Van Staal Pliers

[Todd B]

I was seriously considering dropping the coin on some of these since I'm very tough on my gear, but the most important attribute of a pair of fishing pliers is the ability to cut a hook, will these cut through a 3x vmc treble?? Thanks for any info.

[Pete_G]

4X 3/0 is reaching the upper limit of the VS pliers. I've seen them do 4/0 4X but the chance of the jaws shattering starts to greatly increase.

Generally you'll need to replace the jaws afterwards as well. Smaller hooks are no problem though, I had to cut a 1/0 4x VMC last year and I'm still using the same jaws on my VS pliers.

As a rule, NONE of the premium pliers out there (VS, Accurate, Fishpond, Ross, etc.) are specifically built to cut bigger hooks. Most can do it though, with VS leading the way. Braid, wire, mono is what they're optimized for.

Non-titanium pliers like the Accurates will also have the potential to actually bend trying to cut big hooks. Lots of companies imitated the VS plier, most seem to have forgotten that aluminum isn't quite as strong as titanium...

[Todd B]

Whats the maitenance factor on them? Do they need to be rinsed and oiled regularly? And are the replacement cutters readily availiable? I have went through two pairs of the Orvis pliers in the last two seasons. The screw that holds the cutters rusts out very quickly, within a couple of months, to the point the head snapped right off when I tried to remove and then the jaws shattered trying to cut a 2/0 vmc. Sorry for all the questions but I want to make sure they are what Im looking for before I shell out that much dough on pliers, thanks

[Pete_G]

Zero maintenance. Period. If you didn't wash them between the start of the season and the end it wouldn't make a difference.

All the parts that aren't Ti are tungsten coated (I believe) so screws, center pins, and cutters are all impervious to the salt.

Cutters are regularly available. Usually I have them in stock, occasionally special order. Unless your cutting a LOT of wire it will be years before you need new ones.

[Todd B]

Thanks Pete, I will be buy to pick up a pair in the next couple of weeks.

[FontaineRods]

just noticed this thread...

i've cut 4/0 6x hooks w/ my manley's before w/o much of a problem. briad works, but they may require slight filing after a while. once, i even cut a 704 bail w/ mine, but that made those pliers as hooks cutters only as it left a mark. but, to be able to cut thru that ss wire on a 704 bail...

i carry manley's for the simple reason of cutting hooks (either out of fish or people's hands/fingers and i've done that on more occasions than i care to remember). i get a few seasons out of them and they are underwater a lot. wd40, fw rinse and they are fine. after 3 or so seasons, time for a new pair. i can deal w/ a $30-35 expense on them.

vs pliers are nice, but i need to be able to cut thru 4/0 trebles and 7/0 jig hooks hooks often. i'd hate to replace cutters a few times a year. we'll see how manley's make out after a season wetsuitting this year.