High leverage long reach diagonal cutters - Snap on vs Knipex vs Channellock

[kapster]

I'm looking to purchase some high leverage diagonal cutters. I dont plan to do anything crazy with them but just want some more leverage for harder tasks. My regular side cuts are 6" channellock which have served me well, no complaints.

I'm looking at the Snap on 312cf, Knipex 74 01 250 and Channellock 449. Snap on is the longest at 11", Knipex Is next up at 9.85" and Channellock is the shortest at 9.54". I've pretty well ruled out the Channellock as it's the shortest and has the longest jaw length so leverage would be reduced further. I'm leaning toward the Knipex unless the Snap on are really that much better, they are over double the price.

Any thoughts on any of these? Thanks!


https://shop.snapon.com/product/312CF

https://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=art_detail&parentID=1367&groupID=1478&artID=2477

https://www.channellock.com/product/449/

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[vssjim]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MGEVTLM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Pro America makes them for many other people also.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/t...O-53X8CWnKB50v5ErUeVGBKIEZuzFrC0aAtrHEALw_wcB
Proto labeled version I have had for years. Same as MAC Tools

Cheapy version also also from TEKTON on ebay
https://www.ebay.com/i/223886792658...886792658&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=2386202&algv=Default

 

[kapster]

I had looked at those but found little info. How do you like them? I figured for around the same money the knipex would be better?

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[vssjim]

I have had the Proto/MAC and the TEKTON, the Proto version for twenty years and still work great the TEKTON for a year and work good but the tips are a little wider if that is a concern. The PRO America tool is the same as Proto/ MAC as I was told they made them for Stanley/Proto/ MAC. I like the handle better than the knipex types of handles.

 

[Wamsutta]

Those Pro America pliers look tempting. I have a pair of their nose pliers that they used to make for MAC. The quality is superb/awesome. I need something to cut through cotter pins like butter. Tired of of having to use both hands to squeeze the pliers hard enough to cut through cotter pins.

 

[redwrench60]

I have all three cutters the OP linked and I can say The Channellock 449’s and the 10” Knipex are definitely Aimed at electricians and tradesmen with handles and cutter heads better suited for wire, cable and a better fit in tool bags/pouches. The Snap on’s are great for mechanical and automotive repair with their super long bow profile handles and absolutely outstanding performance on cotter pin work, reaching in narrow tight places and general gorilla type abuse.

 

[kapster]

I have all three cutters the OP linked and I can say The Channellock 449’s and the 10” Knipex are definitely Aimed at electricians and tradesmen with handles and cutter heads better suited for wire, cable and a better fit in tool bags/pouches. The Snap on’s are great for mechanical and automotive repair with their super long bow profile handles and absolutely outstanding performance on cotter pin work, reaching in narrow tight places and general gorilla type abuse.

That's awesome. How do they compare in ease of cutting? Am I correct in thinking the Knipex have more leverage then the Channellock? And is the Snap on superior to both in that regard?

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[jimmyin3D]

I have all three cutters the OP linked and I can say The Channellock 449’s and the 10” Knipex are definitely Aimed at electricians and tradesmen with handles and cutter heads better suited for wire, cable and a better fit in tool bags/pouches. The Snap on’s are great for mechanical and automotive repair with their super long bow profile handles and absolutely outstanding performance on cotter pin work, reaching in narrow tight places and general gorilla type abuse.

Agreed. The 312CFs are great and warranty is excellent even through online. If you got the money for them they are worth it at about $60 on eBay.

I can’t comment on the Channellock but the knipex high lev. didn’t cut as smoothly as the snap Ons which feel sharper/stronger.

Another option I like is the NWS PowerSlot cutters. The design is used by other makers but it allows for a much more easier cut. Durability has been awesome as well. You can get them cheaper with the Irwin rebranded version.






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Check out my for sale listing in the classifieds:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=438994

 

[kapster]

Are the power edge issues a thing of the past(where they only touch at the tip), they quit that right? Anyone know when? The current description mentions parallel cutting edges:

VectorEdge tightly toleranced, induction-hardened, parallel cutting edges are engineered to provide repeated cuts of hard wire, soft wire, spring steel, and cable ties at all locations along the blades

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[KnurledNut]

SO quality control is hit and miss on their diagonal pliers.
I have never been impressed with them, as the joints seem to loosen.
Yes, i own some, but not the long reach.
I have the long Knipex and they are darn good pliers. I use them professionally. Hard to beat the longevity and strength of their forged axle.

 

[jimmyin3D]

Are the power edge issues a thing of the past(where they only touch at the tip), they quit that right? Anyone know when? The current description mentions parallel cutting edges:

VectorEdge tightly toleranced, induction-hardened, parallel cutting edges are engineered to provide repeated cuts of hard wire, soft wire, spring steel, and cable ties at all locations along the blades

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For combination pliers that’s still a thing, such as there needle nose with cutters or linesman’s with cutters. On the diagonal cutters though I haven’t seen that with there newer pliers.

 

[visionguru]

...
Any thoughts on any of these? Thanks!
...

A while ago, I asked a similar question:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=440044
I ended up following one of the recommendations to get Snap On 11"

What prompted me to get Snap On is
"
VectorEdge tightly toleranced, induction-hardened, parallel cutting edges are engineered to provide repeated cuts of hard wire, soft wire, spring steel, and cable ties at all locations along the blades"

It clearly has some special treatment (induction-hardening?) for the cutting edge, which I haven't seen on Knipex or other mentioned cutters.


Unfortunately, I haven't got a chance to use it yet, no experience to share.

 

[Mr_B]

pro america is good buy if more automotive/engineer type use .
general good cutters then nws and knipex good choices .

 

[RCL]

I prefer the NWS.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

I have 3 or 4 pairs of the knipex 10” . There is nothing else that even comes close. My oldest pair ive had for 6 or 7 years and they are still very sharp. They will literally cut anything you can wrap them around.

 

[jimmyin3D]

I have 3 or 4 pairs of the knipex 10” . There is nothing else that even comes close. My oldest pair ive had for 6 or 7 years and they are still very sharp. They will literally cut anything you can wrap them around.

I love knipex for a lot of tools especially the pliers wrench and anything resembling water pump type pliers. However I was frustrated when there needle nose pliers bent rather easily and it seems like a common issue. I also had the knipex in 8” and 10” diagonals but the 10” chipped and ended up passing them down to my brother. Could be a fluke but I like NWS much more and has been durable.

 

[AngryBeaver]

I have the knipex and snap ons. No experience with the channel locks, as most things they make are junk these days...

I wasn't impressed with the knipex. the standard length kleins seem to have the same effort cutting as the "high leverage" knipex... I would not buy them again after having them.

I would buy the snap ons again.

 

[kapster]

Sounds like I could be happy or disappointed with either one

I dont get the impression from videos that the Knipex make it "easy" to cut tough stuff. I'm sure easier then my 6" side cuts but..

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[vssjim]

I would buy the Pro America set again in a minuet as they have great leverage and I have had them 20 years and use at work all the time.

 

[redwrench60]

That's awesome. How do they compare in ease of cutting? Am I correct in thinking the Knipex have more leverage then the Channellock? And is the Snap on superior to both in that regard?

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Sorry I took so long responding, been a busy day!

You are correct. The Snap on’s in my experience (311 and 312 CP) have impressive cutting power and capacity, I mean damn they’re almost a foot long lol. Great for mechanics working out of a big toolbox with lots of choices for cutting everything. Not too handy if you’re working out of a pouch on a ladder hanging a new light fixture.

The 10” knipex are excellent as well and hit that sweet spot on being long enough for heavy duty work but nimble enough for a tool pouch or tool pocket on your carpenter jeans.

The Channellocks are indeed last when it comes to cutting abilities. I’m not sure why. Everything is there for a great pair of dikes. They just don’t retain their edge like the Knipex and you can’t get away with anything remotely abusive. But if your needs are copper and aluminum wire and occasional small hardened steel wire then they’re plenty and a savings over the Knipex.

 

[redwrench60]

One more thing, I like the 312CP’s and the 10” Knipex so much I keep a brand new pair of each put up as spares. I won’t be buying any more of the Channellock 449’s.

 

[kapster]

Thanks for the reply, good info. So sounds like I need both Is the snap on worth double the price of the Knipex? I could almost buy the Knipex 10" and 8" cobolt mini bolt cutters for the price of the snap on. Having said that, certain things Snap on are flat out worth it.

 

[redwrench60]

If I had to pick only one it would definitely be the Snap on 312CP’s. They are one of those things that Snap on does really well. If abusive cutting of cotter pins and hardened wire is in your plans you won’t regret spending the money.

 

[seber]

I don't have a pair of the Snap-ons but that appears to be a bi-metal insert. Could it be something like cobalt?

 

[kapster]

I think the discoloration is from induction hardening the edge, per their description.

What kind of automotive work do you guys use these for? I'm new to the idea of these long side cutters, just recently discovered them. I recently had to changed radiator hoses on a tractor and every single worm drive clamp was stripped. Would you side cut off something like that?

Think I'm still leaning toward the Knipex, I think the Snap On are freaking awesome but don't know I can justify them for my needs.

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[lardy1]

If someone wants to test the concept without heavy investment, you can get Tekton blems on eBay for eleven dollars. They aren't in the league of the names mentioned here but for a small price you can see if you even want the better ones. They cut cotter pins, romex staples, nails, etc. without visibly damaging the cutter.

I'm not a pro mechanic. I like mine just fine.

 

[redwrench60]

Here’s my take:

If you think your primary use for them will be in an electrical tool pouch or a general purpose maintenance tool bag then get the Knipex. They are excellent diagonal cutters with excellent quality, fit and finish. You won’t be disappointed.


Stainless steel hose clamps will be a challenge for any diagonal cutter but if you’re going to be gnawing off smaller hose clamps, CV boot banding clamps, cotter pins and hardened wire on vehicles and machinery the 312CP’s will perform better. They have a really pronounced jaw bevel grind that makes them really tough on abusive tasks but they don’t do as well on the fine cutting tasks like fine stranded wire and close cutting of zip ties.

Each have their strengths and limitations. I choose both!

 

[parks31]

I have both also and I agree with others buy both!

 

[Fedwrench]

I have a few of the long reach cutters. I probably use mine more for reaching buried trim fasteners and other connectors than actually cutting metal.

I think if you're going to actually cut metal, get the snap ons just for ease of warranty and durability. However, if you don't have a snap on dealer, they might not be worth it.

The Pro america versions are nice. In the old days Kal, tools made many of the tool truck long reach pliers before everything starting coming in from China. KAl is long gone but, Pro america seems to be the same pliers line with different grips.

The Proto/Blackhawk version is nice but, they're actually gripper/cutters. the ends of their jaws are made for gripping and the cutting surfaces are closer to the base of the jaw.

The nine inch Channellocks are nice but, dull slightly after sustained use. The Knipex are nice too but, i somehow chipped the jaw on mine. I think of the channellocks & Knipex as being more of a large pair of diagonal cutters than being a long reach set.

Sunex used to make a nice pair in Taiwan but, switched vendors to China, peoples republic of and the quality declined.

Good luck in your quest

 

[Wamsutta]

So for cotter pins, is the the general consensus to go with Snap-on or Pro America?

I swear, often times the most time consuming part of working on the under car suspension is the cotter pins.

 

[mr.lemons]

"
VectorEdge tightly toleranced, induction-hardened, parallel cutting edges are engineered to provide repeated cuts of hard wire, soft wire, spring steel, and cable ties at all locations along the blades"

It clearly has some special treatment (induction-hardening?) for the cutting edge, which I haven't seen on Knipex or other mentioned cutters.

I think all side cutters are induction hardened. Can confirm from googling it that Channellock and Knipex are. You can see it on other pliers, just not as obvious. Maybe snap on omit an extra cosmetic step in cleaning up the finish after the hardening.

 

[vssjim]

So for cotter pins, is the the general consensus to go with Snap-on or Pro America?
i would go with Pro America

 

[redwrench60]

So for cotter pins, is the the general consensus to go with Snap-on or Pro America?

I swear, often times the most time consuming part of working on the under car suspension is the cotter pins.

Snap on 312CP is the only tool I use on cotter pins. I cut, remove, install, bend into position and trim all with this one tool. Once a person figures this technique out he will quit struggling.

 

[kapster]

I have a few of the long reach cutters. I probably use mine more for reaching buried trim fasteners and other connectors than actually cutting metal.



I think if you're going to actually cut metal, get the snap ons just for ease of warranty and durability. However, if you don't have a snap on dealer, they might not be worth it.



The Pro america versions are nice. In the old days Kal, tools made many of the tool truck long reach pliers before everything starting coming in from China. KAl is long gone but, Pro america seems to be the same pliers line with different grips.



The Proto/Blackhawk version is nice but, they're actually gripper/cutters. the ends of their jaws are made for gripping and the cutting surfaces are closer to the base of the jaw.



The nine inch Channellocks are nice but, dull slightly after sustained use. The Knipex are nice too but, i somehow chipped the jaw on mine. I think of the channellocks & Knipex as being more of a large pair of diagonal cutters than being a long reach set.



Sunex used to make a nice pair in Taiwan but, switched vendors to China, peoples republic of and the quality declined.



Good luck in your quest [emoji481]

Vssjim, I think your trying to tell me something, the pro america are good

Would these Proto be the Pro America? Grips are a little different:

https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/industrial-tools/Proto/Pliers,-Snips-&-Clamps/Pliers/J244G_Proto[emoji2400]-Diagonal-Cutting-Long-Reach-High-Leverage-Angled-Head-Pliers---11-1%7c8"/

And I assume these William's are as well?

https://www.zoro.com/snap-on-indust...KvHiWvRSGX9f6409nUYCHoKQIQ0n4VV4aAmWwEALw_wcB

I think I'm after the leverage more then reach but I'm sure that would come in handy.

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[rob67]

Depending on what you are going to use them for the Knipex mini bolt cutters may or may not be worth considering.

 

[kapster]

The Knipex 74 01 250's are good long reach diagonal cutters,

For 8" diagonal cutters I've yet to find anything that cuts better than my Irwin Powerslot (Fantastico Plus rebrands). Not to mention that I got the pair when Lowe's was clearing them out for almost nothing (under $10?). Knipex is good especially for water pump, bolt cutters, and adjustable wrenches (pliers wrenches) for the rest well there's lots of competition with linesman, needlenose, and diagonal cutters.

Do you have the 250 knipex? If you do, how does cutting force compare to the Fantastico plus 8"? That's another one I've been eying.


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[Steve_P]

I have the 10" Knipex and 8" NWS Fantastico shown above. The Fantstico cuts with less effort with the possible disadvantage of jaws not opening as wide. Channellock cutters are no comparison to even the standard 8" NWS or Knipex

 

[JJ99SS]

Here’s my take:

If you think your primary use for them will be in an electrical tool pouch or a general purpose maintenance tool bag then get the Knipex. They are excellent diagonal cutters with excellent quality, fit and finish. You won’t be disappointed.


Stainless steel hose clamps will be a challenge for any diagonal cutter but if you’re going to be gnawing off smaller hose clamps, CV boot banding clamps, cotter pins and hardened wire on vehicles and machinery the 312CP’s will perform better. They have a really pronounced jaw bevel grind that makes them really tough on abusive tasks but they don’t do as well on the fine cutting tasks like fine stranded wire and close cutting of zip ties.

Each have their strengths and limitations. I choose both!

This.

There's a reason there are so many types. Buy the correct tool for the job. I have knipex as an everyday type cutter and they work flawlessly. I also have a few types from every day stuff to, "man I need something that cuts like an angle grinder." I also have the tiny "I need to cut a pubic hair" type.

I wouldn't pay more than what a similar Knipex cost, unless the design is the only type that will work. I would pay less though.

I know right away if they are the tool for the job going in. If they aren't, I'm not going to complain how hard it was to cut cable with nail clippers. I'll go get the appropriate tool.

 

[kapster]

I think the right tool for the job as mentioned above is accurate. I see youtube reviews of large side cutters trying to cut through 3/4 inch multi conductor cable, when a $25 dollar Klein cable cutter would effortlessly cut that (another tool I need to get).

I think I'm going to start with the Knipex and go from there. Going from my 6" side cutters that'll be a huge difference.

Thank you for the video, I watched that several times but forgot about it. I sure won't knock Channellock, for the price it's a high value tool. I have at least 8 different pairs of them and all have served me well. They sure aren't the prettiest thing but they work. My 6" I've had for 10 years or so, no noticable damage.

While we're showing videos, check out this Mac vs Snap on. At the time I assumed the Mac was a Pro America but it sounds like they would be china.

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[tarbellb]

Paging KCTyphoon here, he has done a couple write-ups on his favorite and no lack of opinion.

Look up his user profile, he has a cheap option he really likes as well.