Fiercely Made in Meadville, U.S.A.

That’s how CHANNELLOCK® manufactures pliers. Fiercely made is not just some marketing gimmick. It actually means something. For many of us here in Meadville, Pa., it means that for more than 125 years we’ve been uncompromising perfectionists as we craft quality, American-made pliers. For others, it’s about never settling, or always looking for a better way to do the job.

We know it means something different to each one of our associates, which is why we’re making this month Fiercely Made February. Each week we’ll focus on a CHANNELLOCK® associate who uses a combination of brains, brawn and technology to deliver the CHANNELLOCK® pliers you rely on to get work done on the jobsite, at your business and in your home. We’re pulling them off the factory floor to explain what they do, what CHANNELLOCK® plier they prefer themselves and what it means to work for a company that fiercely forges American-made tools. 

This week’s focus is on Dan Schaef, the man who makes sure that the teeth in our plier heads are cut to meet the exacting standards required for all CHANNELLOCK® tongue and groove pliers. 

Dan Schaef

Name: Dan Schaef

Job: Statistical Process Control (SPC) Broach Operator

Years fiercely-making CHANNELLOCK® tools: 39

Favorite CHANNELLOCK® tool: “The 460 Straight Jaw Plier. I use the 460 all the time at home and for a variety of jobs. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of pliers.”

What do you like about working at CHANNELLOCK®: “Our pliers are used all over the world, and when you see someone on TV using them, it feels good to know that you had something to do with it.” 

What ‘fiercely made’ means to you: “I think fiercely made means taking pride in your work. I don’t let a part go by that isn’t correct, and I’ve been doing that for 39 years.”