a better Diagonal Cutter

[JayL]

While comparing the pictures of the Klein and Channellock 8" Diagonal cutters I feel that the Klein's cutting edges are better or is it just me. The reason why I asked is because I will be using this mostly for electrical work. If it was for automotive use then I would have chosen the CL immediately. Any opinions please.

tks

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

or

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

 

[Stuey]

You cannot determine which has better cutting edges by pictures alone!!

I think that you'd do fine with either tool. I had to make a similar choice recently and after some debating I left the Klein at the store and went home with the CL. Why? Because the pivot felt a bit smoother.

If in doubt, buy both!

The Klein model is angled a bit more than the CL, to enable it to cut wires in more compact areas. Both cutters have a LOT of leverage behind them. The quality of both cutting edges is very comparable in person.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think the key here is to have at least two pair. use one pair only for cutting wire. Use the second pair for everything else like pulling cotter pins, pulling trim fasteners, cutting anything but wire, etc. These actions will prolong the life of the pair you cut wire with. I think the Knipex cutters remain sharp longer than the Kleins or Channellocks but, that's just me. Your results may vary and you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[Merkava_4]

I've had both of those cutters. The Kleins with their longer handles are way more comfortable and give you more leverage.

 

[krusty the clown]

the channellocks say made in usa.........the kleins do not.

 

[Merkava_4]

the channellocks say made in usa.........the kleins do not.

Look under 1857...

 

[Stuey]

Look under 1857...

That's a bit vague though. I've been seeing all kinds of sneaky practices these days.

Some tool packaging now has "company name, US city, state, USA" and then in a totally different location, in smaller more discrete print "made in china" or "made in the USA of global components" or "manufactured in taiwan to company specifications."

No longer can you explicitly trust a tool that has "USA" on it. Klein's a pretty solid manufacturer, but they're also known to leave country of origin info off of certain tools and packaging.

 

[Merkava_4]

Klein Tools is a ******** American company that produces their tools in Chicago Illinois. All the union construction workers throughout the USA use their tools for that reason; that and because Klein pliers are on the top 5 list of best quality pliers in the world and they're not afraid to charge for that quality either.

 

[PaulNoize]

Channellock still make these in the USA. Their new products (adjustable wrenches, electronics pliers, etc.) are "globally sourced" but the staples are still Made in USA.

Klein's cutter will hold its edge longer, although performance is similar out of the box.

But the ultimate Cadillac of diagonals is the big 10 incher from Knipex. Yeah, it's made in Germany...but in my opinion, if there is no American functional equivalent then why not? No one else makes a diagonal that long, the cutting edges won't roll over (unlike those heat treated in the Korean sun), and it has both a straight and an angled version for flush cutting.

Every bit of leverage counts!

 

[speed bump]

Klein Tools is a ******** American company that produces their tools in Chicago Illinois. All the union construction workers throughout the USA use their tools for that reason; that and because Klein pliers are on the top 5 list of best quality pliers in the world and they're not afraid to charge for that quality either.

The Klein hacksaws are made in Sweden but they are Damn good hacksaws.

As far as pliers go. Get the Klein 8" d2000 that are hardened for cutting ACSR and such. When I was working in the refrigeration business thats all we used becuase they lasted better than Knipex or Channellocks. Also the Channellock 8" pliers have a less comfortable handle shape than the Kleins.

 

[chad s]

I have found that these outdo Kleins, and are much more comfertable to use. Not cheap, but well worth it. Guys I work with hve the Kleins, and I have found mine will cut thicker metal (cuts through 1/8 piano wire!), the edge doesnt go bad, and the handle shape is very good.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...9&group_ID=765&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[64merc]

JayL, for electrical only, you can't go wrong with either one. If price is a factor go with the cheapest one. If both are USA I would personally buy the Klein.

If price isn't a factor, buy one for electrical only and the other for general purpose work. I have a tool bag filled with "electrical only" tools.

 

[JayL]

I've had both of those cutters. The Kleins with their longer handles are way more comfortable and give you more leverage.

Can you comment on the cutting edges of each plier please. I will be using this cutter only for electrical use.

I already have a few Knipex for automotive stuff, i.e. cutting cotter pins etc.. .

I too am with the other members suggesting to have several cutters for their specific applications as much as possible.

 

[mickeyone]

You cant go wrong with any of the big 3 (Knipex, Klein, or Channelock)If you get the Klein pick up the blue handles they cut better for longer.I think all three can be warrantied.I dont bother I get my full moneysworth in a year and then replace them They are cutters and eventually wear out or you blow them up first on a live wire.The Ideal ones arent that bad either

 

[Voltron]

After a number of years in the electrical industry i've used a fair few types of cutters, annd i can say that i only use the Kleins now. So much better than every thing else. Best cutting jaw is the blue handles (2000 series) i do all sorts of stupid things with them (like cutting screws etc) and my current par are still excellent after about 6-7 years, this is much longer than i would ever expect a pair of heavily used pliers to last. I'm generally happy to replace them after 3-5 years. D2000-48 are my favourites, i'd recommend them to anyone

 

[Stanger]

I can't speak for the other brands but I really like my Kleins.

 

[Merkava_4]

Can you comment on the cutting edges of each plier please. I will be using this cutter only for electrical use.

You're just gonna be cutting copper wire right? If so, all you need is the red handled ones. The blue handled ones will cut nails all day long.

 

[JayL]

You're just gonna be cutting copper wire right? If so, all you need is the red handled ones. The blue handled ones will cut nails all day long.

Yes, nothing real hard but I would want the one with the sharpest edges for clean cuts. A more comfortable handle would be a bonus.

I'm going to install and network 25 PCs and 2 File Servers. Usually my Xcelite Tool Kit is enough to do this but since I joined this board I had become more "demanding" when it comes to the tools needed to pull the job.

Since I already bought a Klein cable cutter I think I will go with the Klein Diagonal Cutter too.