The Channellock E338 is an 8-inch diagonal cutting plier from the E Series, built with XLT Xtreme Leverage Technology and a lap-joint construction. Cutting edges are laser heat-treated; the body is C1080 high-carbon steel. The design is streamlined and lighter than Channellock’s traditional high-leverage diagonals.
XLT leverage is the feature for anyone who cuts hard copper, staples, or small nails all day — the rivet geometry multiplies the squeeze force at the cutting knives, which means hardened wire that used to need a two-handed squeeze now cuts one-handed. The 8-inch length splits the difference between a 7-inch standard (good for panel work) and a 9-inch lineman’s (good for heavy pulls). The lap-joint is a precision-ground flat-plate joint instead of a box joint; it runs lighter and the cutting faces self-align as the jaws close. C1080 is a medium-high carbon steel that takes a sharp edge and holds it; laser heat-treatment extends edge life past standard heat treatment. The slimmer E Series profile matters for electricians working in crowded junction boxes — less body mass, less interference with surrounding conductors.
Aimed at electricians, industrial maintenance techs, and anyone who runs a diagonal cutter all day and wants the XLT leverage advantage in a lighter, sleeker package than the standard 338 series.
Per the Amazon title, the E338 is Made in USA and forged from high-carbon steel. Channellock has forged pliers in Meadville, Pennsylvania since 1886.
