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

[measuredtwice]

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

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

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.

Here are some side by side photos of the Knipex 26 Long nose and Knipex 38 Mechanics. It's not an ideal comparison because I only have the angled 38 but the photos give an idea of the proportions. They are very similar except the 38 has cross hatch serrations and lacks a cutter.

 

[Steve_P]

Anyone that thinks the SO needlenose tips are the same height at the end as Knipex needs to look at the first pic above. And please post a pic of the SO tips. If the SO tips are even 2X as tall, and the same material, then they're 8X stiffer in that direction. This slenderness, and resulting lack of stiffness, is why there are so many knipex complaints here.

 

[measuredtwice]

Stopped by Fleetfarm to look at the Klein stuff and it looked good. They only had an 8 inch though so I'd need to buy the 6 inch online to try it.

 

[redwrench60]

Stopped by Fleetfarm to look at the Klein stuff and it looked good. They only had an 8 inch though so I'd need to buy the 6 inch online to try it.

Try Home Depot. They stock the standard and HD Klein needle nose if you want to handle before buying.

 

[Davefr]

Anyone that thinks the SO needlenose tips are the same height at the end as Knipex needs to look at the first pic above. And please post a pic of the SO tips. If the SO tips are even 2X as tall, and the same material, then they're 8X stiffer in that direction. This slenderness, and resulting lack of stiffness, is why there are so many knipex complaints here.

The exact dimensions at the tips are in post #26. SO tips are slightly smaller in area then the Knipex.

 

[measuredtwice]

Good to know HD has them. Unfortunately, the nearest HD is a long drive but I'll check them out if I'm in the area. I might order online for in store pickup at Wally World.

 

[Spacey_G]

The exact dimensions at the tips are in post #26. SO tips are slightly smaller in area then the Knipex.

The Snap-on pliers are pretty clearly significantly bigger than the Knipex except for the taper in the last, maybe, 1/8". That makes the SO stiffer than the Knipex but less useful for reaching into tight places.

Pointing out a single dimension at the very end of the tip is not a fair comparison.

 

[measuredtwice]

Dug up some photos in old posts.

Here's a side by side photo of Knipex, Channellock, and Klein.

Here’s a pic of my own Klein Journeyman’s, Channellock 318’s and Knipex 26 series. All are intended for electrical use having a side cutter...

Snap-On and Wiha compared

I bought a used pair or Snap on 96CF. They look to be an older design than the 96ACF currently available new. Not familiar with how Snap on model numbers work.

...

Snap On have stockier jaws....

 

[Spacey_G]

It might also help to take a step back and realize that it's impossible for the Snap-on pliers to have jaws that are both stiffer and thinner than the Knipex.

 

[Davefr]

The Snap-on pliers are pretty clearly significantly bigger than the Knipex except for the taper in the last, maybe, 1/8". That makes the SO stiffer than the Knipex but less useful for reaching into tight places.

Pointing out a single dimension at the very end of the tip is not a fair comparison.

The question was about "tip" size and that's the data I provided. If we want to talk about dimensions of the jaw that's a different discussion.

SO's jaws are definitely fatter and stiffer but the actual tip is slightly smaller as illustrated in the second image of post #48. (due to the beveled design)

IME that allows the SO tips to get into tight areas without sacrificing strength/stiffness. This has been a benefit that's worked well for me but everyone's needs are different. YMMV.

If I need long slender jaws then the other 3 pliers in post #34 are what I'd choose.

 

[Wamsutta]

Wilde makes a pair that might fit the bill:

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

Those look really nice right there. Wish they made a 9 inch version.

 

[redwrench60]

Alright you guys here’s a pic of my Knipex and Snap-on needle nose pliers side by side. Snap on is on the left, Knipex on the right. Yes the Snappys are an itsy bitsy bit thicker but they’re stiffer and grab much better. There’s nothing the Knipex can do that the Snap on can’t. On the other hand the Snap on’s out perform the Knipex in twisting, grabbing, pulling ect.

 

[65k10]

Maybe I got a bad one, but my Snap-On 196ANCF meets at the cutter before the tips. The tips have enough of a gap that unless I give them a good squeeze, a piece of paper will slip out. My 96ACF and other brands of needle nose pliers (some with cutters) seem to grab fine. Maybe that doesn't sound like a big gap, but I was pretty disappointed that I had to resort to my Leatherman to pull strands of net wrap out of a roller on a hay baler since the 196ANCF pliers couldn't grip the strands. I like the Snap-On needle nose for tasks where super stiff tips are needed, but I don't really like them all that much otherwise.

 

[four.cycle]

https://www.wildetool.com/product/6-needle-nose-pliers/ - 6-1/2" needle nose with cutter - $31.60 from Wilde

$21.99 incl. shipping from Bowers Tool:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/132297701885

also check Harry Epstein. (site's down right now @ 17:27 PST)

 

[Sine Swept]

https://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1358&groupID=2308

I had a look at the top pair in the flesh and it was a mighty looking little guy. If you want the best gripping, strong needlenose I say Klein as I've been down that road, I have a pair of Knipex with serrations and I do not trust them the way I do the Klein's.

If you use the Knipex in an electrical fashion, you will see how useful they are. The same as their waterpump pliers and pliers wrench excel when doing plumbing. Knipex side cutters are the most amazing thing when cutting electrical tape. I guess it comes down to right tool for the job, depending what that may be to really see the benefits.

 

[measuredtwice]

An update. I bought the Klein D203-6. And based on my experience with the variability of Knipex pliers, I decided to exchange the Knipex 08 22 145 which had a sizeable gap at the tip.

The replacement Knipex 08 22 145 has no gap at the tip and cuts just as well (better than any other that I've tried). The handles are a bit tighter than the first one. The first ones drop open with no resistance like most Knipex pliers. The replacement doesn't. But some of the Amazon reviewers mention the tighter handles. I'll gladly take it over the gap and they may loosen up with use. They are pretty close to perfection.

The Klein pliers are also pretty close to perfection. No gaps. The handles drop open with no resistance. They cut very well but the Knipex does cut 32 gauge better. Both cut but the Knipex seems a bit sharper. I see no other reason why the Knipex would cut 32 gauge better since both the Knipex and Klein appear to be perfect specimens. Both cut better than any other pliers that I've tried.

Of course most folks won't be cutting bare 32 gauge and both work beautifully on coated wire. They are gorgeous. I could not have imagined a more flawless pair of needle nose pliers. I'm very happy with both of these pliers.

Thanks for all the comments!

 

[measuredtwice]

And more importantly... She loves both of 'em! Win!!!

These are soooo nice. I'm jelly. I may "need" to upgrade my own pliers.

 

[measuredtwice]

Here's a photo comparing the original and replacement Knipex 08 22 145. The original is on the left and the replacement is on the right. Both are closed and there's a gap at the tip of the original pair. Bare 32 gauge wire slips right through. But most probably will be using the pliers with common electrical wire and it won't be a problem. The replacement has no gap.

 

[Davefr]

Here's a photo comparing the original and replacement Knipex 08 22 145. The original is on the left and the replacement is on the right. Both are closed and there's a gap at the tip of the original pair. Bare 32 gauge wire slips right through. But most probably will be using the pliers with common electrical wire and it won't be a problem. The replacement has no gap.

Knipex seems to have quality control problems with a lot of their needle nose pliers where the cutters meet before the jaws. I had a pair with a similar defect.



Glad to see you scored the Swanstrom's. Those are a phenominal deal.

 

[Spacey_G]

Knipex seems to have quality control problems with a lot of their needle nose pliers where the cutters meet before the jaws. I had a pair with a similar defect.

Two examples = quality control problems with a lot of their pliers?

It's obvious you have an axe to grind with Knipex needle nose, but come on...

 

[measuredtwice]

Thank you. I'm the feller that posted the Ebay link and we've got several of those Swanstrom cutters floating around. She has her own and now she has 2 nice pliers to go with them.

I like Knipex a lot but I have no problem remaining objective and critical of things that I like. I get frustrated by a lot reviews because they lack any substance and are basically infomercials. Part of that may be a result of reviewers wanting to keep their good graces with the manufacturers that give them free stuff and money. And part of it may be due to lack of experience and knowledge.

During this shopping spree, I looked through racks of the Knipex 26 in 2 stores. I suspect that Davefr's 26 is a manufacturing defect. But I have seen some variation in the cutters in those racks at 2 stores. Sparky Channel on Youtube showed this gap on the Knipex 26 so I'm not the only person that sees it. It does close when you squeeze the handles and someone showed a Snap-On pliers that is similar. Some of the other Knipex 26 didn't have a gap so there appears to be some variation. My opinion is that some variation is probably normal. If you have specific needs like cutting bare 32 gauge wire, you just have to try them out.

The Knipex 08 is sort of an odd ball. It's part combination pliers and part needle nose pliers. Knipex puts it in the same category as the Linesman pliers. And Knipex Linesman pliers are made with a gap at the tip. What is considered within spec for the Knipex 08?? There's an Amazon review complaining about the gap. I got one with a gap and one without a gap. The stock photo on Amazon shows a small gap. There appears to be some variation.

I don't think variation like this is particular to Knipex. I've looked a lots of other brands and seen similar variation. I've also seen a lot worse from other brands.

 

[KnurledNut]

Measuredtwice,
Thanks for the update! I have those Klein and Knipex and they are both outstanding!
The Knipex are especially tough for their size.

 

[pizza]

The replacement Knipex 08 22 145 has no gap at the tip and cuts just as well (better than any other that I've tried). The handles are a bit tighter than the first one. The first ones drop open with no resistance like most Knipex pliers. The replacement doesn't. But some of the Amazon reviewers mention the tighter handles. I'll gladly take it over the gap and they may loosen up with use. They are pretty close to perfection.

necro bump, but i've been able to get the resistance out of any pliers i've tried this on (many NWS styles, a couple klein dikes, and idk what else):

oil the joint and repeatedly open and close the pliers. you can do it pretty rapidly. after only a minute (or two? idk?) of doing it as fast as you can, you can get a ton of cycles in. they'll just flop open and closed under their own weight if that's what you want.

but is that really what you want? i used to think this was a good thing, but now i think i've come to appreciate at least a little joint friction, especially for handles that open really wide.

 

[measuredtwice]

necro bump, but i've been able to get the resistance out of any pliers i've tried this on (many NWS styles, a couple klein dikes, and idk what else):

oil the joint and repeatedly open and close the pliers. you can do it pretty rapidly. after only a minute (or two? idk?) of doing it as fast as you can, you can get a ton of cycles in. they'll just flop open and closed under their own weight if that's what you want.

but is that really what you want? i used to think this was a good thing, but now i think i've come to appreciate at least a little joint friction, especially for handles that open really wide.

Good point about pliers wearing in. I think it may have just been something I read in Amazon reviews and mentioned since others care enough to mention in their feedback.

The pliers weren't for me. I also got her a Xuron USA 475C pliers with cutter. The front is a precision pliers and there's a cutter in the back. She needed something to pull lengths of thin bare wire from a spool and then cut. The Xuron does both really well. The bypass style cutter on the Xuron is probably best suited for the thin bare wire. But she is also keeping the Knipex and Klein pliers (and Swanstrom cutter) shown in the photo. She is a bit spoiled with pliers! Haha!