Personally, I use this version http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXE114&P=ML , but that's just me. I don't use pliers or thread lock but have no problem with those that do. Again, my choice and that is what this is all about. Been using these or similar for close to 30 years now and NEVER a problem. Seems reliable to me.