Klein red replacement grips on other brands.

[redwrench60]

I have a pair of Knipex linemans pliers that are pretty nice. They have a crimper for non insulated terminals, a fish tape puller and are rated for hardened materials. The crosshatch area is super grippy, the machining is excellent and cutting performance is superb. Only thing is......they’re not Kleins. What I mean is the handles feel smaller and have a slightly different shape than the traditional Klein lineman plier. I notice it when really twisting and pulling or working fast that something just isn’t right. It’s purely an ergonomic thing for me. Since I love the maroon Klein replacement grips I thought about cutting off the Knipex dipped grips and installing a set. Anyone try this. Is it blasphemy or a good mod?

 

[AS556]

Tagged. I have an old pair of Knipex pliers missing the handles.

 

[rhandwor]

I purchased a couple sets at a flea market for some long needle nose pliers. I had to place them in boiling water to push on. They cooled and I had to wear gloves put the pliers in boiling water reheat and finish getting them on the pliers.

 

[redwrench60]

Well I decided to try it out. I’ll say the factory Knipex dipped handles did NOT want to come off. They don’t simply cut and peel off. They used some kind of adhesion promotor or something they took effort to remove. That said it totally changed the feel and personality of these linemans. I used them for a few days at work doing a wire heavy project and they performed well. I didn’t really like these linemans before but I guess I just prefer the red Tenite grips. They’re grippy but not tacky, not overly fat but provide a substantial feel and are tough as hell. These pliers are keepers now.

 

[ganymede]

Heres a pair of old (40's
?) Boker pliers with Klien grips.
They fit fine

View media item 75273

 

[bonneyman]

I bought a few pairs of those maroon grips back in the day, just to have them in case I found some NOS condition pliers to put 'em on. Still have a used pair.

You gotta soak them in boiling water for about 10-15 minutes, then quickly force them on. Once they cool they are virtually impossible to get off unscathed. Maybe if you boiled the pliers to soften them first?

 

[supertooljunkie]

I have two pair of Knipex linesmans pliers with red Klein grips. They work great. Bought mine through both City Electric, and Amazon.

Give it a try.

 

[kctyphoon]

I may have to resort to these.. i ordered two pairs of discontinued Ideal grips, that were “in stock” only to have my order cancelled two days later. I honestly cant stand the color Klein made those things.

 

[67vetteguy]

They are a great upgrade to your pliers. I have put them on most of my pliers and they look and feel great. I use 3 sizes and they fit perfectly.

 

[cody1325]

Mine are on Proto 267s, and they fit without issue.

They give grip without being rubbery (which breaks down), and aren't as permanent as say, Plastidip.