Our History
Since 1886, Channellock, Inc. has manufactured high-quality pliers on American soil. We're proud to employ more than 350 dedicated associates who work hard every day to manufacture more than 75 different sizes and types of pliers in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Every detail commands attention so every pair of pliers we put our name on doesn’t just finish the job, but defeats it — plain and simple. It’s not the easiest way but it’s the CHANNELLOCK® way, Meadville way, and American way. Hard work is in our genes, check out the CHANNELLOCK® story below — from 1886 to now.
Hardworking Pliers Made by Hardworking Americans
1886: A Humble Beginning
George B. DeArment, a blacksmith from Evansburg, Pa., began hand-forging farrier's tools in a small factory. Then he would sell them from town to town out of the back of a wagon. Eventually, the business became known as the Champion Bolt & Clipper Company.
Mr. DeArment founded the company on four guiding principles that still have served us well over the ensuing years:
- Good management is never far from the factory floor
- People are more important than machines
- Bigger doesn't always mean better
- Dedication to excellence is the surest way to surmount adversity and to prosper
1893: Darn Bankers
The company lost all of its cash assets when a local bank teller stole the bank's funds; however, DeArment raised enough capital to get the company up and running again by 1894.
1902: The Royal Treatment
The company received an order for a complete set of farrier's tools from the royal horse-shoer for England's reigning monarch, Edward VII.
1904: Meadville Or Bust
The company moved to a 12,000 square-foot facility in Meadville, and expanded its product line to include nippers, pinchers and open-end wrenches.
1911: The Boys on Board
George B. DeArment's two sons, Almon W. and J. Howard DeArment, became partners in the company, and took over after George B.'s retirement. Under the brothers' management, the product line expanded to include hammers.
1923: Home Sweet Home
The company moved into a 33,000 square-foot facility at its current location on South Main Street in Meadville. Four years later, J. Howard passed away, and Almon changed the name of the company to Champion-DeArment Tool Company.
1933: A Legend is Forged
This was a breakthrough year for Champion-DeArment as Chief Engineer Howard Manning developed the concept of multi-position, tongue and groove, slip-joint style pliers. The pliers were named "Channellock," and a patent and trademark protection were granted in 1935.
1963: New Name. Same Commitment.
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. Over the years, Channellock, Inc. obtained several patents including one in 1965 for the conical surface created on the cam side of the tongue and groove pliers.
1980: A New Generation
William S. DeArment, son of William A., became the next Channellock, Inc., president when William A. and George S. became co-chairmen of the company's board of directors.
1984: Innovation Upon Innovation
Over the years, Channellock, Inc. obtained several patents including one in 1965 for the conical surface created on the cam side of the pliers when undercut. In 1984, Channellock® obtained a patent for the PermaLock fastener for their Tongue and Groove Pliers and continues to add to its product line including patents for the 369CRFT™, Air brake tool 444, Locknut plier 960 and Rescue Tools 88 & 89.
1993: Taking the Checkered Flag
Steve Grissom won the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series Championship driving the CHANNELLOCK® #31 Monte Carlo. Two years later, Sammy Swindell won his third World of Outlaws Championship in a CHANNELLOCK BLUE® Sprint Car.
Today: A Channellock Blue® Company
Today, Channellock, Inc. is run by the fifth generation of the DeArment family. In 2014, Jonathan “Jon” S. DeArment was named as the President and Chief Operating Officer. Jon’s father, William S. DeArment, assumed the role of CEO and Board Chairman. Also leading the company's growth well into the 21st century is Ryan DeArment as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Joanie DeArment, sister to Jon and Ryan, is also a part owner of the company and has recently retired after 22 years of management. The company is based out of two facilities, equaling a total of 260,000 square feet, in Meadville, PA. With more than 350 full-time associates, it is among the largest employers in Crawford County, PA. Channellock, Inc. proudly manufactures over 75 different types and sizes of pliers on American soil.
Here's What Made in U.S.A. Looks Like
430®
10" Straight Jaw Tongue & Groove Pliers
The iconic plier that started it all. Its no slip grip and tight bite turns, tightens and loosens without strain.
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337
7" XLT™ Diagonal Lap Joint Cutting Pliers
A cutting plier unlike any other. Its long lasting, laser heat-treated cutting edges slice through wire with ease.
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357
7.5" XLT™ End Cutting Pliers
If you need a clean cut or to pull out a nail, look no further. The knife and anvil edges make cutting and biting simple.
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369
9.5" XLT™ Round Nose Linemen's Pliers
The one plier a lineman doesn't leave home without. The cross-hatch pattern on jaws grip tightly without giving up.
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442
12" V-Jaw Tongue & Groove Pliers
A plier designed to grip round stock tightly until it's told to let go. Expect a stronger bite and more control.