lets talk pliers

[Davefr]

I wouldn't buy a set. Pick out the best of individual pliers.

Knipex adjustables and cutters are great but their needle nose and precision pliers are outclassed by many other brands. (SO, Klein)

You'll do much better choosing individual tools.

 

[sberry]

Everytime I see someone try to improve the Channelock jaw its usually a disappointment, even Channelock cant do it. The old farts that came up with it knew just like they did with the 10R Vise Grip. I would be willing to try a fancy jaw but aint going to spring big bucks for it and while all that is nice for a collector there are about half a dozen pieces in that set that really mean business, the rest of it is just more to sort thru to get at the ones I want.
The good side is the color is different and it would be easy to spot the 440 in there.

 

[Monte]

Go for knipex, i have a couple and they are pretty darn good...

 

[JBradley500]

Decaf, where are your cobra es?

That's quite a collection.

 

[Triple macs]

Just picked up three pairs of SO from their website. On sale and free shipping. Talon slip joints and needle nose are awesome. Knipex and Stahlwille dykes - good stuff. NWS needle nose, pump pliers, and snap ring - excellent.

 

[Monte]

What does anyone actually use the mini bolt cutters for?

cutting nails, cutting welding rods (acetylene), cutting stick electrodes, cutting cotter pins, cutting various wires (to make hooks for hanging things for painting, to make holders for flowers so they grow in the right direction...) etc. etc.

 

[ecotec]

Decaf, you do not have the 10" high leverage diagonals. I am using them in liue of my Klein D2000 dykes. I really like them.

 

[Monte]

time to upgrade to decaf standards

 

[ClineWrench]

Personally when it comes to pliers i have. 2 prong approach. If I do t care about banging them up ill use my craftsmans. If I really need to save the bolt/nut I'm working on ill use channellocks

 

[decaf]

Decaf, you do not have the 10" high leverage diagonals. I am using them in liue of my Klein D2000 dykes. I really like them.

There is soo many more knipex pliers that i have too buy.

First on my list are the 400mm plier wrench then some end cutters and crimping pliers.

time to upgrade to decaf standards

ha ha, no Monte, i have a sickness ...ha ha

 

[marinepride]

knipex. klein. Channel. Southwire.

 

[sberry]

Now that I like. I can tell a real mechanic uses those tools.

There are a couple interesting things in this thread, one being hadn't considered a 10 inch **** and the small bolt cutters might have their place in the right case. I wouldn't put them hi on the essential list in the pic above.

The above pic should be a sticky for about 3/4 of the "what pliers" questions. There are specialty things that do some things better but this is basically the coverage I got in my truck box where I got one shot at it.
I spose Vise Grips could be added under pliers but to keep it narrow, this is the basic set for a tradesman/installer/maintenance tech.

You can tailor it a pinch, I believe those are 430 blue and I like 440 but its minor.

 

[ganymede]

A little late but here's a side by side to show the difference in thickness..
Craftsman black handles on the left and Channelock 420's on the right.

 

[marinepride]

If you were referring to my pic..thanks! I keep the vice grips in the drawer below it

 

[Advan]

My assortment of pliers is a mostly a cheap pile of made-in-china ****, with only a few quality items. One thing of note is this old pair of linesmans, that still works and feels great in the hand:


All I can make out is "USA" on one side, and on the other, "Newark, NJ" and "1480-10". Does anyone know the maker or the age?

 

[JBradley500]

Do you think they are Kraeuter?

 

[JDon99]

My opinion is, any pliers made in the US or Germany will perform well, some brands have some certain types that really shine compared to the other brands. I guess it all depends on your COO preference and budget.

 

[Advan]

Do you think they are Kraeuter?

Thank you! I found a neat site, but came away possibly even more confused.


https://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/kraeuter-company.html



They sure look like the 1940's pliers, but the site also says they stopped marking "Newark, NJ" in 1921. The numbering on my pair also doesn't match anything on the site.

 

[Zeroek]

I'd say Channellocks. I have a bunch that I use at work.

 

[Monte]

ha ha, no Monte, i have a sickness ...ha ha

can you infect me please ?

 

[Fcvapor05]

My opinion is, any pliers made in the US or Germany will perform well, some brands have some certain types that really shine compared to the other brands. I guess it all depends on your COO preference and budget.

This.

I've used pretty much every major plier manufacturer at some point, and from what I can tell, it mostly goes like this for what is top tier for each type:

Pipe wrenches: Rigid
Needlenose: Snap-On/Klein
Slip joint: Snap-On
Water Pump: Knipex/NWS
Cutters: Snap-On/Knipex
Multipurpose crimper/stripper: Klein
Lineman: Klein/Knipex

 

[mickeyone]

search garage sales and flea markets good old US stuff is readilly available good manufacturers of vintage pliers are.
Utica wide variety made stuff for Ma Bell,and Western Electric
Klein still making them old stuff even better
Diamond Caulk Duluth great quality
Kraeuter from Newark fancy handles
Crescent Once a great company ruined by off shoring
Fuller good quality Japan made by KTC