http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000302VW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Saw a vid where he likes these better than SO, Matco, etc.
Saw a vid where he likes these better than SO, Matco, etc.
Klein diagonal cutters are the best?
- Thread starter Jacobson
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Certified Drunk
Well-known member
1 pair for $23.14 or 2 pair for $59.99 
RRmech
Well-known member
They are very good, but THE best?
Hmmmmm..................................................................
Steve
Hmmmmm..................................................................
Steve
bmwpowere36m3
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Amazon reviews... yeah. I've gotten stuff with excellent reviews that wasn't bad, but certainly didn't live up to the hype. People perceptions of quality is different. That Klein, Knippex, SO (new ones) are all really good cutters.
Roobaix
Well-known member
Best? Meh...
For my money I prefer the Knipex Twin Force but the jaw opening is a little smaller.
For larger opening jaws I use a pair of Ideal which have held up really well.
I also have a set of the NWS Fantastico which are nice, but not as nice as the Knipex. They are less expensive though, although the jaw opening is even smaller.
I have multiple sets of Klein linesman pliers which are all decent enough (but I like my Knipex set much more).
For my money I prefer the Knipex Twin Force but the jaw opening is a little smaller.
For larger opening jaws I use a pair of Ideal which have held up really well.
I also have a set of the NWS Fantastico which are nice, but not as nice as the Knipex. They are less expensive though, although the jaw opening is even smaller.
I have multiple sets of Klein linesman pliers which are all decent enough (but I like my Knipex set much more).
mickeyone
Well-known member
Blue handled 2000 series better than the red handles,they have hardened jaws.Have Knipex,Diamond ,Snap on,as well I like them all.
neonlazer
Well-known member
1 pair for $23.14 or 2 pair for $59.99
Your name and that comment go well together.
Sounds like someone can't multiply when they made those prices.
rlitman
Well-known member
+1 on the hardened jaws.
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
I find NWS side cutters to be the best.
kctyphoon
Banned
I have about 10 different brands. I prefer the Knipex over all of them.. I don't really understand the idea of diagonal cutters that "aren't meant" to cut certain things.. Why bother with the inferior set from the same manufacturer when the other can do everything??
Anyway, the jaws on my Knipex are still perfect and they don't get used lightly.
Anyway, the jaws on my Knipex are still perfect and they don't get used lightly.
GeorgeFromPa
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yes the d2000 series... they last forever and stay sharp.. even if you cut nails all day
yamaha0343
Well-known member
Have both these and the Knipex. Prefer the Knipex.
Not to say that these aren't good. It's just that the Knipex are great.
Not to say that these aren't good. It's just that the Knipex are great.
allinon72
Well-known member
Have these and a pair of Knipex cushion grip.
I prefer the Knipex, but it isn't really a fair fight. These are entry level Klein's while the Knipex are premium and 2x the price.
I prefer the Knipex, but it isn't really a fair fight. These are entry level Klein's while the Knipex are premium and 2x the price.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
Klein is my favorite diagonal cutters. The blue handle 2000 series are awesome. I would put them up against anyone. I also have the red handle ones and they are fine for cutting wire.
kctyphoon
Banned
Sears constantly has sales where the 8" Knipex sells for about $20 or so.. The crescent compound cutters are also very cheap and work extremely well.. They are not "life long" tools, cause the spring in the handles eventually wear out and break, but for like $10 they lasted like 2 or 3 years of constant abuse. Diagonal cutters are my most used hand tool.. Like a ratchet is to a mechanic.
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kctyphoon
Banned
I have the NWS fantastico, and while they offer more leverage, you loose a lot of opening between the jaws. You can't fit anything large between the jaws, and your hands have to do ALOT more moving for just simple cuts.. Unless you have something really hard, that's really thin - your not really gaining much advantage.. It's a lot more hand moving, which was more of a strain to open and close them all the way for even small things.. I went back to the Knipex after a day.. It's worse than the crescent pivot pro's - which aren't a bad compromise if you really need more leverage..
As much as people call them junk, I still say the crescent compound action cutters offer a lot for the money.. They are some of the cheapest, and best performing cutters for the money if you need to use them a lot. The spring loaded handles alone are worth trying them.
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kctyphoon
Banned
No idea why, but they are available as a single tool in both blue and red handled versions.. They are identical..
Red - Apex Tool Group PS5429C PRO Series Diagonal Compound Action Pliers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TDDP6E/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Blue - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent...gclid=CNvr_PCVq8sCFYwkhgodtEABUw&gclsrc=aw.ds
They are available in Sears by themselves, or with the matching lineman pliers in a set for $25 for the pair.. I've seen just the cutters as low as $9 on Amazon at one time. They are NOT like the compound cutting Dewalt version. I have those too.. They are horrible compared to the crescents in both form, function, and quality. Crescent also makes matching needle nose.. The lineman pliers have a unique designed head with will also grab onto nuts,bolts, and small pipes..
What many people don't realize, is that the spring loaded handles on the crescents stop at a detent. It allows a stopping point for easy hand action and opens wide enough for most cuts you'll ever need to make.. HOWEVER - they open wider, PAST that detent.. You have to pull the handles apart - like separating a socket from a ratchet. The first time will be hard to do. But the handles will spread open as far as 180 degrees allowing for BOTH the compound action, and a wide throat between the jaws. I used these for years until I switched to Knipex. Quite honestly, I might even like them better than the Knipex, but the Knipex quality is superior in part due to its simple design. The jaws on the crescents will withstand almost anything, and the design tapers down to a slim point - allowing for access into some really tight areas. Great for cutting tie wraps and zip ties that are wrapped around wires and cables.
Red - Apex Tool Group PS5429C PRO Series Diagonal Compound Action Pliers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TDDP6E/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Blue - http://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescent...gclid=CNvr_PCVq8sCFYwkhgodtEABUw&gclsrc=aw.ds
They are available in Sears by themselves, or with the matching lineman pliers in a set for $25 for the pair.. I've seen just the cutters as low as $9 on Amazon at one time. They are NOT like the compound cutting Dewalt version. I have those too.. They are horrible compared to the crescents in both form, function, and quality. Crescent also makes matching needle nose.. The lineman pliers have a unique designed head with will also grab onto nuts,bolts, and small pipes..
What many people don't realize, is that the spring loaded handles on the crescents stop at a detent. It allows a stopping point for easy hand action and opens wide enough for most cuts you'll ever need to make.. HOWEVER - they open wider, PAST that detent.. You have to pull the handles apart - like separating a socket from a ratchet. The first time will be hard to do. But the handles will spread open as far as 180 degrees allowing for BOTH the compound action, and a wide throat between the jaws. I used these for years until I switched to Knipex. Quite honestly, I might even like them better than the Knipex, but the Knipex quality is superior in part due to its simple design. The jaws on the crescents will withstand almost anything, and the design tapers down to a slim point - allowing for access into some really tight areas. Great for cutting tie wraps and zip ties that are wrapped around wires and cables.
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mikebaker1129
Well-known member
Which model of Knipex dikes does everyone prefer?
I have a pair of 15 year old Kleins that work fine,but are getting a little dull.
If I am going to purchase a new pair, just want to give the Knipex a look.
I like the other 2 Knipex pliers and pliers wrench that I have.
I have a pair of 15 year old Kleins that work fine,but are getting a little dull.
If I am going to purchase a new pair, just want to give the Knipex a look.
I like the other 2 Knipex pliers and pliers wrench that I have.
Fender1325
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- Dec 30, 2014
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Love my klein
It is going to depend on what you plan on doing with them. Even though many on here tout Klein as the ultimate in cutters, I don't think they are all that great. Nice for the priace, and locally available but best? Not sure about that.
The most leverage for the dollar? Knipex mini bolt cutters, although they aren't all that great at cutting smaller wire.
Different blade geometry excels at different tasks. Just as how bolt cutters have a different blade geometry than fine wire cutters. The sharper (more acute) an edge the less durable it will be to deformation when cutting harder materials. Ex. if you hold a pair of diagonal cutters up to the light and you see a () gap in the edges where a hard piece was cut. What I don't understand is those that think diagonal cutters double as cotter pin and rope wire (ex parking brake cable) pullers.
The most leverage for the dollar? Knipex mini bolt cutters, although they aren't all that great at cutting smaller wire.
Different blade geometry excels at different tasks. Just as how bolt cutters have a different blade geometry than fine wire cutters. The sharper (more acute) an edge the less durable it will be to deformation when cutting harder materials. Ex. if you hold a pair of diagonal cutters up to the light and you see a () gap in the edges where a hard piece was cut. What I don't understand is those that think diagonal cutters double as cotter pin and rope wire (ex parking brake cable) pullers.
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espyking83
Well-known member
Opinions/assholes and whatnot.
Everyones got one. Kleins are tried and true, wouldnt call them the best but i guess it's all relative to the person using
Everyones got one. Kleins are tried and true, wouldnt call them the best but i guess it's all relative to the person using
Thanks, added to my wish list and going to check today to see if HD has them in stock. Was planning on making a trip anyway.
May find this interesing, pick model to suit task and $$ budget.
I'd guesstimate 74 series is probably the benchmark (high leverage diagonals). Note that this test is cutting a nail, not copper, nor piano wire either.
Its always possible to compare apples to oranges (like 10 inch to 6 inch, and mixed designs etc). So keep common sense in mind. My $0.02.
I'd guesstimate 74 series is probably the benchmark (high leverage diagonals). Note that this test is cutting a nail, not copper, nor piano wire either.
Its always possible to compare apples to oranges (like 10 inch to 6 inch, and mixed designs etc). So keep common sense in mind. My $0.02.
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ovrrdrive
Well-known member
People get so caught up in "the best" of any one item... I rarely ever ask for or say something is the best simply because it stands to reason that one person's ideal tool usually isn't the same for someone else. Not only that but the "best" is often something that is hand crafted that costs 10 times more than what most people perceive to be the best.
Klein is very good. In my opinion many of their tools are what I consider the best for the type of work I do. They feel good in my hand and when I look at the brand I know people have used them in my trade for generations and loved them as well, that makes me feel good. Use whatever feels right to you and worry less about what everyone else thinks.
Klein is very good. In my opinion many of their tools are what I consider the best for the type of work I do. They feel good in my hand and when I look at the brand I know people have used them in my trade for generations and loved them as well, that makes me feel good. Use whatever feels right to you and worry less about what everyone else thinks.
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
I just need a pair for cutting copper wire.
I would look at knipex diagonals in the same configuration as your kleins, and just pick their version of this tool. ie, if you are looking at 6 inch or 8 inch and high-leverage or regular etc.
For cutters, the two-component grip is really nice and its not too bulky, too soft, nor too tacky/stain-prone. If you know you need ultra-low profile, you can of course get the dipped handles for increased packability. The HRC on the cutting surfaces is very hard and lets them take some abuse, but generally speaking its best to get the correct configuration of plier design for your specific use case. As the packability, agility, ergonimics, and all that stuff tend to become sticking points over time.
Its also worth noting that Knipex are $$, but sale events are common (eg zoro 20-30% deals), Amazon has decent normal prices, and if you have abig lot of stuff you can get them from EU at /below the price of Zoro sales but with more options available. (NB--the extensive options and variants are much cheaper in the EU, just a couple euros between them like in the US where the non-basic versions are marked up considerably--so go this route if you need 4-6 pairs IMHO).
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davethorik
Well-known member
I was sold on Knipex with the mini bolt cutters, bought the 10" diagonals and as some destructive testing, snipped thru a straight razor blade in 2 cuts. That impressed me.
kctyphoon
Banned
hd does not stock them.. Only place I've seen them in store (lately) is Sears.. Sears has the single set, and the cutter / lineman plier set, usually with the long nose available as a separate purchase, all in store on the peg hooks.. You can order them online from a lot of different places though.
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kctyphoon
Banned
Get the 8" set of diagonals. The 7" is just a tad too short, the 10" is just too long and heavy. The heads are the same in the 8 and 10 (I own both). 8" is the best general purpose and the most usefull in most situations.
I don't own them, but I'm sure the HD set of Kliens are just as good as long as there is no slop in there joint.. I have 2 pairs of standard Kliens and the jaws will skip over each other from the light play at the rivet..
NWS, klien, Knipex, and even the cheap compound crescents are all very good or great depending what you need from them. (so long as you understand the crescents I mentioned will not last forever since the spring will eventually break) The only pair I've had issues with the jaws dulling and even the metal being worn away were the Channellocks. Despite popular opinion, and before anyone says anything - Channellock's ARE rated to cut hard piano wire, and there is NO difference between ANY of their models when it comes to hardness of the jaws. They only difference is the joint style / design and length. Yes that's the truth, no I'm not posting info to back that up. I've done the research and even emailed channellock and gotten that from them. If you are just and only cutting copper wire, they will be fine otherwise..
I'm sure the newer Klien and the Knipex are very similar (if you get Kliens w/o play in the rivet). I'm partial to the Knipex cause I like all their tools I own, they require no "break in" period for a smooth action which can take months or years from some other brands, and I dislike how Klien uses different color handles for all their tools. I like that the Knipex grips all match in color, and I feel that if you can't identify your tools by the shape and length of their handles then you probably don't use them enough to need professional tools..
This is just my opinion, but as I've said diagonals are my most used tool for what I do.
kctyphoon
Banned
The mini bolt cutters are just amazing. I've even cut small chains with them. Basically if it will fit in the jaws, you can cut it..
ssdave
Banned
I like Klein. I have Blue handle linesman and ironworker pliers. Really like them, really good.
But, I make a specialized spring that requires me to cut a lot of piano wire. The piano wire eats up blue handle Klein. The edges get nicked and deformed. It's done the same for every other kind I tried, except Snap on. The real problem is that I have to make small cuts to length, taking only about 10 to 30 thousandths of an inch off. To do so, you have to have a sharp edge, with a long taper. Blunt edged cutters won't work. Sharp edge cutters nick or deform.
I started using an old snap-on set out of my toolbox. They were sharp enough to cut close, held up, and didn't get nicked or deformed. They were made in 1947 and are dual marked vacu-grip and snap on. After 10 years of using those, they were getting worn. Not nicked, worn. I thought I would like to replace them, as well as get slightly more leverage. I talked to my snap on dealer, and he told me he would order a set for me, and let me try them, and if they wouldn't hold an edge, he'd refund my money. And, he'd warranty them if they wore out. He even offered to warranty my 1947 pair. I declined, as I thought I had got a fair amount of use out of them in 10 years, and like them for nostalgia sake anyway. I can use them for copper or tie wire still, just not for precise cuts on piano wire.
I've been using the new snap-on pair for 2 years, and they are still working flawlessly.
I don't know that the Snap-on are the best, but they sure have worked. I'd like to try Knipex, but didn't have access to a place to look at them and try them before I bought. Snap-on, with their premium price, tool truck delivery, and absolute satisfaction guarantee allowed me to do that. It was worth the $57 that they cost to get that assurance up front. It very well may not be worth that to someone else, particularly an electrician, a lineman or an iron worker that Klein will last a lifetime for, at half the cost.
But, I make a specialized spring that requires me to cut a lot of piano wire. The piano wire eats up blue handle Klein. The edges get nicked and deformed. It's done the same for every other kind I tried, except Snap on. The real problem is that I have to make small cuts to length, taking only about 10 to 30 thousandths of an inch off. To do so, you have to have a sharp edge, with a long taper. Blunt edged cutters won't work. Sharp edge cutters nick or deform.
I started using an old snap-on set out of my toolbox. They were sharp enough to cut close, held up, and didn't get nicked or deformed. They were made in 1947 and are dual marked vacu-grip and snap on. After 10 years of using those, they were getting worn. Not nicked, worn. I thought I would like to replace them, as well as get slightly more leverage. I talked to my snap on dealer, and he told me he would order a set for me, and let me try them, and if they wouldn't hold an edge, he'd refund my money. And, he'd warranty them if they wore out. He even offered to warranty my 1947 pair. I declined, as I thought I had got a fair amount of use out of them in 10 years, and like them for nostalgia sake anyway. I can use them for copper or tie wire still, just not for precise cuts on piano wire.
I've been using the new snap-on pair for 2 years, and they are still working flawlessly.
I don't know that the Snap-on are the best, but they sure have worked. I'd like to try Knipex, but didn't have access to a place to look at them and try them before I bought. Snap-on, with their premium price, tool truck delivery, and absolute satisfaction guarantee allowed me to do that. It was worth the $57 that they cost to get that assurance up front. It very well may not be worth that to someone else, particularly an electrician, a lineman or an iron worker that Klein will last a lifetime for, at half the cost.
Found that out, they have a different diagonal cutter in store...those were $17 and seemed nice but a bit too much flex in the handles for my tastes. Might just order the ones on Amazon, doesn't hurt with Prime and if I hate them I can return them.
kctyphoon
Banned
Yea the model HD stock from crescent are the pivot pro's, the channellock 337's and 3 sizes of Milwaukee. I have the pivot pro's, they aren't bad, I have the channellock 338's. and the 338xlt's, every size of the old Milwaukee's (I hate to admit that they are horrible) and the 8" set of the newer milwakee. Which was a huge improvement but not on the level of the pro brands.. they probably have the compound cutting dewalt, I have those too, they are beyond horrible, and standard style dewalts I wouldn't bother buying. In the electrical isle they have both model of Kliens, I have the red handled versions, and some commercial electric versions - that I also own.
One of my HDs has all of those plus the Knipex! Too bad I already have two pairs of those. Knipex and Klein seem head and shoulders over the rest of them.
kctyphoon
Banned
I've never seen anything Knipex in any HD.. Are you sure?