The FACOM 392.16 CPY is another rare, highly functional vintage masterpiece from FACOM’s classic French production run. Breaking away from universal and duckbill jaws, the 392 series designates FACOM's classic High-Performance Diagonal Cutting Pliers (Pinces coupantes diagonales haute performance). (23d)
Understanding the 'CPY' Build Configuration - As with the other tools in this classic era, the CPY suffix (Facom's "black series" pliers) indicates a premium, heavy-duty workshop specification:
- High-Polish Chrome Finish (CP): The entire forging features an ultra-smooth, bright chrome coating optimized to resist corrosion, rust, and the chemical etching of harsh automotive solvents.
- Dip-Molded Black PVC Sleeves (Y): Features the vintage, textured solid black handle wraps designed for a streamlined, non-slip grip in oily conditions.
Core Engineering Specifications
- Frame Size (.16): Built on the mid-sized 160mm chassis (overall nominal tool length sits at 160 mm / approx. 6.3 inches), striking the ultimate balance between tight-space agility and cutting leverage. [1]
- High Leverage Axis: The 392 family features a shifted, high-leverage rivet pivot point positioned closer to the cutting edges. This unique geometric placement provides a significant physical advantage, reducing hand-squeezing fatigue.
- Induction-Hardened Bevels: The cutting knives undergo localized induction heating to achieve a hardness exceeding 60 to 62 HRC, giving it pristine durability.
History - The FACOM 392.16 CPY was phased out and discontinued by FACOM during the late 1990s to early 2000s (roughly between 1998 and 2002). The tool wasn't retired due to structural failure, but rather because FACOM undertook a massive, company-wide restructuring of its entire catalog to modernize ergonomics and tool safety.
Two major developments caused FACOM to retire the vintage CPY series in favor of new designs:
- The Invention of the CPE Grip (Late 1990s): FACOM engineered and patented its Comfort Performance Ergonomic (CPE) bi-material handle—the signature textured red-and-black grips. These handles drastically reduced localized pressure points in the palm and completely replaced the older "Y" suffix dip-molded black PVC sleeves.
- Catalog Consolidation: To streamline manufacturing, FACOM consolidated its high-performance cutting families. The specialized 392 layout was fundamentally absorbed into the modernized 192 series chassis.
The Replacement Timeline
- 1990s Catalog: The 392.16 CPY sat as a prominent high-performance diagonal cutter choice for professional mechanics.
- Early 2000s: The tool was pulled from active print catalogs and replaced by the transitional 392.16 CPE (which paired the classic 392 jaw with the new red/black ergonomic handles).
- Mid 2000s to Present: The 392 lineage was fully retired. All high-performance diagonal tasks were assigned to the current FACOM 192A.16CPE, which features improved geometry, a higher 200mm-class cutting capacity scaled down to a 160mm body, and an integrated spring/tether mechanism.
