Knipex Availability & Pricing

[Handyandy23]

Not sure if this is just a local thing, or if it's more wide spread, but has anyone else noticed the cost and availability of Knipex pliers has been getting worse?

HD in Canada had the 10" Pliers Wrench regularly stocked for $57, and it was something I always thought I'd buy next time. Just the other day stock ran out, and now the peg shows $79. I don't think Canada is imposing any tariffs on Germany or anywhere else Knipex would be coming from, so not sure how they justify jacking the price by like 50%.

I was also in the US earlier this week and expected to find some Knipex in stores. Checked out HD, Lowe's, and Menards in Ohio and the only one that stocked any Knipex in store was Menards, but only a few styles. You can buy Knipex online through HD, but the stores only stocked CL, Milwaukee, DeWalt, etc

Is the availability of Knipex going backwards here? Or has it always been this way?

 

[AS556]

Can't get it on Amazon?

 

[plinker]

I never see/saw Knipex stuff around here unless it was on the tool truck. Parts stores like Napa could order through their vendors, but didnt stock anything that I can remember.

Menards carrying their product is a somewhat recent development from what I know. I haven not seen any at Home depot.

Keep in mind the internet changed a lot and has only been around twenty years or so since it got to be common place for everybody to use it. I'd say the last ten years changed just as much in regards to what product you can get from where. Previous to this mail order was the only option if the store didnt have it.

 

[Wamsutta]

The quickest way is to type the Knipex model number into Google and press Enter. Don't forget the spaces between the numbers.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Live in ohio, dont know which part of town here you visited. But I've never seen knipex stocked at any hardware store. You can order from HD and there good about 2 day shipping so they must be stocked at a warehouse somewhere.

 

[paulsomlo]

Amazon.de

 

[WittHay]

There is no Knipex Canada so all the tools get shipped from Germany to the big warehouse in the US and then shipped up here. Parts for German equipment have gone up considerably in the last year. I am sure there is some trade issues between the US and Germany and then some trade, border, and dollar exchange issues between US and Canada

We have large tool stores here on the coast and Knipex has always been available and on display. KMS tools has the 10" plier wrench for $65. Knipex has been at Home Depot the last few years and prices are good. Actually looked at a Cobra plier for the first time at HD the other day. Light plier with lots of little teeth in the adjustment groove. Perfect for clean jobs like electrical. Napa Canada also has Knipex at the regional warehouses and some stores and is on sale every so often

My Mac dealer has had good deals on some Knipex. Lastly the big part store chains around here deal with a tool wholesaler that can get any Knipex product in a couple of days but it is expensive. $10 to $20 more than Home Depot Canada prices

The Knipex diagonal was from Home Depot a while back, The SK stuff ordered through the local parts store and the Knipex pipe wrench from my Mac dealer.

 

[Handyandy23]

Can't get it on Amazon?

It does all seem to be readily available on Amazon, but it's still disappointing to me that HD by my house used to stock these at a fair price, and now the price has gone up and selection gone down.

I've also found in Canada that amazon.ca prices are generally controlled by how other vendors are pricing. Those 10" Pliers wrenches that were $57 I'm HD were stuck at $57 on Amazon as well, but now that HD is up to $79, Amazon is up to $70.

Having them in stores keeps the price in check across the board, but the more they become a internet specialty tool the higher the cost seems to get. Meanwhile HD is packing the shelves with overpriced lower quality pliers with power tool brand names on them.

 

[SteveSzabs]

For Canadian's I think this is the best store to buy Knipex from is Atlas Machinery. They have a website but I don't have enough posts to be allowed to post a link it seems.

Amazon is good also. I find making a list of all the stuff you want and keeping it in your cart is a good way to track when prices go up and down. If you are patient you can grab stuff off amazon grossly underpriced.

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

KC Tool's online store has a great selection of tools from Europe, including Knipex. Knipex is almost non-existent in stores in my area.

 

[JRas]

Snap-On trucks sell and will warranty them (I've been told by rep).

Amazon, Home Depot I've seen rarely, I don't shop at lowes often...best manufacture they sell is Lenox IMO.

 

[Showkey]

Menards has a about 10 various choices.

At the price point..........I think most big box stores would decline to carry a large selection.

 

[measuredtwice]

Prices don't seem to have changed yet in the USA. At Menards the 10" Cobra is around $30 and the 10" Pliers Wrench is around $50. 11% less after rebate today. They regularly run 11% off rebates. I can walk in any day of the week and buy one at Menards. For shipping, buy from Zoro with a coupon. Don't know about the cost of shipping to Canada since I live in the US.

Walmart also sells them with free pickup at the store and free shipping over a certain dollar amount. Prices at Walmart are similar to Amazon.

 

[techieman33]

KC Tool's online store has a great selection of tools from Europe, including Knipex. Knipex is almost non-existent in stores in my area.

KC Tool is fine if they're the only ones with something in stock and you need it right away. I used to buy from them on occasion but their prices have skyrocketed in comparison to everyone else.

 

[Handyandy23]

Prices don't seem to have changed yet in the USA. At Menards the 10" Cobra is around $30 and the 10" Pliers Wrench is around $50. 11% less after rebate today. They regularly run 11% off rebates. I can walk in any day of the week and buy one at Menards. For shipping, buy from Zoro with a coupon. Don't know about the cost of shipping to Canada since I live in the US.

Walmart also sells them with free pickup at the store and free shipping over a certain dollar amount. Prices at Walmart are similar to Amazon.

I was in a Menards around Parma, OH and they didn't stock the pliers wrench for some reason. Probably would have grabbed it if they did. Also the 11% seemed better to me at first, but since it's 11% store credit for future purchases it made a lot less sense given I live in Canada and barely go to the US.

Walmart.ca has some Knipex but it's all through 3rd party vendors and the pricing blows.

 

[Farmall450]

I've seen it at Farm & Fleet and Menards here in Northern IL

 

[Tallpilot]

KC Tool is fine if they're the only ones with something in stock and you need it right away. I used to buy from them on occasion but their prices have skyrocketed in comparison to everyone else.

That's been my impression. I think they offer great service and I like the free 1/4" bit but it's too easy to comparison shop. I don't like places that consistently charge 20-50% more than everyone else.

 

[M6erfan]

I don't order much from them either, but I was looking at Wiha screwdrivers today and KC Tool seems price competitive, with reasonable shipping.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Not sure if this is just a local thing, or if it's more wide spread, but has anyone else noticed the cost and availability of Knipex pliers has been getting worse?

HD in Canada had the 10" Pliers Wrench regularly stocked for $57, and it was something I always thought I'd buy next time. Just the other day stock ran out, and now the peg shows $79. I don't think Canada is imposing any tariffs on Germany or anywhere else Knipex would be coming from, so not sure how they justify jacking the price by like 50%.

I was also in the US earlier this week and expected to find some Knipex in stores. Checked out HD, Lowe's, and Menards in Ohio and the only one that stocked any Knipex in store was Menards, but only a few styles. You can buy Knipex online through HD, but the stores only stocked CL, Milwaukee, DeWalt, etc

Is the availability of Knipex going backwards here? Or has it always been this way?

It's not just Knipex, it's higher quality tools in general as far as the big box stores go. I used to be able to buy Knipex at my local Lowes. They were located in the electrical department. Lowes phased those out and replaced with a lesser quality product. Notice I did not say cheaper. I thought "Ok, I can still go to Home Depot and buy Klein." Fast forward a couple years and HD started reducing their number of Klein offerings and replacing them with lesser quality tools. Notice once again, I did not say cheaper. That left Menards and they were only ever hit and miss with Knipex. I think the big boxes are just bumping up their profit margins knowing that their shoppers will mostly "settle" for what they're offering. Most industrial or trades customers can go thru Grainger or some other supplier to get professional quality tools.

 

[Professional Tool User]

It does all seem to be readily available on Amazon, but it's still disappointing to me that HD by my house used to stock these at a fair price, and now the price has gone up and selection gone down.

I've also found in Canada that amazon.ca prices are generally controlled by how other vendors are pricing. Those 10" Pliers wrenches that were $57 I'm HD were stuck at $57 on Amazon as well, but now that HD is up to $79, Amazon is up to $70.

Having them in stores keeps the price in check across the board, but the more they become a internet specialty tool the higher the cost seems to get. Meanwhile HD is packing the shelves with overpriced lower quality pliers with power tool brand names on them.

You are putting things out of perspective. The list prices for Knipex are a lot higher than what Home Depot sells them for. There were only ever 4 styles of Knipex pliers available at certain HD locations in Canada. Go try buying Knipex at an electrical supplier and you'll be paying list or close to list prices. I am pretty sure the high pricing is dictated by the price floor set by Knipex. I'm guessing that HD Canada got introductory pricing for the initial batch and that's over now.

 

[Handyandy23]

It's not just Knipex, it's higher quality tools in general as far as the big box stores go. I used to be able to buy Knipex at my local Lowes. They were located in the electrical department. Lowes phased those out and replaced with a lesser quality product. Notice I did not say cheaper. I thought "Ok, I can still go to Home Depot and buy Klein." Fast forward a couple years and HD started reducing their number of Klein offerings and replacing them with lesser quality tools. Notice once again, I did not say cheaper. That left Menards and they were only ever hit and miss with Knipex. I think the big boxes are just bumping up their profit margins knowing that their shoppers will mostly "settle" for what they're offering. Most industrial or trades customers can go thru Grainger or some other supplier to get professional quality tools.

I can't say I've seen exactly the same thing locally to me. It just seems like quality tools are being replaced on the hooks with cheaper tools. I haven't seen anything in the same price range as Knipex in my local HD or Lowe's, just several options of cheaper pliers. Husky, Crescent, DeWalt, Milwaukee are all less expensive.

Although it could be true that the cheaper ones still have a higher profit margin than Knipex at a higher price. I think just overall the average HD customer isn't spending $70 on a pair of pliers.

 

[dthor68]

Not sure what everyone else said but as far as I know Knipex is only sold in Manards. When I visit my parents in Hamilton Ohio we saw them in stock. Home Depot only carries them online and they and Menards both have very good prices on them, much better than KC Tools. Not sure why Canada’s prices have gone up but expect prices to go up in US as well.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[SDMF74]

Im looking at a pair of knipex insulated combo pliers and I was trying to determine the finish on them so I went to Knipex site and I cant find a designation for the 8 anywhere?
it only goes up to 7 but im sure they are legit Knipex?
Knipex 0208200US 8-Inch High Leverage Combination Pliers - 1,000 Volt

Im new and cant post links but its in knipex' pliers catalogue
scroll to the bottom, page 282

 

[davethorik]

If I would have known you were coming to Ohio I could have directed you to a Menards that seems to consistently have Knipex in stock, including the pliers wrench (Massillon OH).
Seems like prices have crept up, I bought my 10" pliers wrench there a few years ago and I'm wanting to say it was around $40.

I'm surprised they keep Knipex stocked, to be honest. As mentioned, Lowe's here in the US sold it but nobody bought it until it was on the clearance rack. Although for more basic pliers (e.g. anything but pliers wrench), the Knipex price really isn't that bad.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I picked up a few at Menards when visiting my Grandma back in Indiana,but I usually just order them from Zoro with a coupon.

 

[mrjaw14]

They are a specialty tool due to price. Unfortunately you don't know what you're missing until you use them. for 99% of people out there the task force pliers they use are fine lol

 

[Empty Pockets]

HJE also has Knipex

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Thought is stop back to this thread since the other day I said I've never saw knipex pliers stocked here in ohio. I never even heard of them until garage journal.

Was out buying new guts and seals for my toilet yesterday, saw about 3 rows of Knipex. At menards of course, I picked up the pliers wrench to try out.

I'll say I wasn't really that impressed with them honestly. I saw a pair of Milwaukees at home depot that almost felt like the same quality and had similar design. They worked well when I tried them out on my toilet, which really isnt anything heavy duty. But they didnt work amazing as others described. They felt kind of cheap honestly.

Anyways they had em, maybe I just had too high of expectations. I know alot of the rave is because of the cobra/alligators. Maybe I'll try them out one day to see if my opinion changes.

My pliers wrench didnt have the cobra quick set feature though, I kind of was expecting it to. The "ratcheting" motion is just a sales gimmick.

Made me realize how crappy some of the "reviewers" are here and on youtube.

I'll keep them though.

 

[measuredtwice]

Thought is stop back to this thread since the other day I said I've never saw knipex pliers stocked here in ohio. I never even heard of them until garage journal.

Was out buying new guts and seals for my toilet yesterday, saw about 3 rows of Knipex. At menards of course, I picked up the pliers wrench to try out.

I'll say I wasn't really that impressed with them honestly. I saw a pair of Milwaukees at home depot that almost felt like the same quality and had similar design. They worked well when I tried them out on my toilet, which really isnt anything heavy duty. But they didnt work amazing as others described. They felt kind of cheap honestly.

Anyways they had em, maybe I just had too high of expectations. I know alot of the rave is because of the cobra/alligators. Maybe I'll try them out one day to see if my opinion changes.

My pliers wrench didnt have the cobra quick set feature though, I kind of was expecting it to. The "ratcheting" motion is just a sales gimmick.

Made me realize how crappy some of the "reviewers" are here and on youtube.

I'll keep them though.

Although I think it is well made, I also wasn't that impressed with the utility of the pliers wrench as an adjustable wrench substitute. And I had a similar impression about the "ratcheting" ( bolt rounding ) action.

Definitely get a 10" Cobra if you have a need for that tool. I don't think I've ever heard of someone not liking the Cobra.

 

[techieman33]

Although I think it is well made, I also wasn't that impressed with the utility of the pliers wrench as an adjustable wrench substitute. And I had a similar impression about the "ratcheting" ( bolt rounding ) action.

Definitely get a 10" Cobra if you have a need for that tool. I don't think I've ever heard of someone not liking the Cobra.

I'm also in the camp of not that impressed with the pliers wrench. Lots of people seem to love them though.

 

[SDMF74]

I'll answer my own question. Apparently there is a USA division called KNIPEX Tools LP and the 08 designation is for the US knipex tools only. Thats why I couldnt find it in the german catalogue. Unfortunately the USA site doesnt list the model number designations like the german site does.
Oh and the Knipex 0208200US 8-Inch High Leverage Combination Pliers - 1,000 Volt are black atremenetized not chrome plated,

Which brings me to my next question. Do you guys prefer the black atrementized or the chrome plated (not referring to duller nickel plated ones) and which ones seem to rust easier?

 

[measuredtwice]

I'm also in the camp of not that impressed with the pliers wrench. Lots of people seem to love them though.

I'm not alone!

Which brings me to my next question. Do you guys prefer the black atrementized or the chrome plated (not referring to duller nickel plated ones) and which ones seem to rust easier?

Not sure if you are serious. Black atramentized will rust "easier". To minimize rust, you can wipe down the tool with a rag damp with mineral oil. Or for longer storage, you can use a paste wax.

Chrome can not rust. It forms a physical barrier (more permanent than oil or wax). BUT rust can form on the underlying steel at microscopic holes in the chrome. Not all chrome is the same. Some hard chrome is thin. Some chrome like triple chrome plating is thick and more resistant to rust. Both thin and thick chrome have pros and cons. A gripping or cutting surface that has a thick chrome plating will not grip or cut as well as black atramentized. Thick chrome is also more prone to chipping. Whether I prefer the black atramentized or chrome depends on the tool and the use of that tool and the environment.

 

[Handyandy23]

Interesting opinions on the pliers wrench. Everywhere else I had read people seemed to really like them. I'd like to try them because they seem like an interesting idea, but I also don't really want to drop $80 just to try something. Maybe I'm better off looking for a better adjustable wrench with less slop.

 

[SDMF74]

I'm not alone!



Not sure if you are serious. Black atramentized will rust "easier". To minimize rust, you can wipe down the tool with a rag damp with mineral oil. Or for longer storage, you can use a paste wax.

Chrome can not rust. It forms a physical barrier (more permanent than oil or wax). BUT rust can form on the underlying steel at microscopic holes in the chrome. Not all chrome is the same. Some hard chrome is thin. Some chrome like triple chrome plating is thick and more resistant to rust. Both thin and thick chrome have pros and cons. A gripping or cutting surface that has a thick chrome plating will not grip or cut as well as black atramentized. Thick chrome is also more prone to chipping. Whether I prefer the black atramentized or chrome depends on the tool and the use of that tool and the environment.

Its just that I saw a couple pics of the chrome plated ones that looked in pretty bad shape, probably just hard used. Not much of a worry for me I tend to keep my tools oiled anyway and kinda prefer the black atramentized ones.

 

[TangoFoxTrot]

Everything is more expensive in Canada

I bought some Knipex from Amazon recently, 12" Cobras for $36.
I notice prices swing around on Amazon.

I'm a Knipex fan, I think they are usually worth the premium, at least when they are on sale.

 

[dacan23]

Buddy bought the pliers wrench and showed me 2 weeks ago. Before touching it I said I hate gimmick tools like that. After handling them for a few minutes I was sold, could replace both channel locks and adjustable wrenches with them.

Now I am on the hunt for a great deal on the 5 piece set, I think they make 6 sizes and in 2 different finishes.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJYW1ZG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Interesting opinions on the pliers wrench. Everywhere else I had read people seemed to really like them. I'd like to try them because they seem like an interesting idea, but I also don't really want to drop $80 just to try something. Maybe I'm better off looking for a better adjustable wrench with less slop.

 

[measuredtwice]

Interesting opinions on the pliers wrench. Everywhere else I had read people seemed to really like them. I'd like to try them because they seem like an interesting idea, but I also don't really want to drop $80 just to try something. Maybe I'm better off looking for a better adjustable wrench with less slop.

The answer is always to buy more tools. I should clarify that I like them but I'm just not that impressed with the utility as a full replacement for a wrench.

Its just that I saw a couple pics of the chrome plated ones that looked in pretty bad shape, probably just hard used. Not much of a worry for me I tend to keep my tools oiled anyway and kinda prefer the black atramentized ones.

Could be the conditions or abuse.

I have a thin hard chrome plated Knipex pliers that rusted after 1 winter season in the garage. At the time, I lived so close to the ocean that I could throw a rock in the water from my kitchen door.

 

[Yarpo]

The answer is always to buy more tools. I should clarify that I like them but I'm just not that impressed with the utility as a full replacement for a wrench.

I'm in the same boat. I like the tool itself, but people acting like this tool is the end all be all and recommending it to every homeowner for some task or another annoy me. I found they got to be awkward and mostly useless when doing anything under a sink with a vanity installed, which is wear I spent a lot of my time when plumbing. In small spaces it got awkward and almost unwieldy. Space is limited and the nature of it being a pliers with two parts to the handle made it hard for me to use it efficiently. The tools was a joy to use when I got it use it, but it simply didn't replace a crescent wrench for me.

 

[kctyphoon]

Amazon, ebay, KC tool.
Sears WAS the only place that used to have some, and the hooks were almost always empty (not from their great sales)

I swear its like sears WANTED to go under..

 

[Hagatronics]

Ebay. The seller Olsenstore I've used many times for Knipex (probably 15-20 pliers over 4 or 5 transactions). Ships directly from Germany at a decent price and arrives in Australia in under a week.