Who makes the best pliers?

[Holt]

Our snap on guy sold me with the needle nose when he was able to pick up a penny by grabbing Abe's head only.

Which version is this. I must own them.

 

[Brownsfan]

For me I own snap on, Chanellock, Klein and Knipex. I bought what brand I liked in each style. I really don't think one brand makes the best of all types. I really love the snap on needle nose. No one come close IMHO. My favorite linemans and plier style crimper is Klein. Cutters knipex and snap on. Slip joint tounge and groove etc channellock. Although the 2000 series Klein cutters are hard to beat. No one makes a mini bolt cutter like knipex. If I had to choose one brand for everything it would be Snap On. Yes they are expensive but they make solid pliers in all categories.

 

[tweedlestan]

Yes they are expensive but they make solid pliers in all categories.

They don't make combination pliers.

 

[CWP1616L]

Is that the only pair of pliers you own Merk? That is your choice for any reply about pliers.

I mention them in every pliers thread because I don't think they get enough air time otherwise.

 

[Tinner]

They don't make combination pliers.

Really? Plus three more not shown on that page.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=hand&Group_ID=680940&store=snapon-store

 

[tweedlestan]

Really? Plus three more not shown on that page.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=hand&Group_ID=680940&store=snapon-store

Those are slip joint and sloppy as can be. I should know, I own 3 pair of them.

These are proper combination pliers:

 

[Flash21]

Anybody have a set of 196NCF? They look like a nice set of plies adaptable to many different situations...talon grip, other serrated jaws and setup to cut heavy hardened wire

Footnote:
*Rated to cut .049" diameter music wire
**Talon Grip™

Applications:
•Gripping, Cutting, Fastener Turning, Pulling Cotter Pins

Description:
•Diamond serrated jaws provide a better grip and up to 57% increased pulling power
•Ramped tips provide stronger jaws and increased accessibility
•Rounded jaw edges minimize nicks to wire when making loops or bends
•Longer contoured handle with new joint location provides higher leverage and increased comfort
•196NCF cutters are rated to cut .049 diameter music wire
•Cold forged for better performance and long life
•Lifetime Warranty
•CE — Not Required

Additional Description:
• Rounded jaw edges minimize nicks to wire when making loops or bends
• Jaw tips are perfectly aligned and feature machined teeth for precise gripping strength with positive control

 

[Flash21]

Those are slip joint and sloppy as can be. I should know, I own 3 pair of them.

These are proper combination pliers:

LOVE those Knipex combination pliers, one of my first grabs (although I don't have them in comfort grip)

 

[CWP1616L]

Edited: MAC P92S Nose Pliers

 

[Brownsfan]

Anybody have a set of 196NCF? They look like a nice set of plies adaptable to many different situations...talon grip, other serrated jaws and setup to cut heavy hardened wire

Footnote:
*Rated to cut .049" diameter music wire
**Talon Grip™

Applications:
•Gripping, Cutting, Fastener Turning, Pulling Cotter Pins

Description:
•Diamond serrated jaws provide a better grip and up to 57% increased pulling power
•Ramped tips provide stronger jaws and increased accessibility
•Rounded jaw edges minimize nicks to wire when making loops or bends
•Longer contoured handle with new joint location provides higher leverage and increased comfort
•196NCF cutters are rated to cut .049 diameter music wire
•Cold forged for better performance and long life
•Lifetime Warranty
•CE — Not Required

Additional Description:
• Rounded jaw edges minimize nicks to wire when making loops or bends
• Jaw tips are perfectly aligned and feature machined teeth for precise gripping strength with positive control

I have them. They are awesome. My snap on guy can't keep them in stock. They get sold as soon as he puts them up.

 

[Drunken Yak inc]

I absolutely love my NWS pliers.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

Don't have much to add to this discussion, but I find some of the replies very interesting!

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Here's another comparison. I admit this isn't a 100% scientific comparison because each pair of pliers is a little different in design. However they are pretty similar.

In this case I grab a washer with the tip of the needle nose pliers and give it a firm CCW twist.

Notice the Knipex's deform. The jaws aren't even squarely gripping the object anymore.

Here are the Kleins. The tips aren't deforming and I'm applying approx. the same torque:

Now here are the SO's. Just like the Kleins, they are still gripping squarely on the washer.:

The Kleins and Knipex's have about the same size taper/tip. The Knipex's are just a little bit longer. However the SO's have a bigger/heftier tip but at the very end it goes into a steeper taper.

If I want to grab an item and twist it, (very common task), the SO and Klein pliers are superior in strength. The design and construction of the Kleins just makes them a stronger plier then the Knipex.

The SO plier jaws are tapered differently and won't reach into quite as narrow a spot as the other two pliers. However they're the strongest for the tough tasks.

The Knipex are MADE to deform.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Most of what I used for years was Cman along with a few odd pieces. I started buying Channellock stuff and like it better than the Cman stuff.

I picked up 2 pair of extra- long straight and curved needle nose at swap meet for $3 ea, cheap enough to reach down inside something. I figured one or two uses and they had paid for themselves. Somewhere I found a 5 pc set of no-name mini-pliers for 10 bucks. Not high dollar but again for the little that I have used them, they have been fine. Several years ago for work (factory) I needed a set of larger needle nose and didn't feel like driving around so I grabbed a pair of Popular Mechanics. I actually like those especially having black handles. I followed those up with some Fiskars needle nose, swap meet $1.

I'd rather spend my money on good tools but there are times (IMHO) you can get by with something of lesser value. The truck tool bag isn't going to have have high dollar stuff in it. I don't want to lose something at the junkyard or stolen when the truck is broke into.

Buy something you can afford, what works for you and feels comfortable in your hand.

 

[Davefr]

The Knipex are MADE to deform.

Yea, I still don't quite understand that one

One of the most basic tasks of needle nose pliers is to grab an object firmly and then twist and pull. (like pulling out a stubborn cotter pin)

If the plier has to deform to keep from breaking then they should improve the design or manufacturing. I've never broken Klein, SO or Channelock jaws. My hand gives out before the jaws deform.

Shouldn't pliers be designed to endure the torque of normal hand use?

Knipex has a huge variety. I'm curious if they have anything close to the strength of SO 96CF/196CF and doesn't deform under normal use?

 

[X1 Mike]

My preference is Knipex and Chanellocks. I think Knipex are slightly better but for the price it is hard to beat the American made Chanellocks.

 

[elvisslipperman]

For years ive tried most makes but as soon as i used Maun Industries double action ive never used anything else

 

[d.mcfarland]

Channellock, NWS, and Snap-On are my preferred brands.

 

[Outlander]

I just discovered Channellock love, don't make me look again!

 

[Monte]

these cutters are nice because of the Teflon coating they cut easier through cable


these combination pliers are quite useful because they have a built in wrench...


....and built in nail holder



pliers wrenches are awesome and a must have nowadays


these are nice too: VBW - Knipex quality at better prices (at least over here )


and if you like chrome....:



Re.: needle nose pliers a.k.a Channellock 318 vs. Knipex 26-200





Simply buy both. One for bending, twisting, heavy duty work the other one for reaching in smallest spots and grab things...

 

[GoodEnough]

Stupid question, but when do you need to use pliers?
I always use my socket set.
I have never needed pliers.

 

[shockwave]

Stupid question, but when do you need to use pliers?
I always use my socket set.
I have never needed pliers.

Hose clamps mostly especially if you ever have to change valve cover gaskets on pretty much any v6 engine

Or try changing drum brakes without pliers and tell me how far you get

 

[Haveblue]

Too many uses to list, but heres a few. Removing and installing springs..handling hot objects you've just torched, or welded..holding a small part to drill a quick hole..using them to hold a puch,or chisel. Bending things that you cant do by hand. Removing broken, rounded bolts (if there is enough left to grip). The applications are endless, and depends on what you work on, but everybody needs pliers!!

 

[Davefr]

Stupid question, but when do you need to use pliers?
I always use my socket set.
I have never needed pliers.

Are you serious???

Sockets are for nuts and bolts. Pliers are for everything else!!

 

[plier_able]

I use bent-nose needle-nose pliers for all sorts of things about the house from fishing jammed, broken cork out of the neck of wine bottles to picking up hot things to cutting string/cord/cable not readily cut with scissors.

And these are just 'about-the-house' jobs. Not work.

These are my favourites:

Too many uses to list, but heres a few. Removing and installing springs..handling hot objects you've just torched, or welded..holding a small part to drill a quick hole..using them to hold a puch,or chisel. Bending things that you cant do by hand. Removing broken, rounded bolts (if there is enough left to grip). The applications are endless, and depends on what you work on, but everybody needs pliers!!

 

[plier_able]

He can't be serious. Great reply - pliers ARE for everything else.

Are you serious???

Sockets are for nuts and bolts. Pliers are for everything else!!

 

[tweedlestan]

When do you need to use pliers...

Sorry, but that doesn't even register with my brain.

 

[ATC]

When do you need to use pliers...

Sorry, but that doesn't even register with my brain.

This!



My box is full of Knipex and Channellock. I do have some Kobalt stuff, which are great for what they are worth, and I do have some Klein stuff which I haven't used enough to judge yet...

 

[mudflap]

All channellock for me...always been satisfied with them. I dont care for the new E- big handle ones, but im an old fart, set in my ways........Made in Meadville, PA.....USA

 

[Mastermind]

I have an assortment of channelock, SO, matco, irwin, cresent,diamond,proto, mac,blah blah blah....as a note on the greatest ever needle nose, i broke my talon grip snappys in 2 weeks. warranty pair has lasted fine...

 

[kythri]

Here's another comparison. I admit this isn't a 100% scientific comparison because each pair of pliers is a little different in design. However they are pretty similar.

I surely see the deformation you're talking about with the Knipex, and I don't see it with the Klein's, but, while it's not as bad as the Knipex, I definitely see some flex with the Snap-on there. It looks like the teeth are turning off of the washer, and there's more "gap" between the jaws than the Klein (though, as stated, not as much as the Knipex).

 

[platform389]

Snap On, as said earlier in the thread, the 196CF and Electronic series. The Electronic line has a set screw adjustment to eliminate wobble! Have never seen that from any other manufacturer. The 137CF three position pliers are the absolute best heavy duty pliers I have ever used.

My biggest disappointment was the NWS needle nose pliers, specifically the 140-69-70 6 inch pliers. The design of these is excellent, but the user experience certainly was not.

The first pair I bought had handle wobble out of the box. Severe enough the cutter blades would bypass each other. The second pair started out with no problems, but after several jobs developed even worse wobble.

Shipping to return them for warranty would have cost as much as another pair of pliers, they went into the trash. Since I needed a 6 inch pliers with side cutter I went with Klien J203-6.

The jaws are not as nice and narrow as the NWS, but the handles are rock solid and excellent!

 

[Davefr]

I surely see the deformation you're talking about with the Knipex, and I don't see it with the Klein's, but, while it's not as bad as the Knipex, I definitely see some flex with the Snap-on there. It looks like the teeth are turning off of the washer, and there's more "gap" between the jaws than the Klein (though, as stated, not as much as the Knipex).

The SO's had just a little slop in the joint but the actual jaws were rock solid. Maybe that's because the SO's were the biggest/heaviest duty of the three. I never fealt that the jaws lost a solid grip like with the Knipex.

The Kleins had absolutely no slop in the joint and no jaw deflection. They're absolutely rock solid AND fairly thin/compact with excellent reach into tight spots.

The Knipex didn't have any noticeable slop in the actual joint but lots of jaw deflection to the point where the only grip was on the very edges when twisting hard. The other problem is that when you twist the Knipex pliers you loose all the grip because the serrations are working against you. The combination of jaw deflection and serration pattern would make the Knipex pliers a "failure" for things like trying to remove a stubborn cotter pin where your pulling and twisting.

I also see that NWS uses the perpendicular serration pattern. I think Klein, SO and Channelock have figured out that other serration patterns can greatly improve grip. IMHO this is critical in needle nose style pliers and less of an issue with traditional slip joint pliers.

There are obviously many more Knipex versions. I just grabbed 3 of the most common 8" long nose/long reach pliers for this simple test.

 

[Supe]

Can anyone comment as to whether the Gearwrench double X pliers are good?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014ZXWP0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kythri]

Can anyone comment as to whether the Gearwrench double X pliers are good?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014ZXWP0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I think Merkava/CWP1616L was given a pair by the GearWrench representatives - maybe he can comment, and compare them to the Mac WunderPliers.

 

[The BrentP]

Most of my pliers are Knipex, but I do have a few select SO's for heavy-duty uses. Like the above test, I noticed that my needles were dislodging when pulling cotter pins out of slack adjusters. Considering I pull cotters a lot with most brake jobs, I decided to go with the SO 96CF. I needed a specific pair to fit my needs, so I bought them.

 

[zakmartin]

I've never had problems with my Craftsman pliers (mostly late 1980's - early 1990's vinatage) but I'd look at every one on the rack and would pick the best example whenever I went shopping. I ended up with a bunch of Craftsman Pro pliers and those were slightly better than the regular ones. Kliens are great but expensive. Proto makes good stuff and so does Blackhawk. Kniepex are almost too nice to use, though I do love them. I have some big Crescent channel lock plierss from the early 90's and they've been okay, not great. I never felt like Channelocks were meaty enough in my giant hands (they bend too easily). Pittsburgh is absolute junk.

 

[Skin]

Are you serious???

Sockets are for nuts and bolts. Pliers are for everything else!!

Wrong, hammers are for everything else. Im with the new guy. Who the hell needs pliers!

 

[richfinn]

Snap On, as said earlier in the thread, the 196CF and Electronic series. The Electronic line has a set screw adjustment to eliminate wobble! Have never seen that from any other manufacturer. The 137CF three position pliers are the absolute best heavy duty pliers I have ever used.

My biggest disappointment was the NWS needle nose pliers, specifically the 140-69-70 6 inch pliers. The design of these is excellent, but the user experience certainly was not.

The first pair I bought had handle wobble out of the box. Severe enough the cutter blades would bypass each other. The second pair started out with no problems, but after several jobs developed even worse wobble.

Shipping to return them for warranty would have cost as much as another pair of pliers, they went into the trash. Since I needed a 6 inch pliers with side cutter I went with Klien J203-6.

The jaws are not as nice and narrow as the NWS, but the handles are rock solid and excellent!

How come you got a second pair if the warranty shipping was more expensive than another brand?

Doesn't make sense, why not just tighten the hex screw??

 

[plier_able]

Who the hell needs hammers? Explosives will get anything loose!

Wrong, hammers are for everything else. Im with the new guy. Who the hell needs pliers!