Linesman Pliers

[JayL]

Which of these two pliers do you think is the better one?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000302W6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X4OF40/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Is this Knipex rated to cut ACSR?

Thanks

 

[Abbott]

I like Klein's.

 

[tonydanzah]

there are also kliens with a similar comfort grip to the knipex

 

[Flash21]

I have 2 pairs of Kleins (D213-9NE and HD2000-9NE) and one Knipex. They are both very nice and very similiar is size, shape, function, etc. I'm not sure if one has a better quality steel or better hardened teeth. I probably like the slight texture on the Knipex grips better (I didn't get the comfort grip)

I think out of all three, the HD2000-9NE is probably the best but they are all nice. The HD2000 are the heavy duty cutting version and the catalog lists those as "Cuts ACSR, screws, nails and most hardened wire."

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002RI9Y0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[iandh]

I've heard rumor of the Kleins going downhill, particularly the cutting edges dulling much faster than in the past.

I do know that the Knipex are excellent, and are rated for hard wire.

 

[JayL]

This one looks like its got a better nose.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00093GC7I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[iandh]

I'd like to also add that the jaw serration on the Knipex is in a league of its own from what I've seen...

 

[Vinko]

I just got the heaviest Knipex I could find (the one that cuts piano wire). And I'm putting it up next to the blue/black handled Klein heavy-duty model I bought at HD a year or so ago. I have no idea about the differences. One is for home, the other is for work. Both sit in tool boxes unused because I keep reaching for the old Channel Lock, though the jaws are increasingly worse for wear.

 

[Big Bad Jon]

I would get the klein ones. I have two pairs, one at home and one in the work box. They are older, but I am sure the newer ones are ok too.

 

[woody 73]

I have both and they are very nice to use, I have never had any problems with either pair.

 

[pl_silverado]

I use kleins and snap-on linemans.

Snappys are nice because I can get them replaced once I wear them out.

 

[Davefr]

I've heard rumor of the Kleins going downhill, particularly the cutting edges dulling much faster than in the past.

After my experience with Klein screwdrivers, I'll never buy Klein again.

They must have done something with their process that resulted in weak steel.

It's another example of a company "dumbing down" quality while touting made in the USA.

I'd buy Channelock over Klein these days if you want quality and made in USA.

 

[JayL]

I only have one Klein tool and it is a cable cutter purchased 2 years ago.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000302X1/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I occasionally use it to cut welding and battery cables. Somehow I'm not very happy with the cutter edges as I see some chipping now. The cutters are still sharp but I had the idea when I bought it that the edges are very very hard. I don't know if this is normal with this tool as the edges are real thin and sharp.

Frankly speaking this is one reason why I am hesitant to go with their linesman pliers.

 

[scott37300]

I have always bought kleins, was an electrician helper back in high school and bought all klein tools for that.

One note is that there are different linemans from kleins. Some have harder cutting edges than others for cutting nails and other things.

I have never tried the knipex linemans so can't tell you which one is better but I have always liked my kleins.

 

[Flash21]

One note is that there are different linemans from kleins. Some have harder cutting edges than others for cutting nails and other things.

Correct, see my post above regarding the HD2000 series Kleins.

I'd like to also add that the jaw serration on the Knipex is in a league of its own from what I've seen...

If I can get the time, I'll grab some macro shots of both. From what I have seen, the jaw serration is definetely in the same league with no notable differences.

I have both and they are very nice to use, I have never had any problems with either pair.

^^ Kind of how I feel...to be honest, I probably need to sell a pair of two because I don't need 3x 9" lineman's but I'm having trouble deciding which to sell...The blue handled 9" NE Klien's would probably go first but they are nice too...

I will mention that the joint on the Knipex are much more free out of the box. That is not to say there is slop, both are nice and tight with no free play. However, out of the box if you hold the pliers horizontal and let go of the bottom handle the Knipex will fall open on their own but the Klein's will not. I posted a thread on this before, Snap-On, Klein pliers have pretty stiff joint out of the box such that when you open the pliers you need to physically open and close them where Knipex normally fall open on their own. There was some discussion on which was preferred and to each their own.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45657&highlight=knipex+joint+fall+open

 

[caseyjw]

I only have one Klein tool and it is a cable cutter purchased 2 years ago.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000302X1/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I occasionally use it to cut welding and battery cables. Somehow I'm not very happy with the cutter edges as I see some chipping now. The cutters are still sharp but I had the idea when I bought it that the edges are very very hard. I don't know if this is normal with this tool as the edges are real thin and sharp.

Frankly speaking this is one reason why I am hesitant to go with their linesman pliers.

I also have those cable cutters... I used them almost every day (for 2 years or so) they are still the sharpest cutters I have... even against some of my German made cable cutters. They cut with a very pleasurable "snap"

 

[JayL]

I also have those cable cutters... I used them almost every day (for 2 years or so) they are still the sharpest cutters I have... even against some of my German made cable cutters. They cut with a very pleasurable "snap"

Do you notice some slight chipping on your Klein cutter edges too?

 

[Dennis The Menace]

How about a third option?

I love my new Wiha Lineman's Pliers that are currently on sale at 35% off ($37) and Swiss made...

 

[Flash21]

A nice post from Monte in another thread on the Knipex, these are the ones I have. Another difference is the Klein's don't have the teeth below the joint like the Knipex.

____________________________________________

That`s right they make these 240mm Linemans pliers

-solid construction for heaviest strain; universally applicable
-high transmission ratio for easy cutting
-requires 40% less effort compared with conventional combination pliers thanks to optimised transmission ratio
-ergonomically optimised handle shape for firm contact to the hand and fatigue reducing operation
-particularly effective crosswise serrated gripping zone in the jaws - for strong gripping and pulling
-additional gripping zone below the articulated joint for powerful leverage and pressing performance
-with cutting edges for soft and hard wire
-cutting edges additionally induction hardened, cutting edge hardness approx. 64 HRC
-Vanadium electric steel; forged, oil-hardened

 

[rockchucker]

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200308935_200308935


I carry those with me in my Framing Nail Bags. The little bend at the end of one Handle is nice for getting to the end of the Pliers without them slipping out of your hand.

 

[MarcSeattle]

I have Wiha, Klein and Knipex. I'd rate Klein third. Wiha has a tight joint which can be a pain but they're still pretty new so we'll see if they loosen up. The cutting edges are very hard and cut clean. The Knipex are bombproof and I don't think I can fault them.

 

[ugapug]

For another choice to heap on, how about the Craftsman Professional 9" ones?

 

[MarcSeattle]

I don't prefer the teeth on the Craftsman, they seems to dull quickly, even if the cutting edges stayed sharp as long.

 

[caper]

I work for an electric utility and these are what all of our linemen use.I've never seen another type in any line truck I've ever worked on.

 

[Monte]

this one with crimper

 

[Elroy]

Snappys are nice because I can get them replaced once I wear them out.

My god man. And how long does that take?? Two weeks

Elroy would venture to say you would lose them before they were worn out.

 

[Bolster]

A nice post from Monte in another thread on the Knipex, these are the ones I have. Another difference is the Klein's don't have the teeth below the joint like the Knipex.

What's the purpose of the teeth below the joint, eh?

 

[Hlidskjalf]

I use them to crimp insulated connectors when my crimp tool is MIA.

 

[FastKat]

I just bought a set of Channel Lock Wiremasters from this guy on eBay. It was the best deal I could find, hands down. eBay item number 280447837561

 

[Davefr]

Enco has Proto Lineman pliers on sale at their outlet store and shipping is free:

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?...PMKANO=255&PMKBNO=2168&PMPAGE=6&PARTPG=INLMPI

 

[Monte]

Enco has Proto Lineman pliers on sale at their outlet store and shipping is free:

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?...PMKANO=255&PMKBNO=2168&PMPAGE=6&PARTPG=INLMPI

Does somebody have a "real life" pic of any Proto insulated pliers like in the link above ? They look german made.... (NWS)

 

[superautobacs]

Does somebody have a "real life" pic of any Proto insulated pliers like in the link above ? They look german made.... (NWS)

Interesting.... I can see the possible area where you might see "Made in Germany", right next to the joint .... like the NWS.

My initial thought was Bost/Facom though.

 

[Monte]

Interesting.... I can see the possible area where you might see "Made in Germany", right next to the joint .... like the NWS.

My initial thought was Bost/Facom though.

yeah first i also though Facom because of the "Euro-design" of the pliers but after seeing the sidecutters i think NWS. Click here and then here (page 2)

Edit: Proto catalog Page 16: "Made in Germany" on the pliers handle !!! (click)

 

[JayL]

yeah first i also though Facom because of the "Euro-design" of the pliers but after seeing the sidecutters i think NWS. Click here and then here (page 2)

Edit: Proto catalog Page 16: "Made in Germany" on the pliers handle !!! (click)

All the while I thought Proto manufactured their own stuff.

 

[FNFS2000]

How about a third option?

I love my new Wiha Lineman's Pliers that are currently on sale at 35% off ($37) and Swiss made...

thats a huge gamble calling them swiss, all current production is in taiwan, you got some lucky old stock.

 

[Joe B.]

I have the Knipex and Klein lineman pliers. Both are excellent quality so you can't go wrong. Granted, I don't use them at a pro level.

However, I have always found the balance of the Knipex pliers a little strange. The handles seem too thin for the size of the head. Granted, knowing Knipex they are probably as strong as the Kleins.

Overall, I would go with the Klein Lineman Pliers. It seems to be what they do best.

 

[FNFS2000]

For another choice to heap on, how about the Craftsman Professional 9" ones?

letting my snob hang out, but hahaha

 

[superautobacs]

Monte, nice find!

thats a huge gamble calling them swiss, all current production is in taiwan, you got some lucky old stock.

I thought those were the newly designed pliers

 

[Dennis The Menace]

The Wiha Lineman's Pliers I posted are brand new. Released in the beginning of June, 2010. All will be Swiss made.

 

[MarcSeattle]

My Wiha are a couple of years old, a slightly different model than above (no crimper) and made in Germany.