I started banding birds back in 2005 and soon after was asked if I could repair some old MacDonald bird banding pliers with a broken pin. After that I really wanted to start fabricating my own pliers and in 2018 I finally was able to purchase the tools to start making my own. When I started my consulting business full time in 2020, I was able to build a 2000 square foot shop and in 2023 I added a CNC mill and lathe to expand and refine the process of making the banding pliers. I am still working on updating some of the old designs to the new equipment and working on expanding the locking band pliers to other band sizes. If there is anything you need do not hesitate to reach out. You can reach me at jmartin@m-tech-design.com.
All my pliers are tested on actual USGS bands and hand finished with a die grinder to ensure that bands do not stick or bind in the crimp and that they close completely. If you are not satisfied in any way after receiving the pliers, just send them back and I will refund 100% of your money.
See all available products below or go directly to the SHOP to make a purchase. Thank you.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 0A and 1B butt end bands. The 0A hole will crimp 0A, 0, and 1 sized bands, and the 1B hole will crimp 1B and 1A sized bands.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 1B butt end bands. The 1B hole will crimp 1B and 1A sized bands. These have a larger diameter spreading pin than the 0A/1B pliers.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are specially designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 1P butt end Plover bands without crushing them.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 2 and 3 butt end bands.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 3B butt end bands. The 3B hole will crimp 3B and 3A sized bands.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 4 butt end bands.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 5 butt end bands.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 6 butt end bands.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 7A butt end bands.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 7B butt end bands.
These pliers are designed to close locking bands and then crimp the tab over in a three step process. They were developed in collaboration with the Braddock Bay Raptor Research banders to close locking bands for Red-Tailed Hawks.
These bird banding pliers are styled after MacDonald’s classic design, and are designed to open and close USGS and Canadian Wildlife Service size 8 butt end bands.
Send me your old banding pliers that have broken pins and I will replace the pins and clean up the pliers.