Knipex... WTF?

[PugetDude]

I'm just about done with Knipex pliers. Love the Mini-Bolt cutters and the Cobras, but have nothing but disdain for their other pliers.
Their needle-nose pliers are made out of a silvery cheese-like substance. This weekend I just ruined a new pair of diagonal pliers- pulling a bunch of 1-3/4" 18 gauge brad nails out of some alder molding! (I could understand it if I was trying to pull framing nails out of oak 4x4's.. These were thin finish gun nails, countersunk, I was pulling them through the back side of 1/2" and 3/4" alder)
They locked up half way through the project and won't open/close properly- switched to my 30 year old Channelocks to finish the job. Have never experienced this before- it appears that, like the needle-nose. they won't take even the slightest offset torque load.

Anyone else had similar issues?

 

[finn]

The fan boys aren’t going to like this. The

 

[Mr_John]

What type of Knipex diagonal cutters? Are we talking 4" or the big 8" jobs, and exactly what broke? Normally, when pulling nails, I use end nippers. I have a set of Knipex end nippers (with a specially hardened cutting head) that are fantastic and cut through just about any thin metal, but for simply pulling out finish nails from wood, you can use basic inexpensive end nippers, like these for $17:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXO6TO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jumbojak]

That's weird. I cut all kinds of stuff with mine and haven't even started to dull them yet. Nails, high tensile fence wire, and of course wire.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

We used Knipex cutters industrially, they were very good, but not great. I have a few I'll get around to warranty.

 

[Hagatronics]

Where did you buy them? Wondering if they might be fakes.

 

[tonyciambrone]

No idea why cutters would be used to pull nails. And yes everyone knows their needle nose are their weakest product. They ****...

I am also saying pics/ video or it didn't happen. I pretty much refuse to believe that you could bend the box joint by pulling brad nails. But uh, yeah, use cobras or linesmans or whatever to pull nails. Cutters are used to cut nails..

 

[jimmyin3D]

I used to use dykes for pulling up nails but found these are much better(if I have the space).

NWS tower pincers for cutting off nail heads and/or pulling them out:


Channellock Nippers for pulling out bigger nails:



These both have a rounded face that’s excellent for leverage.

Sorry about the knipex that’s a shame, maybe quality is getting a little loose since they started getting more popular.

 

[Professional Tool User]

At the end of the day, Knipex, Channellock, and Klein all have at least a few tools they messed up on. I never really liked my pair of Knipex side cutters due to the weird handle shape or Channellock's crude looking angled side cutters. I'll take my pair of Klein angled side cutters any day. Beyond knipex tools that are actually superior like the pliers wrench, cobras, and mini bolt cutters, Knipex is not worth the money.

 

[measuredtwice]

Didn't know people pulled nails with dikes. I only use mine for cutting wire. I'd likely use a nail puller or gripping pliers.

 

[LXCam]

That’ll teach ya to buy over rated red handled stuff.

 

[The Fall]

Cobra pliers are good. Their mini-bolt cutters are a must have. Clear that old brake line away!

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I have a lot of knipex, over 20 sets of different pliers, but I steered clear of needlenose and went with SO instead per the wisdom of the forum. It's a known thing for years.

 

[bcradio]

Didn't know people pulled nails with dikes. I only use mine for cutting wire. I'd likely use a nail puller or gripping pliers.

same here for me. I also don't use my dikes to service rear brakes. I don't understand this

 

[KnurledNut]

Ive witnessed a pair of diagonals do the same thing as the OP, where they seem to lock up. The problem ended up being a foreign object that had gotten in between the two halves at the hinge. The tolerance there is very tight.
In my experience, the diagonals are very high quality and highly recommend them.

 

[Dave455]

Diagonal pliers (I assume cutters) I’ve never had a problem with. They must be twisted out of shape, or more likely, as KnurledNut suggests, there’s something lodged in there.

Personally, I use nail pullers to pull nails, and wire cutters for cutting wire, which helps minimise problems!

I think there are sometimes terminology issues when folks in the U.S. buy Knipex. What’s called a ‘needle nose’ plier in the U.S. would be called a ‘snipe nose’ or ‘long nose’ plier in Europe. Ask for a ‘needle nose’ and you get something much more delicate.

Probably safest to have a look at their website, or one of their better online dealers, and order by part number. There are a huge variety of styles available and I’ve never had issues, but this isn’t the first time I’ve heard folks stateside complaining, so there’s something going on!

 

[CoogarXR]

I use my old late 80s craftsman dykes to pull nails. They never cut wire worth a damn even when new, but they are excellent nail pullers!

 

[AS556]

I'm just about done with Knipex pliers. Love the Mini-Bolt cutters and the Cobras, but have nothing but disdain for their other pliers.
Their needle-nose pliers are made out of a silvery cheese-like substance. This weekend I just ruined a new pair of diagonal pliers- pulling a bunch of 1-3/4" 18 gauge brad nails out of some alder molding! (I could understand it if I was trying to pull framing nails out of oak 4x4's.. These were thin finish gun nails, countersunk, I was pulling them through the back side of 1/2" and 3/4" alder)
They locked up half way through the project and won't open/close properly- switched to my 30 year old Channelocks to finish the job. Have never experienced this before- it appears that, like the needle-nose. they won't take even the slightest offset torque load.

Anyone else had similar issues?

I use my Knipex needlenose every single day doing industrial electrical and maintenance work and they are performing great.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Those end cutters are thee tool for pulling brads.

 

[bobcatdan]

When it comes to Knipex, I find the mini bolt cutters and the pliers wrench awesome. From there I don't really see where cobras are any better than channellocks. Perfectly find pliers, just don't find them better. Side cutters are overrated.

 

[Strouty]

I agree on the needle nose, I tried the locking pliers and was not impressed either. Pliers wrench and mini bolt cutters for the win though.

 

[DSLTRK]

I'm just about done with Knipex pliers. Love the Mini-Bolt cutters and the Cobras, but have nothing but disdain for their other pliers.
Their needle-nose pliers are made out of a silvery cheese-like substance. This weekend I just ruined a new pair of diagonal pliers- pulling a bunch of 1-3/4" 18 gauge brad nails out of some alder molding! (I could understand it if I was trying to pull framing nails out of oak 4x4's.. These were thin finish gun nails, countersunk, I was pulling them through the back side of 1/2" and 3/4" alder)
They locked up half way through the project and won't open/close properly- switched to my 30 year old Channelocks to finish the job. Have never experienced this before- it appears that, like the needle-nose. they won't take even the slightest offset torque load.

Anyone else had similar issues?

Part #?

 

[PugetDude]

74-200
Stamped
Piano
Vanadium
Made in Germany

To clarify:

18 gauge wire brads
Alder

Grab the brad, squeeze just hard enough to grip (without cutting it) and rock the pliers sideways, rolling the brad out from the back side. Finish carpenters have been doing it for decades, it doesn't mar the front side of the molding. End nippers tend to cut an 18 gauge brad as often as pulling it; a set of fairly dull diagonal pliers works better.

~50 of these sprung the box joint; nothing physically broke but they're almost impossible to open and close. My 30 year old Channelocks finished the job with zero issues, should have stuck with them. Cam's right, this is what I get for buying these overpriced red and yellow dime store quality pliers. They look nice, feel good in your hand, but the performance just isn't there. The needle nose twisting issue should have been ample warning. Lesson learned.

Hard to imagine anyone thinking this application is beyond the capabilities of these.

 

[PugetDude]

Since pictures have been requested, here is what I was working on-
Removed the alder face in it's entirety, cut the island down to counter height, disassembled, resized (length and height) reassembled and re-installed the face, added new 8/4 end columns, four alder corbels, and a new 3/4" plywood top for granite counters.

My Knipex diagonal pliers were the only tool that stabbed me in the back on the project.

 

[Skin]

I have the same pair bought through Matco. Used them once or twice. Cotter pins, springs, rubber, rope, wire, plastic. Course the silk screen writing on the grip is long gone. No complaints myself. I think Channellock has gone down the drain a bit since they bowed down to Home Depot and Walmart.



Those, cobolts, cobras, and I have a pair of crimp connector pliers as well as some retention ring removal pliers. All are fine. I've never had any need to try their needle nose since I like my Matco (proamerica) and Snap-on stuff there.

 

[DSLTRK]

74-200
Stamped
Piano
Vanadium
Made in Germany

To clarify:

18 gauge wire brads
Alder

Grab the brad, squeeze just hard enough to grip (without cutting it) and rock the pliers sideways, rolling the brad out from the back side. Finish carpenters have been doing it for decades, it doesn't mar the front side of the molding. End nippers tend to cut an 18 gauge brad as often as pulling it; a set of fairly dull diagonal pliers works better.

~50 of these sprung the box joint; nothing physically broke but they're almost impossible to open and close. My 30 year old Channelocks finished the job with zero issues, should have stuck with them. Cam's right, this is what I get for buying these overpriced red and yellow dime store quality pliers. They look nice, feel good in your hand, but the performance just isn't there. The needle nose twisting issue should have been ample warning. Lesson learned.

Hard to imagine anyone thinking this application is beyond the capabilities of these.

Well technically you are not using them as intended, but I have the exact same pliers and have been very hard on them 'not using as intended' with nary a nick or operational complaint.

I do find it difficult to think the pivot jammed due to you cantilevering an 18g Brad, but maybe these were defective? It could happen.

I'd warranty them and see if the replacements exhibit the same issue. Hasty generalization isn't good if you only have one sample.

No way am I giving up on Knipex based on my experience. I love all of my pliers.

Let us know what you find out or decide and nice kitchen btw.

 

[KnurledNut]

Since pictures have been requested, here is what I was working on-
Removed the alder face in it's entirety, cut the island down to counter height, disassembled, resized (length and height) reassembled and re-installed the face, added new 8/4 end columns, four alder corbels, and a new 3/4" plywood top for granite counters.

My Knipex diagonal pliers were the only tool that stabbed me in the back on the project.

Sounds defective. One half of the pivot is a forged axle, that accepts the other half. Its possible the twisting separated the two. My 10”s have been abused, including twisting, with no issues.
Knipex stands by their products.
The provision is there to remedy your complaint.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Using diag cutters is my #1 method for removing cotter pins out of everything. The curved face is perfect for that so I can understand why OP would use it for removing brads

 

[Parrothead]

End nippers tend to cut an 18 gauge brad as often as pulling it; a set of fairly dull diagonal pliers works better.

I’ve got the Knipex end nippers and you’re right, they’re sharp an will cut the nail too often for my liking.

However, there’s a solution! Harbor Freight end nippers. Because they’re not anywhere near as sharp, they’re excellent nail pullers. Just enough grip you can really pull, not so sharp they cut through easily.

 

[Spacey_G]

I agree that they sound defective. Get them replaced under warranty and see if another pair works out better before jumping online and bashing the brand.

 

[Davefr]

I agree. I have a love/hate relationship with Knipex. Cobras get the love and their needlenose get the hate.

 

[CR888]

I bought my Knipex angled needle nose pliers (roughly 75°) before the threads here stated they were made from cheese. And I just don't get it, the angled needle nose knipex I have are one of my favourite most used pliers that are far from weak or poorly made. Maybe not the best out there but I love mine. But also there are MANY different types of knipex needle noses in their catologue which are different thickness/strength. I'm glad I bought them when I did as after reading the reports here, I may not have bought them yo begin with.

 

[Spacey_G]

I bought my Knipex angled needle nose pliers (roughly 75°) before the threads here stated they were made from cheese. And I just don't get it, the angled needle nose knipex I have are one of my favourite most used pliers that are far from weak or poorly made. Maybe not the best out there but I love mine. But also there are MANY different types of knipex needle noses in their catologue which are different thickness/strength. I'm glad I bought them when I did as after reading the reports here, I may not have bought them yo begin with.

Yup, they're good pliers, just not what some people seem to expect 'needle nose' pliers to be. Saying they're poor quality or made from cheese is pretty ignorant.

If you buy a pair of pliers with the proportions of the Knipex needle nose and expect them not to deflect when you twist, I don't know what to tell you...

 

[Mr_John]

Since pictures have been requested, here is what I was working on-
Removed the alder face in it's entirety, cut the island down to counter height, disassembled, resized (length and height) reassembled and re-installed the face, added new 8/4 end columns, four alder corbels, and a new 3/4" plywood top for granite counters.

My Knipex diagonal pliers were the only tool that stabbed me in the back on the project.

I think I have more questions about your kitchen than the Knipex Diagonals. First of all, who has a kitchen that friggin' clean (not a dirty plate, wrapper, or even a crumb to be found, anywhere)?... looks like something out of the Property Brothers episode, and maybe even nicer. Why were you messing with a custom island? Seems like a tremendous amount of work, especially since it has a built in sink and heavy granite top, and I'm not sure for what gain (just wondering). That single piece granite slab must weigh a ton, so how did you handle that in order to cut the island height? The ceiling is interesting as well - did you do that, yourself? Finally, that refrigerator you have is quite a piece... looks like a $10K German Liebherr. You should start a thread on just your damn kitchen. Very impressive...

As far as the Knipex Diagonals go, I agree, the Knipex advertisement for the 74-200s shows them in one pic with an angled head being used to pull a nail - the angled head appears specifically designed for such a task, and that was Knipex's own ad. That said, looking at the forging process, and the joint being milled and forged as a part of the actual handle, it's hard to believe it failed so easily. Knipex does offer a lifetime warranty as I'm sure you're aware - so, I'd definitely recommend trying to warranty them.

 

[Spacey_G]

As far as the Knipex Diagonals go, I agree, the Knipex advertisement for the 74-200s shows them in one pic with an angled head being used to pull a nail - the angled head appears specifically designed for such a task, and that was Knipex's own ad.

Are you sure the ad isn't showing how you can use the angled version to cut a nail off flush?

 

[bsaint]

I gave up on knipex years ago


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Mr_John]

Are you sure the ad isn't showing how you can use the angled version to cut a nail off flush?

No, you're right -- but, I guess the point is that they the jaws are more than strong enough to cut steel, and the angled head is perfect to lever a nail out. Knipex also brags about the strength of their forged-on-handle joint as well, so yes, the design intention is for a flush cut, but it seems that Knipex had to realize that they'd be used for this purpose as well - to pull nails.

 

[Farmall450]

The fan boys aren’t going to like this. The

True. But, I've had good luck with every pair of Knipex I've got. Granted, that's also true for channellock and craftsman. Maybe I'm the broke link?

 

[Farmall450]

I’ve got the Knipex end nippers and you’re right, they’re sharp an will cut the nail too often for my liking.

However, there’s a solution! Harbor Freight end nippers. Because they’re not anywhere near as sharp, they’re excellent nail pullers. Just enough grip you can really pull, not so sharp they cut through easily.

Or tile nippers. Meant to not close all the way. Old indian trick.

 

[MattT]

Or tile nippers. Meant to not close all the way. Old indian trick.

Carpenters pincers/nippers are best if you're doing enough carpentry to justify buying a pair. Low cutting force makes it easy to grab nails and the head is a good bit larger than regular end nippers so it's better for prying without damaging the wood.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXO4J6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Regards knipex in general they're a mixed bag. Some class leading products and others where you'll find better price and/or performance elsewhere.