Lightfoot - What would you recommend heating them with?
jagans - No such thing as a dumb question, right?
The Chinese stuff is hit-and-miss. I bought a pair of cable pliers that broke the first time I used them. I've bought tools that are more than adequate for my needs, but wouldn't hold up under professional use. I've bought hobby items that were excellent, at a few time less the cost of the American or European counterpart, which I couldn't have afforded. The trick is to get on the internet and see what experiences others are having. Or be rich and always buy the best quality American or European stuff, but that strategy isn't going to work for most Americans anymore.