Recommend a high quality 6" needle/snipe nose pliers with side cutter

[measuredtwice]

Wanting recommendations for a high quality 6" needle or snipe nose pliers with a side cutter. Nothing from China/Taiwan, please.

It'll be used to pull thin wire from a spool and cut to length. Because the wire is thin, the plier tips and cutters need to fully close.

Bought a new old stock Crescent USA and the cutter doesn't fully close unless you squeeze super hard. Even then it won't cut thin wire cleanly. Otherwise it is quite nice so I'll keep it.

Bought a Knipex 08 22 145 and the cutter closes fine but the tips of the pliers have a large gap. I noticed a reviewer on Amazon noted the gap and even showed a picture so I should have read the reviews before I ordered. If you squeeze hard it will close but it's not practical for the intended application. Beautiful pliers otherwise and I'll keep it for other work. The aggressive serrations are best suited for other work anyway.

Today I received this Knipex 25 02 160 from Amazon. I think it was messed up before they shipped it since I can't imagine this happening without any damage to the box. Seems like half the times that I ordered from Amazon this year, I've received damaged items or products missing parts. I'm wondering if I should have them send another one or just return it and buy something else.

I'm 0 for 3. What high quality 6" needle/snipe pliers would you recommend for thin wire?

 

[measuredtwice]

Dug out an old Channellock and a Knipex 13 160 and both work fine to grab and cut thin wire. It's a gift so I'll need to order a new one. The Knipex 13 160 has wire strippers and those aren't needed. Seems like the Knipex 25 02 160 is basically the Knipex 13 160 without wire strippers. Should be exactly what I need so maybe I should have Amazon send a replacement.

 

[Yarpo]

Any reason it needs to be 6"? I don't know if Snap On makes a 6" needle nose with cutter, but they make an 8". I own few Snap On tools but I've been happy with all of my Snap On pliers.

 

[measuredtwice]

Any reason it needs to be 6"? I don't know if Snap On makes a 6" needle nose with cutter, but they make an 8". I own few Snap On tools but I've been happy with all of my Snap On pliers.

I'm buying the pliers for my crafty little lady.

 

[Davefr]

Any reason it needs to be 6"? I don't know if Snap On makes a 6" needle nose with cutter, but they make an 8". I own few Snap On tools but I've been happy with all of my Snap On pliers.

Yea, go with the 8" SO 196CF.

The beveled tip allows them to get into some tight places.

Here's an image on a pair picking up a AWG 40 magnet wire.



The jaws close and then with just a tad more pressure the cutters close:



Klein would be my second choice.

 

[measuredtwice]

Thank you, guys. I appreciate the suggestions. I'll show her the Snap On and see what she says.

I think the damaged Knipex was a prior return. I just realized there is scotch tape on the open part of the bag and they don't come that way from the manufacturer.

 

[Fedwrench]

I would explore the German made options at KCTOOLCO.com

https://www.kctoolco.com/nws-141-62...liers-angled-45-deg-titanfinish-plastic-grip/

https://www.kctoolco.com/knipex-25-...ide-cutting-pliers-radio-pliers-plastic-grip/

I would also see what Klein & Channellock offer

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Tsunoda are the latest desire of my toolheart.
But the goofy spring is something of a detraction.
Japan

 

[measuredtwice]

Lots of good suggestions. She's declared sole custody of Channellock pliers to use in the interim. But they're 8" and she wants smaller ones. Lots of good suggestions from you folks.

 

[JBH]

Gedore has a nice 6” snipe nose.

 

[KnurledNut]

Klein D203-6.

 

[Davefr]

Klein D203-6.

^^Agree, Klein makes very nice 6" needle nose.

 

[Djosbun]

I regularly receive damaged and/or used items from Amazon, and these are NOT third-party sellers, either. Seems to me that manufacturers send their rejects to Amazon. I no longer buy toys or auto parts from Amazon.

-- Dave

 

[Brownsfan]

^^Agree, Klein makes very nice 6" needle nose.

X3. Favorite needle nose pliers. use them daily. still work like new.

 

[dylanmitchell]

Klein, Knipex, or Greenlee and possibly Channelock. Channelock has some surpisingly good proudcts at a good price.

 

[four.cycle]

The C.S. Osborne Company has been around a long time, but you probably never heard of them unless you're a leather worker.
The two pairs I bought from these sellers were incredibly well made: the tips were perfectly aligned, closed together, and the serrations were nicely cut.
Unfortunately they do NOT have the cutter, which is something you mention in your first post.




$6.99 incl. shipping "buy now"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/C-S-Osborne...2/291479817678

$5.45 + $2.95 shipping "buy now"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/C-S-Osborne...g/401594060585

ProAmerica makes a nice set of 6-inch serrated jaw needle nose with cutter plier. Best deal currently is through Bowers Tool out of Dallas.

$17.99 incl. shipping "buy now"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pro-America...6/131836873462

Unfortunately I am not able to supply a photo here, because the ProAmerica set that I bought for the kid is already wrapped up with the rest of his Christmas presents. Bowers' photos are much better than those on the manufacturers' website: https://proamericatools.com

You probably never heard of ProAmerica either. Most of their product is made for their private-label accounts, among which are some of the brands mentioned above.

 

[measuredtwice]

Will probably go with Klein or Channellock. Tempted to try Tsunoda but one of the Amazon reviews showed some defects and I'm not sure I want to experiment with a new brand for 4th try.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RDDLB8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[redwrench60]

Klein D203-6 and D203-7 are very high quality and not priced out of control. They have comfortable contoured handles and precision grinding on the tips and cutters.

 

[four.cycle]

I picked up a pair of Klein-made VACOs a while back.
As with the Osbornes, extremely well made.
Only thing I'm seeing right now, though, is an 8-inch model.
$20 bucks incl. shipping:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vaco-BEC20...gh-quality-US-made-FREE-SHIPPING/183993897622

 

[Rabid Badger]

Wilde makes a pair that might fit the bill:

https://www.wildetool.com/product/6-needle-nose-pliers/

 

[BreeStephany]

I know there is a lot of varying opinions of Klein tools, especially over the last couple of years, but I have had a pair of Klein 8" journeyman series long-needle-nose pliers for over 10 years that are still going strong and still holding a tight grip at their point without issue.

I have a few pairs of Channellock, Knipex, MAC and Snap-On needle nose pliers, but I have still found that my Kleins are the go-to for me.

I love how they fit my hands, how strong of a grip they have and how little flex they have. They still grip just like they did when they were brand new, which I can't really say the same for other brands that I own.

Just my two cents.

 

[Steve_P]

C'mon, that Knipex in the OP is obviously a return. No way that would have been shipped from the factory because the jaws are flat when they add the teeth/serrations.
I dont really like Channellock as there are so many better options for a bit more $.
Knipex is nice , and I like them, but the needlenose are not loved here by many since the tips are very fine and can't pull and straighten bent cotter pins from axle nuts like Snap On with their 4x larger tips. NWS are beefier than Knipex and also great quality.

 

[mr.lemons]

Maybe not acceptable for a gift but you could give the Knipex 08 22 145 a few strategic hits with a hammer to make the tips close together. I find needle nose tips can spread over time so require a bit of persuading back into shape anyway. Sharpening the cutters would produce the same result. I think all Knipex that I have seen with cutters prioritise closing on the cutters first so there is a gap in the tips.

 

[four.cycle]

I find needle nose tips can spread over time so require a bit of persuading back into shape anyway.

^ A 12-ounce ball pein worked wonders on my 40-year-old Indestro needle nose models, but the serrations on the jaws were pretty worn down so I've splurged and purchased several new sets made by various manufacturers.

 

[measuredtwice]

Thanks, guys. We'll take a look at Klein and Channellock in store this weekend.

C'mon, that Knipex in the OP is obviously a return. No way that would have been shipped from the factory because the jaws are flat when they add the teeth/serrations.

Yep. The OP (me) never said it was a quality control issue from Knipex.
I speculated it is a prior return (scotch tape on the bag) but it was never used.
The torn opening isn't large enough for the pliers to fit through. Might have been damaged in the warehouse or damaged previously during shipping.

Maybe not acceptable for a gift but you could give the Knipex 08 22 145 a few strategic hits with a hammer to make the tips close together. I find needle nose tips can spread over time so require a bit of persuading back into shape anyway. Sharpening the cutters would produce the same result. I think all Knipex that I have seen with cutters prioritise closing on the cutters first so there is a gap in the tips.

It does seem like most prioritize one or the other. With shielded wire, it's not a problem.

 

[Davefr]

but the needlenose are not loved here by many since the tips are very fine and can't pull and straighten bent cotter pins from axle nuts like Snap On with their 4x larger tips. NWS are beefier than Knipex and also great quality.

SO "tips" are not 4X larger. They're about the same size as the common Knipex tips.

Knipex 26-12-200:
Tip Width: 3.0mm
Tip Thickness: 2.5mm

SO 196ACF:
Tip Width: 2.1mm
Tip Thickness: 3.3mm

SO bevels the tips to give them high precision for tight spots but up until the bevel they're thicker so you don't have to sacrifice strength. Best of both worlds.

 

[JBH]

SO "tips" are not 4X larger. They're about the same size as the common Knipex tips.



Knipex 26-12-200:

Tip Width: 3.0mm

Tip Thickness: 2.5mm



SO 196ACF:

Tip Width: 2.1mm

Tip Thickness: 3.3mm

Functionally the critique is accurate. The short little bevel doesn’t do anything except for bias the specifications.

 

[Davefr]

The short little bevel doesn’t do anything except for bias the specifications.

...and get into tight places.

 

[JBH]

...and get into tight places.

Let’s keep it in real life, not inane marketing BS.

 

[Davefr]

Let’s keep it in real life, not inane marketing BS.

It's called usage experience.

 

[gotzero]

I have a pair of Channellock E326 pliers, and at least my pair meets all of the requirements, in addition to the bonuses of a high leverage cutter design and a small set of nut grabbing teeth.

 

[redwrench60]

I have the Snap on’s as well. They really are super damn nice. They look goofy like they’d be all wrong feeling and working. Then you get em in your hand and put them to work. They really are well thought out.

 

[Steve_P]

SO "tips" are not 4X larger. They're about the same size as the common Knipex tips.

Knipex 26-12-200:
Tip Width: 3.0mm
Tip Thickness: 2.5mm

SO 196ACF:
Tip Width: 2.1mm
Tip Thickness: 3.3mm

SO bevels the tips to give them high precision for tight spots but up until the bevel they're thicker so you don't have to sacrifice strength. Best of both worlds.

Ok , forget printed specs. And I dont care either way. But I can tell that you don't own any Knipex needle nose. SO is huge in comparison. Knipex basically makes nothing but pliers. Does anyone really think that SO has a magic super strength material that Knipex doesn't know about???? No, the SO tips are huge in comparison. Knipex is like a medical tool. If that doesn't work for your application then ok. I do wish they would make a line of mechanic line of needlenose because that's more what I use

 

[Davefr]

Ok , forget printed specs. And I dont care either way. But I can tell that you don't own any Knipex needle nose. SO is huge in comparison. Knipex basically makes nothing but pliers. Does anyone really think that SO has a magic super strength material that Knipex doesn't know about???? No, the SO tips are huge in comparison. Knipex is like a medical tool. If that doesn't work for your application then ok. I do wish they would make a line of mechanic line of needlenose because that's more what I use

I actually had a pair of Knipex 12-26-200 but got rid of them. They wouldn't grip tight at the tips, they had an old fashioned straight serration pattern and were generally flimsy. They really did nothing well at least for me.

I've found the SO 196ACF's do everything better 90% of the time. If I need something with smaller jaws I simply use SO E703BCG's, Swanstrom S661E or Klein D310-6C. The combination of the 196ACF's and one of those other pliers is a "marriage made in heaven" IMHO. (but we all have different needs.)

P.S. If you like Knipex and want more of a mechanics plier look at their 38 series. At least they have the new and improved cross hatched serration pattern. I've never tried them.

https://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&isMobile=&parentID=1336&groupID=1340

 

[Holt]

Knipex electrician 4 in 1 plier. Had mine in field use for years
I've cut anything from fine wire to steel messenger cable.

Knipex 13 01 614 SBA, 6 1/4-Inch Electricians' 4-In-1 Pliers

 

[Alex2000]

Will probably go with Klein or Channellock. Tempted to try Tsunoda but one of the Amazon reviews showed some defects and I'm not sure I want to experiment with a new brand for 4th try.

This, i love my channellock long noses

 

[FerrariPower]

Ok , forget printed specs. And I dont care either way. But I can tell that you don't own any Knipex needle nose. SO is huge in comparison. Knipex basically makes nothing but pliers. Does anyone really think that SO has a magic super strength material that Knipex doesn't know about???? No, the SO tips are huge in comparison. Knipex is like a medical tool. If that doesn't work for your application then ok. I do wish they would make a line of mechanic line of needlenose because that's more what I use

I bought several pairs of Knipex pliers to test them out as replacements for some of my Snap-on about a year ago. They were so piss poor I ended up just throwing them out. That's one German company I would write off completely. Stick with Gedore or Hazet if you want real German tools.

Snap-on makes excellent pliers. They're just expensive.

 

[WittHay]

i have a Channellock 6" as well as Klein D 203's. Same handle shape but the Klein has a slightly smaller tip and just feels better, more precise.

Mac has some made in France CST pliers on the truck. They have a smaller handle and are good quality. You would think Knipex has something similar.

 

[measuredtwice]

I've come to the conclusion that you have to try them... sometimes several of each of model. That can be a hassle with internet orders. I've done some shopping locally but the selection isn't very good.

Despite some very advanced automated manufacturing processes, there is still variation within a single model. And with thin wire like bare uncoated 32 gauge, that little bit of variation can make a big difference.

At my local Menards, some of the Knipex 26 have a gap in the cutters and some didn't. I tried 2 of the ones without a gap. The Knipex 26 doesn't cut 32 gauge wire as well as the Knipex 08 or Channellock. All of them cut coated wire just fine but that's not what I need.

So far, Channellocks have been acceptable but none of the others have worked well for both cutting and gripping 32 gauge. One thing interesting about that result is Channellock hand sharpens (it's not automated). Always nice to see skilled labor competing well with machines! My Knipex 08 cut better but they have a gap at the tip so they don't grip. Still need to try Klein.

 

[Davefr]

Still need to try Klein.

Yes, try some Kleins. The are generally excellent needle nose pliers and right up there with SO. I think the D203 series is what you want and they're not very expensive.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000302VZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20