Facom 198 Series Duckbill Smooth Jaw Pliers..........This tool is a favorite among those in the know in the Heating & Air Conditioning industry.....great for straightening the fins on heat exchangers. The wide, flat, smooth jaws and tips are thin enough to insert between the core fins to straighten them for optimum performance and appearance. Works great on automotive heat exchangers....radiators, AC condensers, oil coolers, heater cores, intercoolers, etc.
For some reason, Facom discontinued production of these smooth jaw pliers in lieu of newer versions with serrated jaws for better grip. I have yet to find a suitable replacement. Unfortunately, the jaw striations of the newer pliers are damaging to the soft core materials, typically copper/brass or aluminum. I was fortunate to be able to purchase the remaining worldwide stock of these pliers.
- Overall length - 190mm (7.5")
- Nose length - 70mm (2.75")
- Flexible smooth jaws for handling delicate components
- Polished chrome finish ("CPY" series) for maximum protection from oxidation. Nicest aesthetics.
- Black comfort grips.
- Made in France
History - The FACOM 198.18 CPY is an incredibly famous, vintage specialty tool from FACOM's classic French catalog. Unlike the previous 187 combination pliers, the 198 series designates Duckbill Pliers (Pinces à bec plat "bec de canard"). This particular model is a highly sought-after tool, notably considered a legendary, "secret weapon" tool among automotive technicians and HVAC mechanics.
The primary defining feature of the 198.18 CPY is its wide, completely smooth, flat jaws paired with an ultra-thin nose profile.
- The Radiator & Fin Straightener: Because the jaws lack teeth or serrations, this tool is the gold standard for straightening bent fins on delicate heat exchangers—such as automotive radiators, A/C condensers, oil coolers, and heater cores—without crushing or tearing the soft aluminum, copper, or brass material.
- Delicate Component Handling: The smooth surface prevents marring or scratching on polished pieces, soft jewelry metals, or sensitive electrical connectors.
Nomenclature & Specifications
- 198: Represents the Duckbill plier chassis family.
- .18: Dictates the intermediate 180mm frame size (overall length is 190 mm / 7.5 inches with a 70mm nose length).
- CPY: Indicates FACOM's classic premium High-Polish Mirror Chrome metal finish paired with their legacy dip-molded black plastic comfort sleeves.
- Manufacturing Origin: Forged and stamped in France.
Current Market Status - This tool has been officially discontinued by FACOM. In newer catalog updates, FACOM shifted their duckbill designs toward serrated jaws to optimize for broad mechanical grip. However, because those newer serrated teeth destroy soft cooling fins, vintage New Old Stock (NOS) versions of the smooth-jawed 198.18 CPY frequently fetch premium prices on secondary collector sites and professional garage liquidators.
