Juan Jimenez wrote:

At $100 a pop for the smallest set of safety wire pliers? I don't think so.
I am not interested in subsidizing airshow display trailers and parties,
performer sponsorships, etc. What I want is realiable tools at reasonable
prices.

I feel your pain.

30 years ago, there was middle grades of tools
that were reasonably priced and would last a
lifetime. The middle ground seems to have
disappeared.

I'm still ok with the most expensive grade of
Craftsman tools. They are not as good as they
used to be, but are still better than most of
the crap in hardware stores.

As to the safety wire pliers, I'd expect to
pay $100 for a quality pair. They are a low
volume item and must be assembled from several
parts. Even a decent pair of vicegrips cost
$20 these days and they probably turn them
out in the 100's of thousands.

Keep an eye on military surplus sales. You
might find the one you used in the Marines (:
I'd certainly like to have the one that was
in my toolbox in the Army.