Line Viper 5/16"

[Maple River Sugar]

What is the general consensus of the 5/16" Line Viper?

I'm looking at purchasing a line tool for the upcoming season. Who has the best overall price on the unit?

Thanks

[sapman]

Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see how one would use this tool installing drops, or other common line repairs. Most of my needs are for a tool to grip tubing on both sides, while I make the repair. And most of my lines are so tight I can't install one side then grab the other and install that in two steps, like shown on their video. For me, two handed tool is my go to tool. IMHO

[SmellsLikeSyrupNH]

On facebook i've seen multiple posts from people that are not happy they purchased it. Apparently you need a really big hand and a lot of strength to make it work. Also saw some complaints about lack of a cutter.

[red/one]

You could use tension hooks https://www.bascommaple.com/item/TUBTH/ and then the Line Viper would work to grab each side to put in a "T". You would just have to put in one side at a time. I was going that route but ended up buying a two handed tubing tool instead. I can do just about everything with it but it did cost more money. Its a time saver for sure.

[maple flats]

I use the tension hooks and a 1 hand tool when I do repairs, but I use the 2 hand LOAC for new work, but I string the lateral using a 2 hand, I then use a tension grip to hold both ends to add the drop even when I have the 2 hand there. I pre-make the drops.

[Kris-WV]

I purchased one. I use a 2 handed tool to install drops however I find the Viper tool better for (making) drops. I have a one handed tool for making drops but it actually uses 2 hands. The Line Viper seems quicker. I can open & close the grip while using the other hand to place/adjust the tubing & placing a T or spout. It does not require the second hand to open or close the vice style grip on traditional 1 handed tools. Cuts my drop making time by quite a bit. I do not think it would necessarily be as useful in the woods for (installing) drops. It does also use a bit more hand strength/grip as you are using 1 hand to apply force to shove the spout/T into the tubing as opposed to the use of 2 hands actuating the tool.

[Maple River Sugar]

I really appreciate the input.

If I wanted to buy a cut in pliers tool which could make drops and cut a t into the line what tool is the best? I've been looking at the Maple Tech cut in plier https://mapletechtools.com/p/5-16-double-hand-cut-in-pliers

[Buffalo Plaid]

I just got one, and used it for making drops. I have nothing to compare it to but I like it and would recommend it.

[JoeJ]

I purchased a Line Viper specifically for the purpose of pushing drop lines onto clear acrylic spouts. I found that over that past 3 or 4 season when taping, the arthritic pain in my wrist was almost so bad that I was going to have to stop taping or rather stop pushing tubing onto spouts. I saw the Line Viper at the Maine Maple Tour last spring and knew that it was the tool that I needed. After purchasing, I drilled a bunch of test holes in a piece of maple slab wood and tried the tool out. The tool works fine for me and I would recommend it.

I also used it in the woods last week to repair two deer chews on two lateral lines and two drops. The drop onto the tee was easy and after figuring out how to do the lateral repair under line tension, it worked good.
I probably will not use it as my main tubing tool instead of my two handed tool, but the Line Viper is easier to carry around the wood to do incidental unknown damage.

Joe

[TrentonMaple]

I bought one. I like it and consider it money well spent. Prior to this I was using a home-built welded slip channel pliers; the line viper works much better and with much less effort. I use tension hooks to do line cut ins.

[whalems]

I really appreciate the input.

If I wanted to buy a cut in pliers tool which could make drops and cut a t into the line what tool is the best? I've been looking at the Maple Tech cut in plier https://mapletechtools.com/p/5-16-double-hand-cut-in-pliers

I have these a consider them one of the best investments I have made for working with 5/16 tubing. I do not go in the woods without them. I have no experience with the other tool so can not comment on it.

[77maple]

I actually tried one at a local maple event and found 2 problems. First, it does require a large, strong hand and i'm no wimp. Secondly, it seems to be more oriented for righthanders and of course i'm a lefty

[DMF]

I have one and I am buying another for my buddy who helps me. I think they are great for making repairs. I do use a two-handed tool for installing new drops. People mentioned the lack of a cutter, but there is place to add a blade if you'd like to.