Knipex snap ring pliers, what is the difference?

[kunkernator]

Well, I am set on buying a new set of snap ring pliers for work. And I am fairly set on Knipex, after using my co-workers.

My one question, what is the difference between the two styles they offer?

They offer both internal and external in both styles, and there are multiple different sizes in both style. They are both around the same price point.

The only thing I can find that is different is the second one is listed as "precision".

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=groups&parentID=1298&groupID=1365

SO what is the difference between these two styles of pliers?

 

[Rookie2]

second pair looks like it has narrow jaws for deeper reach on smaller openings. IMO

looks like it has a non slip grip

 

[mrvm]

First one, the snap ring plier head is polished

 

[Hiball]

According to the website, the ones with the adjustable pivot are designed for production work, they allow you you to set a stop, to prevent over extending the snap ring.

 

[Olafur]

I think this image explains the difference.

 

[kunkernator]

According to the website, the ones with the adjustable pivot are designed for production work, they allow you you to set a stop, to prevent over extending the snap ring.

It looks like that is only an option on some of them, others are just standard.

I think what I am concluding is that the second style is the 'better' version, with more options available. Still a bit confused on why they offer both styles at similar price points.

 

[franzdom]

The precision ones have harder tips because they are pins inserted instead of machined out of the whole jaw.

 

[Hiball]

It looks like that is only an option on some of them, others are just standard.

I think what I am concluding is that the second style is the 'better' version, with more options available. Still a bit confused on why they offer both styles at similar price points.

Edit.. Looks like you are right. I'm a snap on forged guy, doubt you can go wrong with any of the knipex options.

 

[kunkernator]

Or... It could be just a issue with the picture, all 4 models carry the stop feature in the description.

Hmm, yes you are right. The description at the bottom shows all 4 models carrying the feature, but the pictures and the description next to the picture say only style 3 and 4 do....

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1365&groupID=1458

I think that is a cool feature, but I have no use for it. I just want good forged pliers that wont twist like similar stamped ones.

I was looking at this set
http://www.amazon.com/00-20-04-SB-Precision/dp/B005EXNT38

Which seems to be the most complete set of the better pliers. I am going to shop around a bit still, for a better price.

EDIT; just read it again, the four that it lists at the bottom are the four part numbers for the style 3 and 4 that are available. So it looks like style 1 and 2 are normal pliers.

 

[Hiball]

Hmm, yes you are right. The description at the bottom shows all 4 models carrying the feature, but the pictures and the description next to the picture say only style 3 and 4 do....

http://www.knipex.com/index.php?id=1216&L=1&page=group_detail&parentID=1365&groupID=1458

I think that is a cool feature, but I have no use for it. I just want good forged pliers that wont twist like similar stamped ones.

I was looking at this set
http://www.amazon.com/00-20-04-SB-Precision/dp/B005EXNT38

Which seems to be the most complete set of the better pliers. I am going to shop around a bit still, for a better price.

Nope I was wrong .. Lol, if you cross reference the numbers the only ones that have the stop are the ones with the 90 degree symbol. It's confusing as you see 4 pictures and 4 descriptions, but scroll down and you see there is about 12 plier options.

 

[kunkernator]

Nope I was wrong .. Lol, if you cross reference the numbers the only ones that have the stop are the ones with the 90 degree symbol. It's confusing as you see 4 pictures and 4 descriptions, but scroll down and you see there is about 12 plier options.

Yup, i just figured it out too... Damn Germans

So would you say the "precision" style is the better choice compared to the chromed ones?

 

[AA/FC]

Not sure about style number 1, but the "precision" style has a built in return spring on the external version of the pliers. The spring is built into the pivot and can not be seen. They are very nice!

 

[maico]

I've got a set of the first type. It's the basic model which is cheaper.

http://www.tbs-aachen.de/Knipex_00_19_56_Set_of_Circlip_Pliers_4_parts_i0_43625.htm

 

[Rich.]

Bringing up an old thread here, but has anyone compared the two?

I prefer the style of the first ones as they will match other knipex stuff in my box, amd i've never had a problem with forged tips before. However i can get each set for about the same price, am i daft to get the forged set over the inset tip set when the price is pretty similar?

Rich

 

[Krause]

The Precision ones are the best snap ring pliers i've ever used. The spring steel rods pressed into the tips instead of machined down tips is an amazing feature too.

The first set is similar in quality to most other German tool manufacturers like NWS's Snapring/Circlip pliers, the precision ones are a step above in my opinion.

 

[Rich.]

Fair enough, im not going to compromise quality because they dont match as well! Precision set it is.

Thanks for the reply
Rich