X-Tools
Moderators: bman, Chalk, Tom Keels
Catchin1, the X-tool seems like a really good idea. They have a new product due out in April that may be something good. I bought a pair like yours, a couple of years ago after dropping a pair of pliers overboard 
, but haven't used them that much and they're in a bucket in the back of my boat. The replaceable blade is a good idea but what I've noticed (at least for me) is that they look like pliers but they aren't. Yes they cut line but try to use them as pliers and they show some definite weakness. I've gone back to very inexpensive small scissors that you can by at walmart in the sewing section or school supply section for a couple bucks (This is something that TC put me on to a couple of years ago and its worked really well). The scissors do a good job cutting both small bait and line. For pliers, I'm staying with inexpensive metal needle nose. If you wanted to go a bit higher tech, I'd go for a pair of game shears....(I think TK may use them) probably good from a utility stand point and good for cutting braid, bait, etc. These are just my thoughts and experiences, there are probably some folks out there who may swear by them. Use them and gives us your thoughts 
, but haven't used them that much and they're in a bucket in the back of my boat. The replaceable blade is a good idea but what I've noticed (at least for me) is that they look like pliers but they aren't. Yes they cut line but try to use them as pliers and they show some definite weakness. I've gone back to very inexpensive small scissors that you can by at walmart in the sewing section or school supply section for a couple bucks (This is something that TC put me on to a couple of years ago and its worked really well). The scissors do a good job cutting both small bait and line. For pliers, I'm staying with inexpensive metal needle nose. If you wanted to go a bit higher tech, I'd go for a pair of game shears....(I think TK may use them) probably good from a utility stand point and good for cutting braid, bait, etc. These are just my thoughts and experiences, there are probably some folks out there who may swear by them. Use them and gives us your thoughts "Good Judgement" comes from experience, ... and a lot of that..... results from "Bad Judgement".
SR you say they show some weakness as pliers, do they flex trying to get a hook out of a fishes mouth? If so I'm probably not going to like them.
As for scissors I'm in the textile business, got more type of scissors at my work than you can shake a stick at.
I've been using a nice leather pouch, that we use here at work. It has a place for pliers and scissors and it also snaps over your belt. It works well out on the boat, but I'm a simple man thought having 1 tool to do both jobs would be more convenient.
As for scissors I'm in the textile business, got more type of scissors at my work than you can shake a stick at.
I've been using a nice leather pouch, that we use here at work. It has a place for pliers and scissors and it also snaps over your belt. It works well out on the boat, but I'm a simple man thought having 1 tool to do both jobs would be more convenient.
Go to the dollar store and buy 6 pairs of needle nose pliers for a buck a pair. Spray them with WD-40, or Corrosion-X. Use a pair until they don't work. Throw them overboard and grab another pair.
Catchin, I'm afraid I've never seen 1 tool that will do it all. You can do most everything with a pair of needle nose pliers. But they won't cut braid. That's when I pull out my good pocket knife.
Catchin, I'm afraid I've never seen 1 tool that will do it all. You can do most everything with a pair of needle nose pliers. But they won't cut braid. That's when I pull out my good pocket knife.
What was I supposed to do today?
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Jumptrout51
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I've got a pair of the pliers and they work great at cutting braided line but are worthless as pliers. I think I remember reading or hearing that they have improved the plastic that they are made out of, I bought them when they first came out. The plastic teeth are so soft that if you try to pry a hook out of a catfish's mouth or throat, the teeth get damaged and they don't grip good enough to yank the hook out because the plastic gives way 
Needless to say I cut the line and that catfish went on a diet for a few days. That was the only time I tried to use them as pliers they are now just a big neon green pair of line cutters. So you might be able to keep from having to carry scissors on the boat, but I suggest you have some extra pliers . They also seem kinda big and bulky for getting in the mouths of undersized fish. just my experience 
Needless to say I cut the line and that catfish went on a diet for a few days. That was the only time I tried to use them as pliers they are now just a big neon green pair of line cutters. So you might be able to keep from having to carry scissors on the boat, but I suggest you have some extra pliers . They also seem kinda big and bulky for getting in the mouths of undersized fish. just my experience 
I got a pair of stainless made by Rapala- Came with nice little clip-on holster in a combo set, including a digital scales and something else- I don't remember what. I think the price was about 20 bucks at Sam's, but that was 3 years or so ago.. They have couple of little deals on em to crimp leads and sleeves, and they cut wire and mono okay, but probably wouldn't do braid.
I'm with T/C on the dollar store idea. If I loose the Rapalas, I'll go that route- Wash em and spray em down with ya tackle, and if ya loose a pair no big deal.
I'm with T/C on the dollar store idea. If I loose the Rapalas, I'll go that route- Wash em and spray em down with ya tackle, and if ya loose a pair no big deal.
