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Klein Tools

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MoparTrucks

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Now to actually answer the question. Klein pliers and cutters are great. I have a lot of Klein tools and they are great. Mopar. Go to your local Home Depot and check them out. The new screwdrivers look promising.
Thanks for that, the closest HD is about 100 miles from here but I was finally able to get on their website and they only sell them online apparently. The 9 piece set that looks similar to what I saw was $59 and change at HD though the handles look a little lighter color. I have to go back to the electrical warehouse next week and will see what I can work out with them but the $59 gives me a starting point.
 
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MoparTrucks

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If the shoe fits. I'm not going to sugar coat it.
And again your trolling and its clear you never even read the thread or you would not be calling people names and I truly dont understand your animosity towards a simple question. You have over 7500 posts and apparently live here, no doubt you have high speed Internet, and yet are such a genius you cant overlook a thread your not interested in.

Calling me a liar because I ask a question and state I couldnt find what I was looking for on the search function is way over the top there cowboy. Have you even tried it? Do you understand that every thread with videos or pictures slows some of us down to the point where the page loads line by line?

I wont sugar coat it either, your coming across as extremely immature particularly in light of the many helpful responses from members who took a few seconds to point me in the right direction.
 

zkling

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MoparTrucks, I am very sorry that I jumped to a conclusion. I have come to realize that the search function works differently for different people. Maybe I just have good luck with it :dunno:

Hopefully you will take these few threads as a gesture of my apology. :beer: And no my internet is painfully slow, especially since I am currently through a VPN.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186717
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108876
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=214513
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154799
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=203226
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1472
 

C96

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On a happier note:

Klein tools are typically used in the US by electricians. I have many and find them to be very good for electrical work. Probably the rubber handles, etc. are best suited to fairly clean environments, not greasy old cars, etc. They also make good pouches, canvas bags, belts, etc.

Klein tools in general are specific to the electrical industry and tailored towards the needs of the journeyman electrician working in the field, just as Snap-On is for auto mechanics.

As skruft points out, these tools are not exactly meant to be used in repairing automobiles in a gasoline, grease and chemical type environment. Instead, they are designed and tailored for working on electrical equipment, switchgear, panelboards, etc. with some having safety features to help with eliminating shock hazards and the like.

This may be why many don’t find them appealing to use in the non electrical industry environment.

Trying to use Snap-On tools designed mostly for the auto industry in the electrical construction world may be uncomfortable and downright unsafe for most electricians.

Each of these tool companies are trade specific and tailored for the needs of that industry.

You know the saying: “Tools of The Trade”
 

sberry

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I was a ********* Klein driver buyer but found over the years others work just as good and have flea mkt ones that held up just as well. The cutters seem to hold up about as well as any and the handles on nut drivers are good. I can shear off a 1/4 soft bolt pretty easy with one. As someone noted around 7$ for a driver depending on size.
 

Southernbuild

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Overall, I love my Klein tools, they are my go-to tools for electrical needs. There have been some talk about their screwdrivers going down hill, mine are probably 7+ years old, and are holding up well to occasional use. Maybe the new ones are softer....

Most of the Klein line is USA made, but it seems like all their new tool models are China / Taiwan :(

I love their curved handle wire strippers, and probably have 6+ pairs. Also, if you can afford the journeyman series pliers, you will NOT regret it. Great tools :thumbup:
 
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MoparTrucks

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MoparTrucks, I am very sorry that I jumped to a conclusion. I have come to realize that the search function works differently for different people. Maybe I just have good luck with it :dunno:

Hopefully you will take these few threads as a gesture of my apology. :beer: And no my internet is painfully slow, especially since I am currently through a VPN.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186717
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=108876
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=214513
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154799
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=203226
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1472
Thank you. I think did figure out what I was doing wrong I think. I originally put this thread in the Free Parking section and was using the Search function there which I thought was for the whole forum but its apparently different for each section and you cant search the whole forum...is that correct?

Back to the Klein tools; the fact that they are for electrical work primarily and wouldnt be the best for auto work is noted but one of the things that attracted me to them right away besides what looked like quality and made in the USA is the big heavy rubber grips. I have reached that age where arthritis is taking a toll on my grip and I need something bigger round and softer. I dont know if anyone else has that problem but I am going to take a closer look at them again next week.
 

sberry

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I love their curved handle wire strippers, and probably have 6+ pairs. Also, if you can afford the journeyman series pliers, you will NOT regret it. Great tools

I got 1 worn out pair and 4 more 50% worn out. At the rate I use them today wont need to buy another. Klein was the innovator accepted by the trade, the grips being good. Klein had good pricing to the trades all the way along like Channelock. A vendor could sell a tool even at list and not rob the customer. I put a lot of screw and nut drivers on someone elses bill, they would have pissed and moaned if it would have been 80$ but no one said a word about a couple 7$ screwdrivers and pair of pliers at 15 on the bill.

I remember this guy hired me to install some job his men were going to run, in a day when you could already buy a good wrench for less I charged up 4 on his account at the auto parts store, he had account at a local store, had the Ace China and a lot of brand, had a flier sale on Channelocks and I bought all they had, about 10 pair and some pipe wrenches and a couple wrench roll sets half ok for 20, gave it to his men. 2 or 3 extension cords too as I recall. ha
 
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Bruce57

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Feb 16, 2014
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I have Klein wire cutting and stripping tools. They work very well, better than my Snap-on equivalents. I also have Klein and Snap on screwdriver sets. The Klein are good screwdrivers and grip screws well, however I prefer the handles on the Snap-on's. Both good screwdrivers.
 

rockinacummins

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I have a set of Klein Nut Drivers and a pair of Klein Cable Cutters. The nut drivers are years old and I'm unsure of the age on the cable cutters. They all work great for me and best of all they say USA.
 

jefferyb_2

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I'm an Electrician and for years all I ever used were klein tools. However in the last few years I feel that their quality has gone downhill. I've since switched to Knipex and NWS pliers, Matco (Witte) screwdrivers, and Ideal wire strippers.
 

Pumpman1968

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When I started in the business in 1986, one of the tools I was told to buy was a Klein 5 in 1 screwdriver. At 17, I was pretty surprised at the price for 1 screwdriver and almost bought the store brand. I've worn out a few sets of bits, but, I still carry that same driver with me everyday. Doesn't seem so expensive now.
 

pauls_workshop

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For those interested, there are closeout deals still going on on Klein associated US made linesmans, needlenose pliers, big diagonal cutters, some wire strippers. See thread link here. Klein made a "WirePro" brand in the early 2000s and some products there, but then shut it down later. The tools are very good compared to my old US Kleins, way better than I was expecting when I tried them and very cheap. Recommended. - Paul

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=239557
 

n8n

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When I started in the business in 1986, one of the tools I was told to buy was a Klein 5 in 1 screwdriver. At 17, I was pretty surprised at the price for 1 screwdriver and almost bought the store brand. I've worn out a few sets of bits, but, I still carry that same driver with me everyday. Doesn't seem so expensive now.

The 11 in 1 is way more useful as it has Torx and Robertson as well... but yeah, I have two of them, great tools. You can do a lot with that, a pair of linesman's pliers (commonly called Kleins... hmmm... wonder why) and maybe a pair of needle nose (I never did master making a loop in a wire with Kleins,)
 

ecotec

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I have been an electrician since '94. To this day, I probably still use Klein more than any other brand.

The 2000 series lineman's pliers and diagonal pliers are the best. I have tried other brands (Knipex…). The nut drivers are good for electricians because they are hollow shaft.

The screwdriver tips have been discussed to death. They are not as good as they once were. They are addressing the problem.
 

jeffmoss26

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I use a lot of Klein in the low voltage wiring/IT field. Their mainline stuff, pliers etc are excellent. I have many old pairs of Klein pliers that still perform like new, or even better!
Screwdrivers are not as good as they once were, that is for sure. I do not like the stuff they are having made overseas, namely the tools for voice and data work. Most of the ones I've seen at tradeshows have not really impressed me.
 

PBCampbell

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Klein pliers use to(maybe still are) the bee's knees. My goto pliers are the Klein "Iron Workers" , long nose, and diagonals. It may just be their impression of "stoutness", but they've held up well over the years. I possibly own as many Knipex as all other brands combined(love their pump pliers), but I'll reach for those Kleins first. Screwdrivers have always been good, but there are many choices worthwhile to be had these days.
 

kngelv

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Industrial electrician here. I'm pretty happy with all of my Klein tools. I've been on a Wiha kick lately but there are still some things that Klein screwdrivers do very well. For example, sometimes electricians have to secure hot wires to terminal strips in electrical panels. I usually hold the wire just behind the exposed copper with a pair of needlenose in one hand and secure it with a Klein screwdriver in the other. I think Klein have the best one handed balance of any screwdriver made.

James
 

ecotec

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I think Klein have the best one handed balance of any screwdriver made.
James

I would agree with this. They are really well balanced and intuitive. I worked with Klein screwdrivers for most of 20 years. They have served me pretty well. The tips have been pretty soft recently, though. I have ruined many #2 phillips in recent years.

For a while, i used the Wiha insulated set from Sears. I consider the experiment a fail. The sizes of the tips are just not correct for electrical fittings, devices… Also the insulated coating is too thick. There were a few places that I could not get my screwdriver into because of the thickness of the insulation. If I were to ever try insulated screwdrivers again, they would be the slimline version.

I recently bought some Wera 300 series screwdrivers and terminating screwdrivers. I am going to try these out in my work tools for every screwdriver except the big slotted, conduit reaming screwdriver, and stubby phillips and slotted. I am staying with Klein for those. We shall see how it goes.
 
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Brownsfan

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I have been an electrician since '94. To this day, I probably still use Klein more than any other brand.

The 2000 series lineman's pliers and diagonal pliers are the best. I have tried other brands (Knipex…). The nut drivers are good for electricians because they are hollow shaft.

The screwdriver tips have been discussed to death. They are not as good as they once were. They are addressing the problem.

The 2000 series cutters are the best I have used. I have a lot of cutters from all kinds of brands knipex and snap on included and none have performed as well as the 2000 series. My new favorite set of cutter/crimpers are the 1005 kleins. Now with the Journeyman series handles on them the are now priceless to me. The grips are the best I EVER used. Very close second is Snap On
 

ecotec

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I never liked the Journeyman grips. I prefer the dipped grips. I do like the 1005 crimper. It is the sta-kon tool in my work box.

I also use Klein needle nose and strippers (11055).
 

jefferyb_2

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The Klein 2000 series has gone down hill in quality. I had a pair of j2000 linesmans for a few years that I loved. They were stolen a year and a half ago and I've been thru 2 pair of replacements since then. My next linesmans will be Knipex. As far as needle nose and strippers the Knipex needle nose and Ideal t strippers are much better than Klein.
 

PowerGenGuy

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British Columbia, Canada
Electrician/Mechanic here. Klien pliers are top notch. I admit that for the last 15yrs or so I have used Channellock 369s. Klien dykes are best. For some reason my Klien needle nose would always walk away. I would replace them, and they would walk away. Then I switched to CL needlenose, and they stick around. Switched to CL mostly (pliers)because of price, and the quality is good. Canadian Tire here has CL on sale every other week. Klien Philips tips and Robertson tips were too soft. I was replacing the #2 Philips way too often, till I switched to SO. Definetly the klien screwdriver are not for the mechanic environment, IMO.
 
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MoparTrucks

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Well to follow this through, I got paid today and went back to the electrical warehouse to get some more 1.5" conduit and another sweep and ended up buying the 7 piece set. They seem to be really well made and though I didnt get much of a deal (paid a little over $55 incl tax) it was nice to have them right away. I think the same set from HD was a 9 piece for $59 plus shipping.

In the last pic you can see the old Stanley's I have been using since HS and these are just a bit bigger round in circumference to make a difference for me and the rubber grips feel a lot better on my hands. Arthritis has caused me to have trouble gripping things and it is exceedingly painful at times trying to use some hand tools particularly drivers and pliers.

Everything on the packaging and on the grips says "Made in the USA - Chicago, Ill" so I am assuming these are in fact made in the US. Anyway, I am pleased with them and they are by far better quality than anything I have had before screw driver wise.

27yofiu.jpg


wlxcv4.jpg


nleiys.jpg
 

metaldad

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kleins were made in skokie, near chitcago.
they have moved the plant to texas.
they have now out sourced their adjustables to irega of spain.
good quality tools, at a decent price.
 

ecotec

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Klein screwdrivers were more comfortable to the hand before they changed to the raised lettering. The raised lettering actually kind of hurts a little if you are not wearing gloves. Anyone else notice this?
 

jeffmoss26

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kleins were made in skokie, near chitcago.
they have moved the plant to texas.
they have now out sourced their adjustables to irega of spain.
good quality tools, at a decent price.

That's news to me. I know Channellock's adjustables are made by Irega.
 

gasaxeman

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Hodag Country. Rhinelander,WI
I have tried all different brands myself.
I switched from Klein to Weha and prefer them. The blades seem to last a lot longer.
The Germans make great screwdrivers. I had some Pratt reed made in Slovakia that we're also very nice. I still use their #2 Phillips daily.



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 

NoahG

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That's news to me. I know Channellock's adjustables are made by Irega.

I think some of their biggest adjustables are, such as the 18" and 24" are made in Spain, but the rest of the line is still USA. I'll be very sad if Klein has stopped making adjustables in the USA. I've had my eye on that D509-8 wrench.


The Spaniards do make a fine wrench, though, and I love my Channellock 6WCB
 
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kiatech

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2nd year electrician apprentice here. The only klien I own is stuff I have found or was given to me.
 

metaldad

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That's news to me. I know Channellock's adjustables are made by Irega.

they have plain handled, (no grip), stamped spain,,,,,,,,,, i assume irega.
the wide opening, similiar to channey's wide opening, but the body stamp is different, but still has that (i find) stupid size scale on the jaws, are also spanish.
 

monomach

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I coulndt find anything about them in the forum search so I apologize if this has been covered somewhere. I was buying some 100 amp wire and conduit at an electrical supply warehouse today to get the electrical to my shop and they had a display of Klein tools and man was I impressed.

They all said made in the USA and even as a weekend warrior I could tell they were far and above anything I currently own (mostly Craftsman, Kobalt and the like). Even the screw drivers blew me away and they seemed like they were of better quality than some of the tool truck brands my friend has.

I have never seen this brand come up in discussions here and none of them had prices marked so I assume they are pricey but does anyone have any experience with them?
They're discussed pretty regularly, but mostly in threads about electrician's tools, as that's who they've always been marketed to. They're mentioned in virtually all screwdriver threads around here, too. They're pretty much the go-to for linesman's pliers, crimpers, strippers, nut drivers, and screwdrivers (especially insulated) in that trade.

My uncle worked for them for 30-something years until he died in the 90s, selling them wholesale to big industrial customers in the Chicagoland area and Milwaukee. Obviously, this resulted in my father getting loads of the tools at cost and once, a box of 100 orange Klein t-shirts for free.

Most of the stuff they make is excellent, but the advent of internet shopping brought us cheaper stuff of the same or near quality that we couldn't get before, which makes them a pretty poor choice for quality/cost ratio in today's world...except for the 9" lineman's pliers, imo. I LOVE mine. They're from the 80s and they still feel absolutely perfect. I wouldn't mess around with changing those out, even though I have a pair of Knipex sitting around still unopened.

Unfortunately, not all of their stuff is still made in the US these days. They've slowly started sneaking imports into the lineup.
 
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MoparTrucks

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Its been an interesting journey for me now that I am retired to our farm. I have always done my own wrenching and around the house repairs but just made do with whatever tools I could get and since we moved all the time I never really had a shop or paid much attention to quality.

Since I have gotten into Garage Journal I have learned a lot and have definitely learned to appreciate quality tools and machinery. Thanks to Garage Journal I now have the HF 44" roller (very high quality for me and my budget), an old Rock Island vise, refurbed a battle ship desk, and slowly but surely I am amassing some decent tools. My next foray into tools purchase will be some decent pliers as I have mostly bargain bin junk that I would not even want to give away.

I have never heard of Wiha either and have yet to figure out how to get a hold of the Snap-On or MAC trucks (the two I see in a nearby town). I never even see a phone number on the side of their trucks and when I have seen them they are passing by.
 

monomach

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Its been an interesting journey for me now that I am retired to our farm. I have always done my own wrenching and around the house repairs but just made do with whatever tools I could get and since we moved all the time I never really had a shop or paid much attention to quality.

Since I have gotten into Garage Journal I have learned a lot and have definitely learned to appreciate quality tools and machinery. Thanks to Garage Journal I now have the HF 44" roller (very high quality for me and my budget), an old Rock Island vise, refurbed a battle ship desk, and slowly but surely I am amassing some decent tools. My next foray into tools purchase will be some decent pliers as I have mostly bargain bin junk that I would not even want to give away.

I have never heard of Wiha either and have yet to figure out how to get a hold of the Snap-On or MAC trucks (the two I see in a nearby town). I never even see a phone number on the side of their trucks and when I have seen them they are passing by.

Don't deal with a truck if you don't work at a shop on his route. At least half of the guys will just plain say no to your warranty returns unless they're happy with how much you spend with them on a regular basis. You're better off buying from the website and mailing-in warranties if you want truck brands.

For pliers, though...you'll be very happy if you just put together a set of Knipex piece-by-piece as you find them on sale.
 

sberry

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They're discussed pretty regularly, but mostly in threads about electrician's tools, as that's who they've always been marketed to. They're mentioned in virtually all screwdriver threads around here, too. They're pretty much the go-to for linesman's pliers, crimpers, strippers, nut drivers, and screwdrivers (especially insulated) in that trade.

My uncle worked for them for 30-something years until he died in the 90s, selling them wholesale to big industrial customers in the Chicagoland area and Milwaukee. Obviously, this resulted in my father getting loads of the tools at cost and once, a box of 100 orange Klein t-shirts for free.

Most of the stuff they make is excellent, but the advent of internet shopping brought us cheaper stuff of the same or near quality that we couldn't get before, which makes them a pretty poor choice for quality/cost ratio in today's world...except for the 9" lineman's pliers, imo. I LOVE mine. They're from the 80s and they still feel absolutely perfect. I wouldn't mess around with changing those out, even though I have a pair of Knipex sitting around still unopened.

Unfortunately, not all of their stuff is still made in the US these days. They've slowly started sneaking imports into the lineup.

Yes, good perspective. The number 9 is hard to beat, like you said, near perfect. Since we talk a little here my helper was commenting today between the difference in a 7 inch and the real thing, so much more leverage.
 
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