Klein vs Channellock

[Brownsfan]

I am going to be buying some new pliers soon and am torn between the two brands. I will be buying some cutting pliers, linemans, needle nose, and heavy duty cutters. So what say the garage journal

 

[tweedlestan]

I would suggest you consider Knipex as well.

 

[jontar]

very close, but as a electrician, Kleins probably slightly ahead, on all of the above

 

[Wi Fire 10]

I have both channellock and Klein cutters. I would say the kleins are a higher quality, as far as the cutting edges, but not by too much. I like both brands very much. You can't go wring with either of them.

 

[rlitman]

Klein has several almost identical looking linesman pliers. Some have edges hard enough to cut piano wire, some do not. The cheapest ones are about equivalent to the Channellock, but they get better from there.

Generally, I like the pivot on my Kleins more than my Channellocks, once it is broken in, but Knipex is FAR superior when it comes to a smooth pivot in pliers.

Not that you mentioned it, but if you can find them, the Klein groove joint pliers (i.e. classic channel lock pliers) are actually a little better than actual Channellocks. I like the grip much more.

 

[3rdgen]

I'm a journeyman electrician and I'd vote for klein they seem to cut a little better then the knipex and a lot better then the channel locks.

 

[CWP1616L]

For needle nose pliers, go with MAC P92S

http://www.mactools.com/ShopOnline/Product/tabid/120/productid/322461/variantid/313220/Default.aspx

 

[Brownsfan]

I already have a mixture of both. I am looking at the 2000 series heavy duty diagonal cutters because they will cut more than just wire. Same series linesman. I have crimper/cutters from both brands and prefer the kleins. All of my adjustables are channellock so I am good there. I looked knipex but for similar products the were more expensive. I am half German lol. so I don't mind german tools. I have a set of Cornwell(witte) screwdrivers and like them a lot. I prefer USA made tools but am not set on it. I did have some Kobalt pliers and took them ALL back. They were absolute garbage. They slipped bent and just plain sucked

 

[Brownsfan]

Forgot to mention these will be used for automotive electrical jobs and some house electrical and home theater. I do both on the side now that I sold my shop. Not so much house electrical but some. I have a good friend and he is a journeyman electrician and I help him on weekends. I have most of these tools already in the snap on versions but I am putting a on the go tool set.

 

[CWP1616L]

It would be the best $24 you ever spent in your life.

 

[duude]

I like klein on all of the above except their "slip lock" pliers. (or whatever they are called)
Kleins seem to be inbetween on most of the common sizes you need to get a hold of. Channel lock 420s and 430s for about anything I have to do. Never tried Knimpex.

 

[Exceller8]

I normally would have said Klein for anything with a cutting edge but after buying a couple pairs of Knipex pliers I would say they have the edge.

 

[amguttin]

I like Channel lock alot, fit, finish, feel, and easy to sharpen cutters

 

[d.mcfarland]

Do they all have to be the same, or can you mix for the best of each style?

 

[Russianstyle]

I like all Klein tools, (I do electrical work)

 

[Brownsfan]

I have no problems mixing it up. I want the best function not look. These will be used not looked at. Like I said these are on the road tools for on site installs etc. I really like the Journeyman series. The grips are really comfortable.

 

[Higgins]

My dad had Klines when I was a Kid, and I've had Klines for over 40+ yrs. and all the tools are still working................

 

[Conductor562]

I have over 20 different pairs of Channellock brand pliers and a few Kleins as well. They are both very good pliers. Electricians have Klein on the brain, but I really don't see any difference. Channellock updated some of their linesman's a year or so ago and they are very good. I have the updated 369's and a pair of Kleins and I can't honestly say the Kleins are any better. To be fair, the Kleins I have are older and I can't attest to any updates Klein might have made, but the Channellocks are very nice.

 

[Davefr]

I am going to be buying some new pliers soon and am torn between the two brands. I will be buying some cutting pliers, linemans, needle nose, and heavy duty cutters. So what say the garage journal

For needle nose Kleins are superior. (get the D314-8's while you still can). Superior hardening and alternating jaw serrations means you can grip anything at any angle. (unlike Knipex's design)

 

[d.mcfarland]

I'm thinking the cutting design on the Channellock's cutters is going to be better for overall usability. Check out their website for the details on it, because I think they are the only ones that are like that.

 

[PowerGenGuy]

I have and use both! Klien 2000 series, tops. Linemans, dykes and needle nose klien first. I use channelock as well, dykes and needlenose not as good as klien IMO. Klien are heftier and pricy. Have not tried knipex. Buy each plier in both brands, you decide!

 

[0.511MeV]

I think Klein are too expensive for what they are. Channellock are probably the best value in pliers, in my opinion. I just haven't found much difference in fit, finish, durability, etc between Klein and Channellock. Channellock are cheaper, so I think they are the better value.

That said, for linemans and heavy duty cutters, I'll take Knipex. I find Knipex way more comfortable than Klein or Channellock (I have big hands). The CoBolt mini bolt cutters are fantastic, best heavy duty cutters on the market.

If the needlenose are only used for forming wire, Knipex are great too. If you need to really grab and yank on stuff, get Channellock. The Knipex steel is too springy to get a really good grip on something.