksmith from Evansburg, Pennsylvania, began hand-forging farrier's tools and selling them from town to town. That humble origin story would eventually lead to one of the most recognizable and trusted tool brands in American history.

The pivotal moment came in the 1930s. In 1933, Chief Engineer Howard Manning developed the tongue-and-groove, slip-joint pliers for which the company is known, and in 1934 a patent for this design was granted. The design was so innovative and so widely adopted that the brand name itself became synonymous with the tool. With the risk of the words "channel lock" becoming synonymous with the product, the DeArments changed the company name to CHANNELLOCK® to protect its valuable trademark.

The Pliers Behind the Legend

Channellock is best known for its pliers — the company manufactures more than 75 types and sizes, particularly its eponymous style of tongue-and-groove, slip-joint pliers. Whether you're a plumber, electrician, mechanic, or DIY enthusiast, there's a Channellock built for your grip. Its pliers have distinctive sky-blue handle grips; the company has been using the same trademarked shade of blue since 1956. That iconic color isn't just cosmetic — it's a mark of authenticity that tradespeople have trusted for generations. Browse the full selection of Channellock Pliers to find the right pair for your application.

Made in America, Built to Last

According to the company, as of 2021, all of its pliers were manufactured at one of its two facilities in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Every pair of Channellock pliers starts as a steel billet — high-carbon, 1080 steel produced right here in the United States. That commitment to domestic manufacturing is matched by an equally serious commitment to quality control, with hands-on craftsmanship at every stage of production.

Beyond pliers, Channellock also produces cutting pliers, linemen's pliers, long nose pliers, adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, nutdrivers, and special-purpose pliers, as well as multi-function tools for the fire service and other first responders. This breadth of lineup means that once a tradesperson discovers Channellock, they rarely need to look elsewhere.

A Family Business, Five Generations Strong

Channellock is managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the DeArment family, with William S. DeArment serving as CEO & Chairman of the Board, Jon S. DeArment serving as President & COO, and Ryan DeArment serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. That continuity of family leadership is reflected in the brand's unwavering standards — the same dedication to quality that George DeArment brought to his blacksmith shop in 1886 drives every tool produced today.

The company has more than 4,000 U.S. wholesale and retail customers and ships to customers in 45 countries. From jobsite toolboxes in Pennsylvania to workshops across the globe, Channellock's reputation for durability and precision has proven universal.

Precision Crimping Tools for Electrical Work

Channellock's expertise isn't limited to gripping and turning. Their Channellock Crimping Tools bring the same forged-steel, laser-treated precision to electrical terminal work. The CHANNELLOCK® 909 Crimper/Cutter offers a sleek nose design that easily maneuvers into tight places to make the perfect crimp on both insulated and non-insulated solderless connections and terminals, with precise laser heat-treated cutting edges and durable high carbon steel — and it's made in the USA.