parallel jaw pliers

[Pete F.]

I've killed my third pair of imitations, the first two were nonames, the last shimano. I think in one case the cutting jaw snapped off, the other two snapped at the bolt that makes the cutting jaw move.
The Saltwater Edge has a video on their site that shows them having a race cutting VMC hooks and using Manleys, that is what killed all my imitations.
Here's the 25$ question.
Will Manleys hold up better?
The Shimanos did last for two years, I think.

[BillM]

I dont see an advantage to those short little things.They are good for nuts and bolts because of the parallel jaws but I'd rather have long nose for fishing. I got an 8 dollar pair of Lakers on their second season. They have crimpers, tuning slots and you can reach the hook in a bluefish's mouth without getting bit. Granted, you get what you pay for with the cutters on them but If I'm cutting a hook it's probably cause it's stuck in my skin and at that point they only have to work once to satisfy me. Unless your going to carry a couple different pairs, why go with the short ones?

[stripadan]

The Shimano and all other copies that I know of use bypass cutters. The Manleys use anvil cutters. BIG difference in usefulness for cutting hooks, especially big or x-strong hooks. I keep a pair of Manleys in my shop and on my boat. The parallel jaws give you a mechanical advantage for cutting hooks. Van Staal uses anvil cutters also, but without the mechanical advantage I can't cut hooks with them for squat. My shop pliers will last 5 years or so. On the boat I get 2-3 years. When I used them in the surf I got 2 pairs for the year, even washed and oiled. I like Van Staal for the surf.

[l.i.fish.in.vt]

Pete,get your self a pair of 8inch sargents.

[Tman1]

Get Manleys or Sargents they work great... just keep them oiled and they will last. The last thing you want is your pliers to fail while trying to cut a hook out of someone.

[Jay Dog]

I carry a pair of 6 in sargents with me all the time and more then once I've had to loan them to somebody because their $200 vanstall wouldn't cut a hook to get it out of someones hand. They are worth the $30 (Sargents or Manely's). I do carry 2 pair of pliers with me a long nose SS to remove hooks from fish and the sargent. Neither of them cut braid so I use a $2 kids scissor for that.