Good Set of Diagonal Cutter Pliers and Screwdrivers ?
- Thread starter 427HISS
- Start date
Strouty
Well-known member
What wire are you cutting, what size screws are you screwing.
That was fun to type.
That was fun to type.
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Look at SK tools lots of choices of both and you can get good deals on sets.
PelicanPines
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I like to screw with wera.
I like to ply with knipex.
I like to ply with knipex.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
Klein, Channellock, Knipex are good choices for pliers. I use mostly Klein screwdrivers but also really like Enderes and Snap-on. YMMV
minnesotadude
Member
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2017
- Messages
- 18
I used a ton of different channellock cutters but am really liking my knipex with angle head lately.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
Klein.
jeepinerdeep
Well-known member
Knipex cutters. Every time.
You have lots of nice screwdriver options. Felo. Williams, Bahco
You have lots of nice screwdriver options. Felo. Williams, Bahco
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The western forge made, SK branded diagonal cutters suffer from a lack of edge retention. I like the green grips though.
As for their hard handled screwdrivers, SK screwed the pooch by slapping what appear to be pry bar handles on the screwdriver blades. The handles are too large and cumbersome. They need to copy the older, French made SK handles and bring the taper back.
There are far better options out there to choose from.
What are you working on? If you happen to work on Japanese stuff like throttle bodies and the like, you need to invest in a Vessel P#2 that will fit those pesky Japanese screws perfectly.
You could also get a bit holding screwdriver and buy P2 bits as often as you need to. Nothing lasts forever.
As for Diagonal cutters, you may want to consider a pair of mini bolt cutters if you're cutting more than wire to save your dykes for wire. There are several German brands from Knipex, Felo, NWS, to choose from. Good luck in your quest.
Strouty
Well-known member
My rebranded NWS cutters that Irwin offers are actually great cutters, but they are a bit awkward in the hand. I can't really explain it, but they don't open as wide as my hand does??? It is just weird, has not stopped me from using them, but I save them for heavier wires. My go to cutters are probably some older klein side cutters.
johndeereman
Well-known member
Knipex for cutting and so far so good with Carlyle screwdriver's.
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have Vessel p2's in three lengths for jap stuff when real tight but they are special use items for me. I have WF made cutters labeled SK and Craftsman I have used for along time using them all daily with no trouble. I am also happy with the WK made screwdrivers I have. If you want specialty cutters for piano wire of cutting off helicoils maybe you need to be more specific.
JohnDeere1
Banned
Klein for both cheap and last year's I grew up with Klien as my father was a linesman.
Perrorojo
Well-known member
I'm a fan of Klein for both.
plinker
Well-known member
8" Channellock or Klein for wire cutters. If you get Klien's, make sure they are the blue grip/made for cutting steel. Knipex has the mini bolt cutters mentioned above and they will cut almost anything you can put in the jaws. Not priced bad either around 35$ or so.
For Screwdrivers, Williams are a decent option, pretty much same a Snap-on (without the price). They also have a ratcheting screwdriver (takes 1/4 bits)
Witte make screwdrivers for Matco, possibly Cornwell. Used to make Napa's (pre Carlyle). Both can be had at Amazon, FWIW.
For Screwdrivers, Williams are a decent option, pretty much same a Snap-on (without the price). They also have a ratcheting screwdriver (takes 1/4 bits)
Witte make screwdrivers for Matco, possibly Cornwell. Used to make Napa's (pre Carlyle). Both can be had at Amazon, FWIW.
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kctyphoon
Banned
Diagonal cutters, 8" Knipex, unless you prefer an angled head then it would be the heavy duty Kliens. ( don't know if Knipex makes 8" angled diagonals) As far as screwdrivers unfortunately it seems most of those are consumable items these days, but I have to say a set a demo drivers should be a staple in anyone's toolbox, and so far I don't have anything bad to say about my Milwaukee's for the money, but time will tell.
Here - do yourself a favor -
Knipex 7401200SBA 8-Inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4OFUE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
And here - for your reading pleasure
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367803
Why screwdrivers aren't sold with a hardness rating like most pliers is a mystery.
Here - do yourself a favor -
Knipex 7401200SBA 8-Inch High Leverage Diagonal Cutters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4OFUE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
And here - for your reading pleasure
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=367803
Why screwdrivers aren't sold with a hardness rating like most pliers is a mystery.
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Knipex cutters are by far the best that I've owned and used. For less coin Irwin and/or Channelocks would get my vote.
As for screwdrivers, my preference in brand depends on the head type. For typical sized phillips and flatheads I like the Williams hard handles or the old square hard handled SnapOn's (made by Williams and sold at 3x the cost) the best. For Torx and Allen heads I'm pretty partial to Bondhus. For precision drivers Wiha or Wera get my vote. Klein and Irwin makes some pretty decent phillips/flathead drivers as well, but neither are as nice as the Williams (and rebranded Williams) hard handles. My favorite bitdriver is the SnapOn ratcheting one with knurled shaft but I usually put Wiha/Wera bits in it when I can.
Then I have a drawer with about every Craftsman driver known to man that I use for oddballs or infrequently used items or as disposable tools on occasion. I only pick these up when they are too cheap to pass up. They are pretty mediocre in all honesty. I love the handles on them but the tips are really soft and wear out over time, even as a DIY homeowner.
As for screwdrivers, my preference in brand depends on the head type. For typical sized phillips and flatheads I like the Williams hard handles or the old square hard handled SnapOn's (made by Williams and sold at 3x the cost) the best. For Torx and Allen heads I'm pretty partial to Bondhus. For precision drivers Wiha or Wera get my vote. Klein and Irwin makes some pretty decent phillips/flathead drivers as well, but neither are as nice as the Williams (and rebranded Williams) hard handles. My favorite bitdriver is the SnapOn ratcheting one with knurled shaft but I usually put Wiha/Wera bits in it when I can.
Then I have a drawer with about every Craftsman driver known to man that I use for oddballs or infrequently used items or as disposable tools on occasion. I only pick these up when they are too cheap to pass up. They are pretty mediocre in all honesty. I love the handles on them but the tips are really soft and wear out over time, even as a DIY homeowner.
Tinner
Well-known member
Knipex diagonal cutters, Proto Duratek screwdrivers.
kctyphoon
Banned
Honorable mention for the price has to goto the HF pro screwdriver set.. Tons of people on here will say they are just as good as many higher priced options.. for the money they def can't be beat.
$8 after coupon
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html
I have a couple sets of them floating around. It's a great option if you need to, or want to try and make multiple tool sets. In all fairness I've used the Milwaukee demo set as chisels and they are both still fine.
I have a very large Stanley USA flathead that I've been beating on for at least 10 years at work and I still haven't broken the tip or cracked the handle yet. It gets used on everything but screws.
$8 after coupon
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html
I have a couple sets of them floating around. It's a great option if you need to, or want to try and make multiple tool sets. In all fairness I've used the Milwaukee demo set as chisels and they are both still fine.
I have a very large Stanley USA flathead that I've been beating on for at least 10 years at work and I still haven't broken the tip or cracked the handle yet. It gets used on everything but screws.
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mowkep
Well-known member
I've done a lot of home reno. I use my diagonals for pulling out old rusty nails. Knipex are the king. The blue Craftsman do well also. We have Channellocks at our machine shop and they are good. The one thing I don't like about Channellocks is that the blue grips come lose and slip. I have blunt nose Channellock pliers that do the same thing as well (grips came lose).
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
Klein and Wera screwdrivers. Knipex, NWS, and Wiha pliers.
FigureItOut
Well-known member
An honorable mention should also made of Tekton's USA made sets with the tri-lobular grips. At $50 for the 16 piece set they're a great way to get a close-to-complete set. I use my Weras the most, but that's probably just because I have the six piece set in a rack on the wall just above my work bench. Well, I do like them better, but I couldn't say they're any more durable or better fitting than the Tektons.
I'm speaking of the standard Weras, but I also have the laser-tips with hex bolster in a #1PH & #2PH, and those things are just stellar. I bought them for my road box and reserve them just for troublesome screws, and they've never disappointed me.
I'm speaking of the standard Weras, but I also have the laser-tips with hex bolster in a #1PH & #2PH, and those things are just stellar. I bought them for my road box and reserve them just for troublesome screws, and they've never disappointed me.
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Many years ago when starting trade school, I bought Craftsman because the snap on box and tools were too expensive. For the most part, they were very good in quality. I did try screwdrivers from Mac a another, in a word, sucked. The tips are so soft they were worthless in a short period (I actually threw a #2 phillips dow a block or two) lol
It sounds like you guys really like Kliens, Knipex, so I'll give them a try and maybe others mentioned. I don't mind trying the lower cost tools as well, like Harbor Freight and yes, Craftsman's Pro, series. Channellocks are fairly expensive,but I have three visegrips thatare older but still work well.
Some of the others I've never heard of some others mentioned above, but will look them up.
Also mentioned, are the multi tool linesman plyers really easy to use for wire stripping, cremping etc, or are you better off with seperate tools ? Are these small enough for tight areas like working on cars, or too cumberson ?
I appreciate your thoughts and links boyzzz.
It sounds like you guys really like Kliens, Knipex, so I'll give them a try and maybe others mentioned. I don't mind trying the lower cost tools as well, like Harbor Freight and yes, Craftsman's Pro, series. Channellocks are fairly expensive,but I have three visegrips thatare older but still work well.
Some of the others I've never heard of some others mentioned above, but will look them up.
Also mentioned, are the multi tool linesman plyers really easy to use for wire stripping, cremping etc, or are you better off with seperate tools ? Are these small enough for tight areas like working on cars, or too cumberson ?
I appreciate your thoughts and links boyzzz.
I just looked up the Weras bolster screw drivers and look nice, does the higher priced pay for themselves ? I don't mind paying for higher priced products, unless their over priced.
Most of the time in life you get what you pay for, but NOT,....always. But like I said, Harbor Freight has some really good tools etc, especially if you're not a professional. I'm a retired auto body man but I still need quality tools.
Anyway, here's a Amazon Weras link to one screw driver.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000E62NKK/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I haven't researched this question, but what are the differences between the different colored handle screw drivers, red, green, yellow......?
wkndwarrior29
Well-known member
I have been looking for a nice set as a gift lately, Here are some examples of relatively affordable wera sets.
This one is a chisel driver set, you can get it shipped from amazon.de for around $70
https://chadstoolbox.com/wera-05133...-pc-set-kraftform-wera-chiseldriver-and-rack/
Stainless, 10% off today makes this a good deal
https://chadstoolbox.com/05347903001-wera-3334-12-stainless-steel-set-slotted-phillips-and-square/
Precision tips, also a great deal with today's 10 off.
https://chadstoolbox.com/05105630002-wera-big-set/?utm_medium=googleshopping&utm_source=bc
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
This one is a chisel driver set, you can get it shipped from amazon.de for around $70
https://chadstoolbox.com/wera-05133...-pc-set-kraftform-wera-chiseldriver-and-rack/
Stainless, 10% off today makes this a good deal
https://chadstoolbox.com/05347903001-wera-3334-12-stainless-steel-set-slotted-phillips-and-square/
Precision tips, also a great deal with today's 10 off.
https://chadstoolbox.com/05105630002-wera-big-set/?utm_medium=googleshopping&utm_source=bc
Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk
plinker
Well-known member
Those linemans style are more for home wiring, Best I've found that works is seperate cutters, crimpers, strippers. Combo tools are too bulky/awkward.
Klein 1005 crimpers, Ideal also has nice ones. I dont care for the Channellock 909's as the tend to cut the insulation on terminals. Klein 110055 strippers are my preference as well. I have a varity of other tools in this area, but these are what I use the most.
tonyciambrone
Well-known member
I will throw in for the 10" Knipex as the finest diagonals I have used. Nothing wrong with the 8" channelocks either. I don't think Klein is what it used to be personally.
NWS Fantastico are good too but I find the compound action to be more clumsy if you are only cutting wire.
Diagonals are my favorite hand tool...Cant have enough
Screwdrivers- Witte or Wiha depending on grip preferences. The Kobalt green and black grips are a great value. It's hard to miss here as long as you don't cheap out horribly or buy Craftsman.
NWS Fantastico are good too but I find the compound action to be more clumsy if you are only cutting wire.
Diagonals are my favorite hand tool...Cant have enough
Screwdrivers- Witte or Wiha depending on grip preferences. The Kobalt green and black grips are a great value. It's hard to miss here as long as you don't cheap out horribly or buy Craftsman.
mbshop
Well-known member
I bought the last irwin hi leverage power slot cutters at my lowes, 20 bucks, and have been very happy with them. They are or were made in germany. I still plan on getting a knipex set just to make sure I'm covered.
What about Kobalt screwdrivers from Lowes ?
They have a set in a nice foam tray that would fit my screwdriver drawer. lol
(Yes, I'm a bt of a perfectionest)
Still trying to decide.
Won't consider Snap On, because of ridiculous,......prices !
How can anyone buy their roll aways, chests etc, and tools ? !!!
They have a set in a nice foam tray that would fit my screwdriver drawer. lol
(Yes, I'm a bt of a perfectionest)
Still trying to decide.
Won't consider Snap On, because of ridiculous,......prices !
How can anyone buy their roll aways, chests etc, and tools ? !!!
rick carpenter
Well-known member
My go-to screwdrivers....
1. Beater/demo from garage sales etc
2. Williams for general screwing
3. Milwaukee insulated for electrical
4. Rosco Two Fister 12", I don't go nowhere without my Rosco!
My go-to cutters...
1. 9" Klein 2000 linemen
2. 10" Knipex dikes
3. Kobalt end cutters, I use the **** out of these, they'll open beer bottles too
4. 8" Knipex bolt cutters
I have other drivers and cutters, but these are the ones I use. I don't use my Klein drivers much, the Milwaukees have taken over. I have Channellock dikes in my electrical pouch, but I use my Klein linemen & strippers for cutting wires mostly.
1. Beater/demo from garage sales etc
2. Williams for general screwing
3. Milwaukee insulated for electrical
4. Rosco Two Fister 12", I don't go nowhere without my Rosco!
My go-to cutters...
1. 9" Klein 2000 linemen
2. 10" Knipex dikes
3. Kobalt end cutters, I use the **** out of these, they'll open beer bottles too
4. 8" Knipex bolt cutters
I have other drivers and cutters, but these are the ones I use. I don't use my Klein drivers much, the Milwaukees have taken over. I have Channellock dikes in my electrical pouch, but I use my Klein linemen & strippers for cutting wires mostly.
trytochaseme
Well-known member
Knipex cutters and Wiha screwdrivers. Neither will disappoint. Wera screwdrivers are also awesome
nbpt100
Well-known member
I can give two thumb up to Kinipex. I also have a pair of Kobalt side cutters from Lowes and it is pretty good.
For screw drivers I dont have a favorite. I realy dont like anything I have. Mostly Cman, klien and yard sale stuff I got for a song and a dance....Stanley, and no name stuff that I beat on.
I am interested in what people say in this thread and I must say the HF pro set looks attractive for the price.
I have seen some Dewalt and Cman that have a diamond tip to prevent cam out. Are they effective or atleast somewhat helpful? I cant help but think the diamond coating will quickly wear off. .......... and what ever help it may provide it seems minimal.
Has anyone used them and can give a 1st hand experience.? Thanks!
For screw drivers I dont have a favorite. I realy dont like anything I have. Mostly Cman, klien and yard sale stuff I got for a song and a dance....Stanley, and no name stuff that I beat on.
I am interested in what people say in this thread and I must say the HF pro set looks attractive for the price.
I have seen some Dewalt and Cman that have a diamond tip to prevent cam out. Are they effective or atleast somewhat helpful? I cant help but think the diamond coating will quickly wear off. .......... and what ever help it may provide it seems minimal.
Has anyone used them and can give a 1st hand experience.? Thanks!
sycboi
New member
I know these have already been suggested, but Klein for screwdrivers and Knipex for diagonal cut pliers...
I had Phillips head screws I could not get to budge in a certain application without stripping the heads out. Didn’t matter what brand of driver I used. We ended up using a handheld impact driver and a hammer to get them to break loose and turn out, without stripping the fasteners. I bought my Klein screwdrivers and have never used the impact driver again. I appreciate the rubberized handle on them. They feel extremely comfortable to me. Never another stripped Phillips head screw either. The Klein grips in and pops the screws loose with a firm palm pushing down and a twist...
Knipex pliers are steadily replacing every brand of plier, in every style, I already own. Forgings, machining, and tolerances are outstanding. I get the regular dipped handles. To me they just feel better in my hand when I am working. My opinion is Knipex are some of the most innovative and sleek pliers I have ever used...
-Michael
I had Phillips head screws I could not get to budge in a certain application without stripping the heads out. Didn’t matter what brand of driver I used. We ended up using a handheld impact driver and a hammer to get them to break loose and turn out, without stripping the fasteners. I bought my Klein screwdrivers and have never used the impact driver again. I appreciate the rubberized handle on them. They feel extremely comfortable to me. Never another stripped Phillips head screw either. The Klein grips in and pops the screws loose with a firm palm pushing down and a twist...
Knipex pliers are steadily replacing every brand of plier, in every style, I already own. Forgings, machining, and tolerances are outstanding. I get the regular dipped handles. To me they just feel better in my hand when I am working. My opinion is Knipex are some of the most innovative and sleek pliers I have ever used...
-Michael
thickhead
Well-known member
I’m hooked on Klein these days.
Klein J2000-59
https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-J2000-59-Journeyman-Diagonal-Cutting/dp/B075XG1DFD/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1513246892&sr=8-3&keywords=klein+j2000
http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/high-leverage-diagonal-cutting-pliers-angled-head/9-journeyman-heavy-duty-diagonal-cutting-pliers
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ABADXI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Klein J2000-59
https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-J2000-59-Journeyman-Diagonal-Cutting/dp/B075XG1DFD/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1513246892&sr=8-3&keywords=klein+j2000
http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/high-leverage-diagonal-cutting-pliers-angled-head/9-journeyman-heavy-duty-diagonal-cutting-pliers
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ABADXI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1
Proto Duratek’s are an excellent screwdriver, Made in the USA and you can find a brand new set for very reasonable prices on eBay. They are the exact same as MAC’s, but half the price. If those are still too expensive, I suggest looking at the $20 DeWalt 10 Pc. set from Home Depot. They cover most of what you’ll need, have the grit blasted tips and even though they’re made in China, these screwdrivers take some serious abuse. I’ve had mine for 2 years since they came out and they are my instant go-to’s when working on things around the house!
If I had the money (I'm building a new engine for my 427 Cobra) I'd steer towards this kit. Would save money in the long run, but.....the car comes first. I do need drivers and a cutter, that's why I'm turning to you guys.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OHHU5I/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I'll check out the others as well.
Good price on Duratek-
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Duratek-8-...302538297373?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10
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