Best Needle Nose Pliers?

[Davefr]

#1 SO Talon Grip (in this case there really is a SO difference)
#2 Klein
#3 Channelock
.
.
.
#99 Knipex - They're needle nose pliers are ****. Ineffective serration pattern, weak jaws, tips that don't close because the cutter jaws close first.
(ex)

 

[Tinner]

We've all probably pulled cotter pins with a needle nose pliers, but it really isn't the proper tool for the job. The proper tool is cheap and effective.

http://www.zoro.com/i/G0585681/?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&gclid=CjwKEAiAqMajBRCdjejki6yjuDwSJACQeVukM71ebeRK9etkkP7TjGnJ3jft_tQTaoGygE3aMQGikxoCzJXw_wcB

Needle nose pliers seem to be one of those tools that don't get used properly, probably because people don't understand their limitations. A lot like ratchets, around here.

 

[hemdale]

I have these:

http://shop.nws-tools.de/index.php/.../1982/s/chain-nose-radio-pliers/category/311/

And I'm very happy by the quality.
My 0.2 cents

;-)

 

[StanleyAdams]

^ Those are not exactly needle nose. But very good nonetheless.

 

[wild cowboy]

right now nothing is really competitive with German NWS (also branded as those expensive german Irwin series) but who is in the lead in pliers seems to change every year, just like cell phones!

 

[Strouty]

We've all probably pulled cotter pins with a needle nose pliers, but it really isn't the proper tool for the job. The proper tool is cheap and effective.

http://www.zoro.com/i/G0585681/?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed&gclid=CjwKEAiAqMajBRCdjejki6yjuDwSJACQeVukM71ebeRK9etkkP7TjGnJ3jft_tQTaoGygE3aMQGikxoCzJXw_wcB

Needle nose pliers seem to be one of those tools that don't get used properly, probably because people don't understand their limitations. A lot like ratchets, around here.

Those would not remove any cotter pin I have ever seen until after you bend the legs back straight. I would normally use linesmans, but sometimes there is not enough room. The knipex bent like spaghetti and the klein removed the pin without incident. That tool would never have worked for my situation and many that I encounter.

 

[Tinner]

Those would not remove any cotter pin I have ever seen until after you bend the legs back straight. I would normally use linesmans, but sometimes there is not enough room. The knipex bent like spaghetti and the klein removed the pin without incident. That tool would never have worked for my situation and many that I encounter.

No **** Einstein, you have to bend the legs back first. No tool works in every situation, but those pullers work great when you have the room. Ever used one?

 

[Strouty]

No **** Einstein, you have to bend the legs back first. No tool works in every situation, but those pullers work great when you have the room. Ever used one?

Just to clarify, I consider pulling a cotter pin as a process, kind of like taking a ****. The process consists of bending the legs back, then figuring out the best way to get the pin out, sometimes it ends up being a hammer and a punch. I use needle nose because they allow me to get at the legs in tight areas. The Knipex in question bent during the straightening of the legs and no I was not rolling them sideways, they bent the long way about half an inch up the jaw. I was amazed because it was not even a very big pin, when I went and got the next size up and they bent too, well you get the idea. I will not ever buy any of the knipex needle nose again. Would you like me to describe the taking a **** process too?

 

[redmed]

#1 SO Talon Grip (in this case there really is a SO difference)
#2 Klein
#3 Channelock
.
.
.
#99 Knipex - They're needle nose pliers are ****. Ineffective serration pattern, weak jaws, tips that don't close because the cutter jaws close first.
(ex)

Can you show a photo of a pair of Talon Grip like the Knipex?

 

[Davefr]

Can you show a photo of a pair of Talon Grip like the Knipex?

Your wish is my command!!

Here's Talon Grip firmly holding a very thin thread at the very tip. Notice the bevel at the very tip. These are strong heavy duty pliers but the bevel allows them to get into some very tight spots.:

Notice how the Talon Grips jaw closes before the cutter jaws. That's the way it's supposed to be:

Here's another Talon Grip and notice the serration pattern at the end. It grips at any angle:

 

[T45]

^^^ Awesome pics. Thanks

OP if you look at Snappy, just make sure you get the right size. The traditional 6 inch part-number (96/196) has been upsized to an 8 inch tool. Most of the standard sets with talon grip have the 8 inch tool.

 

[T45]

About the knipex models:

Knipex 26 11 200 "Elastic precision tips"

Knipex 38 11 200 "High Bending Strength of the Pliers JawsTips"

These are two completly different pliers.

[edit: note these are also 8 inch pliers and the 38 series doesn't come smaller]

 

[redmed]

That's what I'm looking for. But I went on the Snap-on web site and the only talon grips I find are slip joint pliers. Are the regular long nose SO like the Talons?

PS
Thanks for the pics!

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Snap-On Talon Grip. Case closed. Game Over.

I must agree!

 

[SantaAna12]

#1 SO Talon Grip (in this case there really is a SO difference)
#2 Klein
#3 Channelock
.
.
.
#99 Knipex - They're needle nose pliers are ****. Ineffective serration pattern, weak jaws, tips that don't close because the cutter jaws close first.
(ex)

Well, for me, I would not call them ****, but as far as Knipex goes, I would not buy their needlenose again. The Channellocks are a distant third to the Kleins. I am looking forward to trying the Talon grips.

P.S. Man, I said it before Dave....that SO pic is right on the money.

 

[T45]

That's what I'm looking for. But I went on the Snap-on web site and the only talon grips I find are slip joint pliers. Are the regular long nose SO like the Talons?

These are the little brother 6 inch, 95CF (no cutter)

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675120&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

These are the 8 inch, 196NCF pictured above (with serations)

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...675120&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

That's a great set if you have the OK from your accountant

 

[Tinner]

Just to clarify, I consider pulling a cotter pin as a process, kind of like taking a ****. The process consists of bending the legs back, then figuring out the best way to get the pin out, sometimes it ends up being a hammer and a punch. I use needle nose because they allow me to get at the legs in tight areas. The Knipex in question bent during the straightening of the legs and no I was not rolling them sideways, they bent the long way about half an inch up the jaw. I was amazed because it was not even a very big pin, when I went and got the next size up and they bent too, well you get the idea. I will not ever buy any of the knipex needle nose again. Would you like me to describe the taking a **** process too?

You're right ,Strouty it is a process just as you described.

I just posted my comments on cotter pins and needle nose pliers in general and mentioned a tool I thought some might find useful. I didn't mention anyone specifically. You chose to take it personally and attack me in two separate posts.

I'm just trying to help those who might be open minded enough to try something different. I don't care how, why or what brand of pliers you ruined.

 

[Agentwho]

I have a set of E-Z red kiwi needle nose plyers that have more than proved their worth in some tight spots.

http://www.tooltopia.com/e-z-red-kwp2.aspx

More times than not I will grab my Channellock flat nose pliers in place of needle nose. Having that extra grip at the end comes in handy when trying to bend things like cotter pins

http://www.tooltopia.com/channellock-718.aspx

 

[Rarified27]

I use different pairs for different things and honestly, about half the time I'm not using as intended.

Thoughts on the ones I have:

Craftsman 45103- The ones I reach for first because I've had them for over 20yrs and they feel like an extension of my hand. I can't think of much I haven't used them for, but they're solid and US made.

Channellock 317- They sit next to the Craftsman's and are a good backup when I need two, but I recently replaced them because the fulcrum got so loose they became difficult to use. I haven't looked into what Channellock's policy on that would be if I tried to warranty them. The new pair doesn't taper as much, which is disappointing.

Knipex 26-200- These are in the fix-it bag I throw in the car (different than the car bag) when I'm off to work on something. They have a nice long taper and close well. Did an excellent job of pulling nail staples out when I replaced a bathroom vent fan last week.

Knipex 25-160- The pair in that used to be in the fix-it bag, but now live with the Craftsman and Channellocks because they're a little smaller and the nose fits in tighter spaces, but the handle is still full size.

Klein D203-6- In my electric box (I have specific hand boxes for electrical, plumbing and masonry). They're small with a nice grip and stout jaws with a thin enough tip to do everything I need. These are the only ones own that have an angled serration in the jaws. My Channellocks and Proto's have the X-patterned cross hatching.

Gardner Bender GS-85- Also in the electric box. Horizontal serrations and the tightest closing jaws. All the teeth align so perfectly that you can't see the serrations when they're shut.

Proto- no clue what model. They're a really old, 6 inch, cross hatched jaw, red gripped pair I found at work years ago that now sit in the box I have in my office to fix instruments (I'm a music teacher).

I would recommend all of these for damn near anything, but I'm not a pro.

 

[Strouty]

About the knipex models:

Knipex 26 11 200 "Elastic precision tips"

Knipex 38 11 200 "High Bending Strength of the Pliers JawsTips"

These are two completly different pliers.

[edit: note these are also 8 inch pliers and the 38 series doesn't come smaller]

I guess I will never know which ones I bent, now I wish I still had them. As I said, I love the rest of my Knipex pliers. I am going to start looking at the talon grip snap on ones now.

 

[fivespdcat]

I just went outside and checked my long nose pliers, they are:

- 2 klein journeymans
- Knipex high voltage
- proto duck bill
- proto extra long
- Napa USA extra long
- Snap On extra long
- Knipex electrician

They all look pretty good, but I'm not sure what the fuss is. To me, the cutting edge is very important and a slight gap is not an issue. They are not the ultra precision needle nose, but general use. I use most of mine for grabbing things larger than a hair but definitely not hard use or severe twisting (except for the duck bills). Which one is the best? I use them all for different things.

 

[General Geoff]

#1 SO Talon Grip (in this case there really is a SO difference)
#2 Klein
#3 Channelock
.
.
.
#99 Knipex - They're needle nose pliers are ****. Ineffective serration pattern, weak jaws, tips that don't close because the cutter jaws close first.
(ex)

Those are electricians' needle nose pliers, and they are indeed designed to have elastic tips, per Knipex's product description. They are elastic but will snap back to original shape and relative position. It also appears to me that the tips DO meet, but only at the serration bumps, which are considerable. The flat, single-direction serration is also intentional. They make plenty of other needle nose pliers with cross hatch serrations and intentionally stiff (non-elastic) tips.

 

[bareass172]

I went through this same dilemma awhile back myself:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=246762
I spent a lot of money and tried a lot of options to determine that the absolute best I could find were the Snap-Ons. I'm not a die-hard SO guy, but it's hard to argue with results. I tried the 96CF and liked them so much I bought the 196NCF as a "do all" pair. I got rid of most of the junk I had, including a pair of Knipex that were the only Knipex I was ever disappointed with. Ultimately the Knipex are fine, just not for what I wanted them for. I also have an older set of Klein D314-8's that are nice - but none of them grip as well as the SO's. What makes the SO work so well IMO is the way the tips come together (pictured above) coupled with the serration pattern. I also found an old pair of the 95's recently at a garage sale and they're great too, just smaller.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Once I bought the Talon Grips every other long nose got thrown in the "extra tools" drawer.

For real "needle nose" I have really old Craftsman, Krauter, and Uticas that are really good. SOme smooth and some serrated.

It seems most guys try to say that brand X works just fine over SO Talon Grips. If this theory holds water, how many of you that state this have actually used the Talon Grips and replaced them with something else? And why?

 

[T45]

I guess I will never know which ones I bent, now I wish I still had them. As I said, I love the rest of my Knipex pliers. I am going to start looking at the talon grip snap on ones now.

Closer look shows these are the 26 series x 200mm knipex.

Here's a crop of the photo (attach).

Hopefully the mystery is solved on that one.

 

[bulletpruf]

I have these and they are great quality. They are excellent for working with wire up to 10ga. or so. I usually grab a more stout pair of Greenlee or Klein for something than requires some really heavy-duty bending, twisting, or pulling - like pulling out a big cotter pin or something like that.
NWS
German-Hand-Tools
http://www.german-hand-tools.com/nws-pliers3.html
ITEM # 140-69-170 $21.99
Chain Nose Radio Pliers 140 Titan
■Long, straight, flat-round jaws
■With cutting edges
■Useful as spanner
■Cutting edges additionally induction
hardened
■Serrated inside jaws
■For hard and soft wires
■Tool steel, drop-forged, oil-hardened

Length: 170mm (6.75")
Weight: 170g (.37 lb)
Max cutting capacity:
*soft wire 2.5mm (.1")
*medium wire 1.6mm (.06")
Finish: 69

Those do look nice! Reasonable price, too.

Scott

 

[redmed]

I have a set of E-Z red kiwi needle nose plyers that have more than proved their worth in some tight spots.

http://www.tooltopia.com/e-z-red-kwp2.aspx

More times than not I will grab my Channellock flat nose pliers in place of needle nose. Having that extra grip at the end comes in handy when trying to bend things like cotter pins

http://www.tooltopia.com/channellock-718.aspx

Those Red Kiwi pliers are interesting. I have never seen anything like them. What do you use them for?

 

[carterbeauford]

I have pulled out nails with the Craftsman pliers.

I pull a lot of cotter pins restoring antique tractors and broke the tip off a pair of Craftsman Pro needle nose. haven't looked back since switching to Talon Grips.

 

[maico]

These

http://www.schmitz-zangen.de/?lang=engl

 

[skylinegtr20]

I have both Knipex or Stahlwille. Both are outstanding.

 

[rick carpenter]

old bell system made by klein,crescent,and utica are durable and well made.Knipex,Channelock, and Kraeuter are also good ,readilly avaiable at your local flea market.

I'm glad to see someone show some love for Bell System tools! I collect what I can of them but I don't have more than a few screwdrivers and a push drill.

The comments throughout this thread have been excellent, y'all. Just the kind of descriptions, criticisms, and reviews that I would want. I hope Redmed feels the same.

 

[bulletpruf]

Just ordered some Snap On Talon Grips - 96CF. $45 new -- eBay. Free shipping. The folks who posted in this thread convinced me.

Scott

 

[wayne55]

What would be a good price for the 96cf or the 196cf pliers?

 

[T45]

Check the snap on website, $40-50ish shipped is about retail (96CF,196CF,196NCF).

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tool...120&group_name=Needle+Nose&store=snapon-store

Edit: The 196CF isn't showing up, its normally in the middle of the range.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I would say Snap-On, Blue-Point and, Matco. Channallock is good too.

 

[wild cowboy]

NWS, Snap-On Talon, and those double X Crescent are the cream of needle nose.

 

[redmed]

NWS, Snap-On Talon, and those double X Crescent are the cream of needle nose.

I agree about Crescent needle nose. I just checked my old work tool pouch and found a super nice pair of Crescent needle nose. Holding it up to the light I see no light between the jaws. These pliers have seen alot of use too. All I remember of my Bell System pliers where that they where all Klein and did not expect to find a Crescent.

 

[redmed]

I agree about Crescent needle nose. I just checked my old work tool pouch and found a super nice pair of Crescent needle nose. Holding it up to the light I see no light between the jaws. These pliers have seen alot of use too. All I remember of my Bell System pliers where that they where all Klein and did not expect to find a Crescent.

These are pic's of the old Crescent.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Kinda ironic that the actual "Crescent" wrench is a P.O.S. but a lot of the other stuff is great.
Have a look at the Proto XLS series.Similar.

 

[Stealership]

Knipex