Knipex or Klein Bolt Cutters?

[scarittagle]

I've been shopping around for a 18-inch bolt cutter and I got these two in mind:

On the paper the Knipex one seems to have more cutting capability (HRC 19 at 8mm, HRC 40 at 6mm Diameter, and HRC 48 at 5mm)
The cutter is Made in Germany.

while Klein only rated from medium material (very sketchy definition) up to HRC 31 and Hard material up to HRC 42.
and its Assembled in USA.

In amazon the Knipex 71 72 460 costs around $83
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXO8L0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

whereas Klein costs $124
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00093DZQ4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I never owned any tools from Klein so any insights will be appreciated.

 

[southalabama]

I love Klein but if the option includes Knipex. Knipex.

 

[Skin]

Klein doesn't make bolt cutters. If I had to wager that's a rebranded Greenlee and based off their specs the Knipex seems to have notably better cutting capacity.

 

[kctyphoon]

Ive never used the knipex or Klein. But i can tell you the Ridgid s24 bolt cutters are what i try to get at work. Their 24” length is the overall length I believe, but the handle length i think are about 18”. IMO these are the optimal size. Not too big, not too small. These things hold up. That much i can promise.

Lots of guys i work with ALWAYS use ratcheting bolt cutters. I hate them. They are too big, too heavy, and just a pain in the *** to use. You always need 2 hands, where with standard ones i can let one handle dig into my shoulder and pull the other handle down. Or leave one handle on the ground and have your weight to lay on the other handle. Even on stuff i can easily cut with regular cutters , they insist on ratcheting.. I don’t understand it.

Do you NEED fiberglass handles? I haven’t had any, but I wouldn’t get them if you don’t need em..

Anyway - here’s the HD page on the Ridgid s24’s. You can read the reviews. I’m cutting mostly utility strand with them. 1/4”, 7/16”, 3/8”.. sometimes slightly larger with 2 cuts. Ours get used on a daily basis.

 

[scarittagle]

Klein doesn't make bolt cutters. If I had to wager that's a rebranded Greenlee and based off their specs the Knipex seems to have notably better cutting capacity.

Seems like it, they look exactly alike.

 

[kctyphoon]

Klein doesn't make bolt cutters. If I had to wager that's a rebranded Greenlee and based off their specs the Knipex seems to have notably better cutting capacity.

You sure? They have a ratcheting model thats different from all the other brands I’ve seen. most others use a chain.

Klein Tools Heavy Duty Ratcheting Bolt Cutter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C0FUNTA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I’m actually trying to get those.. and Greenlee’s cordless model too if i can pull that off at work.

Op, what are cutting?

 

[Skin]

You sure?

Yes. The ratcheting bolt cutter is made in Japan for them by a company called MCC. If you want to look it up their model is RBC-3213 which is mostly identical sans the retention hook.

 

[kctyphoon]

Yes. The ratcheting bolt cutter is made in Japan for them by a company called MCC. If you want to look it up their model is RBC-3213 which is mostly identical sans the retention hook.

Yea, never heard of them before.. the look pretty identical to me.

 

[Monte]

and its Assembled in USA.

For "Made in USA" you can take a look at HK Porter
https://www.crescenttool.com/heavy-duty-cutters/manual-bolt/made-in-usa/yes

 

[Professional Tool User]

Bolt cutters, especially mini bolt cutters, are one of the things Knipex is known for. If the Klein one is a rebrand, you might as well compare prices with the OEM.

 

[fatfillup]

Hard to go wrong with Knipex

 

[Steve_P]

I have 18" by both. Both are great, no issues. The grips are much nicer on the Knipex and the handles are beefier. No way I'd spend more money on the Klein.

Edit : I have metal handle Kleins.

 

[kctyphoon]

Edit -

Just realized i never posted the link to the Ridgid S24 cutters.. love these. They get great reviews too.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-S24-24-in-Heavy-Duty-Bolt-Cutter-14223/202827055

I’d imagine the 18” (overall length) versions are just as good. Depending on your use, you may find a big difference in the leverage department between 18” and 24” cutters. 18” cutters defiantly fall on the smaller side when it comes to bolt cutters. If its not something thin or soft that you intend to use these on, i would really consider stepping up to a 24” set.

 

[decableguy2000]

Have a set of 18" Klein's and hate them. Had them for several years and tried adjusting them every witch way possible and still have a hard time getting through 1/4" & 5/16 strand. Have an older set of HK Porter that have been great.