Who makes the best pliers?
- Thread starter plier_able
- Start date
Like this?
This one has no wobble at all. But it's still new.
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Οn the other side has a locknut.
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If you don't like knipex or nws you can try this.
It is a little thicker than knipex with less flexible tips.
But I still prefer my knipex.
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It is a little thicker than knipex with less flexible tips.
But I still prefer my knipex.
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1/2 Cup
Member Emeritus
Channellock linesmans every day.
..... I have some pliers marked Sandvik-Bahco and Belzer, of course that ones made in Sweden, France or Germany. They are still my favorite, and I'm keep hunting for more (usually used or NOS) and I don't mind to trade my collection of Bernstein pliers for that 
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GoodEnough
Banned
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Please post a link to the holy grail Knipex plier.
I will buy one.
I will buy one.
I can't remember the last time I used my needle-nose pliers in a way that the quality came into question. I've got a mix of junk to brand name and I usually grab what's closest. I don't think I've ever broken a set, either.
Perhaps it has something to do with acquiring more specific or specialty tools? I don't know.
I will say that I try to get them without cutters. I use cutters to cut.
In my drawer I've got Channel Lock, Knipex, Wiha, Klein, Napa (not sure the Mfr. but they're US made) and a couple sets of Japanese made. As well, I've got some that are without a name that do just fine, as well.
Combination pliers, I have Channel Lock (a few different sizes). I rarely use them but they're good quality.
Needle-nose, I've got a bunch of different lengths and styles. They're all in good shape because they're not used a ton.
"Water pump" pliers are C-man (Knipex) and Knipex and Channel Lock, mostly. I use this style more than anything. I fell in love with the Cobra style when I first bought the Craftsman Pros. That style is the first I go to.
Perhaps it has something to do with acquiring more specific or specialty tools? I don't know.
I will say that I try to get them without cutters. I use cutters to cut.
In my drawer I've got Channel Lock, Knipex, Wiha, Klein, Napa (not sure the Mfr. but they're US made) and a couple sets of Japanese made. As well, I've got some that are without a name that do just fine, as well.
Combination pliers, I have Channel Lock (a few different sizes). I rarely use them but they're good quality.
Needle-nose, I've got a bunch of different lengths and styles. They're all in good shape because they're not used a ton.
"Water pump" pliers are C-man (Knipex) and Knipex and Channel Lock, mostly. I use this style more than anything. I fell in love with the Cobra style when I first bought the Craftsman Pros. That style is the first I go to.
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OP
plier_able
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I am not advertising for anyone but suggest you might try Olsenstore in Hamburg - just go to eBay and search for Knipex. You will get many entries and many of them will be Olsenstore and they include shipping in their prices.
Chadstoolbox in the US also has many Knipex.
Someone else here may have a link to an online catalog but I don't.
Chadstoolbox in the US also has many Knipex.
Someone else here may have a link to an online catalog but I don't.
Also a fan of the German makes, particularly NWS and Knipex.
Since no one's mentioned anything for electronics though (cutters + pliers), take a look at Schmitz-zangen.de if you need something for working on small wire or electronics (they ODM for other companies, including NWS and CK).
Better than Knipex IMHO in this range to give you an idea of what they're like, and can be had for half the cost directly from the manufacturer. Makes for one heck of a good value.
Since no one's mentioned anything for electronics though (cutters + pliers), take a look at Schmitz-zangen.de if you need something for working on small wire or electronics (they ODM for other companies, including NWS and CK).
Better than Knipex IMHO in this range to give you an idea of what they're like, and can be had for half the cost directly from the manufacturer. Makes for one heck of a good value.
kiatech
Well-known member
Guys at work today were making fun about my Chinese pliers (knipex) I told I shop them by price and got the cheapest ones I could find.
OP
plier_able
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Thanks for the link to this highly specialised and very elegant stuff. They have some side cutters on their new products page which they say have cutting edges of 85 HRC - a whole 20 points or more harder than anything I have seen from Knipex or anyone else. Should make short work of even piano wire. I will try to find out how much they cost.
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It's due to the cutting edges are Tungsten Carbide instead of just steel (CrV). Other manufacturers make similar models, so you have options (particularly useful if you're only after either of the models listed under New Products). Just keep in mind, that since they're harder, the jaws are more prone to breaking/snapping off rather than nicking.
If you don't want to deal with Minimum Order Quantities (MOQ), then you have to go through their online store, which only lists their most popular styles/models. MOQ = 6 when I inquired, so there were a few styles I ended up skipping on.
The electronic versions of their TC cutters in the Online store hover around the 60EUR mark (~$80USD per pair). Compared to say Erem's TC models (i.e. ~$150 - $180 per typically, $250 per being the worst for a E503ETST), Schmitz is even more of a bargain.
Shipping is flat rate, so its in your best interest to get everything you're interested in in one go. Also, when you enter in a non EU address, the VAT vanishes.
Hope this helps.
decaf
Well-known member
Guys at work today were making fun about my Chinese pliers (knipex) I told I shop them by price and got the cheapest ones I could find.
Chinese pliers ??
kiatech
Well-known member
Bouchard93
Well-known member
Mostly Channellock's!
But a few Knipex and Klein in the mix.
I would like to try some NWS tho.
But a few Knipex and Klein in the mix.
I would like to try some NWS tho.
kingofdogs1950
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My favorite pliers - Snap On HL138ACP
Been using them since the 1970s.
Mark
Been using them since the 1970s.
Mark
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
I have assortment of Klein, Channellock, ProTo, SnapOn, and Diamond for the tougher work. Each company makes some of my favored pliers..
OP
plier_able
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Well, as the OP I thought it was up to me to make a conclusion - especially since this makes it 100 posts (after the original) on this thread!
Looks like KNIPEX gets the most votes, hands down, in answer to my original question.
Looks like KNIPEX gets the most votes, hands down, in answer to my original question.
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1950mercury
Well-known member
you cant go wrong with alot of brands.
these are my fav
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675120&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
these are my fav
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675120&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
As was said earlier by mrborohachi, they are good because the jaws open wide without the shank opening wide. This is the idea behind having two joints, and it works.
The crescent ones are the same.
I like my Klein spring-loaded needle nose.
Anyone else have a preference here- spring-loaded vs. not?
The crescent ones are the same.
I like my Klein spring-loaded needle nose.
Anyone else have a preference here- spring-loaded vs. not?
aoleg
Active member
I'd like to revive this old thread to share my observations.
Living in Germany, I can buy pretty much everything made in Germany for very, very reasonable prices. On the other hand, US-made stuff such as split joint pliers is simply not available here for anything resembling US prices (so I'll have to pick up some split joints the next time I visit the US).
When German makes are concerned, here are my observations, sorted in the order of preference.
1. VBW. These are branded "Stahlwille" on the other side of the pond. My experience with VBW pliers has been consistently positive, and I came through many pairs of combination, straight and bent long nose, side cutters and water pipe pliers (Alligator style). Their combination pliers pass the paper test with flying colors, properly gripping the thinnest sheet and cutting with an audible "click". The pliers work extremely smoothly; not too loose, not too tight, and no wobbling whatsoever. Finish is perfect. The quality of chrome plating (if used on a particular model) is great, with no chipping even after extended use. Their QC is exemplary; the quality has been consistent in all my samples. Here in Germany it is possible to get some of them slightly cheaper than Knipex, but their quality is, IMO, better. (At least some Cimco and Garant branded pliers are made by VBW).
2. Knipex. Yep, IMO, they are number two to VBW. Larger size combination pliers (200mm for sure) may not hold a sheet of paper; moreover, their QC is inconsistent, as I've seen a gap between the jaws measuring from about 0.2 to about 0.7mm (!) on the same model pliers. I've seen rough sharp surfaces and chipped chrome on brand-new samples. However, their chrome plating holds up well in use. The combination pliers will cut a piece of paper with an audible "knip". (Knipex pliers are also rebranded by "Würth").
3. NWS. I mostly use their CombiMax pliers (very smart!), Fantastico side cutters, and their PowerBolt cutters, all in "titan" (PTFE) finish. My observations are that NWS QC is even less consistent than Knipex'. Most samples open and close with a kind of dry, "sandy" feeling (oil does not help much). The PTFE coating is not very durable; it wears and tears when these pliers are kept in the box.
However, in my opinion, NWS chrome plating is the worst I've seen in any pliers made by any manufacturer! It chips and flakes by itself even on brand new samples (OK, most of mine are "new old stock", but they are new and unused). I had one pair of pliers dropped on concrete, and this made a large area of chrome plating come off. Nothing like that happens to any other pliers I ever used.
This may sound like a big rant, but in practice I love my Fantastico, my PowerBolt and my CombiMax, especially for the price I paid (less than 20 EUR each). They do a great job, and they are very comfortable to hold.
(NWS pliers are often rebranded by local store brands such as Lux (Obi), E-TOP, some (but not all) Circum, and a few others).
3. Orbis Will. Another quality manufacturer with a large range of pliers. They mostly sell OEM, so you're likely to encounter these branded Connex, Promat, Uniqat, Atorn, Black & Decker (VDE series), "100% Schwartzarbeit" and many, many others. Orbis even has a dedicated brochure on private label: http://www.orbis-werk.de/uploads/media/Private_Label_2010.pdf). Orbis belongs to the Knipex group, but maintains separate design, manufacturing and marketing. Their pliers are generally cheaper than Knipex, but not by much.
Quality wise, I find Orbis (Connex in my case) to be slightly below Knipex. Build quality and finish is better than NWS; chrome plating does not chip or flake. However, QC is not 100% consistent, and some of their combination pliers won't pass the paper test (e.g. some samples won't cut through a thin sheet, or will cut without an audible "click"). However, considering their lower price, this is still acceptable (and remember, we're talking about some of the best pliers, so they are still much better than any DIY stuff - and not that much more expensive either).
Finally, I'd like to post some test results from a German DIY magazine. The PDF files are in German, but their numeric ratings are self-explanatory. When reading, please keep in mind that "LUX" = NWS.
http://www.selbst.de/pdf/kombizangen.pdf
http://www.selbst.de/sites/default/files/Test-Zangen-1010.pdf
http://www.selbst.de/pdf/zangen.pdf
http://www.autoclassic.de/_downloads/freiedownloads/autoclassic/ac_test_Zangen_web.pdf
Living in Germany, I can buy pretty much everything made in Germany for very, very reasonable prices. On the other hand, US-made stuff such as split joint pliers is simply not available here for anything resembling US prices (so I'll have to pick up some split joints the next time I visit the US).
When German makes are concerned, here are my observations, sorted in the order of preference.
1. VBW. These are branded "Stahlwille" on the other side of the pond. My experience with VBW pliers has been consistently positive, and I came through many pairs of combination, straight and bent long nose, side cutters and water pipe pliers (Alligator style). Their combination pliers pass the paper test with flying colors, properly gripping the thinnest sheet and cutting with an audible "click". The pliers work extremely smoothly; not too loose, not too tight, and no wobbling whatsoever. Finish is perfect. The quality of chrome plating (if used on a particular model) is great, with no chipping even after extended use. Their QC is exemplary; the quality has been consistent in all my samples. Here in Germany it is possible to get some of them slightly cheaper than Knipex, but their quality is, IMO, better. (At least some Cimco and Garant branded pliers are made by VBW).
2. Knipex. Yep, IMO, they are number two to VBW. Larger size combination pliers (200mm for sure) may not hold a sheet of paper; moreover, their QC is inconsistent, as I've seen a gap between the jaws measuring from about 0.2 to about 0.7mm (!) on the same model pliers. I've seen rough sharp surfaces and chipped chrome on brand-new samples. However, their chrome plating holds up well in use. The combination pliers will cut a piece of paper with an audible "knip". (Knipex pliers are also rebranded by "Würth").
3. NWS. I mostly use their CombiMax pliers (very smart!), Fantastico side cutters, and their PowerBolt cutters, all in "titan" (PTFE) finish. My observations are that NWS QC is even less consistent than Knipex'. Most samples open and close with a kind of dry, "sandy" feeling (oil does not help much). The PTFE coating is not very durable; it wears and tears when these pliers are kept in the box.
However, in my opinion, NWS chrome plating is the worst I've seen in any pliers made by any manufacturer! It chips and flakes by itself even on brand new samples (OK, most of mine are "new old stock", but they are new and unused). I had one pair of pliers dropped on concrete, and this made a large area of chrome plating come off. Nothing like that happens to any other pliers I ever used.
This may sound like a big rant, but in practice I love my Fantastico, my PowerBolt and my CombiMax, especially for the price I paid (less than 20 EUR each). They do a great job, and they are very comfortable to hold.
(NWS pliers are often rebranded by local store brands such as Lux (Obi), E-TOP, some (but not all) Circum, and a few others).
3. Orbis Will. Another quality manufacturer with a large range of pliers. They mostly sell OEM, so you're likely to encounter these branded Connex, Promat, Uniqat, Atorn, Black & Decker (VDE series), "100% Schwartzarbeit" and many, many others. Orbis even has a dedicated brochure on private label: http://www.orbis-werk.de/uploads/media/Private_Label_2010.pdf). Orbis belongs to the Knipex group, but maintains separate design, manufacturing and marketing. Their pliers are generally cheaper than Knipex, but not by much.
Quality wise, I find Orbis (Connex in my case) to be slightly below Knipex. Build quality and finish is better than NWS; chrome plating does not chip or flake. However, QC is not 100% consistent, and some of their combination pliers won't pass the paper test (e.g. some samples won't cut through a thin sheet, or will cut without an audible "click"). However, considering their lower price, this is still acceptable (and remember, we're talking about some of the best pliers, so they are still much better than any DIY stuff - and not that much more expensive either).
Finally, I'd like to post some test results from a German DIY magazine. The PDF files are in German, but their numeric ratings are self-explanatory. When reading, please keep in mind that "LUX" = NWS.
http://www.selbst.de/pdf/kombizangen.pdf
http://www.selbst.de/sites/default/files/Test-Zangen-1010.pdf
http://www.selbst.de/pdf/zangen.pdf
http://www.autoclassic.de/_downloads/freiedownloads/autoclassic/ac_test_Zangen_web.pdf
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
I have quite a few different brands with Knipex being my favorite and most used ones.
aoleg
Active member
In addition, I would like to mention other brands that I either have limited experience with or that carry a limited range of pliers.
1. Hazet and Gedore. Top notch products, VERY expensive (except Hazet SPC series and Taiwan-made Carolus brand that belongs to Gedore). Rather limited range. I don't own any.
2. Wiha. There are too many variables to call their pliers "good" or "bad". Their "Professional" series (chrome-plated) used to be manufactured in Germany (I have reasons to believe these were rebranded Knipex, but I have no proof) and Switzerland; apparently, not anymore, but model numbers remain the same regardless of COO. Quality does appear to be quite good though, although the range is limited.
To make things more confusing, their "Industrial" range is made completely in Vietnam. When these first appeared in Germany, online stores did not have a proper image, so they were marketed with pictures showing the corresponding Professional models - only cheaper. In my limited experience, Wiha Industrial pliers can be almost too tight to be operated with one hand, but other than that their quality is OK for the price. Often sold in a set with Wiha screwdrivers.
3. Saltus and RJ (Jung). Excellent products about on par with Knipes. Difficult to come by, but rather inexpensive when found. I only have long-nose pliers from Saltus and combination pliers from RJ, both excellent quality. Got them from eBay for just a few Euros.
4. Asian-made HyperClaw and Licota pliers. They are making quality pliers now, but they are rarely sold under their own names. As a result, they are very difficult to identify among similarly looking (and lower quality) offerings. Some HyperClaw pliers are carried by German companies such as KS Tools, Meister, and Merox. (Meister and Merox also carry a range of Orbis-made pliers, often under the same part number, which makes things even more confusing). In my experience, their cost and quality is similar to Orbis.
1. Hazet and Gedore. Top notch products, VERY expensive (except Hazet SPC series and Taiwan-made Carolus brand that belongs to Gedore). Rather limited range. I don't own any.
2. Wiha. There are too many variables to call their pliers "good" or "bad". Their "Professional" series (chrome-plated) used to be manufactured in Germany (I have reasons to believe these were rebranded Knipex, but I have no proof) and Switzerland; apparently, not anymore, but model numbers remain the same regardless of COO. Quality does appear to be quite good though, although the range is limited.
To make things more confusing, their "Industrial" range is made completely in Vietnam. When these first appeared in Germany, online stores did not have a proper image, so they were marketed with pictures showing the corresponding Professional models - only cheaper. In my limited experience, Wiha Industrial pliers can be almost too tight to be operated with one hand, but other than that their quality is OK for the price. Often sold in a set with Wiha screwdrivers.
3. Saltus and RJ (Jung). Excellent products about on par with Knipes. Difficult to come by, but rather inexpensive when found. I only have long-nose pliers from Saltus and combination pliers from RJ, both excellent quality. Got them from eBay for just a few Euros.
4. Asian-made HyperClaw and Licota pliers. They are making quality pliers now, but they are rarely sold under their own names. As a result, they are very difficult to identify among similarly looking (and lower quality) offerings. Some HyperClaw pliers are carried by German companies such as KS Tools, Meister, and Merox. (Meister and Merox also carry a range of Orbis-made pliers, often under the same part number, which makes things even more confusing). In my experience, their cost and quality is similar to Orbis.
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CV90
Well-known member
My favorites are Knipex, Gedore and NWS.
richfinn
Well-known member
I have NWS combi and needle nose in VDE
They have a Matt finish (no chrome to flake off)
Nice comfortable grips
I pick these first over my Snappy or Knipex
Incredible for the price
They have a Matt finish (no chrome to flake off)
Nice comfortable grips
I pick these first over my Snappy or Knipex
Incredible for the price
redvalkyrie
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- Nov 12, 2006
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- 423
All the mentioned pliers are mostly excellent. I tend to like Knipex because they have such a large variety and are easy to get. However, I use Toptul lineman pliers, Keiba needle nose, Supertool pliers, and Nepros.
Keiba is pretty damn serious about their pliers being the best...and it's hard to argue against that point.
Keiba is pretty damn serious about their pliers being the best...and it's hard to argue against that point.
Inabox85
Well-known member
My buddy Dave is an electriction. He says he could not do his job as efficiently without kline pliers.
Yeah they make some great tools. Local Ace Hardware carries the full line. I treated myself to some of their stuff recently.
Notorious BRT
Well-known member
Definitely. There is nothing better. I tried the Snap-On version 5 or 6 years ago and they worked great... until they broke at the joint while cutting steel fence wire. Stepped up to the large size when I took them back and they broke too. Bought a set of Channellocks and they have held up excellently. I'm a big Snap-On fan but that left a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to their pliers. Haven't bought any since.
anndel
Well-known member
Love my 30 year old Snap Ons and my 6 month old Knipex.
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
I love Knipex and NWS. I do have a bunch of Kleins too, love their needlenose and dikes, but I've never used a pair of Klein lineman's that I liked, Knipex is miles ahead of them there.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Each does something better than the other. Knipex is great but their long nose really aren't. Channellock's long nose are very good and of the big three their prices are by far the best. It's sort of like power tools. When you need a Sawsall you buy Milwaukee, when you need a worm drive saw you buy SKIL, When you need a router Porter-Cable, Elu (now Dewalt) or Bosch. One brand almost never has the best of everything.
My favorites are Klein (especially D2000 lineman, D2000 diagonals , strippers, and 1005 crimpers)
Knipex (especially Cobras and pliers wrench)
Snap-on (especially Talon-grip, forged snap ring pliers, needle nose, and long needle nose)
Mayhew cable actuated hose clamp pliers
Grip-on locking pliers
Petersen locking pliers (same as Irwins without giving your money to China)
Let's talk about channellock...
In my opinion they do not make pliers that are better than the other brands...
Almost anything you can get from Channellock, you can get better or much better from other brands.
The only Channellocks that I would recommend would be the oil filter pliers.
Knipex (especially Cobras and pliers wrench)
Snap-on (especially Talon-grip, forged snap ring pliers, needle nose, and long needle nose)
Mayhew cable actuated hose clamp pliers
Grip-on locking pliers
Petersen locking pliers (same as Irwins without giving your money to China)
Let's talk about channellock...
In my opinion they do not make pliers that are better than the other brands...
Almost anything you can get from Channellock, you can get better or much better from other brands.
The only Channellocks that I would recommend would be the oil filter pliers.
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For what it's worth, I've had a set of Craftsman pro (red ergo handles / made in the US; lineman pliers, needle nose pliers, slip joint wrench, slip joint pipe wrench, diagonal cutters) for 11 years and all have held up just fine. I use them for electrical work, car / motorcycle, toys around the house etc.
Couple years ago I lost the best pliers I've ever used. I was doing some, fencing and they didn't make it back into the bucket.
They had one handle curved to fit the fingers and the other handle just plain curved like normal pliers. In other words, there was a top and bottom to them. I think they were old "Keen Kutters" but I've never seen another pair like them. Man, they were easy to manipulate .
They had one handle curved to fit the fingers and the other handle just plain curved like normal pliers. In other words, there was a top and bottom to them. I think they were old "Keen Kutters" but I've never seen another pair like them. Man, they were easy to manipulate .
anndel
Well-known member
My favorites are Snap On and Channellocks. I like and have Knipex wrench pliers, cobras and raptors but I dislike the lock. For snap ring pliers - Lang, CTA for Toyota wheelbearing lock rings and Astro Tools for hose clamps.
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