has klein went down hill ?

[corn chip]

first klein tool i ever bought showed up. model 1010. right away i noticed the wire stripper numbers are no where near where theyre suppose to be. the stamped numbers on the back side are lined up fairly well ,good enough anyways. have i got a one off mistake or is klein stuff always this sloppy ?

 

[scooby074]

Who uses the numbers? I sure dont.

Theyre stamped steel wire strippers. Dont sweat the precision! I have a pair of the old style ones and the kurves. They strip fine. My old ones are 20 years old. Theyve always been a bit sloppy.

 

[redwrench60]

I checked a pair I bought a while back on sale for a spare and they’re like that too. Never even noticed since I nearly never use the printed wire gauge number scale. I hate laser etching anyway.

 

[corn chip]

Who uses the numbers? I sure dont.

Theyre stamped steel wire strippers. Dont sweat the precision! I have a pair of the old style ones and the kurves. They strip fine. My old ones are 20 years old. Theyve always been a bit sloppy.

i dont know why they bother putting numbers in the first place if its useless fluff nobody uses. it would of taken no more time to locate the numbers correct as it would to do it wrong. do it right or dont do it at all. perhaps ive just expected to much from a american company

 

[Basskiller]

I wouldn’t worry about it, just like I don’t worry about proper grammar on the internet.

 

[crguy]

I wouldn’t worry about it, just like I don’t worry about proper grammar on the internet.

Good one!

 

[Tools4Me]

The stampings have been like that for years, it's not new. Some are a little better than others, so seeing the item at a store before purchase can be helpful. I have 15-20 year old strippers with the numbers the same way. They work just fine and the slight number offset doesn't bother me.

It isn't really a Klein issue, it's a Stride/Imperial issue. As far as I know, Stride/Imperial is still the OEM for all the US made stamped steel wire strippers for Klein, Craftsman, Channellock, Proto, Ideal, etc.

 

[KnurledNut]

I personally despise laser etching on tools.
Its an industry issue, more than one particular manufacturer.

 

[boom_bap]

I'm my opinion yes they have gone down hill compared to rumors of their past quality. As a younger folk who lives in the made in Taiwan era/most all USA companies sell out, Klein was always rumored to be in the high end from all my peers, but I never was around for the good old days. Every tool I've bought from Klein has felt like junk to be honest. I bought their MiUSA wire strippers 4-5 years back and while they've held up I was never impressed by their quality and lack of cutting edge. Their side cutters are sloppy, their bags are poorly made. Why pay $30 bucks for side cutters when you can pay $40 and get knipex which actually are quality. I'm not saying they aren't a good brand, but I'm certainly not buying their products anymore. It's too bad since they're easily accessable at HD and other hw stores.

 

[ForrestT]

Love all my Klein wire strippers. 1010’s are a good pair. Your pair looks normal to me. Enjoy them. They’re a nice piece.

 

[RoninB4]

A bit sad to read all of this. I worked in the tool room for Klein in the mid 1980's when it was across the street from the old Bell & Howell plant on Touhy Ave. around the corner from one of the last Sheldon Lathe plants (worked there too). Tommy Klein worked there during the summer break from college (nice kid) and product quality was important. I suppose I should be used to it by now but it still bothers me a bit to hear of yet another American manufacturer that lets a once great product run down. I'll just add them to the growing list....

 

[dogdog]

The klein carbide hole saw I had is super good. cuts electrical box metal like butter.

I don't pay too much attention to the wire stripper, they strip wires or they don't, the electrical conduit bender is good, the multimete, I don't own one so don't know.


holly mother of goats. remind me of this thread I read in the other forum... what have people become ... I blame the water.

Alright so last night round about 5:45 ish I was pulling the front clip off my xxxxx. I was being dumb as was just disconnecting things while I was talking to a friend and boom gas (I’m assuming Freon) just engulfed me I got up and ran through the house into the back yard, I did brush my teeth and ride my mouth out cause it gave me a funny taste on my lip. I know Freon is was poisonous but I don’t know how worried I should be. It’s the next day 9:30 am an I’m currently sitting in my math class kinda panicking. What should I do? Do I go to the nurse and ask her? Do I leave school and go to the er? should I call out of work, I don’t have an simtems (sorry I’m really bad at spelling things) I mean, my mouth is a little dry in my under my lip, last night after it happened I didn’t feel anything other then the funny taste, help me out here cause I don’t wanna die I just turned 18. I think I’m going to call poison control later and see what they say. My mother said unless I start feeling weird then I’m fine but if I start feeling weird then it’s too late for me right?? I’m scared someone help

 

[sparky 1971]

The #1 job of wire strippers is to strip wire. If they do a good job, who really cares about the markings being a little off. I, personally like old school Ideal T strippers so I can't answer the question about Klein strippers. For awhile, Klein had horrible screwdrivers but enough people jumped ship for another brand that Klein took care of the problem. I still use them every day. I also use Klein long nose and dykes daily. I tried Knipex dykes, but just don't like them. I use Klein linemans when doing residential wiring, but Knipex outside of that, which is most of the time. The only thing I know of Klein makes that I consider junk is the pump pliers. My first employer gave me two pair of 10" pumps in 1994 and before the first week was over I had purchased Channellock 420's. I have since started using Knipex Cobras, but have no problems with the old style 420's. Klein has started selling a better version, but I believe those are rebadged NWS pliers. I'm not sure as far as tool pouches. I used to use Klein, but found I like Occidental Leather better. I noticed Klein has started making them in black now, but as far as quality, I have no clue whether it's better, worse, or the same.

 

[corn chip]

so ya i was on the home depot site today and it said the local store had two pair of model 1010 on the shelf so i drove over to have a look. turns out the inventory tracker is not accurate and they actually had four pair on the shelf. three were in the newer package like i got in the mail yesterday. the fourth pair appeared to be a older packaging and looking at the dates on the rear of all the packaging confirmed this.
oddly enough ,all the newer packaged version had the stripper numbers misaligned as well but they were far to low instead of far to high like the pair i recieved.
the old packaged version had the numbers aligned fairly well ,acceptable any ways. so i bought em and will give my misaligned ones to a co worker or something lol.,
i think ill contact klein with the photos and see what they have to say for their self. if they bother to respond back ill let everyone know.
photos of new older version and package

 

[nadogail]

Klein Tools have "cult like" following.

 

[corn chip]

Klein Tools have "cult like" following.

maybe so but this is the first klein pliers of any kind ive ever bought , im no cult follower. they seem like good pliers but they missed the mark by a mile on the little details

 

[redwrench60]

Ultimately it’s not a big deal if they line up the markings or not but I agree with the OP, Klein should watch these little details. It’s as easy for them to get it right as it is for us to let it slide.

 

[HPRifleman]

For awhile, Klein had horrible screwdrivers but enough people jumped ship for another brand that Klein took care of the problem.

I'm curious when this happened and what the problem was. I was an engineer at Klein, primarily on the low-voltage products, but had some dealings with the screwdriver side.

 

[redwrench60]

I'm curious when this happened and what the problem was. I was an engineer at Klein, primarily on the low-voltage products, but had some dealings with the screwdriver side.

Can’t answer on an exact time the soft phillips tips began but in about 2015 or 16 the phillips drivers packaging boasted a “new improved tip” to address the issue.

 

[KnurledNut]

I'm curious when this happened and what the problem was. I was an engineer at Klein, primarily on the low-voltage products, but had some dealings with the screwdriver side.

Can’t answer on an exact time the soft phillips tips began but in about 2015 or 16 the phillips drivers packaging boasted a “new improved tip” to address the issue.

 

[redwrench60]

Well there you have it. Goes back a little farther than I thought. I remember buying a couple #2 phillips and seeing the improved tip on the packaging. They have held up really well for me. They live in my electrical bag at work and a few at home.

 

[boom_bap]

Their side cutters are sloppy, their bags are poorly made.

Reading this back it seemed a bit harsh. I want to clarify that I've not had one of their bigger tool bags. I was referring to their canvas tool pouches with the zipper top that you dump tools into. I haven't owned their proper backpacks or belt bags and can't speak to the quality, which seems unfair to call bags outright poorly made.

For folks who like the pouches I've found the Milwaukee ones are pretty good for the price.

Also their voltage tester has worked and held up great for me.

Reference
K: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BQRCKY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

M: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SQB4VTR/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Voltage Tester: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-T...e-Tester-Pen-50-to-1000V-AC-NCVT1PR/317460355

 

[Treeman]

the old packaged version had the numbers aligned fairly well ,acceptable any ways. so i bought em and will give my misaligned ones to a co worker or something lol.,

Did you notice that the lettering on the right side of your "better aligned" pair is less opaque than the left side? Better alignment, less visibility! Just can't win.

While a non-issue for me, I am also concerned when quality control appears to be slipping. I remember when Ideal plier type wire crimpers 30-429 declined in quality. Such a simple tool to muck up.

 

[sparky 1971]

I'm curious when this happened and what the problem was. I was an engineer at Klein, primarily on the low-voltage products, but had some dealings with the screwdriver side.

It probably started about 15 years ago, but has been taken care of in the last five years. I was probably warrantying a #2 Philips and #2 Robertson every two months. The straight blades were ok, but the handles of all of them were junk. I don't know what the new grip was made out of, but it seemed to wear off. That was when they went from Klein tools printed in yellow right on the handle (the good stuff) to the raised letters (the junk). Now the quality is back up, I wind up losing my screwdrivers before I have a chance to wear them out.

Edit: I just saw post #20. The screwdriver problem was farther back than I thought.

 

[cmandp]

I agree the OPs gauge markings are pretty far off. I don't think it affects functionality. You know which hole you need for 12 and 14 after working with them for a little bit.

If it bothers you I would talk to Klien and ask if they could warranty them. I hope they wouldn't give you trouble.

I really like the Klien tools I've bought (and the 9 in 1 screwdriver I found). The wire stripers work way better then the home owner grade ones I've had in the past (Stanley and Harbor Freight) and even ones on my NWS ergo pliers.

 

[jeffmoss26]

looks fine to me...

 

[Brownsfan]

I use Klein tools every day at work. Big fan of the pliers. Also use the screwdrivers daily. Haven't noticed any drop in quality.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I prefer Klein, needlenose, cutters, lineman pliers, strippers etc. Never owned their screw drivers or meters. Fluke for meters. I have tried their Fiberglass sticks and was not impressed. Mind you those were purchased at HD, so maybe there is a 2nd level option. GreenLee for sticks.
As for the marking not too big a deal. If lending them out it shows the gauge, solid and stranded sides which should eliminate the need for further instruction. Or at least it should.

 

[corn chip]

it seems not many people see it the way i do. its hard to imagine it takes anymore time to put the numbers correct . so why put them on crooked. i dont doubt theyre good pliers (only had them one day) but the crooked numbers give them a cheap dollar store look. $300 paint job on a ferrari

 

[boom_bap]

Reading back some of my prior remarks makes me cringe a little, but I want to amend my opinion on Klein tools.

I was recently gifted a pair of Klein D2000-9NEGLW, D2000-28GLW, and 1005 pliers by a friend. I had mentioned I was working on some electrical stuff on my car and they very generously hooked me up.

Man these are really nice. As far as Klein quality, their pliers have impressed me compared to prior stuff I've used from them. I'll definitely be considering them on future pliers purchases or gifts for friends. I'll post pictures later, but the glow in the dark is pretty neat if you haven't seen it.

The 1005s aren't really great for 22ga and lower wire, 909s get a much better crimp on the small stuff, but I think they'll be great for bigger conductors.

 

[tarbellb]

Sounds like Mr. Klein paid a visit to boom_bap

 

[Bubba Fett]

Stumbled across this thread. I know it's old, but the OP is being extraordinarily nit-picky. The markings are printed on an assembly line, so sometimes they are not perfect. This is the case for every single brand of stamped wire strippers I have ever seen. It doesn't matter, because the markings are *stamped* on the other side, which would be far more accurate. No one uses the markings anyway. They just fit the wire into whatever notch works best. It's the stripping and cutting performance that is important.

Besides, Imperial is the company that manufactures these, and they also do so for many other brands including Ideal, Channellock, Craftsman (Sears), and Stanley, among others.

Klein has a wide range of strippers including some that they make in-house. Those are forged and heavier duty. Judging an entire brand on one tool that isn't even made by them is a bit ridiculous. These are tools, not jewelry.

As for their screwdrivers - I've never had a problem with them. I do wish they had kept the old cushion handles with the yellow lettering, which were much more comfortable. I've never had a problem with the tips, though.

 

[30-30remchester]

Not sure about the strippers but got 3 new electrical rubber handles screwdrivers for Christmas, all Klein, and they were made in Tiawan. They now go into my junk tool box.

 

[scooby074]

Not sure about the strippers but got 3 new electrical rubber handles screwdrivers for Christmas, all Klein, and they were made in Tiawan. They now go into my junk tool box.

Which drivers?

Homedepot is still saying their rubber handled are Made in USA??

 

[gleman]

Stumbled across this thread. I know it's old, but the OP is being extraordinarily nit-picky. The markings are printed on an assembly line, so sometimes they are not perfect. This is the case for every single brand of stamped wire strippers I have ever seen. It doesn't matter, because the markings are *stamped* on the other side, which would be far more accurate. No one uses the markings anyway. They just fit the wire into whatever notch works best. It's the stripping and cutting performance that is important.

Besides, Imperial is the company that manufactures these, and they also do so for many other brands including Ideal, Channellock, Craftsman (Sears), and Stanley, among others.

Klein has a wide range of strippers including some that they make in-house. Those are forged and heavier duty. Judging an entire brand on one tool that isn't even made by them is a bit ridiculous. These are tools, not jewelry.

As for their screwdrivers - I've never had a problem with them. I do wish they had kept the old cushion handles with the yellow lettering, which were much more comfortable. I've never had a problem with the tips, though.

Bubba this thread is nonsense. Klein puts the markings on them,that way for a reason.

Look at the first picture. And look at the handle.



Do you see how one jaw is marked solid and one stranded?

Here's my example of Klein Romex strippers.





The backside, if you think its a manufacturing problem.




This thread is a whole bunch of well meaning nonsense.

What's more likely? Do you think a company can't make it's bread and butter product right after a hundred plus years or Randos on the internet can't use wire strippers correctly?

 

[Pasha]

The fact they don't even bother to stamp the letters/numbers anymore speaks for itself...

 

[Bubba Fett]

Which drivers?

Homedepot is still saying their rubber handled are Made in USA??

Their standalone drivers are all made in the USA. Most of their multi-bit drivers are made in Taiwan, though some I believe, like the 10-in-1 and 11-and-1 are assembled here, and I believe several have USA-made handles.

I imagine they would prefer to have a USA source, for the bits, etc. but there simply are not many choices left. The numbers of US manufacturers of these is in the single digits. Like maybe two or three, and they are probably contractually obligated to other companies.

Multi-bit drivers are a necessity, given the sheer number of screw types. They are popular for a reason. Klein would be absolutely stupid NOT to sell these. Besides, Taiwan is a democracy and a fair trade partner, and people need to deal with that. Taiwan is not China.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Taiwan is not China.

Yet. It's not the democracy it was a few year ago.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Hmm, my oldest perfectly serviceable Klein pliers are from 1923, so it will take up to 100 years to see if the late product is comparable, and I'm pretty sure I won't live long enough to do it.

Advice?

 

[gleman]

Hmm, my oldest perfectly serviceable Klein pliers are from 1923, so it will take up to 100 years to see if the late product is comparable, and I'm pretty sure I won't live long enough to do it.

Advice?

1923? Dang Slew! I have my Dad's and Grandad's but not that old. I still use them every once in a while.