Lineman Pliers - Channellock 349, Klein, or Knipex?

[bulletpruf]

Fellas -

Did a bit of searching and couldn't find a thread that compared lineman pliers.

Did see that some preferred the Channellock 349's - $38 or so. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Channellock...1458648599&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr

Others liked the Kleins - $32. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klein-D213-...s-/271251516759?pt=Pliers&hash=item3f27d9ad57

And I like Knipex stuff - http://www.ebay.com/itm/KNIPEX-09-1...2-/321512545023?pt=Pliers&hash=item4adba41aff

Curious to hear what y'all prefer.

Thanks!

Scott

 

[chipper]

I have knipex and chanellocks I like them both

 

[Zrexxer]

Let's preface this by saying I love my Kleins - I have a pair in every box and a pair in the truck. But ever since I got a pair of Knipex, they're about all I reach for anymore.

 

[Verg]

Had an old pair of Craftsmen linemen's pliers for as long as i can remember at least 20 years look almost identical to the Klein's but 7''(i think) have been fantastic. Got a pair of 9'' channel locks and i find them too large for most of what i like to do. The channel locks are still great pliers if your twisting and cutting wires for re-barb. I did use them to cut a nice hole in a golf course fence to go sledding! Almost forgot: a Terrible pair of Mac's that are more or less useless (horrible jaw teeth & almost worst cutter ever). If I know if had the right pair of Knipex i would be on the same page as zrexxer. The quality of knipex stuff is just amazing.

 

[back2class]

I own modern versions of all three brands of linesmans pliers. Not a lick of difference between them in what they are capable of doing. That said, the Knipex are just a bit more refined and what I always grab first. My experience with Klein is other than their cutters, pretty average in all regards with their pliers and screwdrivers. Wouldn't spend a dime more for the Kleins over the Channellocks.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I'd go with Klein.

 

[ecotec]

I would also go with the Klein.

 

[neonlazer]

I am sure you'd be fine with either Klein or Knipex. I love using this one. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXNWM6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Travisnd]

Channellocks here!

 

[woody 73]

I have all three and they are all very nice, but here of late I have been using the knipex more then the other two.

 

[Zeke]

Of the models shown only the Knipex has the crimper. I find that the crimper on my Channellocks is very hard to use in tight quarters but overall it does a great job with little effort.

 

[JKennedy]

Kleins are great I have split 50/50 klein/channellock and the only thing I prefer is the klein diagonal cutters. Everything else is equal in my book.

 

[Hlidskjalf]

I like the Knipex better than Kleins because the Knipex open more easily without any break-in period.

 

[Boredmechanic]

I love my kleins

 

[Youngguns]

I've got a pair of these puppies:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003RWS8MU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

..cheaper, slightly shorter, lacking the crimper compared to the Knipex listed, but similar to the Klein and Channellock. They are easily the best lineman pliers I've ever used. I would go for the Knipex. Not necessarily the ones I listed, but going off the quality of these pliers, I feel confident in recommending the pliers you listed.

Knipex!

 

[dr_clyde]

I have Knipex. Although I am pleased with the Klien cutters I have and the rest of my channellock pliers I own.

Knipex is just really nice stuff.

 

[VDubJoe]

Klein offset 9". Been in utility line work for 36 years . That's the number 1 choice.

Joe

 

[tarbellb]

I have both some Channellocks and Knipex, I usually grab my Knipex first.

BUT- you should check this out, for this price I would grab these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wirepro-Kle...A-/390878194485?pt=Pliers&hash=item5b0227eb35

 

[cagullett1]

I have both Knipex and Channellock. I have both brands in a handful of different pliers as well. For most pairs (but not all), they are pretty equal.

I know I will get **** for this, but I think more people tend to grab their Knipex over other brands is because they know they paid more for them and a lot on here rave about them, so "they must be better" or they are trying to get their money's worth. For standard sets of pliers such as linesmen, needle nose, and slip joint, I plan to continue buying Channellock for my needs because they are much cheaper with coupon codes and points at Sears.

 

[PBCampbell]

Difficult to determine if your wanting these for electrical work or just general mechanical work. I think the type of work may better determine the best fit. For general mechanical work just about any decent brand will work (Klein, Knipex, Channelock, Western Forge). I have Knipex for electrical work (light commercial and primarily residential). I can't say their superior to Klein but work just as well. For general mechanical work I do have some Knipex but usually grab my big Kleins (what they call Ironworker pliers), possibly more out of habit than anything. One thing about some Kleins that I like is they tend to be beefy and to my mind seem more durable.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Channellocks here!

WOW I'da never guessed it The question is: How many dozen ?
Channellock and Stanley here.

 

[cheechi]

I'd want the thicker/comfort handles. I have two Knipex that are the 'standard' grip linemans, and they're fine but longer handled pliers I want the big fat handles.

So for ease of getting them and getting them replaced, I'd say Klien Journeymans.

 

[Crown Imperial]

You didn't mention NWS.
But you should.
The combibolt and combimax high leverage combination pliers are an absolute beast and by no means lower quality than knipex. You can also get them with chrome finish which is a plus. Price is very similar to knipex if not sometimes cheaper. They also have a "grip zone for flats and rounds" which comes very handy for stripped bolts.

 

[Wylaco]

Klein!
My Uncle has been a lineman for 40+ years and won't touch another pair of pliers.

We are the largest Klein dealer in our territory and have been for a long time, guess we are a little biased.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I'm the one who did a review over in Electrical on the Ebay Cripe Distributing closeouts for Wirepro cutters and linesmans made by Klein (shortlived division of Klein in the early 2000's for a few years). These Wirepros are cheap, us made, and very high quality for the money. Best deal out there right now till they are all gone. After that, proper Kleins for cutters and linesmans are hard to beat. - Paul

 

[sonvolt]

I would say Klein, they are the go to for heavy duty electrical.

 

[Crown Imperial]

Almost forgot Keiba pliers.
Don't have any but have heard these are just about the best quaility pliers you can get.

http://www.levelchrome.com/KEIBA_bymfg_11-0-1.html

 

[Notorious BRT]

Love my Channellocks!

 

[ecotec]

I prefer the D-2000 series of Kleins.

Linesman's- http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/h...verage-side-cutting-pliers-heavy-duty-cutting

diagonals- http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/h...cutting-pliers-angled-head-heavy-duty-cutting

 

[ttpete]

I prefer the D-2000 series of Kleins.

Linesman's- http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/h...verage-side-cutting-pliers-heavy-duty-cutting

diagonals- http://www.kleintools.com/catalog/h...cutting-pliers-angled-head-heavy-duty-cutting

One more that electricians have been carrying for 60 years, Sta-Kons. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CDOIQ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[shampoop]

Of the models shown only the Knipex has the crimper. I find that the crimper on my Channellocks is very hard to use in tight quarters but overall it does a great job with little effort.

You can get kleins with the crimper as well.

I have a separate crimping tool so i don't care much about that feature. The kleins I bought though are designed to pull fish tape in line with the pliers as opposed to perpindicular (sideways) like most pliers. It's many times faster and easier this way, has a more powerful grip on the fish tape, and does zero damage to the fish tape. Love them.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BOA2GC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You can see the difference on the right side of the rivet. the fish tape enters right below the rivet and goes through the flat part directly to the right of the rivet in between the handles.

$32 is a good price too. Most good linesman pliers are more like $40

This is what the standard ones look like.

 

[bulletpruf]

Think I'm going to get all three...

Wirepro's are tough to beat for $12 shipped. Good for a road box.

Will get the Knipex linked above for my main pair.

And a pair of the Klein Ironworkers for the heavy duty stuff. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klein-D213-...s-/370941324558?pt=Pliers&hash=item565dd36d0e

The NWS pictured above with the "grip zone" look good, too. May have to order these next.

Thanks for all of the input!

Scott

 

[Ohmthis]

I have all three brands (my knipex are just a little different). I will list them as far as preference and why. Btw, I'm and electrician so I hope I'm not biased.
1. Klein, my pair are over 15 years old and seem to never quit. They feel heavy, and balanced, I can use them all day. Durable, I've used them as a wrench, hammer, and their intended purpose, again they never quit.
2. Knipex, I love the handles (thicker rubber, the purple is raised slightly and give a good grip). The cutter is nice.
3. Channelock, good quality and are nice, just missing in some areas. Mainly the grpis (same as all of their grips), cutting blade not as nice.
I hope this helps!

 

[ATC]

I don't care too much for my Klein's. Not because they are bad, but because they are too stiff. I can't fling them open and control them with one finger like I like to.
Then again, I rarely use lineman pliers anyways...

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm a lineman for 15 years.. My ABSOLUTE favorite lineman pliers are the crescent pro series compound cutting pliers.. For me, these things are the absolute best to use for what I do, and I've been supplied or bought many different kinds.. Out of klien,dewalt, milwaukee, channel lock - the crescents are the best.. Honestly most of the big names are basically the same pliers.. Just their own twist.. The crescents are truly unique, And don't even compare them to the compound cutting dewalt.. The crescent surpasses the dewlalt in every category. I have like 3 sets of the crescent pliers, and diagonal cutters.. Things get abused and have even been forgotten outside for weeks. I've never broken a set, and the most beat up rusty pair I have still work great.. And they are cheap too.. Cannot beat these things... I'm telling ya, much better than the price implies..

Crescent PS20509C Pro Series Linesman Compound Action Cutting Pliers, 8-Inch
$15 on Amazon. But get the diagonal cutters too.. Sears had them on sale together in a set for like $15 a while ago.. My 2 favorite hand tools at work.. I even bought an extra set just in case I can't find them in the future. Most comfortable grips, best cutting leverage,and open wider than most other too. They have two stop points in open position. There's a detent to stop at normal open postion, when using one handed since they are spring loaded.. OR, you just pull the handles open past the detent and they will open up as wide as possible.. They are truly the best one handed lineman pliers around, comfortable, lightweight, compound cutting.. I cannot say enough good things about these.

 

[bulletpruf]

Ok, KCTyphoon, you convinced me on the Crescents. I got this pair - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LY8LFQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And a pair of the Klein 9" Ironworker pliers. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002RI9GI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And some Knipex with the comfort grip - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXNWN0/?tag=atomicindus08-20 These are $72 at Amazon, $40 on eBay. I got a pair of unused ones on eBay for $50 that came with some unused Knipex needle nose pliers.

Scott

 

[shampoop]

I don't care too much for my Klein's. Not because they are bad, but because they are too stiff. I can't fling them open and control them with one finger like I like to.
Then again, I rarely use lineman pliers anyways...

Most peoples are just like that. That's because they don't take care of them. Mine are perfect, one finger control. That's simply because when the joint gets rusty i spray it with some penetrating oil and work the joint. The rust comes out and for the last year they've been 100% perfect.

 

[pauls_workshop]

I'm a lineman for 15 years.. My ABSOLUTE favorite lineman pliers are the crescent pro series compound cutting pliers.. For me, these things are the absolute best to use for what I do, and I've been supplied or bought many different kinds.. Out of klien,dewalt, milwaukee, channel lock - the crescents are the best.. Honestly most of the big names are basically the same pliers.. Just their own twist.. The crescents are truly unique, And don't even compare them to the compound cutting dewalt.. The crescent surpasses the dewlalt in every category. I have like 3 sets of the crescent pliers, and diagonal cutters.. Things get abused and have even been forgotten outside for weeks. I've never broken a set, and the most beat up rusty pair I have still work great.. And they are cheap too.. Cannot beat these things... I'm telling ya, much better than the price implies..

Crescent PS20509C Pro Series Linesman Compound Action Cutting Pliers, 8-Inch
$15 on Amazon. But get the diagonal cutters too.. Sears had them on sale together in a set for like $15 a while ago.. My 2 favorite hand tools at work.. I even bought an extra set just in case I can't find them in the future. Most comfortable grips, best cutting leverage,and open wider than most other too. They have two stop points in open position. There's a detent to stop at normal open postion, when using one handed since they are spring loaded.. OR, you just pull the handles open past the detent and they will open up as wide as possible.. They are truly the best one handed lineman pliers around, comfortable, lightweight, compound cutting.. I cannot say enough good things about these.

Hi there, I got the same set of Crescent Linesmans thinking the compound feature would make it easier to cut wire. Well, my pair won't cut through 12-3 Romex. It gets stuck and stops. I think the quality of these is not consistent at all. Mine is useless. I'm glad these are good for you though. Kleins or Wirepro for me. - Paul

 

[bcradio]

Hi there, I got the same set of Crescent Linesmans thinking the compound feature would make it easier to cut wire. Well, my pair won't cut through 12-3 Romex. It gets stuck and stops. I think the quality of these is not consistent at all. Mine is useless. I'm glad these are good for you though. Kleins or Wirepro for me. - Paul

I love my Crescent linesman. They cut very well for me, but I don't use linesman pliers extensively.

 

[bulletpruf]

Ok, KCTyphoon, you convinced me on the Crescents. I got this pair - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LY8LFQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And a pair of the Klein 9" Ironworker pliers. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002RI9GI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And some Knipex with the comfort grip - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EXNWN0/?tag=atomicindus08-20 These are $72 at Amazon, $40 on eBay. I got a pair of unused ones on eBay for $50 that came with some unused Knipex needle nose pliers.

Scott

Here they are - from left to right - Klein Ironworkers, Knipex with the kung fu grip, and Crescent. All are very nice, but Ironworkers are a bit bulky to use with one hand, and I've got very large hands.